Treviso Province of Veneto Italy

Treviso and its province: an ode to joy where beauty and culture dominate. "La Marca gioiosa et amorosa" (the joyful and lovely Marca), as it was called in former times, is a harmonious balance between town and countryside. The origins of Treviso are shrouded in mystery and the only certain data are relative to the ancient people who lived in the area during the ancient Veneti era. Becoming extremely important under the Lombard rule, it was elected capital of the Marca Trevigiana under the Carolingian domination, an area which now represents the entire province. From the 14th century onwards it was incorporated within the territories of the Republic of Venice, succumbing to its destiny.

The province of Treviso is crossed by two significant rivers: the Piave and the Sile. In addition to the capital city, sung by the poets as a "gracious city", also noteworthy are the picturesque towns of the province: Castelfranco Veneto, Vittorio Veneto, Asolo, Maser, Conegliano, Valdobbiadene, Montebelluna, Oderzo, Portobuffolè and Possagno.

The Natural Park of the Sile River offers a great naturalistic experience, concealing small populated areas of exceptional historic and artistic value, such as Paese, with its Casa Quaglia, bearing witness to one of the oldest architectural villa styles of the Treviso area. The religious traditions and numerous villas have characterized the history, culture and art of this province. Among the dwellings of particular interest is the 17th century Villa Albrizzi Franchetti in Preganziol, which became the center for an Academy and a destination visited by artists and poets such as Foscolo, Byron, Pindemonte and Canova.

In Montebelluna we are in the so called North-Western Marca. The area is characterized by mountains which slowly transform into green hills cultivated with vineyards, scattered with splendid townships such as Asolo and beautiful mansions such as the Barbaro di Maser villa, one of the greatest examples of the ingenuity of Andrea Palladio. The northern Marca is especially renowned for its production of Prosecco wine, whilst the town of Oderzo stands out in the eastern Marca, created as a pile-dwelling settlement of ancient Veneti, then transformed into a major town during the Roman era.

Best Activities:

Bicycle Touring: Treviso is home to Pinarello bike company so riding is popular, the processo wine road is one the top rides, as well as the Asolo hills.· Get off the beaten path and head to Oderzo.

Mountian BIke: The Montello is hosted the First World War and there are multipule mule trails and supply roads to ride.

City Walking: Treviso, Asolo, Castelfranco, Montebelluno, Vittoria Veneto, and Congeliano are all worth the visit.

Hiking: The Asolian hills, the Montello and the Processo areas.