This is the first of a series of articles called ‘Discover Italy’s Hidden Gems’ with which we would like to help you find out more about underrated corners of Italy.
Our first stop this week is in Treviso and its surroundings, a lovely small town in the Veneto region. Does it sound familiar?
It’s about half an hour from the most famous Venice and Verona and only one hour from the beaches of Jesolo and Caorle. So it’s a perfect hub to explore the area while living in a place that doesn’t have mass tourism nor high rates for food, shopping, and hotels.
As its better-known cousin, Treviso is built along canals crossed by arched bridges that create a unique panorama where splendid palazzi tell us about the town’s history. That’s why it is also known as ‘Little Venice’.
The historic centre is a real jewel to be discovered with its charming squares, medieval buildings, cobblestone alleys, enticing bars, cafès and restaurants.
1 – Drink a glass of Prosecco
Immediately north of Treviso are the rolling hills that produce the famous prosecco, the world-renowned sparkling white wine. It is the main choice for an aperitif and the most exported Italian wine in the world.
The heart of the production of this excellent wine extends from Valdobbiadene to Conegliano.
The uniqueness of the landscape, characterized by vineyard-embroidered hills, has been also designated as a Unesco world heritage.
ATTENTION! Italian Prosecco is not Prosek.
Italy is in a major dispute over whether Croatia can sell a premium dessert wine by the name of prošek in stores across the EU. Italy’s Prosecco producers claim that Prošek’s similar-sounding name could confuse consumers and would risk weakening the image of the sparkling Italian drink. Let’s see what will happen in the next few months.
2 – Eat a slice of the original tiramisù
After sipping a glass of prosecco, the best thing you can do is enjoy a slice of tiramisù, made according to the original recipe.
In fact, there is a restaurant called Le Beccherie, that claims to have invented Tiramisù in the 1960’s. The managers of the restaurant have now changed but it is still open and the dessert is delicious like its very beginning.
The city also hosts a ‘Tiramisu world cup’ every year in October, where people from all over the world compete to create the famous Italian dessert in a traditional and a creative version.
But the area also offers other excellent produce like the radicchio and the asparagus.
Find your perfect retreat in Treviso area.
3 – Explore the area by bike
It’s common to get around the historic centre by bike. After discovering the picturesque alleys, you can continue with a ride in nature: there is a wonderful path along the Sile river that can be appreciated in all seasons. You’ll be enchanted by the lush nature and the water birds.
The most adventurous ones could also explore the surrounding hills with vines, forests, farmland and small villages.
4 – Learn how to behave properly with the Galateo
In the marvellous abbey of Sant’Eustachio in Nervesa della Battaglia, half an hour from Treviso, Monsignor Giovanni Della Casa wrote the Galateo during the Italian Renaissance. It contains the rules of polite behavior.
The abbey was built in the XI century and was destroyed during World War I. Now the ruins create a magical sight.
What else can I add to this list? …Oh yes, remember that some European low budget carriers arrive at Treviso Airport.
