Just 20 miles north of Venice, Treviso is a delightful town which has retained much of its medieval charm. Like its famous neighbor to the south, Treviso is laced together with a series of pretty canals and medieval arcades. But unlike in Venice, Treviso hotels are off the tourist trail.
Although Treviso was damaged during World War II, what was left was preserved, what could be rebuilt was sensitively restored, and new construction was designed not to overwhelm the existing buildings. Many of the original frescoes have been preserved, and today, there are stylish boutiques on every corner.
Piazza dei Signori is the heart of Treviso’s old town is still the place to see and be seen. On the square, there’s a 13th-century council hall and an old Palazzo with a clock tower. There are two medieval churches worth visiting on the next square, Piazza San Vito. Santa Lucia has frescoes by Tomaso da Modena and San Vito has Byzantine frescoes dating from the 12th or 13th century.
Treviso’s 12th-century Duomo has the distinction of having seven domes. The chapel has an Annunication by Titian and frescoes by lesser known artists. The crypt is filled with old columns, and 14th-century mosaic and fresco fragments.
More impressive is San Nicolo, a 13th to 14th-century Dominican church with columns painted by Tomaso da Modena, a fresco by Lorenzo Lotto, and other frescoes from the Sienese School.
The local museum – the Museo Bailo – has a good collection of ancient bronze relics and minor paintings by major artists.
Treviso hotels and inns.
There aren’t many good hotels in Treviso, so it’s a good idea to make reservations well in advance if you’re coming during high season.
With just 14 rooms, Albergo il Focolare is one of the coziest Treviso hotels. Located on a side street in the center of Treviso’s old town, it’s convenient to everything. Several of the rooms overlook the nearby canals, and though they vary in size, they’re all pleasantly furnished.
Hotel Carlton offers more services to its guests that most of the other hotels in Treviso. The 93 rooms have plasma TVs and WiFi Internet access, and guests of the hotel have reduced admission at a local fitness club, spa, and golf course.
The river that runs trough Treviso is named Sile, and nearby there is a Regional Natural Park, very interesting to visit.
Close to the train and bus stations, the Hotel Continental is about a 10-minute walk from the main square. Its 80 rooms have been updated and many have parquet floors, Murano glass chandeliers, and carved wood moldings. There’s a bar in the hotel and there are several restaurants nearby.
Hotel Ca’ del Galletto is probably the quietest Treviso hotel. It’s located in a residential neighborhood about 15 minutes from the old town. If you don’t want to walk into town, they’ll loan you a bike. When you’re through exploring the sights of Treviso, you can relax by the outdoor swimming pool. There’s a restaurant in the hotel serving Veneto specialties and seafood. And a breakfast buffet is included in the room rate.
1) Piazza dei Signori
2) Piazza San Vito
3) Duomo
4) San Nicolo
5) Museo Bailo
6) Albergo Il Focolare
7) Carlton Hotel
8) Continental Hotel
9) Ca’ Del Galletto