Discover what to do in Castelfranco Veneto in the province of Treviso (discover the historic heart of Treviso between past and present): The city walls, the city park, the civic tower, the Giorgione house museum, the feast of San Sebastiano, the cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, the market in the historic center, crafts in the center, the academic theater, the Muson dei Sassi cycle path. Want to know more? First of all…
Where is Castelfranco Veneto?
The municipality of Castelfranco Veneto borders to the north with Riese Pio X, to the northeast with Vedelago, to the northwest with Castello di Godego, to the south with Loreggia, to the southwest with Santa Giustina in Colle, to the east with Vedelago and Resana, to the west with San Martino di Lupari.
What to do in Castelfranco Veneto? Visit Villa Chiminelli
Villa Chiminelli is located at number 1 Via Lama in S.Andrea beyond the Muson, about six kilometers southwest of the towering red brick battlemented walls of Castelfranco Veneto.
The city walls
Surrounded by a deep moat, the grandiose mass of the city walls has protected the historic heart of the medieval citadel for more than eight centuries. Thanks to the kind collaboration of the municipality of Castelfranco Veneto, it was possible to create an in-depth analysis of this spectacular bulwark and the soaring civic tower.
On clear days, the regular succession of the battlements casts a suggestive geometric pattern that slowly extends and thins on the grassy embankment surface.
The city park
Stretching between the mighty fortification and the canal that follows its quadrangular perimeter, the sunny grassy area is crossed by winding paths that snake through the lush vegetation of hornbeams, black locusts, maples, magnolias, lindens, cypresses, palms, holm oaks, maritime pines, plane trees, weeping willows whose dense foliage is mirrored in the waters of the Musonello and Avenale, and cedars that rival in height with the soaring corner towers of the ancient defensive system.
The civic tower
Built by the municipality of Treviso to defend itself from the expansionist aims of Padua and Vicenza, the military complex was strengthened during the 12th and 13th centuries with the construction of the frank tower. Rising on the south side of the walls, the tower is embellished with painted decorations among which stand out the coats of arms of the Paduan house of Da Carrara.
Testifying to the supremacy of the Republic of Venice is the white Lion of Saint Mark in Istrian stone that stands above the clock, with Roman numerals, with brilliant golden hands that stand out against a celestial background.
Giorgione house museum
Located in Piazza San Liberale, the Museo Casa Giorgione is one of the most important cultural landmarks of the municipality.
The rooms of the 14th-century Gothic residence tell the life and genius of the artist by exhibiting some of his most significant works. In this regard, the frieze of the liberal and mechanical arts certainly deserves a mention,
The fresco depicts books, measuring tools and geometric drawings related to the theoretical and practical study of astrology. One section of the work is dedicated to weapons, armor and war trophies, while the last section represents painting, medicine and music.
The feast of San Sebastiano
In 2023 the feast of San Sebastiano took place from Saturday 14 to Saturday 28 January at the church of San Sebastiano in Via Chiesa, Villarazzo, behind which winds a stretch of the pleasant path called “on the trails of the Ezzelini“.
To the solemnity of the liturgical ceremonies in honor of the saint martyr, the fair associates the carefree and jovial atmosphere of a popular celebration featuring top-quality gastronomic specialties. The highlights of the event are the succulent sliced beef and the giant spit roast, to be enjoyed with cold mugs of beer and local wine varieties.
If you are wondering what to do in Castelfranco Veneto and are looking for initiatives to spend the beautiful season in a splendid historical location crossed by fascinating naturalistic itineraries, participating in this event could be just right for you!
The cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta
Located at Vicolo del Cristo, 14, the solemn place of worship is distinguished by a tripartite salient facade with two pairs of imposing Tuscan half-columns.
The half-columns support the architrave, the frieze, punctuated by triglyphs and metopes decorated with circular motifs, and the dentilled triangular pediment crowned by a statue of Mary.
At the junction between the central nave and the transept rises a large dome, wide and bright. Adorning the interior spaces of the cathedral you will find a precious pipe organ, a formidable marble altar and works depicting the martyrdom of Saint Sebastian, the death of Saint Severus and the Descent into Limbo.
The market in the historic center
Throughout the year, every Tuesday and Friday, from 8:00 am to 1:00 pm, Piazza Giorgione is filled with hundreds of stalls with clothing items, objects of all kinds and the agri-food sector rich in dairy products, cured meats and exquisite sweets.
Crafts in the center
In 2023 the next crafts in the center appointments are scheduled for Sunday 24 September and Sunday 15 October.
On the occasion of the event, the streets and squares enclosed by the medieval walls come alive with exhibitors full of artistic artifacts: from toys, wooden statues, painted ceramic works, pendants with rare stones to smiling cloth dolls, portraits and painted landscapes. If you are wondering what to do in Castelfranco Veneto, the historic center market is an ideal opportunity to experience and breathe the ancient soul of the city through its colors, the lively buzz of visitors and the aroma of coffee coming from the shops framed by the large arches of the porticoes.
The academic theater
Located at Via Giuseppe Garibaldi, 4, the 18th-century theater designed by Francesco Maria Preti is recognizable for its majestic red brick facade punctuated by six Corinthian half-columns, between which are placed precious circular panels decorated with musical instruments such as flutes, harps, zithers, horns, trumpets and theatrical masks.
Thanks to the contribution of an illustrious mathematician, the acoustics of the square-plan building are perfect in every point.
For more information regarding the history and pictorial and sculptural heritage that adorns this splendid work of architecture and engineering, you can consult the in-depth analysis dedicated to the Academic Theater, created thanks to the kind collaboration of the municipality of Castelfranco Veneto and the Archive of the city of Castelfranco Veneto.
The Muson dei Sassi cycle path
The cycling itinerary connects Castelfranco Veneto to Padua, stretching along the canal built in the 17th century to channel the waters of the Musone into the Brenta river.
Unless prohibited, you can leave your car in the Parcheggio ex foro boario. Shaded by cedars, acacias and poplars, the winding asphalt road follows the grassy banks of the canal offering pleasant panoramic views of the Treviso and Padua plains.
