Alpago
Overview
Alpago is the gateway to the Belluno Dolomites: a unique territory that extends from Lake Santa Croce to the Cansiglio Forest. Here, among woods, water, mountains and hills, there are small characteristic villages, rich in history and hospitality.
Gastronomy
Alpago lamb: Alpago gave its name to a native sheep breed raised above all for its excellent meat: tasty, tender and compact that falls apart in the mouth. It does not have a gamey flavor and goes perfectly with local dishes such as corn and legume soup.
Points of Interest
- Lake of Santa Croce: it is the lake for active or relaxing holidays. From spring to autumn it is the destination chosen by those who want to immerse themselves in greenery counting on the freshness of the lake and its breeze. The beach equipped with an English lawn offers ample space to enjoy the sun or practice beach volleyball, beach soccer or rugby. From here you can set off for long walks either on foot or by bike (the lake is on the Monaco Venice route), rent a pedal boat or a kayak, or practice sailing, windsurfing and kitesurfing because here the wind blows from the early hours of the afternoon until in the evening it was not for nothing that the lake was renamed Lake of the Wind.
- Cansiglio Forest: The ancient Forest of the Doges represents one of the most important environmental resources of the entire Veneto region and surrounds the Cansiglio plateau. In the past the forest was a fundamental resource for the Republic of Venice for the production of oars. Today it is a corner of paradise where you can get lost among the various nature trails while mountain biking or trekking. The plateau, like Lake Santa Croce, is particularly suitable for families.
- The Free Flight: The Alpago territory is a succession of meadows, woods, hills and is protected by the Carnic Prealps, with the Col Nudo-Cavallo group and the peaks of the Dolada mountains. To fully enjoy the view there is a special terrace which is just below Monte Dolada where flying enthusiasts come from all over the world to launch themselves into the void flying over the Alpago Basin.
- The Alchemist’s House: it is a House Museum owned by the Unione Montana Alpago. The building dates back to the 16th century and is the only one that still bears witness to the history of Alpagota architecture. It was the residence of a nobleman, condemned to death on Egyptian soil for alchemical practices, which the Republic of Venice saved by bringing him to Alpago. The house has been set up with objects, books and suggestions that immerse the visitor in the magical world of Alchemy.
A paradise for walking and cycling: the itineraries for walking or cycling around Lake Santa Croce up to the Cansiglio plateau are many, different and suitable for everyone: from the fittest to families with strollers. - A paradise for walking and cycling: the itineraries for walking or cycling around Lake Santa Croce up to the Cansiglio plateau are many, different and suitable for everyone: from the fittest to families with strollers.
Bassano del Grappa
Overview
Surrounded by hills and favored by a mild climate, Bassano del Grappa is a pretty medieval town located in the Vicenza area. Walking in the historic center means diving into art: the streets of the center are adorned with the works of authors such as Palladio, Canova, Jacopo Da Ponte, Marinali and Dall’Acqua. The symbolic monument of the city is the Ponte Vecchio – built according to Palladio’s design – and links its image to the epic of the Alpine troops of the Great War.
Gastronomy
Bassano DOP white asparagus is harvested from March to June in the countryside between Bassano, Cassola and San Zeno; Bigoli and Broccolo di Bassano are the protagonists on the table together with extra virgin olive oil, produced in the foothills/hilly area of Bassano.
Drinks
Bassano del Grappa, a historic reference for the production of spirits, is included among the Cities of Wine for its illustrious winemaking tradition, today included in the Breganze DOC, excelling for the production of Torcolato, Vespaiolo, Bordeaux grapes and the traditional Marzemino for the red.
Points of interest
Ponte Vecchio or Ponte degli Alpini: it is the symbol of the city.
civic Museum: housed in the former convent of the Franciscan friars since 1828, it is the result of substantial donations which have enriched the city’s heritage over time.
Sturm Palace: home to the Ceramics Museum and the Remondini Printing Museum.
Civic Tower: in Piazza Garibaldi, 40 meters high, open to visitors.
Ezzelini Castle, Walkway of the Walls and Cathedral of S. Maria in Colleevidence of the ancient medieval parish church.
Numerous historic villas can be visitedincluding the Palladian Villa Angarano Bianchi Michiel.
Along the banks of the Brenta River it is possible to walk along theBrenta ring”.
