La Mia Citta' : TREVISO

Treviso is a city to discover on foot, its charm can be witnessed by passing under the arcades of its major streets or in the thousands of alleys that wind around in the medieval part, or by following the canals that cross and around the city. Treviso bewitches visitors with its sense of hospitality and love of life, which can be felt everywhere in its fashionable restaurants, bars, shops, squares and cultural spots.
History and culture
The remains of an ancient village found along the Sile river place the origins of Treviso in the Bronze Age (15th century BC). The city was inhabited by the Veneti starting in the 10th century BC, who were granted Roman citizenship in 49 BC.In the early Middle Ages Treviso became a flourishing city under the Carolingians, when it became the capital of a March and had a mint. The year 1164 was important: it was then that the Emperor Frederick I recognized the city as a free commune. Thus began its most glorious period, Treviso extended its domain, adorned itself with new churches and buildings and held knightly feasts hosting poets and troubadours, which earned it the name of "Joyous and harmonious March". It fell under the tyranny of Ezzelino da Romano in 1237; from that point on the city passed from hand to hand, tormented by war and civil clashes for more than a century.The population of Treviso joined forces with Venice in 1389 leading to a long and prosperous time of peace for the city. Treviso became filled with buildings and frescoes in Venetian Gothic style. In 1509 Venice decided to give the city new fortifications to be able to defend its territories to the north. The current walls and gates date back to this period.Treviso fell along with Venice in 1797 to the aggression of Napoleon's armies. The city then fell under Austrian domain until 15 July 1866, when Italian bersaglieri liberated it, marking its annexation to the Kingdom of Italy. During World War II Treviso suffered heavy losses; in 1944 American bombing caused thousands of victims destroying many buildings and historic landmarks.

Places and charm
The beauty of Treviso does not just lie in its heritage of churches and buildings, but much more in the intimate atmosphere of the city and its very special urban fabric. Visiting Treviso means letting yourself go in the myriad of medieval alleys, and glimpse picture postcard views which will amaze you with their poetic charm. And even more importantly joining the locals in their quest for life.Piazza dei Signori is the salon and at the same time symbol of the city, proof of the great vocation Treviso's inhabitants have for feasting, cordiality and cheerfulness. The bell tower and Palazzo dei Trecento are located in the square, the latter has always been the seat of local government. A large external stairway leads inside the building, where 15th and 16th century sculpture which survived the 1944 bombings can be seen. Great vaults are located under the Palazzo dei Trecento, where Treviso''s inhabitants meet for pleasant breaks.Monte di Pietà from Piazza dei Signori a gallery leads to the small square of Monte di Pietà. Inside it is possible to visit the Cappella dei Rettori, ornately decorated with frescoes and gilded leather panels. The other rooms house original weights and measures and numerous works of art by Luca Giordano and Sebastiano Ricci.The canals. Water plays the leading role in Treviso, the city is characterized by a system of rivers and canals which cross it and surround it. Walking through the center visitors encounter truly poetic settings, where medieval houses and buildings are reflected in the clear water of the canals. Wander around the maze of alleys starting behind Piazza dei Signori to discover the most charming corners of the city: Isola della Pescheria (fishmarket island), Canale dei Buranelli, Ponte San Francesco with the windmill, Ponte Dante with the university and Ponte S. Martino.