Is This Hidden Gem Near Venice the Ultimate Tiramisù Destination?

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Discovering Treviso: Italy's Hidden Gem

Let’s face it, fighting your way through crowds is something no one wants on holiday. While popular tourist destinations like Venice and Barcelona offer spectacular sights and amazing experiences, you’ll likely be sharing them with more than a few fellow tourists. In fact, many large European cities are now pushing back against overtourism, rolling out city taxes, entry fees for day trippers, and restrictions on large tour groups. It means that travellers are starting to turn to ‘destination dupes’ (like the ‘Venice of France’) and other ‘hidden gems’ that offer all the romance and architectural beauty of more popular places with a fraction of the crowds. So, if you’re planning a trip to Italy, but don’t fancy the throngs of tourists amassing in Venice, Rome, or Florence, then this might be the perfect spot for you.

Location and Accessibility

Enter, Treviso. A medieval Italian beauty spot where it’s said you can actually hear yourself think. Treviso is located in northeastern Italy, just north of Venice and south of the Italian Alps. The city is the capital of the province of the same name, in the Veneto region. While Venice is the nearest large city (between 30 and 40 minutes by car), Treviso is not far from Castelfranco Veneto and Conegliano, and is about 50 minutes from Padua.

Why Treviso Stands Out

Treviso is famous for its beauty and historic architecture. Like Venice, the streets are mixed with canals, and you traverse them via a maze of medieval bridges. While they might not be on the scale of the Grand Canal in Venice, Treviso’s ‘Canale dei Buranelli’ are ridiculously beautiful. They were built for fishermen from Burano who visited the city to trade. Wrought-iron bridges connect the streets, and you’ll be able to spot red-brick Renaissance palaces, frescoed churches, and a network of old piazzas.

Experience the Calm of Treviso

With up to 120,000 visitors a day often traipsing through nearby Venice, you’ll be able to traverse Treviso in a much calmer environment, stopping to enjoy the beauty without fear of shoulder barging or passive-aggressive comments from people in Hawaiian shirts. Visitors seem to adore the city, with Italianontour posting a love letter to the town on Instagram, saying: ‘Medieval walls, charming houses reflecting in the water, and streets lined with cafes calling you to partake in aperitivo culture. ‘Treviso is where Tiramisù was born, where locals still gather in piazzas, and where you can actually HEAR yourself think.’

What to Do in Treviso

One traveller on TripAdvisor said, ‘I’ve had two short visits to Treviso which I loved. There’s plenty to do and see within the town but it’s also a great transport hub for day trips.’ Another added: ‘We barely scratched the surface of what to do there during our 2 days all those years ago. And we were enchanted with what we saw then.’ While wandering the streets could occupy an entire trip, some activities in Treviso are worth taking the time to explore, including private guided walking tours.

Dine on Delicacies

However, if you’re anything like me, then dining will be high on your agenda, and here, you are very much in luck if you have a sweet tooth. Treviso is known as the ‘home of the Tiramisù’, and while, like all things, the exact origins may be disputed, Le Beccherie claims to be the first to list the dish on its menu in 1972. Made from the traditional ingredients of bitter cocoa, coffee, mascarpone, savoiardi or ladyfinger biscuits, egg yolks (no whites), and granulated sugar, sampling the world-famous dessert in its (probable) hometown should definitely be on the list.

Exploring the City’s Highlights

The Piazza dei Signori offers a great lunch spot for people watching, and other points of interest include the Centro Storico Di Treviso, the Fontana delle Tette (which may raise an eyebrow or two after a Google), and the Isola della Pescheria. If you have time to get out of town into the rural surroundings, book a wine tasting and vineyard tour, which are bound to delight the most sophisticated of palates.

Getting to Treviso

Treviso has an airport, Treviso Airport (TSF), also known as Venice-Treviso Airport. Several budget airlines fly there from the UK, including Ryanair, and it’s only around ten minutes by car into town. However, it’s also possible to land at nearby Venice Marco Polo (VCE) if you find a cheaper flight deal, which is about 30 minutes from Treviso by rental car or taxi. If you prefer to use public transport, Venice Marco Polo has bus links into the city, where you can take an RV train to Treviso from Venice Mestre, with the entire journey taking around an hour.

Local Insights

Massimiliano Basso (who now resides in Chester, UK, running The Greenhouse restaurant) grew up just 30 minutes away from Treviso and visited often. Massimiliano told us that the city is as popular with locals as it is with tourists, saying, ‘I spent many afternoons and evenings in Treviso, as it’s one of the biggest cities near the town I used to live in Italy. Sometimes for shopping, but most of the time just for a nice Aperol Spritz in the Piazza dei Signori.’

The Allure of Treviso

‘The atmosphere is the real attraction of Treviso, and sitting in one of the bars in the piazza overlooking the Palazzo dei Trecento somehow makes life just seem slower.’ This slower pace, combined with stunning architecture and culinary delights, makes Treviso an ideal getaway for those seeking a memorable experience, away from the bustling crowds. As you explore Treviso, you will find that its charm lies in its ability to offer a serene escape from the more commercialized tourist spots in Italy.

FAQs about Treviso

What is the best time to visit Treviso?

The best time to visit Treviso is during the spring (April to June) or fall (September to October) when the weather is pleasant, and tourist crowds are smaller. These seasons allow for a more enjoyable experience while exploring the city and its surroundings.

Is Treviso safe for tourists?

Yes, Treviso is generally considered safe for tourists. Like any city, it’s advisable to take standard precautions, such as being aware of your surroundings and safeguarding your belongings, especially in crowded areas.

What are the must-try foods in Treviso?

When in Treviso, be sure to try local delicacies such as Tiramisù, Radicchio di Treviso (a type of chicory), and traditional pasta dishes. The city is also known for its wines, particularly those from the surrounding Prosecco region.

How long should I spend in Treviso?

A two- to three-day visit is usually sufficient to explore Treviso’s main attractions, enjoy local cuisine, and take day trips to nearby destinations. However, if you want a more leisurely experience, you may want to extend your stay.

Can I take day trips from Treviso?

Absolutely! Treviso serves as an excellent base for day trips to destinations like Venice, Padua, and the Prosecco wine region. Various transportation options are available, making it easy to explore the surrounding areas.

In conclusion, Treviso offers a unique blend of historical charm, culinary delights, and a peaceful atmosphere that makes it a perfect alternative to Italy's more crowded tourist spots. As you plan your next adventure, consider adding this hidden gem to your itinerary. What new experiences await you in Treviso? #TravelItaly #HiddenGems #ExploreTreviso

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