Cison di Valmarino

Cison di Valmarino is a small, exquisitely preserved village tucked into the prosecco hills of the province of Treviso, officially recognised as one of the Borghi più belli d'Italia (most beautiful villages in Italy). Set in a green valley between the Conegliano Valdobbiadene vineyards and the wooded pre-Alps, it is crowned by the Castello Brandolini (CastelBrando), one of the largest castles in Europe, whose origins reach back to Roman and medieval times and which now operates as a hotel and conference venue with parts open to visitors. The village below clusters around a handsome arcaded square, the Piazza Roma, with its loggia, parish church, and old water mill, and is threaded by the Via dei Mulini, a path following a stream past restored watermills, fulling mills, and workshops that recall the village's artisan past. Visitors come to wander the stone lanes, ride the panoramic lift or walk up to the castle for sweeping views over the valley, follow the mill trail, and taste the local Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore at nearby cantinas. Each summer Cison hosts 'Artigianato Vivo', a long-running festival of living crafts that fills the streets with artisans, music, and stalls. A visit takes around two to three hours, longer with a castle visit, a meal, or a wine tasting. The village is gloriously peaceful outside its festival, with few day-trippers, and rewards an overnight stay to enjoy it after the visitors leave. Spring and autumn are the loveliest seasons, with green or golden vineyards and mild walking weather. Set in the UNESCO-listed prosecco landscape of Italy's Veneto region, Cison di Valmarino is a tranquil, scenic retreat for those seeking villages, wine, and walking away from the crowds.