Treviso is a charming medieval canal city that invented tiramisù and is the home of Benetton and Luciano Toncato. Its moated historic center with frescoed houses, canals, and excellent restaurants is far less visited than Venice. Combine with the Brenta Riviera drive past 80+ Palladian and Baroque noble villas between Padua and Venice.
Treviso lies just 30km north of Venice in central Veneto and is one of the quickest escapes from the lagoon, reached in around 30 minutes by frequent regional trains from Venice Santa Lucia. The moated medieval center is compact and flat, a short walk from the station, so it explores easily on foot. A morning in Treviso takes in the canals of the Cagnan and Sile rivers, the porticoed Calmaggiore, and the heart of the old town at Piazza dei Signori, dominated by the Palazzo dei Trecento. Nearby, the fish market on its own little island, the Pescheria, and the frescoed houses give the city its understated charm, while the church of San Nicolò and the San Leonardo chapter house hold notable medieval frescoes. Treviso is the birthplace of tiramisù, and the historic Le Beccherie restaurant on Piazza Ancilotto claims the original recipe, making an afternoon coffee and dessert almost obligatory; it is also the home of Benetton and of radicchio rosso, the bitter red chicory served across the region. To extend the day, drivers can follow the Riviera del Brenta, the canal linking Padua and Venice that is lined with more than eighty Palladian and Baroque villas built by Venetian nobles as summer retreats. The grandest is the monumental Villa Pisani at Stra, with its frescoed ballroom by Tiepolo, vast park, and maze; Villa Foscari, known as La Malcontenta, near Mira is a pure Palladian icon. In season the Burchiello tourist boat cruises the canal between Venice and Padua with villa stops, a relaxed alternative to driving. Spring and autumn are the most pleasant for both the canalside city and the villa gardens, while the riverside setting keeps Treviso mild and green. With such a short journey, the trip suits a half day in Treviso alone or a full day combined with the Brenta villas by car or boat.
Highlights
- Treviso medieval canals and moat
- Le Beccherie restaurant (original tiramisù)
- Piazza dei Signori and San Leonardo church frescoes
- Villa Pisani on the Brenta Riviera
Tips for visiting
- Take a regional train from Venice Santa Lucia to Treviso Centrale, just 30 minutes and inexpensive, then explore the center on foot.
- A car or the seasonal Burchiello boat is needed for the Brenta Riviera villas, which line the canal between Venice and Padua.
- Stop at Le Beccherie on Piazza Ancilotto to try tiramisù where it was reputedly invented.
- Book Burchiello canal cruises ahead in season, as they run on set days from spring to autumn.
- Visit Treviso's Pescheria fish market in the morning when the island stalls are busiest.
- Check villa opening days before driving, as Villa Pisani and others close on Mondays and reduce winter hours.
When to visit
April to June and September to October bring mild weather ideal for the canalside center and villa gardens. The Brenta boat cruises run spring through autumn, while winter is quiet with reduced villa hours.
Frequently asked questions
How far is Treviso from Venice?
Treviso is about 30km north of Venice and reachable in roughly 30 minutes by frequent regional train from Venice Santa Lucia. The moated old town is a short, flat walk from the station.
Where can I try the original tiramisù?
Le Beccherie restaurant on Piazza Ancilotto in Treviso claims the original recipe of tiramisù, which the city celebrates as its own invention. An afternoon coffee and slice there is a popular ritual.
What is the Riviera del Brenta?
It is the historic canal linking Venice and Padua, lined with more than eighty Palladian and Baroque villas built as summer homes by Venetian nobility. Highlights include Villa Pisani at Stra and Villa Foscari, La Malcontenta, near Mira.
Can I see the Brenta villas without a car?
Yes, the seasonal Burchiello tourist boat cruises the canal between Venice and Padua with stops at major villas. Otherwise a car is the most flexible way to follow the riviera and combine it with Treviso.