Food
Local cuisine follow the excellent culinary tradition of Venice.
Below is a list of typical dishes, which combine the lovely flavours of seafood and land food.
Sopa coada is a hearty squab and bread soup, traditionally made from layers of bread, topped with grated cheese and boned wine-braised squab, which are then soaked in stock and baked for a few hours.
Pasta e fasioi is a staple of local cuisine. It is served as a thick soup made with creamed borlotti or Lamon beans, and ditalini pasta. Sometimes, a light mirepoix, or pork rind or cheek lard are used for added flavour. Traditionally, it is served on a layer of raw radicchio tardivo, and sprinkled with pepper.
Risotto with ‘rosoline’ is made with tender poppy leaves which are picked in the springtime, before the flowers bloom. The leaves are quickly blanched, and then eaten as a side dish, along with other leafy green vegetables, or used to make tasty risotto.
The most highly regarded typical products include tiramisù, radicchio and Prosecco, along with Casatella Trevigiana DOP (cheese) and asparagus.
Tiramisù is a layered dessert made from sponge fingers soaked in coffee, and a custard-like cream made with eggs, sugar and mascarpone cheese. The first known recipe, invented at Le Beccherie restaurant, dates back to 1962. The name of this dessert comes from the local vernacular expression “tirame su”, a reference to the uplifting effects of its ingredients.
The iconic ‘red’ radicchio first appeared in the 15th century. The winter varieties are grown by ‘forcing’ them after harvesting: left in the dark under tarps, the heads become crispier and tastier.
Casatella Trevigiana Dop is a fresh cheese that was traditionally made in farmers’ houses using the milk left over from direct human consumption. This cheese is soft and creamy, with a delicate scent of fresh milk and a sweet, slightly acidic taste.
Asparagus has been grown in the region since the Roman age. The stalks are ivory white, with hints of pink, and are used in flavourful traditional recipes such as risotto, or cooked ‘au gratin’, with morlacco cheese.
Points of Interest
Treviso, the historical capital of the “Marca Gioiosa et Amorosa”, is known for the friendliness and the strong sense of belonging of its inhabitants. The town is a treasure chest of historical splendour, which includes the 16th century walls, the finely frescoed buildings, the iconic Fontana delle Tette (depicting a topless woman) and the traditional eateries.
Piazza dei Signori is one of the most popular landmarks, and the main hangout for the locals. It is the most exclusive part of the city, lined by historical public buildings such as the Palazzo del Podestà (including the civic tower) and Palazzo dei Trecento. The beautiful Loggia dei Cavalieri, nearby, has a finely decorated ceiling.
Departing from the central square, Via Calmaggiore, Via Palestro and the other main roads of the city are crowded with beautiful buildings, shops and traditional cafés and diners. If you’re in town, stop by one of the many typical eateries, and treat your taste buds to the specialties of local cuisine, paired with a glass of fine Prosecco. And at the end of the meal, taste the world’s best and most popular dessert, tiramisu – a favourite for date nights.
The Canale dei Buranelli is one of the most iconic landmarks, a perfect photo-op location and an oasis of peace, with beautiful arcades and bridges, clear waterways and a rich wildlife (mallards, moorhens, ducks and coots). The canal draws its name from a nearby palace that was the property of a merchant family from the island of Burano.
Wandering the streets of the town centre, you can admire the stunning, majestic architectures, and the finely frescoed buildings (13th-15th century) that have earned Treviso the name “Urbs picta”, which translates as “the painted town”.
Treviso is the home of one of the major museum hubs on a national level, which is headquartered in the Santa Caterina complex. Here, you can admire the beautiful “Storie di Sant’Orsola”, a cycle of frescoes by Tomaso da Modena describing the fashion at that time (one of the first ever). The Museo Bailo, located in the Borgo Cavour district, is the world’s largest collection of artworks by the local artist Arturo Martini, and by Italy’s leading impressionist painter, Gino Rossi.
Recently reopened, renovated and made digital, the “Collezione Salce” national museum, in Santa Margherita, is the world’s second largest collection of advertising posters after the one in Paris.
Treviso is home to one of the most beautiful theatres in northern Italy, named after the popular tenor “Mario Del Monaco”. The theatre has hosted performances by the greatest opera singers worldwide, and is currently a leading venue for world-class events, festivals and concert seasons.
Taking a gentle walk along the tree-lined avenues, you may admire the ancient city walls, built in the Roman age and later reinforced under the Republic of Venice. The imposing gates are still some of the most iconic landmarks of the city, such as Porta San Tomaso, built in 1518. The winged lion carved on the pediment testifies to the bond to Venice. The Sile flows nearby, making the place the perfect destination for easy jogs and bike rides.
Treviso is an excellent bike-friendly city, with a long pedestrian-cycle route – the “Rastera” – that runs along the Sile, through the nature, all the way to the sea, and bike hire points to enjoy the ride carefree.