Veneto
Art, History & Archaeology Sites & Museums

At the foot of the Dolomites, where the Ardo and Piave rivers converge lies the town of Belluno. During the 5th century BC the area was inhabited by Iron Age Celtic communities, from where it is thought the name ‘Shining City’ comes from. Belluno played an important role in both World Wars, after WW” the city was awarded a gold medal for military valour due to the partisan resistance based in the town. The ancient city walls and fine medieval architecture is easily explored on foot. Be sure to sample local cuisine, including Schiz, a grilled cheese dish, or Pastin, a minced meat mixture.

According to legend, Padua was founded by Antenor in 1132 BC, a Trojan prince fleeing from war with the Greeks. But it is better known as an important centre in the history of Italian art and culture, particularly from the 14th to the 16th centuries; the city was home to both Giotto and Donatello. Frescoes from the 14th century inside well-known religious and civil buildings, together with the world’s oldest botanical garden, have been recognised by UNESCO as World Heritage Sites. Padua is also known as the ‘city of 3 withouts’, add it to your itinerary to find out why.

Officially the Patriarchal Cathedral Basilica of Saint Mark, this is one of the most well known basilica’s in Italy. Certainly, it ranks amongst the finest examples of Italian Byzantine architecture. The first St Mark’s church was built next to the Doge’s Palace and intended as a private chapel for the Doge of Venice. That church was destroyed and the current basilica constructed in the later 11 century. One of the features of this church is the spectacular gold mosaics, which is why the basilica is also known as the ‘church of gold’.

Among the most beautiful cities in the world, it certainly needs no introduction. Located in the Venetian Lagoon, it was the capital of the Serenissima Republic of Venice for over a thousand years, a protagonist of central pages of medieval and modern history. Its coat of arms is the winged lion of St Mark, a true identifying symbol. Its beautiful views and picturesque canals, traversed by the iconic gondolas, have long inspired artists from all over the world. Along with Cannes and Berlin, Venice is one of the film capitals of Europe, thanks to the much celebrated annual film festival.

The entire city of Verona is a listed UNESCO World Heritage site. It is known worldwide as the city of love, where William Shakespeare set one of his most well known tragedies, Romeo and Juliet. It rises on the banks of the Adige, a river that has played a central role in the city’s economy over the centuries. The city’s Roman origins are well documented – most notably by the Arena di Verona, which today hosts concerts and cultural events. Rich in history and culture, as can be experienced in the many monuments scattered along its streets.

Built in 30 AD with a seating capacity of around 30,000 people, the Roman amphitheatre in Verona is still in use. Just as in ancient times spectators came from far and wide to the shows staged here, so too today the amphitheatre is internationally renown for its operatic productions, which have been staged here since the 1850s. Not only is the arena one of the best preserved of its kind from the Roman world, the acoustics are outstanding making it a perfect venue for large scale musical performances and festivals.