BASSANO AND MAROSTICA
MEDIEVAL VENETO: BASSANO AND MAROSTICA
Besides the main tourist destinations in Veneto, our tour ‘Medieval Veneto: Bassano and Marostica‘ allows you to enjoy the charm of our enchanting countryside.
Bassano del Grappa lies along the Brenta River, which rises in Trentino, and flows through different regional areas before ending in the Adriatic Sea.
Together with Marostica, just 15 minutes away by car, Bassano was a crucial crossroad of trade between Venice and Northern Europe, due to its strategic location.
Our tour ‘Medieval Veneto:Bassano and Marostica‘ begins in the morning, at Piazzale Roma with your private guide.
Get in our comfortable van and relax, while the driver is heading towards the Pre-Alps, particularly to the Monte Grappa massif.
As you approach the area, marvel at the spectacular view of Bassano standing out against the highest peak, like a stage set.
Admire the tall brick bell towers, the Medieval crenelated walls, the white and red buildings perched on top of the hillside, opposite to the tall windowed houses overlooking the river.
In the town center, everything is so distinctive: house walls decorated with refined frescoes next to bright colored façades, and an impressive variety of architectural styles.
Moreover, a wide range of deli stores enhances the flair of a residential area brimmed with history, gourmet specialties, and artisanal excellence.
Bassano’s prestige was based on two major products: printing houses and ceramics.
In the Baroque age a talented local craftsman, Giovanni Antonio Remondini, founded a printing house that became one of the most famous typographies in Europe supported by over a thousand professional workers, active up to the 19th century.
In 1669 the Senate of Venice allowed Francesco Manardi to produce fine majolica pieces with the help of the most skilled masters from Faenza and Lodi, the best ceramic production centers in the peninsula.
It was just the beginning of a fast commercial and artistic growth that is partly surviving today, a turning point in the history of this small town.
With the help of your local guide, you will learn the techniques and the artistic subtlety of the valuable Remondini etchings and prints, stare at the fancy maiolica pieces and the amazing dining services displayed at the Palazzo Sturm Museum, along the stony shore of the Brenta River.
Before getting on the car again, take a walk through the celebrated Ponte degli Alpini, a massive wooden bridge designed by Andrea Palladio in 1567, and a current town hallmark.
A few steps before the Bridge, the sign Museo della Grappa will draw your attention.
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This hard alcohol made from distilled grape pomace has been traditionally identified with Bassano over the centuries.
In fact, visitors can hardly leave the place without sampling a shot of this fragrant drink and take some bottles home: don’t forget this opportunity!
At the end of such an exciting morning, you will have lunch in a nearby winery run by a family who originally started a “trattoria“ in 1904, attended by casual travelers and locals on the weekends.
The next generation strived to do better, and eventually start a related agricultural activity.
In 1999 Mirco, a direct descendant purchased an abandoned vineyard suited to 60.000 vines and olive trees too for the production of terroir wines and organic olive oil.
Dedication, passion, and enthusiasm gave a boost to this unique estate. Take advantage of the food house specialties on the menu and enjoy.
In the afternoon your tour continues with Marostica, located on the Pausolino foothills.
You can see the old walls from afar, commissioned by the Scaligeri family, Lords of Verona, who urged to defend the small town from enemy attacks.
They successfully exploited the natural morphology of the land and changed forever the landscape profile.
On the hilltop, the ruins of the 15th-century castle are the focal point of two long rows of mighty walls running down the green slope, up to the inhabited area where the Lower Castle stands.
The large public square facing the Castle displays a checkered floor, where on even-numbered years a Chess game with live pieces is held.
Over the decades this event achieved international acclaim that witnessed the desire of the natives to preserve the cultural identity and increase the importance of minor regional centers.
In the company of your tour guide, you will discover a whole calendar of food fairs and music festivals, besides some savory food specialties like the Marostica Cherry.
In May and June during the ripening season, local pastry chefs compete with each other for the most appetizing ice cream, cake, or cookie, based on this juicy and crunchy fruit.
To the eye, the pale reddish peel doesn’t look so inviting, but the crisp and refreshing taste will conquer you at first bite.
It was the first Italian cherry to be awarded IGP -quality brand- in 2001: a sensory experience not to miss.
Back to Venice in the late afternoon.
Discover Veneto with us: https://walksinsidevenice.com/tours/treviso-a-subtle-charm/
HIGHLIGHTS
- Full day trip to Bassano and Marostica
- Fine ceramics and valuable prints at Palazzo Sturm Museum
- Gourmet lunch in a winery
MORE ABOUT
THIS TOUR
Bassano del Grappa became important under the Ezzelini rulers, who commissioned the brick castle, part of the walls, and the Cathedral renovated in the next Ages.
Despite the heavy fightings between Vicenza, Paua, and Verona for territorial supremacy, Bassano never underwent destruction or severe arsons. From 1405 onwards, the Republic of Venice allowed the town to flourish and partly keep its independence from the central Government.
In this long period of peace and prosperity, the Da Ponte family of painters played a crucial role in the history of local art forms.
Jacopo, the dynasty’s founder, inherited his father’s workshop in the late 1520s, before moving to Venice. This commercial hub was achieving the golden age of the Renaissance, with a concentration of masters such as Giorgione, Titian, Pordenone, Lorenzo Lotto, and Bonifacio de’ Pitati who allowed him to join his atelier.
Jacopo developed a preference for brilliant colors, figures dressed in 16th-century clothing, the presence of lay people next to sacred characters, and details from everyday life, such as various food, or pets.
He started a new style that passed to his four sons. While their father returned home in 1539 and settled down forever, his progeny worked extensively in Venice, both in churches and Palazzo Ducale.
The most remarkable Bassano handicraft is colorful ceramics, produced in the nearby town of Nove as well. Palazzo Sturm museum provides a showcase of the entire range of topics, from Baroque to Contemporary Age.
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The most remarkable Bassano handicraft is colorful ceramics, produced in the nearby town of Nove as well.
Palazzo Sturm museum provides a showcase of the entire range of styles, from Baroque to Contemporary Age.
Flowery patterns on a white background are timeless and suit any household item: serving plates, fruit and soup bowls, coffee and chocolate pots, appetizer holders.
All of them are hand-painted by highly skilled artisans, whatever design.
Some pieces are more complex, like large egg holders in the shape of eggs or breakfast cup sets decorated with pink roses while the mug handle looks like a twisted green branch (with no thorns, though).
Apply to your guide for more information and good addresses for shopping!
DRESS CODE AND ADVICE
- Comfortable shoes and warm clothes, especially in mid-season.
COST
- This tour lasts approximately 8 hours and costs: 950 euro up to 6 people
- Private car or minivan service, round trip tour from Venice
- Professional English speaking guide
- Only private parties
- Lunch in a winery not included, 40 euros per person
- Entrance fee to Palazzo Sturm 7 euros per person, not included
- For larger parties: please send us an email!
CONTACT US
WALKS INSIDE ITALY
ART CITY WALKS aff. Network Giv
San Polo 1541 30125 VENICE, ITALY
C.F. e P. Iva 04331170276
Prot. 2016/16140 del 25-2-2016
Polizza Europ Assistance 8957877
