July 7, 2025, 12:00 pm | Read time: 4 minutes
Venice, the lagoon city, attracts large crowds of visitors each year, leading to the introduction of an entrance fee for day-trippers on particularly crowded days since last year. However, just about an hour away lies a place that is much less known but still has plenty to offer. TRAVELBOOK explains why a visit to Bassano del Grappa is worthwhile.
It’s no longer a secret that Italy has much more to offer than just the well-known tourist hotspots. Beyond the crowded cities, there are numerous places that, while smaller, are just as worth seeing. One of them is Bassano del Grappa: not only the birthplace of the namesake brandy but also a town with a very special charm.
Overview
The Most Beautiful Places in Bassano del Grappa
Bassano del Grappa is located in northeastern Italy, not far from the border with the Trentino-South Tyrol region, and about an hour’s drive from Venice. As the name suggests, the small town is primarily known for its Italian pomace brandy, Grappa. However, the Italian artist family around the painter Jacopo da Bassano also shaped the town’s history. Even today, numerous historical buildings and sights around the town center remind us of times gone by. The historic center with its bridge, squares, and museums is located in the south of Bassano del Grappa. The north, on the other hand, offers hiking trails and a rural atmosphere, ideal for those seeking nature and tranquility.
Bridge of the Alpini
From afar, you can already recognize the historic, covered wooden bridge, which is also considered the city’s most famous landmark. It connects the historic center south of the Brenta with the northern bank, the Angarano district. Built in the 16th century by architect Andrea Palladio, the structure became a symbol of the local mountain troops over the years. From the Ponte degli Alpini, you have a direct view of the Brenta River, the rooftops of the old town, and the surrounding hills up to Monte Grappa. Especially in good weather, a short stop is worthwhile, as the bridge offers a wonderful view of the city.
Piazza Libertà & Piazza Garibaldi
If you want to enjoy the old town’s flair, you can get an initial overview on the two main squares, Piazza Libertà and Piazza Garibaldi. Piazza Libertà features, among other things, the Church of San Giovanni Battista and the Loggia del Comune with its famous clock. The square, where the city’s two main streets converge, is also lined with numerous cafés and boutiques that offer a great view of city life. And, of course, you can also try an espresso or Grappa here.
Another highlight is the two statues: the Lion of St. Mark, symbol of Venetian rule, and San Bassiano, the city’s patron saint. The nearby Piazza Garibaldi also allows you to admire Bassano’s impressive architecture, usually in a somewhat quieter atmosphere. The central element here is the Fontana Bonaguro fountain, made of pink marble. In the immediate vicinity is also the Museo Civico, which is not only of art historical interest but also offers a welcome cool down on hot days.
Giardino Parolini
There is a botanical garden right at the southern edge of the old town with the Giardino Parolini. Created in the 19th century by botanist Alberto Parolini, the park is now open to the public. According to “fondoambiente.it,” it has housed over 3,200 different plant species from around the world over the years, including from Asia and Germany. Even today, you can find rare pine species, sequoias, and various medicinal and useful plants that can be visited for free.
Monte Grappa
Admittedly, Monte Grappa is not directly in the city center of Bassano del Grappa, but it can be easily reached from there, as the mountain begins just north of the city. The summit is accessible in about 30 minutes by car and offers an impressive panoramic view of Veneto, with visibility extending to the Dolomites on clear days. During World War I, Monte Grappa was of particular importance as it was a strategically significant point on the front line between Italy and Austria-Hungary. Today, a memorial on the summit commemorates the fallen soldiers of that time.
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Traveling to Bassano del Grappa
Those wishing to travel to Bassano del Grappa have several options. The most convenient way is by plane via the airports in Venice or Treviso, from where trains or buses go directly to the city. Traveling by train is also a good option, for example, via Padua, Vicenza, or Treviso with a transfer to a regional connection. If you’re traveling by car, you can reach Bassano via the A4 highway or the Valsugana expressway.