bassano-del-grappa - rosadelgrappa

BASSANO DEL GRAPPA

JUST 10 MINUTES FROM OUR B&B YOU WILL FIND THE SPLENDID TOWN OF BASSANO DEL GRAPPA, OVERLOOKING THE BRENTA RIVER AND FRAMED BY THE GREENERY OF THE MONTE GRAPPA MASSIF. AMONG HISTORIC ALLEYS, LIVELY SQUARES, AND THE SUGGESTIVE COVERED WOODEN BRIDGE, THE SYMBOL OF THE CITY, THE CENTER INVITES YOU FOR A ROMANTIC WALK OR AN APERITIF AT SUNSET. ART AND HISTORY ENTHUSIASTS CAN VISIT THE CIVIC MUSEUM OR EXPLORE THE CASTLE OF THE EZZELINI, WHILE THOSE WHO LOVE CRAFTSMANSHIP CAN DISCOVER THE ANCIENT TRADITIONS OF LOCAL CERAMICS. DON'T MISS THE GOURMET STOP: THE CITY IS HOME TO ONE OF THE MOST RENOWNED GRAPPAS OF THE VENETO REGION, A UNIQUE EXPERIENCE OF FLAVOR AND TERRITORY.

MAIN ATTRACTIONS:

1. PONTE DEGLI ALPINI (OR PONTE VECCHIO)

A BRIDGE AS OLD AS THE CITY

The first traces of a wooden bridge connecting the two banks of the Brenta river in Bassano date back to 1209, when a chronicle already mentions “the bridge of Bassano.”
This connection was fundamental not only for the daily life of the village, but also for commercial traffic between the Vicenza area and the Marca Trevigiana. Over the centuries, the bridge was repeatedly destroyed by floods and rebuilt. A flood of the Brenta in 1567 swept away the previous structure.
In 1569, the architect Andrea Palladio was called to design a new version of the bridge: he initially proposed a stone solution inspired by Roman bridges, but the citizens insisted on maintaining a wooden structure, more flexible and in line with local tradition.
Thus was born the covered wooden bridge that we still admire today, with sturdy piers, a wooden roof, and a design that combines aesthetics and functionality.

The bridge had a particularly troubled fate: in addition to floods, it was also damaged by wars. During World War II it was destroyed in 1945 during the retreat of Nazi troops.
It was rebuilt thanks to the commitment of the community and in particular the National Alpini Association, which also gave it the name “Ponte degli Alpini” in memory of the units that, during World War I, crossed Bassano to reach the Altopiano dei Sette Comuni.
In 2019 the bridge was recognized as a “national monument.”

Today the Ponte degli Alpini is not just a physical crossing over the river, but a symbol of the city: of its history, its resilience, its beauty.

2. Historic center & the Brenta river

The heart of the city is well preserved, with historic buildings, characteristic alleys, squares such as Piazza Libertà and Piazza Garibaldi, and views of the Brenta river that offer a vibrant yet relaxed atmosphere.

One of the gems of Bassano del Grappa is Palazzo Sturm, an elegant eighteenth-century residence overlooking the Brenta river. Inside, works of art, stories of prints and ceramics, and outside one of the most beautiful views of the city. An excellent stop for a cultural walk near the center. Recommended time for the visit: about 1 hour, including the main floor + belvedere + museums.

3. ART, MUSEUMS AND HISTORY

In Bassano del Grappa, culture lovers will find several unmissable stops. The Civic Museum, one of the oldest in Veneto, houses masterpieces by Jacopo Bassano and precious drawings by Antonio Canova, offering a journey through Venetian art and local history. For those who want to discover a more “tasty” tradition, the Poli Grappa Museum, located near the Ponte degli Alpini, tells the story of distillation through instruments, documents, and tastings. Finally, the Cappuccini Museum offers a more intimate and collected visit, with sacred objects and pharmacy jars from the 17th century, ideal for those seeking an alternative and authentic cultural experience. All easily reachable on foot, they are perfect destinations for a day among art, tradition, and local flavors.

Villa Ca’ Erizzo

5. Traditions: grappa, ceramics, craftsmanship

A “sweet” stop not to forget is a visit to the famous grappa tradition in the surroundings of the city.
In addition, Bassano also has a tradition of ceramics and craftsmanship, perfect for a keepsake or souvenir.