Bassano del Grappa, in the Veneto region of northern Italy, was said to be founded in the 2nd century BC by a Roman soldier called Bussianus, but there is some evidence to suggest it is much older. It sits in the foothills of the Venetian Alps.
The town was originally named Bassano Veneto. It was renamed in 1928 as a memorial to the thousands of soldiers who lost their lives in the terrible battles on Mount Grappa in WWI.
We entered the town beside the Castello degli Ezzelini or Castello Superiore.
We stayed directly below the castle in the appropriately named Hotel Al Castello.
The entrance to the Duomo is via the castle piazza. Unfortunately it wasn’t open.
Bassano del Grappa is a tangle of narrow streets lined with lovely buildings with interesting detail…come for a walk.
If you look closely at the reflection in the window you will see Jim looking hungrily at the pastries within.
Bassano del Grappa is well known for excellent ceramics.
There are 2 large piazzas in the centre.
The stunning Chiesa di San Francesco is in Piazza Giuseppe Garibaldi.
Beside the church is a pretty cloister.
In the Piazzale Trenta is the building containing the council offices. It was built between 1700 – 1726 and incorporates the 15th century Loggia dell Piazza. It wasn’t open when we were there, but the frescoes on the ceiling of the loggia looked impressive from a distance. Unfortunately it was too dark to get good photos.
The astronomical clock was made in 1747 by Bartolomeo Ferracini and it still works.
The town has been involved in several battles. Beside the Ponte degli Alpini there are buildings riddled with bullet holes. Some say they are from WWII, but it also possible they are from the 1796 battle of Bassano.
We had some delicious things to eat in Bassano del Grappa. There was this snack at a very modern cafe.
Ottone is a very popular restaurant in Bassano del Grappa. A house speciality is the white asparagus from the area.
It was excellent as was the rest of the meal.
The town is also famous for Grappa, in fact it gives its name to the alcoholic drink made from the remains from wine making. Nardini distillery is the oldest in Italy. It began in 1779. We bought some for a friend on the Ponte degli Alpini where there is also a Grappa museum. 40 million bottles of Grappa are made in Italy every year. The name is protected and the drink can only be called Grappa if it is sourced in Italy.
Bassano del Grappa is not on the regular tourist trail. The tourists we did see were mostly Italian. The bridge was crowded, mainly because of the renovations, but the rest of the town was pleasantly busy. We were there on a weekend and it was fun to see people out enjoying themselves. If you are visiting the north, put Bassano del Grappa on your list.
Just gorgeous. I love that reflection shot!! Will keep this town in mind. 🙂
By: amindfultravellerblog on July 24, 2017
at 12:01 pm
We enjoyed our visit to Bassano del Grappa. We would like to explore the area more.
By: Debra Kolkka on July 24, 2017
at 9:38 pm
I’m sure there is plenty to discover Debra 😉
By: amindfultravellerblog on July 24, 2017
at 9:46 pm
Beautiful town, worth visiting!
By: Mulino Dominillo on July 24, 2017
at 12:01 pm
Another town to put on my list 👍Looks lovely
By: Anonymous on July 24, 2017
at 12:17 pm
It is a lovely town. It was certainly lively the weekend we visited.
By: Debra Kolkka on July 24, 2017
at 9:39 pm
Definetly on my list now!
By: Neeharika Satyavada on July 24, 2017
at 2:59 pm
I hope you enjoy your visit.
By: Debra Kolkka on July 24, 2017
at 9:40 pm
Love these towns off the tourist trail…. best part of Italy!
By: marcellina on July 24, 2017
at 9:23 pm
It is always good to find an authentic Italian town not taken over by tourists.
By: Debra Kolkka on July 24, 2017
at 9:41 pm
What not to like about “a tangle of narrow streets” in Italy! 🙂 …. Another great find … and thanks for answering my wonders about the alcoholic drink.
By: aFrankAngle on July 24, 2017
at 9:36 pm
I find Grappa a bit strong, but it clearly has fans.
By: Debra Kolkka on July 24, 2017
at 9:41 pm
Definitely strong … One of my cousins distills his own. … I’ll have to look at a bottle I got my one of my relatives because it’s a specialty drink from Abruzzo. Grappa-esque in my opinion.
By: aFrankAngle on July 24, 2017
at 9:50 pm
What an interesting little town…always something new to see… must see you before it gets hot again… just loving the cool weather!!! Jx
By: Jan Williams on July 24, 2017
at 11:39 pm
I love Brisbane in winter too.
By: Debra Kolkka on July 25, 2017
at 12:01 am
My impression of Italy – of Italians – is that there must be always something beautiful for the eyes and beautiful for the bellies. I’m sure that like all countries Italy, too, has its grot spots and your photos could, if you chose, show a different place, but i think that would not be a true reflection of this ever enchanting place. I smashed my much loved fat and peachy Portmeirion tea pot recently it hit the ground with the sound of a large Easter egg, but i haven’t been able to throw it away – thanks to Bassano del Grappa it’s got a second life in the garden now and i’m looking around to see whatelse i can put out there:)
By: Jan on July 25, 2017
at 12:12 am
There are less attractive places in Italy, of course, but I don’t photograph those. I’m sorry about your teapot.
By: Debra Kolkka on July 25, 2017
at 1:55 am
The view from the bridge is amazing! It would be lovely to live there 🙂
By: Tanya M on July 25, 2017
at 3:18 am
It is a very pretty town.
By: Debra Kolkka on July 25, 2017
at 9:27 pm
How I understand Jim. I stopped eat sweets, but these shop windows are still my favorite, in any country.
Thank you for the interesting post and very good photographs.
By: Victor Tribunsky on July 28, 2017
at 4:23 am
Thank you. There are many things to tempt us in Italy.
By: Debra Kolkka on July 28, 2017
at 9:09 pm
I fori sono dei colpi di moschetto francesi, soldati di Napoleone durante la seconda battaglia di Bassano del 1809
By: Anonymous on May 7, 2018
at 7:59 pm