Crossed by the river Brenta, Bassano del Grappa is one of the most
densely-populated and well-developed town in Veneto. As well as fast-growing
industrial economy and a lively cultural activity, Bassano possesses a fine
gastronomic tradition: it is impossible to leave without having tasted the
asparaguses, dried cod and grappa (if possible at the Nardini distillery).
Standing in the central Monte Vecchio square are the impressive Palazzo del
Monte di Pieta' and the Casa Dal Corno Bonato, the facade of which was frescoed
by Jacopo da Ponte, known as il Bassano (his works are now conserved in the
Museo Civico); a few steps away, in Piazza della Liberta', is the neoclassical
church of San Giovanni built in the 1300s by the architect Giovanni Miazzi.
The
15th century Loggia del Comune is also lovely. All the town is dotted with
buildings of fine taste, enriched with precious ornamentation; a walk through
the quiet squares is most fascinating.
The pearl of Bassano is, however, its wooden bridge, designed by Palladio in
this material as its flexibility would resist the raging Brenta river. It was
damaged both by the river and by bombings, but it was always restored following
the ideas of Palladio. The last restoration was in the second postwar period and
it was due to the Alpine troops. more info: BASSANO DEL GRAPPA
According to the legend, in 1454, Rinaldo da Angarano and Vieri da Vallonara
played an important live game of chess in Marostica on a huge chessboard,
specially painted in Piazza Castello, to win the hand of Lionora, the daughter
of the lord of the castle, Taddeo Parisio.
Since 1954 this splendid challenge has been re-enacted every two years and has
turned into a real town festival, with displays of traditional 15th century
costumes. Besides the, now famous, chessboard the whole medieval complex , one
of the most important in Veneto, is lovely.
Two fortified walls start from the upper castle, set on the hill adjacent to the
town; they embrace the whole old town center and meet lower down in the lower
Castle, recently not too perfectly restored.
Outside the circle, beyond the three gates it is possible to visit the intricate
outlying districts, including the borgo di Giara, originally the center of
Marostica.
more info: MAROSTICA
