Herds of deer and age-old trees in Cansiglio Forest and Vittorio Veneto, the city of the last battle
Castles, sanctuaries and wildlife in Cansiglio Forest
On 30 October 1918, Italian troops entered Vittorio Veneto, just a few miles from the Piave River and Monte Grappa. They liberated it from the Austrians, which led to the enemy line breaking up and paved the way to victory for the Allied forces in the First World War. Still today, strolling around the city centre cannot help but make you love Italy even more. However, there is more to Vittorio Veneto than just history. It was founded in the mid-19th century after the two neighbouring municipalities of Ceneda and Serravalle were merged. The districts of the city still have their own distinctive identities.
Why should you visit Vittorio Veneto?
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It is fascinating to note the differences between Serravalle and Ceneda. The old town centre of the former is full of distinguished buildings and traces left by the Republic of Venice, while the latter is the home of the local Bishop and his Diocese. Ceneda was also the birthplace of Lorenzo Da Ponte, who wrote famous libretti for operas by figures such as Mozart and Salieri.
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Find out all about the history of the First World War by visiting the Battle Museum. It was based on an idea by Luigi Marson from Vittorio Veneto, who was in the 2nd Grenadiers and was part of the generation of soldiers born in 1899. Experience life in the trenches, which is recreated in a special exhibition. Don’t forget to pay your respects to the fallen at the war memorial in Piazza del Popolo.
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Standing tall behind Vittorio Veneto is the Cansiglio Plateau. As you follow the trails through Cansiglio Forest on foot, mountain bike or horseback, you can discover the fauna and all of the types of trees, flowers and plants. Alternatively, take the road to Cison di Valmarino and walk around the Santa Maria and Lago glacial lakes on a circular route, savouring the relaxing atmosphere. The Valley Lakes Park combines the wonders of the natural landscape with the history of the Livelet Archaeological Park.
Fascinating Veneto sites: the Sanctuary of Santa Augusta
In addition to the Castle of San Martino and Monte Tomba, the city of Vittorio Veneto is also watched over by the Sanctuary of Santa Augusta. It is dedicated to Saint Augusta, who is said to have been martyred by her own father for converting to Christianity. On the stairs up to the Sanctuary are seven oratories, which were built by the local people as a votive offering after they asked the saint to save them from the plague in the 17th century. The relics of the saint can be found in the sanctuary and still today people believe that she can cure head-related ailments.
