In the northeast of Italy, we find Veneto, one of the most beautiful and most visited regions in this country. This land has the fortune of having sea and mountains and both rivers and lakes.

The Dolomite Mountains act as a background to Veneto cities such as Belluno, Verona, Vicenza and they offer natural breathtaking scenery.

Veneto’s coast, were some of Italy’s most beautiful beaches are found, is appreciated by those who choose to vacation in the area. Some of these beaches include Bibione and Jesolo, which are usually hotspots for young people due to the fashion appeal, and then there are Caorle and “il Lido di Venezia” which offer a time of tourism that combines culture and a relaxing vacation on the beach.

From the sea to the mountains, Veneto’s landscape has inspired, like much of the rest of Italy, painters, writers, men and women who have come from all over the world and even decide to make Veneto the place to stay for their existence.

From a historical standpoint, the region of Veneto was under Roman rule for many, many years. The Roman regime was there up until the Visigoths came down from Northern Europe and after the Visigoths, the Byzantines conquered the area and then the Longobards. These invasions are part of what make Veneto’s culture truly unique because of the variety of culture and virtues that are spread out.

The inner parts, for years under control of the Longobards, remained Medieval, while the coast, governed by the Byzantines, was becoming a democratic republic, which gave power to the future Venetian aristocrats. Through time this new social class was able to strengthen itself and unify the inner parts and the coast into one region.

Who in the world knows Venice and has not dreamed, at least once, about visiting it? A truly unique city because of how it is situated on the water and also a truly fascinating one that continuously attracts countless amounts of visitors each and every year. The spectacular Piazza San Marco is the nucleus of the city and one of many breathtaking sites that can be visited. The museums, palaces and churches all over the city hold precious pieces of art such as Tiziano’s masterpieces, which are found in the Chiesa dei Fari. Not only are there these beautiful sights to behold, but also just walking around through the long and narrow streets of the city and seeing water nearly wherever you go makes an experience in Venice truly unique. Places such as the Ponte di Rialto and the Ponte dell’Accademia are bridges that offer spectacular views of the city and very romantic sunsets which most of us cannot even picture in our dreams. Couples come from all over the world and choose this city as the place to crown their love. For the past 53 years the Biennale d’Arte has taken place in Venice, which is an art show were the best artists showcase their masterpieces every two years and it attracts art lovers from all over the world. Venice also is home to the most famous celebration of the Italian carnival every February which is a celebration for all of the city and its tourists.

Padua is another city with precious works of art. In Padua one of Giotto’s masterpieces: La Cappella Degli Scrovegni, which was completed by the Tuscan artists in 300 A.D.

Farther inland to the west, Verona offers a Roman ruin for the world to behold, l’Arena di Verona, it’s own version of the coliseum which has for many years been known as the home to one of the best lyrical Opera’s in the world. Of course Verona is also the home of Romeo and Juliet, in fact Juliet’s tomb is in Verona. Every year, lovers from all over the globe go to her resting place to deposit flowers and messages and also take a picture kissing each other on her famous balcony. To top it all off, the whole city of Verona was named a UNESCO site, yet another reason why on a visit to Veneto you cannot miss out on what this city has to offer!

Slightly to the Northeast of Verona lies Vicenza with its beautiful Villas constructed by the great architect from Veneto: Andrea Palladio. In the province of Vicenza lies Marostica that is known for it’s Piazza Degli Scacchi where every year for over 500 years there has been a hotly contested chess match.

Veneto is also, like most regions of Italy, an area with an exceptional cuisine. A very popular dish around the Po River is, naturally, fish from the river itself such as the Anguilla alla Valesana, which is an eel served with warm polenta. No worries though for those who are not fish lovers, because the rest of the region offers a variety of delicacies which are truly unique to this part of the country. The city of Treviso is known for its famous red chicory, used by the best chefs around the world. In the Alps of Veneto the Morlacco d’Alpeggio can be found which is a cream, rich and delicious cheese best accompanied by honey from those mountains. Usually in Italy cheeses are complemented by hams such as the local lard with herbs, which is served with bread containing nuts and always with one of the great wines from Veneto such as local Merlots or Cabernets. In Vicenza a particular dish of cod is served with polenta.

As far as Wine goes Veneto is known all over the world for its production of Prosecco, a fresh, sparkling white wine. However Veneto also produces exceptional red wines such as the Amarone Della Valpolicella, which is bound to be truly appreciated by wine lovers and connoisseurs.

Much of the craft activities in the region are tied to the mountains. At the border with Trentino-Alto Adige, we find the mountain city of Belluno, which is home to a lot of work with wood and metals. Many can with these materials construct beautiful sculptures.

The region organizes art events every year in various cities during winter but mainly during spring and summer. In the winter months, Veneto is home to the season of theater. In the spring and the summer other spectacles take place, which bring spectators from all around the world. The Arena of Verona hosts one of the most renown Opera seasons around the globe.

For classical music, Venice was the home of Antonio Vivaldi and continues to play his four seasons to this day with exceptional pride.

All of this and much more is awaiting in the beautiful and unique Veneto!

All of the images used on this page are a courtesy of our loyal customer Kit Hammond. All rights reserved.