Welcome to this travel guide that covers the town of Castelfranco Veneto, a great day trip by train from Venice if you’re looking to explore more of the Veneto region.
I’m pleased to introduce Castelfranco Veneto for the very first time, my beloved hometown, nestled less than an hour away from the bustling canals of Venice.
Steeped in mediaeval charm, this hidden gem in the Veneto region is renowned for its magnificent castle and ancient walls. But what else is there on offer here?
Things to do in Castelfranco Veneto
Some of the best things you can do in Castelfranco are wander through the cobblestone streets and the main piazza: Piazza Giorgione and admire the awe-inspiring Duomo with the masterpiece Pala del Giorgione.
During winter, you can delight your senses with the unique flavours of radicchio variegato of Castelfranco IGP, a local culinary treasure.
Finally, visit Teatro Accademico, a small but splendid theatre by the architect Francesco Maria Preti and go for a walk around the Parco Revedin Bolasco.
Castelfranco Veneto (and I) invite you to explore its rich history and timeless beauty and now you are here reading this guide, let’s start this journey together!
Where is Castelfranco Veneto?
Located in the heart of the Veneto region, in north-east Italy, Castelfranco Veneto is less than an hour’s drive and train ride from Venice, roughly 50 kilometres away.
This mediaeval town is easily accessible from Venice, but also:
- Padua to Castelfranco (around 40 kilometres);
- Treviso to Castelfranco (approximately 30 kilometres);
- Vicenza to Castelfranco (roughly 60 kilometres)
So when you consider the town’s strategic location, Castelfranco makes a great day trip to take by car or train from not only Venice but also other cities in the region.
On the other hand, its strategic position makes it a perfect base to explore the surrounding cities and towns, whether that’s with one of the many convenient train connections or scenic drives through the picturesque Veneto countryside.
Castelfranco Veneto serves as a gateway to an array of cultural and historical wonders, think about Bassano del Grappa famous for its Ponte degli Alpini and grappa or the romantic Asolo. These are places just waiting to be explored.
Is Castelfranco worth visiting?
Castelfranco is a little-known gem in the Veneto region, too often overshadowed by the popularity of Venice and places such as the Prosecco Hills and the Dolomites.
See a few reasons why I believe you should visit at least once below!
- 1. Convenient day trip from Venice: Castelfranco Veneto’s proximity to Venice makes it an ideal destination for a day trip. Just a short journey away, you can escape the crowds of Venice and immerse yourself in the tranquillity and charm of this mediaeval town.
- 2. Artistic and architectural treasures: From the imposing mediaeval castle to the awe-inspiring Duomo adorned with the famous Pala del Giorgione, Castelfranco Veneto boasts a rich artistic and architectural heritage. Visit the romantic Parco Bolasco and its 18th century villa too.
- 3. The best of Veneto cuisine: Castelfranco Veneto offers a gastronomic experience like no other, showcasing the region’s culinary prowess. You can indulge in the flavours of local cuisine, where the Radicchio of Castelfranco takes centre stage during the winter season. Don’t miss the chance to savour the fregolotta, a delightful crunchy tart dating back to the 18th century.
If you’re planning a trip at the moment, feel free to email me to ask me for local advice about Castelfranco Veneto and/or where to eat amazing food whenever you like!
As I mentioned earlier, Castelfranco not only makes for the perfect day trip from Venice but also a great place to have off-the-beaten-path experience.
How to get to Castelfranco from Venice?
Getting to Castelfranco Veneto from Venice is extremely easy and straightforward. You have multiple transport options on offer. If you prefer the convenience of a direct journey, hop on a regional or fast regional train from Venice’s Santa Lucia station.
It takes only 47 minutes to 1 hour to get to Castelfranco Veneto. Alternatively, you can opt for a scenic drive along the regional road SR308, covering approximately 45 kilometres and crossing the Veneto countryside. There are no direct buses connecting Venice to Castelfranco Veneto, so this option is not advisable.
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Things to do in Castelfranco Veneto
After this introduction, with no further ado, let’s dive into this guide on the best things to do in Castelfranco Veneto and get ready to learn more about this lovely little Veneto gem with me, a born and bred Castellana!
Duomo of Castelfranco and Pala del Giorgione
The Duomo of Castelfranco Veneto is a testament to the architectural brilliance of Francesco Maria Preti, renowned for his work on several churches in the area as well as the Teatro Accademico.
Drawing inspiration from the Chiesa del Redentore in Venice by Palladio, Preti crafted a masterpiece of Venetian Renaissance architecture. As you step inside the Duomo, you’ll be greeted by a treasure trove of artistic wonders, including the iconic Pala del Giorgione.
Yet, the splendour doesn’t end here; Giovanni Battista Ponchini’s poignant Discesa di Cristo and Palma il Giovane’s evocative Martirio di S. Sebastiano adorn its walls and contribute to enrich the artistic heritage of Castelfranco Veneto.
In the famous Pala del Giorgione appears San Liberale which is the patron saint of Castelfranco Veneto and celebrated on the 27th of April. The church is usually open all day long with a break between midday and 3pm.
📍 Duomo di Castelfranco Veneto, Vicolo del Cristo, 14
Casa Museo Giorgione
Just next to the Duomo, you can find the Casa Museo Giorgione, former house and workplace of the illustrious painter Giorgione.
While his masterpiece, La Tempesta, now graces the halls of the Gallerie dell’Accademia in Venice, visitors to this museum can still immerse themselves in the enigmatic world of Giorgione, just in his space and hometown.
Within its walls, the Casa Museo houses the mysterious omen in the guide of the ‘frieze of the liberal and mechanical arts’, offering a glimpse into the Renaissance genius’s profound vision.
Giorgione’s legacy as a skilled painter relates to years of work at the Bellinis’ workshop in Venice and finally as a mentor to Titian.
If you’re a Renaissance art enthusiast, a visit to the Casa Museo Giorgione is a must. You can find more information on the official Casa Museo Giorgione website.
📍 Casa Museo Giorgione, Piazza S. Liberale
Teatro Accademico
The Teatro Accademico in Castelfranco Veneto is another project of the talented architect Francesco Maria Preti.
Initially designed as both an opera house for evening entertainment and a meeting ground for intellectuals during the day, this architectural jewel continues to captivate visitors with its timeless charm and spot-on acoustic.
Adorning the theatre’s ceiling is the mesmerising allegory of Immortality, flanked by Virtue and Glory, painted by the Venetian artist Sebastiano Santi.
Laurel wreaths cascade upon the luminaries of Castelfranco, celebrating the town’s rich heritage of scholars, scientists, and artists. Today, the Teatro Accademico remains a vibrant hub of cultural expression, hosting a diverse array of events ranging from theatrical performances to dance recitals and musical concerts.
If you’re eager to experience the cultural pulse of Castelfranco Veneto, make sure to visit the Teatro Accademico. You can take a look at the theatre’s official website for any upcoming events.
📍 Teatro Accademico, Via Giuseppe Garibaldi, 4
Mediaeval castle and gardens
The mediaeval castle and city walls of Castelfranco Veneto are direct witness of centuries of history and strategic significance. Part of the town’s name, ‘franco’, means tax-free, and explains why its first inhabitants didn’t have to pay taxes.
Castelfranco, thanks to its strategic location played an important role as a vital trading hub but at the same time was frequently in the middle of provinces’ border riots.
With its quadrilateral design and defensive towers, the 800-year-old castle served as a formidable stronghold, welcoming people from far and wide.
Among its six remaining towers, the Torre Civica or Torre dell’Orologio, adorned with a clock and the iconic St. Mark’s Lion that symbolises the authority of La Serenissima over the town.
Rising 17 metres high and surrounded by a canal originally built for defensive purposes, evoke a sense of grandeur and resilience. If you visit Castelfranco, you can go for a walk around the castle’s gardens, where the local Christmas markets take place between December and January.
Piazza Giorgione and porticoes
Piazza Giorgione is the main public square of Castelfranco. It was an important bustling centre of commerce and community since the 13th century.
On its eastern side stands a pavilion, known as the ‘Loggia dei Grani’ or ‘Paveion’, where trade negotiations once flourished.
The pavilion is now the Bar Borsa, a bar where you can go for a drink or a coffee. Along Corso XXIX Aprile, there used to be palaces that belonged to Castelfranco’s noble families.
Today, the vibrant tradition continues with bustling markets held every Tuesday and Friday, offering a glimpse into the town’s lively atmosphere.
To truly immerse yourself in the local culture, I recommend visiting Castelfranco on market days, where you can explore the shops, bars, and cafes under the porticoes.
I recommend going for breakfast at Bar Giorgione before going shopping and having a creamy cappuccino and a croissant.
Aperitivo at a bar inside the city walls
There are plenty of bars inside and outside the city walls where it’s a ritual for Castelfranco people to have their beloved aperitivo.
Whether it’s friends or family, the tradition of the aperitivo here, like in many other places around Veneto, it’s always eagerly awaited. It means reconnect with our loved ones and sharing good food and drinks together.
Here’s my favourite selection of bars to go for aperitivo inside the city walls:
- Corten Enoteca & Polpetteria – great choice of cicchetti, especially polpette (meat or vegetarian balls)!
- Ostè – another great and popular place for aperitivo in Castelfranco. Here I recommend trying the mozzarella in carrozza, croutons and again the polpette. I normally order 3 or 4 cicchetti along with a Spritz or Prosecco glass. You can also have lunch or dinner with typical regional dishes.
- Bistro San Giustino – it’s famous for their tramezzini, toasts and polpette. You can simply ask the waiter to create a platter with a mix of cicchetti accompanied by a lovely salsa rosa!
- Comarò – it’s always frequented by locals at any time of the day. It’s particularly popular for its cocktails, but you can also grab a coffee with a pastry in the morning.
- Osteria Maniscalco – this is the best aperitivo bar for the scenic location, just outside the city walls. During summer, you can take a table outside and enjoy the romantic view of the castle. Apart from the usual cicchetti mentioned above, you can order a sharing platter of cured meats along with one of the aperitivo drinks they offer.
Villa Parco Bolasco
As you walk down Borgo Treviso from Castelfranco city centre, you can spot a long white wall. That’s where the Villa and enchanting Parco Revedin Bolasco are located. The park is a sprawling oasis of romance spanning 8 hectares.
Dating back to 1852-1865, the park’s centrepiece is a magnificent 18th century villa surrounded by meticulously landscaped Italian style gardens. Discover serenity by strolling through verdant pathways, where you can also find a picturesque lake with two islands.
Former owners used to go on leisurely walks and serene boat rides. Adorned with over 1000 trees, the park boasts architectural gems like the Cavallerizza, a cavana, and a dovecote tower, while the Hispano-Moorish greenhouse adds an exotic twist.
You can immerse yourself in the timeless beauty of Parco Revedin Bolasco from spring time and during the opening dates announced on the Parco Bolasco official website.
Visiting Castelfranco Veneto
Castelfranco Veneto is well worth a visit, especially if you’re a returning visitor to Venice and have some spare days to visit other places on the direct hinterland.
If you’re passionate about culture, regional cuisine and want to explore the most authentic side of this Italian region, then visit Castelfranco.
For more ideas on places to easily reach by car or by train from Venice, check out my guide on the best day trips from Venice by train and use some of my personal tips.
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