Castelfranco Veneto

A small fortified town of about 33,000 inhabitants (in 2021), Castelfranco Veneto has preserved beautiful ramparts.
It was founded by the city of Treviso in 1195, located 25 km away, as a fortified stronghold to protect itself from the rival cities of Padua and Vicenza. Noble families were settled there, exempt from taxes and duties (hence the franco, franche, of Castelfranco). From 1339 onward, a long period of several centuries began during which Castelfranco remained under Venetian rule.
It is also known as the birthplace of the painter Giorgione (1477-1510).

What to see in Castelfranco

• The historic center is still protected by its medieval walls, almost square at nearly 230 meters per side, with its corner towers and its water-filled moat. The gate facing the road to Treviso is the most important, with the clock and the Lion of Saint Mark (1499) crowned by an 18th-century bell tower.
• The cathedral preserves the famous Madonna Enthroned with Child, a panel painting by Giorgione (1505) in the Costanzo Chapel, as well as frescoes by Jacopo Da Bassano, Veronese and Palma il Giovane.
• The Civic Tower (Torre Civica) can be visited on weekends and during exhibitions.
• The Casa Giorgione museum, a Gothic building, is dedicated to the history of Castelfranco and to the famous painter.
• The small Teatro Accademico is an elegant historic theater.
• Near the center, the Villa Bolasco (16th-18th century) can be visited on weekends, along with its superb park.
• Outside the walls, the large market square Piazza Giorgione is lined with arcades and pleasant bars.
• In Fanzalo, 8 km from Castelfranco, the Villa Emo is a remarkable work by Andrea Palladio, typical of a country villa, with superb interior decorations such as the frescoes by Zelotti depicting episodes drawn from mythology and Roman history, as well as family stories.

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Information

• Regional tourism website: veneto.eu
• Article Wikipedia
• Blogs: souvenirdiviaggio.it

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