In the midst of the plain and inclines of
Monte Grappa, the province of Treviso offers an enjoyable tour of
residences which bear the mark of the great architects.
Starting from
Altivole, it is possible to discover two architectural gems. The first is the
Barco of Queen Caterina Cornaro, the former Queen of Cyprus; a sixteenth century building-fortress which acted as her summer abode. Today all that remains of the Barco, which means "fenced in complex", is a long barchessa (barn). Another highly-valued work is the
Tomba Brion which was designed by the Venetian architect Carlo Scarpa and is important site for modern art lovers. The monumental
mausoleum, constructed in bare concrete, is the location of a chapel and the family tomb.
The second stop on the tour is
Possagno, the birth place of
Antonio Canova, the famous
sculptor of European neoclassicism. The sculptor's remaining works includes the
Canovian Temple, a Church inspired by the Pantheon in Rome, and the Gipsoteca, a collection of moulds and plaster work hosted in the building constructed by Scarpa, next to the artist's house.
The last stop takes us to the splendid
Villa Barbaro in Maser, designed by
Andrea Palladio. Inserted into the list of
UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the home is today inhabited and still operates as a
farm. Inside,
works of art and frescos have been amassed. The historical wine cellar, the Palladian temple and the collection of carriages are worth a visit.
The province of Treviso is enriched by an extraordinary combination of landscapes, art and history; of such beauty that travellers will fall in love forever.