Belluno: the Shining City

Belluno developed its urban core around eight squares. Almost everyone considers as the main one Piazza dei Martiri (Martyrs Square), where you can walk on listón (dialect word to indicate the pedestrian area in the centre of a town) and admire from the large public gardens the Renaissance setting and the arcades of the palaces that stand in the shape of an ellipse.

Also known as Piazza Campedèl (Campitello Square, because Campitello indicated the area devoted to fairs and parades outside of the city walls which once surrounded the Roman and medieval city centre), it presents buildings from the 15th and 18th century, but most are from the 16th century. The entrance to the Church of San Rocco is also under the arcades and it contains valuable works by Besarel, Luigi Cima and probably an Assumption by Cesare Vecellio.

By continuing through Piazza Castello you arrive at Piazza Duomo, where you can admire the Cathedral, with its bell tower by Juvarra, the Palazzo dei Rettori, the Auditorium-Vescovado Vecchio and Palazzo Piloni.

The adjacent Piazza Mercato or Piazza delle Erbe (market or herbs square), with arcades on the four sides, is enclosed by Casa Miari, Palazzo del Monte di Pietà and Loggia dei Ghibellini.

If you wish to taste something delicious during the itinerary, stop at the Pasticceria Bellunese or at the Pastificio Menazza.

From here you can reach Piazza Santa Maria dei Battuti or, in the opposite direction, the Dojona Portal, by passing another small square (Piazza Mazzini) on the right. After passing through the Portal you will find the Municipal Theatre which overlooks Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II. To the right you can reach Piazza Santo Stefano with its Church and Convent of the Servites; to the left is Piazza dei Martiri once again.

Lunch

Lunch will be held at a restaurant in town, a few steps from the historic buildings, with a tasting menu of Belluno's products and dishes. Don’t miss the Restaurant La Nicchia.