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Marostica, Bassano, Thiene
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BASSANO DEL GRAPPA
Crossed by the river Brenta, Bassano del Grappa is one of the most densely-populated and well-developed town in Veneto. As well as fast-growing industrial economy and a lively cultural activity, Bassano possesses a fine gastronomic tradition: it is impossible to leave without having tasted the asparagues, dried cod and grappa (if possible at the Nardini distillery).
Standing in the central Monte Vecchio square are the impressive Palazzo del monte di pieta' and the Casa Dal Corno Bonato, the facade of which was frescoed by Jacopo da Ponte, known as il Bassano (his works are now conserved in the Museo Civico); a few steps away, in Piazza della Liberta', is the neoclassical church of San Giovanni built in the 1300s by the architect Giovanni Miazzi. The 15th century Loggia del Comune is also lovely. All the town is dotted with buildings of fine taste, enriched with prescious ornamentation; a walk through the quiet squares is most fascinating.
The pearl of Bassano is, however, its wooden bridge, designed by Palladio in this material as its flexibility would resist the raging Brenta river. It was damaged both by the river and by bombings, but it was always restored following the ideas of Palladio. The last restoration was in the second postwar period and it was due to the Alpine troops.
For more info: BASSANO DEL GRAPPA
MAROSTICA
According to the legend, in 1454, Rinaldo da Angarano and Vieri da Vallonara played an important live game of chess in Marostica on a huge chessboard, specially painted in Piazza Castello, to win the hand of Lionora, the daughter of the lord of the castle, Taddeo Parisio.
Since 1954 this splendid challenge has been re-enacted every two years and has turned into a real town festival, with displays of traditional 15th century costumes. Besides the, now famous, chessboard the whole medieval complex , one of the most important in Veneto, is lovely.
Two fortified walls start from the upper castle, set on the hill adjacent to the town; they embrace the whole old town centre and meet lower down in the lower Castle, recently not too perfectly restored.
Outside the circle, beyond the three gates it is possible to visit the intricate outlying districts, including the borgo di Giara, originally the centre of Marostica.
For more info: MAROSTICA
THIENE
Thiene is a lively busy town of more than 21,000 inhabitants, and dates back to Roman times. It was developed around a "castrum" and in Medieval times was transformed into a castle to defend the village and protect the local church: "Pieve di S. Maria". Thiene gradually grew over the years, showing its genuine spirit and cultural, artistic and social soul in the dynamic and busy area that surrounds the town. For more information :
THIENE
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