The best cycling routes around Conegliano

Beautiful castle view

Il Molinetto della Croda, in the Lierza valley, represents one of the most evocative corners of the Marca Trevigiana. In its almost four centuries of history, the ancient mill with a stone grinder has managed to maintain its charm and enchant artists and visitors.

The Castle of Collalto is an ancient medieval manor founded in the 12th century by the noble family of the Counts of Collalto. Strategically positioned on a hill overlooking the Piave plain, the castle soon became the hub of a vast and powerful feud. Over the centuries, the structure transformed from a military fortress into a splendid noble residence, enriched with works of art including frescoes by Pordenone. Unfortunately, its crucial position on the front line during World War I led to its almost total destruction under bombardment. Today, of the glorious original complex, the evocative ruins remain, dominated by the imposing 12th-century master tower, the defensive walls, and the nearby church of San Giorgio, which bear witness to the millennial charm of one of the most important historical sites in the Marca Trevigiana.

Located on the summit of Colle di Giano, the Castle of Conegliano is the historical emblem of the city and a privileged sentinel over the Venetian plain. Of the ancient medieval complex, the strategic heart of the village since the 12th century, the Bell Tower stands out today, the only surviving element along with part of the walls and the Guard Tower. Inside, the Civic Museum houses a precious collection ranging from archaeological finds to important pictorial works. From the top of the tower, the view is breathtaking: on clear days, the gaze sweeps from the rooftops of the historic center, adorned by the frescoed facades of via XX Settembre, to the crests of the Prealps and the Prosecco vineyards. Reachable via charming cobbled streets or staircases immersed in greenery, the castle is not just a monument, but a meeting place where history blends with the beauty of the Treviso landscape.

The Abbey of Santa Maria is a masterpiece of Cistercian architecture and one of the most significant spiritual centers in the Veneto. Founded on a previous Benedictine settlement, the current structure dates back to the 13th century and impresses with the elegance of its Gothic-Romanesque style. The true jewel of the complex is the cloister: a perfect quadrilateral where paired columns, all different from each other in decoration and shape, create a unique play of light and shadow. Inside the basilica, the gable facade and the solemn naves lead the eye towards the altar, where the venerated statue of the Madonna del Sacro Calice is kept. This place emanates a sense of absolute peace, bearing witness to centuries of monastic labor and profound sacred art.

Located in a picturesque position along the road connecting Cison di Valmarino to Follina, the small Church of Madonna delle Grazie is an enchanting example of rural sacred architecture. The building features a sober facade and a welcoming portico, historically intended to offer shelter to wayfarers and pilgrims traversing the valley. Inside, the church preserves an atmosphere of authentic peace, with frescoes and decorations celebrating the Virgin's protection over the community and the harvests. This sanctuary is particularly beloved by the local inhabitants for its simplicity and its deep connection to the territory. Its location, immersed in greenery and surrounded by the silence of the Prealps, makes it an ideal destination for a reflective stop during a walk among the villages, confirming the spiritual and scenic vocation of this corner of the Marca Trevigiana.

The Castello di San Salvatore, which dominates the town of Susegana, is one of the most imposing late medieval fortifications in Italy and the symbol of the power of the Counts of Collalto. Built starting from the 13th century, it transformed over time into a lavish Renaissance residence, becoming a cultural center of international importance. Despite the very serious damage suffered during the Great War, when it was on the Piave front line, the castle has been carefully restored by the Collalto family. Today, it welcomes visitors with its crenellated walls and splendid hanging garden, offering a breathtaking view of the Prosecco hills and testifying to eight centuries of aristocratic history amidst art, battles, and excellent wine-making traditions.

The castle can be visited! Every first Wednesday of the month with prior online registration.