Get to know one of Italy’s most picturesque small towns full of culture, art, architecture, and of course, grappa.

Revisiting places that one has known and loved in the past can be tricky. Especially if said past dates back to over two decades. Will the location still live up to your expectations? Or are you going to be disappointed?

To my huge relief, this little gem has not lost any of its charm and fascination!

Nestled at the foothills of the Italian Prealps, on the banks of the Brenta River, Bassano del Grappa is without exaggeration one of the most picturesque towns of Italy.

The town takes its name from Monte Grappa, not from the Italian spirit of the same name. That said, it is nonetheless the heart of the country’s grappa industry.

While famously liked with grappa distilling, the little town also has a thriving ceramics industry. Distributed throughout the old town, you will find many lovely small ceramics shops selling both the typical souvenirs as well as beautifully handcrafted ceramics worth shopping for.

Key takeaways

• If you want to explore authentic travel destinations, this little town nestled at the foothills of the Italian Prealps is the perfect destination for you.
• Conveniently located just one hour from both Venice and Verona, Bassano del Grappa is a perfect day-trip destination.
• While attracting international tourists, Bassano del Grappa is still crowd-free unless you visit during peak summer season.
• The small historic town can be easily explored by foot in a day, with the most interesting sites just few minutes from each other.
• The town offers an exciting mix of history, architecture, and culture.
• Bassano del Grappa is the birthplace of Italy’s famous grappa distilling, with multiple sites offering grappa testing and excellent insight in grappa distilling.

A little history about Bassano del Grappa

Historic relics found in the neighbourhood of Angarano (today a part of Bassano) suggest that the earliest settlement in the area could data back as far as the pre-Venetic period and thus around the end of the 2nd millennium BC to the 1st millennium BC. Meanwhile, the earliest mention of a medieval city dates to 998, and the first mentions of the castle to 1150.

In the late 12th century, the town was conquered by Vicenza, albeit maintaining a semi-autonomous status. Meanwhile, in the 13th century, Bassano came under the rule of the Ezzelini family, who was the first to unite the various territories of the Veneto region. Later, control of the town was passed to Padua, followed by the Viscount of Milan, before it became part of the Venetian Republic.

In 1760 Bassano was granted city-status by the Doge of Venice and quickly evolved into an important trade and cultural centre. Local industries included wool, silk, iron, chopper, and most importantly ceramics.

Initially known as Bassano Veneto, the town was officially renamed Bassano del Grappa in 1928 in honour of the many soldiers killed during the first World War at the terrible battles at the nearby Asiago Plateau.

In the past, many well-known artists made the town their home at least for some time, including Ernest Hemingway who worked as an ambulance driver during the war and later lived in Bassano while writing this novel A Farwell to Arms.

Where is Bassano del Grappa, and how to get there?

Bassano del Grappa is located in the northeastern part of the Veneto region in Italy and belongs to the province of Vicenza. Nearby cities include Vicenza, Padua, and Treviso.

The town is conveniently located close two major airports Venice and Verona, both around one hour away.

Bassano is connected to the train and bus network, and there are connections from major cities like Venice, Verona, and Bologna.

Public transport is convenient when exploring Bassano del Grappa during a day trip. However, if you want to remain flexible and explore some of the surroundings, like Monte Grappa, the best way to reach the town is by car.

What is the best time visiting Bassano del Grappa?

The picturesque little town is a year-round destination, with different events taking place throughout the year.

Personally, I’d recommend visiting during shoulder season, with the best months being May through June, and mid-September through October. Day temperatures will be generally mild to warm and visitor numbers will be low during this period, though I’d still recommend avoiding weekends.

Spring (late April to June) is the perfect time to admire flowers in bloom, and end April to early May the city celebrates its annual white asparagus festival, with many restaurants offering special asparagus menus.

The summer months (July through August) are usually more crowded, and temperatures can climb well above the thirty degrees.

Winter months can be foggy though on a sunny day the view from Ponte Vecchio over the snowcapped Monte Grappa and the Italian Prealps are breathtaking. In addition, from mid-November to January 6th, the main squares Piazza Liberta and Piazza Garibaldi will host local Christmas markets and the small alleyways in the historic town are illuminated with Christmas lights.

Exploring Bassano del Grappa: What to see and what to do

Bassano del Grappa, despite the small size, is a destination that offers plenty to do and see. If like most visitors, you are planning to explore the city during a day trip from the nearby cities of Venice or Verona or stopping for the day on a longer road trip through the Veneto, here are the main attractions to add to your itinerary.

Ponte Vecchio

The beautiful small red wooden bridge dating back to the 13th century was designed by Andrea Palladio and is without doubt Bassano’s most famous landmark. It is also known under the name Ponte degli Alpini, a nickname that dates back to World War I when the bridge was crossed by Italian troops led by the infamous General Luigi Cadorna to reach the nearby Asiago Plateau, a crucial battlefield of WW I.

The bridge has maintained its mighty design by Andrea Palladio, though it was destroyed a few times by floodings of the river and in 1945 when it was burned down by Italian partisans. However, mentions of a bridge crossing the Brenta River at the very same spot date back to 1100, then connecting Bassano del Grappa with the town of Angarano (which today is part of Bassano).

Pizza Garibaldi

One of Bassano’s major town squares, Piazza Garibaldi is located at the heart of the old town. At the northern side it is lined by beautiful historic buildings and the impressive medieval tower, and to south by the impressive church of San Francesco.

Piazza Garibaldi is also referred to by locals as Piazza della Fontana due to the huge fountain that sits in the middle of the square, or Piazza delle Erbe as the square for centuries has been home to the local farmers’ market. Today, it also frequently hosts other major events throughout the year.

Called Fontana Bonaguro, the large fountain was built in 1898 and takes its name from the towns major Antonio Bonaguro.

The square is a popular place to stop and have a coffee, or later in the day a cocktail and some snacks.

Chiesa di San Francesco

Towering over Piazza Garibaldi, the church was built in the 13th century by order of Ezzelino il Balbo to fulfil a vow after his return from the Holy Land. Initially dedicated to the Virgin Mary, the church was passed to the Frati Minori Conventuali in 1287 who dedicated it to San Francesco. Inside, it impresses with beautiful 15th century frescoes and painted vaults.

Entry to the church is free but it will be closed from 12pm to 4pm, and during weekdays from 6pm (and 7.30pm on weekends). It will also remain closed on Monday afternoon.

Piazza della Liberta

The main town square of Bassano, Piazza della Liberta, is surrounded by stunning historic buildings including the Church of San Giovanni Battista and the 15th century townhall.

To the western side, you will find the statue of Lion of St. Mark and that of San Bassiano, the patron saint of the town.

The beautiful town hall (Palazzo Municipale) is one of the most gorgeous buildings, adorned by a small loggia and big clock.

Castello degli Ezzelini

Towering over the town, the stunning fortified mediaeval castle was built during the 12th century by the Ezzelini family, who at the time ruled over Bassano and the surrounding region. Later, it was passed to the famous Venetian Scaligeri family, the Visconti family and finally the Republic of Venice.

Built with Brenta stones and brick, the castle boasts and outer and inner wall equipped with watchtowers.

Access to the castle is limited but from April through October, the walkway of the castle will open to the public. Running alongside the wall, the walkway offers stunning views over the Brenta river and the famous bridge.

Palazzo Sturm

The 18th century villa is located at the banks of the Brenta River. Designed by Daniello Bernardi, the large palazzo is home to two museums, Museo Civico Giuseppe Roi which displays ancient pottery, and Museo dell’Artigianato Remondini where you can discover the typography and calligraphy of the famous printing family.

A silver rhino made of stainless steel is towering right in front of the building.

The terrace also offers stunning views over the wooden bridge, so it is a place you should not miss even when not interesting in visiting the museums.

Libreria Palazzo Roberti

Love exploring bookstores? Then you can’t miss this one. Not only does it host a huge selection of books. The 17th century town house hosting the store itself is a stunning location and once even played host to Napoleon Bonarparte. Make sure you head to the upper floor spotting stunning frescoes, and the beautiful little garden.

Hemingway Museum

Located around one kilometre outside the old town centre, on the banks of the Brenta River, you find another interesting museum. Dedicated to the life of famous writer Ernest Hemingway at the time of the First World War it displays an interesting collection of personal items, manuscripts, letters, and some of this first editions.

Whether or not you are interested in Hemingway’s life and work, the stunning historic palace offering views of the nearby mountain range is worth a little detour of its own.

Exploring Bassano del Grappa’s grappa distilleries

While, as mentioned before, the town takes its name from the impressive Monte Grappa towering over the town, you are nonetheless at the heart of Italy’s grappa industry.

Therefore, no visit to Bassano is complete without a little grappa tasting.

Grapperia Nardini

Founded in 1779 by Bortolo Nardini, this is Italy’s oldest grappa distillery, and for this reason and the distillery’s location the place where you should start your grappa experience.

The distillery is located right at the entrance to Ponte Vecchio, where it also owns a small bar serving its own grappa (or correctly said ‘grappe’ as they obviously produce various styles) along with other beverages and some small snacks.

Grapperia Nardin is perhaps the most popular spot tasting the towns famous spirit, frequented by locals and tourists alike. Indeed, when visiting during the weekend, you will find large crowds outside the small bar having a grappa or other aperitif of their choice.

By the way, Nardini initially called its spirit Aquavite di Vinaccia, which translates to ‘water of life’ or ‘water of vine’ which is quite fitting considering how grappa is made (distilling the grape leftover from winemaking, abut this is another story, stay tuned for more on Italy’s famous spirit soon).

Tip: Definitely have a Mezzo e Mezzo, the flagship cocktail invented at Nardini’s bar. The drink consists of red vermouth, rhubarb liqueur, and soda. It’s a really refreshing and low-alcohol drink.

Poli Grappa Museum – Museo del Grappa

Founded in 1993 by the Poli family, perhaps the most famous name associated with Italy’s grappa industry, you can’t miss the small but mighty grappa museum.

Located just a few steps away from the bridge, it is located right in the heart of the historic town and offers an intriguing knowledge about grappa distilling.

Access to the museum is free of charge, and there is also a small shop where you can taste and buy the large range of grappa from the Poli distillery.

Palace of Mixtures Cocktail Bar

The trendy cocktail bar is located right in the centre of Bassano. It’s the perfect location to take your aperitivo, offering a wide selection of innovative cocktails, and off course grappa.

Are you planning a trip to the Veneto region in Italy and looking for destinations worth visiting beyond Venice and Verona? Then I hope you find this day-trip itinerary to Bassano del Grappa helpful.