Belluno Italy - The Mountain Venice

Known as the mountain Venice, Belluno Italy is a very special town and gateway to the dolomites.

The feel of this town is unique amongst mountain towns in Italy - it feels more like a Venetian coastal town. The climate too is mild for a mountain town.

Belluno has a long history, the town served Venice both as a gateway to trading with northern Europe and as a first line of defense against northern invaders. It was the summer getaway for rich Venetians escaping the heat and humidity of Venice.

Spend a few days exploring. There is a lot to see to see despite the relatively small size of the town. Belluno is an ideal jumping off point for the Dolomites and the magnificent Bellunesi National Park.

The Albergo Cappello e Cadore is your best option if you would like something central and reasonably priced. This is a 3 star hotel offering comfortable rooms, friendly staff and an excellent location. It is nothing special but probably your best hotel bet in Belluno.

What to See

Palaces and villas abound reflecting the past wealth of Belluno and judging by the shops, cars and people there is still plenty of wealth around today.

Visit Herb Square – the Italian name Piazza delle Erbe sounds much better – a lovely old piazza surrounded by the splendid palaces of the rich of yesteryear.

The bell tower designed by Juvarra (a chap who designed a lot of buildings in my old home town of Turin) and the basilica are also notable.

Belluno is full of good restaurants and seems to be a town in which the diverse coastal and mountain styles of cooking come together in a treat for the taste buds. I had better stop now – once I get onto food I end up going on for ever...

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