Belluno Travel Guide -Italy
1. Best thinks to do in Belluno
Unlike its “sisters” provinces in Veneto, Belluno has no real attractions but encompasses a multitude of small and precious jewels not to be missed: first of all the lovely old town.
The city has a picturesque location on the hillside and this allows her to impress with many beautiful panoramic views from the historic center, inviting streets and fresh air in every season.
A peaceful walk watching the beautiful Gothic and Renaissance buildings is a must. If it is art to keep you awake, do not miss the opportunity to visit the Municipal Museum and the magnificent Cathedral of Belluno.
2. The Dolomites and surroundings
Once in Belluno let’s walk or bike to explore the real pride of the area: the beautiful Dolomite mountains. Here you can feel really close to the nature and live an unforgettable experience.
Belluno Dolomites National Park is waiting for you for a picnic or a complex route. There are many points of vegetation and animals observation, such as Salet (Sospirolo), outstanding for observing deer and ungulates in general or Caiada (Spar) where you can effortlessly come across robins, woodpeckers blacks, deer and foxes.
For those who never stops learning it is also possible to combine the observation to some interesting knowledge to bring back home, with a brief visit to the Botanical Garden Campanula Moretti, in the nearby of the Lake Mis, in Sospirolo.
The garden allows observation of many plant species of high altitude and the principal features of the Natural Park have been perfectly recreated: rocks and scree slopes, wetlands, meadows and forests.
During the winter, Belluno and surroundings are colored in white offering breathtaking views, white coats and impenetrable light and hundreds of opportunities for fun and entertainment.
Skiing in the Dolomites is skiing in Nevegal, Mount Avena, the Marmolada, the Three Peaks or on the slopes of Mount Civetta: beautiful scenery, the unknown beauty for those who have never seen them live.
All kind of skiing can be practiced: downhill skiing, alpine skiing, snowboarding, telemark, carving and off the track. Do not forget the old snowshoes for those who do not want to ski!
3. Nature, sports and green itineraries
Stone is the true character of this land: cold, untouched, unchanged while changing. Enjoy some slow travel, finding the happiness of today. There are many routes.
The one departing from Certosa di Vedana, visiting the nearby church of San Gottardo, guardian of extraordinary paintings. Above these missed beads and the small lake of Vedana stands the farm "Le Brandere", with unsurpassed products and renowned cuisine.
Then downstream, passing the town of Sedico to stop "Castelliere of Noal", an extraordinary discovery recently brought to light is waiting for your visit.
4. Tastes and local food
Enjoy the best recipes of "Cusina de Belun" and of the "Old Brewery Mezzaterra", you will know the true and genuine taste of the traditional cuisine of Belluno often unknown to the Italians.
Let’s start from the bacon, smoked and matured with mint, pepper, juniper, laurel and cabernet and served with platters of cheeses and savory flaky, such as the famous Piave.
Enjoy the excellent “pastin”, succulent mixture of pork and beef mixed with pepper and bacon, grilled and served with the amazing polenta.
Do not miss the apples, in all their "sauces" and fried donuts covered with powdered sugar and IGP beans, to be cooked with ham bone or rind.
5. Where to stay in the city and surrounding
Discover all eco-friendly accomodations in the province of Belluno: chalets and huts in the mountains, bio hotels, small bed & breakfast family-run offering various activities during the vacation to accompany relaxation mountain: hiking, snowshoeing, teaching farms.
Discover all eco-friendly accomodations in the province of Belluno
Author: Angela Sebastianelli
Cover photo by Dino Stego, via flickr
