Bassano del Grappa

Bassano del Grappa is a medium-sized Italian city nestled up against the pre-Alps. Think North Vancouver, but with Venice an hour away by train.

David Webb

A view of the town and surrounding green landscape from a walkway.

Ciao!

Bassano del Grappa is the home of my second family. It’s ancient, charming and not too big, but there are still a hundred places to get a Campari spritz.

More from David’s travels

Recommendations from David

Hotel Ca’ Sette – A bit outside the centre but elegant.
B&B Hemingway – Way outside the centre, but along the river, quiet and historic.

Caffe Garibaldi for the porcini mushroom tagliatelle.
Bella Capri for the Napoletano pizza.
Tramezzini everywhere! Or just drop in and browse at El Bocon del Prete in via Gamba and take in the aromas of cheese and cold cuts.

Prosecco! Campari spritz (or Aperol spritz if you’re feeling fragile).
Bar Breda in vicolo Jacopo da Ponte is an excellent enoteca.
The mezzo-e-mezzo at Nardini at the north end of the Ponte Vecchio is legendary.
Mariga Enoteca is tucked away under the south end of the Ponte Vecchio and serves prosecco and carefully curated wines that you can buy and take home.

Cycling up in the mountains. Tonnes of hiking trails. Walks along the Brenta River.
Prosecco touring in Valdobbiadene (the home of prosecco) is about a 45-minute drive away.
Palazzo Sturm hosts an excellent ceramics museum (the Bassano area is renowned for ceramics).
The Civic Museum in Piazza Garibaldi (enter through an old church cloister) has great historical displays and local art.