Welcome to the on one of the joyous March of towers built by , a Antenor to defend THE PROVINCE magnificent area the new city. Follow OF TREVISO full of mystery. me – this is just the If you came here beginning. Hidden A land of to discover its from sight in the mystery beauty and you Treviso area are the are eager to find spirits of kind out about legends and dark tales, you have maidens and men of found the right man. My name is Fosco and I the church, have always lived here. No one knows the descendents of the area’s castles, villages and hills better than me Collalto and Minucci and nobody can tell you more about all of the families and secrets that lie hidden here. Did you know that damned souls from Treviso, like Turin, Lyon and Prague, was called a the Ezzelini dynasty, “magical city” as early as the second half of the not to mention roaming monks in the ruins of an Templars and other knights, go on a ghost hunt 13th century – the time of Pietro d’Abano, who abbey, the mysterious creatures of an ancient and get to know the enigmatic Giorgione. On taught here at the historical university? It all Venetian wood, the unnerving forms in Le summer evenings or amidst the first autumn started a long time ago… Some people say that Motte near and yet more mists, you can enter a world of jesters and the name “Treviso” comes from “Taurisium”, the fearsome things besides. If my tales are not acrobats, elves and sprites, in the Middle Ages name given to its founder Osiris, a successor of enough to sate your curiosity, you can experien- or Celtic times, with celebrations and re- Noah, who was worshipped after his death in ce the thrills and discover the secrets of Treviso, enactments that bring to life ancient happe- the form of a bull. It is also said that the name Vittorio and Castelfranco with my nings. You will find history and legend, reality comes from a depiction of a female figure with friends who you will find there. They will guide and fantasy. I can also recommend a reading list three faces (“tre visi” in Italian) that was placed you as you follow in the footsteps of the for you to enjoy if you want to find out more.

If you want to poetry by Dante. An exciting city visit at a of a route that takes in modern museum explore the brisk pace along a route of just over 6 km that displays and 15th century works. The March with a will take you into the heart and soul of museum is in his hometown, where you can guide who is at Treviso. also find two extremely rare works that least similar to have been attributed to him by critics: the the enigmatic SERRAVALLE. altarpiece in the cathedral and the Eastern GUIDED and likeable THE SECRETS OF THE SUBURB Frieze of the liberal arts. Fosco, there are You can experience the fascinating history of TOURS places where Serravalle, an ancient suburb of Vittorio you can find some truly special ones. In Veneto, and witness the goings on of people “WATER... BOTH MYTH Treviso, and Castelfranco who appear between alleyways and squares AND RITUAL” there are some thrilling routes. We invite and grab your attention with their gazes, Venus, water, mother earth, lagoon, water. tales and culinary offerings. Marcantonio visitors to enjoy their experiences and get It’s a trip through time, seeped in traditions Flaminio, along with other illustrious repre- completely involved in them: these are not and legends. Women and water—elements sentatives of the city, will accompany you as just tours of the town; they are immersions that generate life. Anguana water nymphs you discover the secrets of this ancient place, in “another world”… just for a few hours. are mysterious fairy creatures. Isis, bride and its architecture, its art and its natural environment. sister, Mary, virgin and mother… An itinerary TREVISO. DARK NIGHTS that leads you through old-time Mota di . Livenza and the area’s history until the A mysterious route in the dark of night will ENIGMATIC GIORGIONE take you through suggestive places and miraculous apparition of the Virgin in 1510.’ In the new Casa Giorgione Museum, you centuries of history, with some aspects that can get to know the elusive artist from For information and reservations, please ask are gruesome and others that are fascinating. Castelfranco. His revolutionary painting, at the tourist offices of the towns where the By the light of a torch or the magical moon, full of messages that have never been fully guided tours are available. you will travel through the land of old knights and Templars, tales of torture and evil, revealed, and his links with astrology, ancient astrological theories and sublime astronomy and esotericism are the themes

IN SAN an obligatory step in journeys between the ZENONE, THE North and South of Europe, as well as BIBLIOGRAPHY HOME OF THE commerce in . Nowadays it provides Treviso medievale. Istituzioni, usi, EZZELINI an opportunity to experience the magical costumi, aneddoti, curiosità Each year in July, atmosphere of the Middle Ages and enjoy by Angelo Marchesan in the former unforgettable times in the company of people anastatic reprint, Treviso, 1923 HISTORICAL court of one of in delightful 14th century clothing, in keeping Il delitto della contessa Onigo the March of with an ancient tradition. by C. Domenico Mazzocato RE-ENACTMENTS Treviso’s most www.anticafierasantalucia.com 1997 Santi Quaranta powerful families, a mediaeval-style banquet is held: the flavours of the period menu, CELTIC NEW YEAR IN Leggende del Quartier del music and choreography will take you back in VITTORIO VENETO by Enrico Dall’Anese and Paolo Martorel, 1997 time. After seven centuries, the memories of In the lunar month of October/November, the Fiabe e leggende del Piave the tragedy of the Ezzelini family merge with summer used to come to a close with the feast by Laura Simeoni those of the legends, lights, shadows, might of Samanios, marking the end of the old year 2002 Santi Quaranta, Treviso and terror of epic deeds to be experienced at and the start of the new one. The laws of time this special event. and space did not apply to the Celtic new year, Fiabe e leggende del Montello www.academia-san-zenone.com which represented both death and rebirth. by Laura Simeoni According to tradition, it was possible to 2003 Editrice Santi Quaranta, Treviso ANCIENT FAIR OF SANTA LUCIA encounter one’s deceased ancestors, descen- Fiabe e leggende del Sile For over 1300 years, in late October and early dants, fairies, demons and gnomes. On Mount by Laura Simeoni November, merchants, craftsmen, jesters, Antares, the home of one of the most impor- 2006 Editrice Santi Quaranta, Treviso hunters, nobles and pages have gathered in tant sanctuaries of the Celtics and ancient La palude degli eroi . The fair developed Veneti, the revived ceremony takes place on by Marco Salvador, 2009 Editore Piemme thanks to trading links on the Via Hungarica 31 October each year, in a bewitching and the use of the Lovadina ford, which was historical re-enactment. www.undicigradi.com

INFORMATION Tourist Information Office (IAT) PROVINCE OF PROVINCE Treviso Tel. +39.0422.547632 - [email protected] OF PORDENONE Airport Tel. +39.0422.263282 - [email protected] VITTORIO Tel. +39.0423.529046 - [email protected] VENETO Castelfranco Veneto Tel. +39.0423.491416 [email protected] Santa Lucia Conegliano Tel. +39.0438.21230 di Piave [email protected] Tel. +39.348.6093050 Collalto [email protected] ASOLO Montello

Vittorio Veneto Tel. +39.0438.57243 San Zenone MONTEBELLUNA [email protected] degli Ezzelini PROVINCE OF TREVISO

www.visittreviso.it - www.turismo.provincia.treviso.it Castello di Godego

PROVINCE OF PROVINCE TREVISO CASTELFRANCO TREVISO PROVINCE GUIDES GROUP VENETO Mob. Phone +39.340.5477489 Monastier www.guidetreviso.it - [email protected] BOOKINGS FOR STAYS Consorzio di Promozione Turistica Marca Treviso PROVINCE OF Treviso Tel. +39.0422.541052 - fax +39.0422.591195 Milano Venezia www.marcatreviso.it - www.visittreviso.it - [email protected] PROVINCE Bologna Concept and texts: Frontiere - www.frontiereprogetti.com OF VENICE Illustrations: Paolo Cossi – Printing: Grafiche Antiga spa (TV) MYSTERIOUS MARCA AMONG MYTHS AND LEGENDS WITH FOSCO TROM TREVISO Everyone knows the apothecary monk in the physic garden, and fruit and vegetables for making preserves grew that the older a in the kitchen garden. Nothing remains of this existence, interspersed with prayers and hard place is, the work, except for a semi-abandoned scene. The rooms of the monastery no longer echo with more attention it the chants of the monks and the bell tower stands MONASTIER will get from silent, sounding out the hours no more. However, historians and sometimes people who go past it at dusk think they The ghost scholars, and the can hear rustling or a liturgical murmur. This sensation more isolated it gradually becomes more and more real. Phantom abbey is, the greater the bells start to ring out hours that have been lost in time, curiosity of passers-by will be. If the place in the windows of the cloister start to bang and a light question is a ruined 10th century abbey of emerges from the church door, Benedictine monks, it cannot help but drive the followed by a procession of monks imagination of people who love to envisage the who walk around the square, enter the lives of those who left no trace. I cannot think of abbey and climb up some stairs that have a better presentation to encourage you to visit not existed for many years. Then the Abbey of Santa Maria del Pero in Monastier, everything disappears as if it had never which is one of the most mysterious sites in been there: blown away by the wind and the . It was founded by the swallowed up by the night. Needless to German Emperor Otto I on the site of a river say, if the person who told me this story port. Imagine the sight that greeted the monks: – which is similar to many other an expanse of lakes and woods, which they accounts over the centuries – ever went drained in accordance with their duty to back to the Abbey of Monastier, he did accompany prayer with work. Roses and it in the middle of the day, under the hydrangeas bloomed inside the Romanesque bright August sun. What time are you cloister, there was a range of medicinal herbs for planning on visiting it?

All castles creak tyrant and the massacre of Alberico’s family. It so it continues to roam on the hill alongside with sinister is also said that Ezzelino had the doors of the ghost of Ezzelino and all of the tormented sounds, even prisons walled up with no pity for men, souls. The only untainted soul is Cunizza: she SAN ZENONE those that no women or even children, whose eyes he had twirls in an everlasting dance between the The legend of longer exist but torn out. Their screams could be heard all the pine and cypress trees in the arms of her will never way down in the valley and people said that dearest lover, Sordello the troubadour, who the merciless disappear from their souls would yell in fear and pain for all still sings for her on quiet nights. Ezzelini family legends and eternity. Dante confined tales. One of Ezzelino to Hell, submerged these is the castle of the Ezzelini family in San in a river of blood. He died an Zenone. It was the home of the cruel tyrant unrepentant sinner with no Ezzelino III and it was razed to the ground pity even for himself, bleeding to after his death. At the start of the 13th death and refusing medicine century, the fortress stood on top of a hill, and the last rites. Alberico which still today offers marvellous views of was slaughtered with his the Grappa massive and Montello. Ezzelino entire family by his enemies. was famous for his brutality and thirst for He was forced to watch as his power. This brought him a lot of enemies, six sons were decapitated and his including the , who launched a crusade wife and two daughters were against him. Ezzelino had a brother called burnt. He was killed by being Alberico who was just as devoted to the attached to the tail of a expansion of his territory, and a sister called running horse. The remnants Cunizza, who was also involved in conquests, of his body were burnt in but of the romantic kind: she had three Treviso. It is said that his soul husbands and many lovers. The legends cannot find peace because he related to the castle tell of the crimes of the was unable to protect his children,

There is a mysterious snakes, dragons breathing fire and other myste- and impenetrable rious creatures such as sprites, ogres and devils. place in the March of With your guide, you will be able to walk IL MONTELLO Treviso. To go there, undisturbed through their fairytale world, which even expert travellers has been conjured up over the centuries by Fairies, devils, like you will need a human writers. He will take you to the Buoro Cave, dragons and special guide; where the nymph Ciane pours out magic water someone who will that can make the milk come back to emaciated spirits accompany you and mothers of newborns, and Bus de le Fate (the guarantee that you will get home safely. I am “Cavern of Fairies”), where maidens with goatlike talking about a little mountain with a clear, pale feet ceaselessly wash themselves at a spring. At blue outline that stretches out on the right bank Buoro delle Anguane you will see nymphs emerge of the River Piave. Its name is Montello and it is and head to the brooks to wash clothes stained by a place filled with memories and tranquillity, the ancient misdeeds of men. Near a spring, the where the natural environment is breathtaki Fate Bone (”Good Fairies”) prepare honey to offer ng in every season, with hues that have been to young girls that get lost in the woods after being de- scribed and portrayed over the centuries by led astray by the Massariol, a spirit fond of pranks. artists and poets. A curious guide will be waiting Then the sun will come back and everything will for you at the foot of an oak tree on the ridge. It will be as it is when you go to Montello for a Sunday be the darkest of nights and you will only be able to stroll: a lush green hill covered with a peaceful vaguely make out the shape of him and the things wood. When you take your leave of your guide, around you. The light of his little lantern will reveal a do not ask his name or enquire whether he will world that cannot be seen by sunlight, featuring take off the hat that covers his entire face. Simply ancient trees whose branches intertwine with the thank him by shaking his hand, and do not be protruding roots, white hot water in brooks and surprised if it is red and as hot as the fires of hell. springs, talking birds, basilisks with the bodies of

As you climb up the hill on the way from Susegana to with her kind ways and long, straw-coloured SUSEGANA , you will come across the proud sight hair. He was overcome with passion. Don’t of the Castle of Collalto. Time and history have give me those bored looks though – I’m not The Castle of conspired to leave us with nothing but the colossal telling you a love story with a happy ending! Collalto and keep, a few traces of the walls and The tale of Bianca, Tolberto and Chiara the entrance gate to the involves a terrible crime. Tolberto was the legend mediaeval village. called off to war and he went to say Nonetheless, in the goodbye to his wife. Bianca was brushing of Bianca still silence, you her hair and in the mirror Chiara saw them can imagine its bold, glorious past; this catch each others’ eyes. A tear ran down feudal estate was the property of the Bianca’s face and Tolberto gave her a smile as Collalto family, who were the first if he were caressing her, for he was unable Counts of Treviso in the 14th century. to touch her. Chiara understood it all and While time can wear away the stones and her vengeance was ferocious. As soon as history can cause destruction with its Tolberto was gone, she imprisoned the wars, nothing can erode the memori- maiden behind a brick wall in a tower. es. The sad tale of Bianca has lived on Bianca starved to death and Tolberto never through the ages. She was a beautiful maidser- came back from the crusades. Ever since vant of Chiara , a noblewoman that then, the ghost of Bianca has appeared to Count Tolberto di Collalto married to calm the members of the family. She wears a white the dispute between his family and the veil when she brings good tidings and a black Caminos of Ceneda. The lady of the castle one when there is bad news. When you visit was not a great beauty and she was very the ruins of the old castle, do not be afraid to jealous of her husband. Bianca, on the other call on the ghost of Bianca. She is sure to hand, was very pleasant, always smiling and appear dressed in white, to proclaim that love oblivious to evil. Tolberto fell hopelessly in love will last forever.

If you want to savagely persecuted Christians. It is said that a hermit secretly baptized the young Augusta, thus know the marking her destiny. The young maiden was a believer in the Christian faith and legendary story of protected the people who were persecuted by her ruthless father. VITTORIO Augusta and the Matrucco found out about her devotion to the one God who VENETO miraculous stone, died on the cross and he tried in vain to convince her to go to Vittorio change her ways. He imprisoned her and brutally tortured The stone of Veneto, where she her: the breaking wheel fell apart, the fire Saint Augusta was born in the that was to be used to burn her went 2nd century AD. out, her teeth were pulled out and At the time, on the site of the modern town, in the end she was decapitated. there were two ancient settlements: Serravalle Her body was found a number of and Ceneda. The two centres were joined over a years later, buried on top of the hill century ago when was unified, but their that still bears her name. It had original features can still be seen. Just behind the been carefully placed at the Cathedral of Serravalle there is a flight of steps highest point, as near as that climbs up to the highest point in the city: the possible to the stars and her God, Sanctuary of Sant’Augusta. It offers sweeping perhaps as a result of the same views of mountains, lakes and valleys, with the Christian compassion that she shimmering sea lying far to the East. Once you defended for herself and the entire get there, sit down under the portico and world until the very end. If you have a remember the story that I am about to tell you. bad headache when you get to the top Augusta was the daughter of a Visigoth king after the long climb, go behind the altar called Matrucco, who built a fortress on Mount where Augusta’s remains lie. There you will Marcantone, in modern-day Serravalle. Hungry find an ancient stone with a hole in it. If you for power, he conquered the Friuli area and put your head inside and pray to the saint, all traces of the pain will completely disappear. Welcome to the on one of the joyous March of towers built by Treviso, a Antenor to defend THE PROVINCE magnificent area the new city. Follow OF TREVISO full of mystery. me – this is just the If you came here beginning. Hidden A land of to discover its from sight in the mystery beauty and you Treviso area are the are eager to find spirits of kind out about legends and dark tales, you have maidens and men of found the right man. My name is Fosco and I the church, have always lived here. No one knows the descendents of the area’s castles, villages and hills better than me Collalto and Minucci and nobody can tell you more about all of the families and secrets that lie hidden here. Did you know that damned souls from Treviso, like Turin, Lyon and Prague, was called a the Ezzelini dynasty, “magical city” as early as the second half of the not to mention roaming monks in the ruins of an Templars and other knights, go on a ghost hunt 13th century – the time of Pietro d’Abano, who abbey, the mysterious creatures of an ancient and get to know the enigmatic Giorgione. On taught here at the historical university? It all Venetian wood, the unnerving forms in Le summer evenings or amidst the first autumn started a long time ago… Some people say that Motte near Castello di Godego and yet more mists, you can enter a world of jesters and the name “Treviso” comes from “Taurisium”, the fearsome things besides. If my tales are not acrobats, elves and sprites, in the Middle Ages name given to its founder Osiris, a successor of enough to sate your curiosity, you can experien- or Celtic times, with celebrations and re- Noah, who was worshipped after his death in ce the thrills and discover the secrets of Treviso, enactments that bring to life ancient happe- the form of a bull. It is also said that the name Vittorio Veneto and Castelfranco with my nings. You will find history and legend, reality comes from a depiction of a female figure with friends who you will find there. They will guide and fantasy. I can also recommend a reading list three faces (“tre visi” in Italian) that was placed you as you follow in the footsteps of the for you to enjoy if you want to find out more.

If you want to poetry by Dante. An exciting city visit at a of a route that takes in modern museum explore the brisk pace along a route of just over 6 km that displays and 15th century works. The March with a will take you into the heart and soul of museum is in his hometown, where you can guide who is at Treviso. also find two extremely rare works that least similar to have been attributed to him by critics: the the enigmatic SERRAVALLE. altarpiece in the cathedral and the Eastern GUIDED and likeable THE SECRETS OF THE SUBURB Frieze of the liberal arts. Fosco, there are You can experience the fascinating history of TOURS places where Serravalle, an ancient suburb of Vittorio MOTTA DI LIVENZA you can find some truly special ones. In Veneto, and witness the goings on of people “WATER... BOTH MYTH Treviso, Vittorio Veneto and Castelfranco who appear between alleyways and squares AND RITUAL” there are some thrilling routes. We invite and grab your attention with their gazes, Venus, water, mother earth, lagoon, water. tales and culinary offerings. Marcantonio visitors to enjoy their experiences and get It’s a trip through time, seeped in traditions Flaminio, along with other illustrious repre- completely involved in them: these are not and legends. Women and water—elements sentatives of the city, will accompany you as just tours of the town; they are immersions that generate life. Anguana water nymphs you discover the secrets of this ancient place, in “another world”… just for a few hours. are mysterious fairy creatures. Isis, bride and its architecture, its art and its natural environment. sister, Mary, virgin and mother… An itinerary TREVISO. DARK NIGHTS that leads you through old-time Mota di CASTELFRANCO VENETO. Livenza and the area’s history until the A mysterious route in the dark of night will ENIGMATIC GIORGIONE take you through suggestive places and miraculous apparition of the Virgin in 1510.’ In the new Casa Giorgione Museum, you centuries of history, with some aspects that can get to know the elusive artist from For information and reservations, please ask are gruesome and others that are fascinating. Castelfranco. His revolutionary painting, at the tourist offices of the towns where the By the light of a torch or the magical moon, full of messages that have never been fully guided tours are available. you will travel through the land of old knights and Templars, tales of torture and evil, revealed, and his links with astrology, ancient astrological theories and sublime astronomy and esotericism are the themes

IN SAN an obligatory step in journeys between the ZENONE, THE North and South of Europe, as well as BIBLIOGRAPHY HOME OF THE commerce in Venice. Nowadays it provides Treviso medievale. Istituzioni, usi, EZZELINI an opportunity to experience the magical costumi, aneddoti, curiosità Each year in July, atmosphere of the Middle Ages and enjoy by Angelo Marchesan in the former unforgettable times in the company of people anastatic reprint, Treviso, 1923 HISTORICAL court of one of in delightful 14th century clothing, in keeping Il delitto della contessa Onigo the March of with an ancient tradition. by C. Domenico Mazzocato RE-ENACTMENTS Treviso’s most www.anticafierasantalucia.com 1997 Santi Quaranta powerful families, a mediaeval-style banquet is held: the flavours of the period menu, CELTIC NEW YEAR IN Leggende del Quartier del Piave music and choreography will take you back in VITTORIO VENETO by Enrico Dall’Anese and Paolo Martorel, 1997 time. After seven centuries, the memories of In the lunar month of October/November, the Fiabe e leggende del Piave the tragedy of the Ezzelini family merge with summer used to come to a close with the feast by Laura Simeoni those of the legends, lights, shadows, might of Samanios, marking the end of the old year 2002 Santi Quaranta, Treviso and terror of epic deeds to be experienced at and the start of the new one. The laws of time this special event. and space did not apply to the Celtic new year, Fiabe e leggende del Montello www.academia-san-zenone.com which represented both death and rebirth. by Laura Simeoni According to tradition, it was possible to 2003 Editrice Santi Quaranta, Treviso ANCIENT FAIR OF SANTA LUCIA encounter one’s deceased ancestors, descen- Fiabe e leggende del Sile For over 1300 years, in late October and early dants, fairies, demons and gnomes. On Mount by Laura Simeoni November, merchants, craftsmen, jesters, Antares, the home of one of the most impor- 2006 Editrice Santi Quaranta, Treviso hunters, nobles and pages have gathered in tant sanctuaries of the Celtics and ancient La palude degli eroi Santa Lucia di Piave. The fair developed Veneti, the revived ceremony takes place on by Marco Salvador, 2009 Editore Piemme thanks to trading links on the Via Hungarica 31 October each year, in a bewitching and the use of the Lovadina ford, which was historical re-enactment. www.undicigradi.com

INFORMATION PROVINCE OF TREVISO Tourist Information Office (IAT) PROVINCE OF BELLUNO PROVINCE Treviso Tel. +39.0422.547632 - [email protected] OF PORDENONE Airport Tel. +39.0422.263282 - [email protected] VITTORIO Asolo Tel. +39.0423.529046 - [email protected] VENETO Castelfranco Veneto Tel. +39.0423.491416 CONEGLIANO VALDOBBIADENE [email protected] Santa Lucia Conegliano Tel. +39.0438.21230 di Piave [email protected] Susegana Montebelluna Tel. +39.348.6093050 Collalto [email protected] ASOLO Montello ODERZO

Vittorio Veneto Tel. +39.0438.57243 San Zenone MONTEBELLUNA [email protected] degli Ezzelini PROVINCE OF TREVISO

www.visittreviso.it - www.turismo.provincia.treviso.it VICENZA Castello di Godego

PROVINCE OF PROVINCE TREVISO CASTELFRANCO TREVISO PROVINCE GUIDES GROUP VENETO Mob. Phone +39.340.5477489 Monastier www.guidetreviso.it - [email protected] BOOKINGS FOR STAYS Consorzio di Promozione Turistica Marca Treviso PROVINCE OF Treviso Tel. +39.0422.541052 - fax +39.0422.591195 PADUA Milano Venezia www.marcatreviso.it - www.visittreviso.it - [email protected] PROVINCE Bologna Concept and texts: Frontiere - www.frontiereprogetti.com OF VENICE Illustrations: Paolo Cossi – Printing: Grafiche Antiga spa Crocetta del Montello (TV) MYSTERIOUS MARCA AMONG MYTHS AND LEGENDS WITH FOSCO TROM TREVISO