Vittorio Veneto
Vittorio Veneto is a city and comune in the Province of Treviso, in the Veneto region of northeastern Italy. Lying between the Piave and Livenza rivers at the foot of the Prealps, it was formed in 1866 through the union of the older towns of Serravalle and Ceneda, and gave its name to the decisive 1918 battle of the First World War.
At a glance
- Type
- City and comune
- Period
- Medieval towns united in 1866
- Style
- Venetian historic urban architecture
- Location
- Province of Treviso, Veneto
Overview
Vittorio Veneto lies in the Province of Treviso, in northeastern Italy, between the Piave and Livenza rivers at the southern edge of the Prealps. The city was created in 1866 by merging the historic towns of Serravalle and Ceneda, taking its name in honour of King Victor Emmanuel II. It is best known internationally for the Battle of Vittorio Veneto, fought nearby in 1918.
History
The two towns that form the city, Serravalle and Ceneda, have medieval origins and long lay within the territory of the Republic of Venice. They were united in 1866 when the Veneto joined the Kingdom of Italy. In late 1918 the surrounding area was the scene of the Battle of Vittorio Veneto, the decisive Italian victory that ended the First World War on the Italian front.
What you see
Serravalle preserves an exceptionally well-kept medieval and Renaissance centre, with frescoed palazzi, porticoed streets and the church of Santa Maria Nova. Ceneda, the lower town, is associated with its cathedral and historic episcopal seat. Memorials and a museum commemorate the events of 1918.
Cultural significance
Vittorio Veneto holds a central place in Italian national memory as the site of the battle that concluded the First World War on the Italian front. Its twin historic centres also preserve a rich Venetian artistic and architectural heritage spanning the medieval and Renaissance periods.
Practical information
The city and its historic centres can be visited freely year-round, with churches, museums and memorial sites. For opening hours, ticketing and events, check the official municipal and tourism websites.
Getting there
Vittorio Veneto is served by its own railway station on the line from Conegliano and is reached by road from the A27 motorway linking Venice with the Dolomites. The nearest major airports are at Venice and Treviso.