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Where is Bassano del Grappa in Italy?
Bassano del Grappa in Northern Italy’s Veneto region (which also includes Venice, Treviso, and Verona) is one such place, and it’s an especially great “borghi” (comune or community) to visit in the Fall.
Located in the picturesque Veneto region of Northern Italy, Bassano del Grappa sits at the foothills of the Venetian Prealps, just 65 kilometers northwest of Venice. The town is perfectly positioned between the plains and mountains, making it an ideal gateway to both the cultural treasures of Veneto and the natural beauty of the Dolomites.
Want to discover this charming Italian town yourself? Our Private Prosecco Hills & Towns of Veneto Day Tour from Venice takes you through scenic backroads to experience Bassano del Grappa's authentic atmosphere.
Bassano del Grappa History: From Roman Origins to Medieval Splendor
Bassano del Grappa, which “lies at the foothills of the Venetian Prealps”, was “founded in the 2nd century BC by a Roman called Bassianus, whence the name, as an agricultural estate. However, an ancient bronze sword (called “spada di Riccardo”), found in 2009 and dating back to the 7th century BC, possibly between the 18th and 15th century BC, suggests that the area of Bassano was already inhabited not just in the pre-Roman period, but possibly even in the pre-Venetic period”.
An impressively long history, for sure! And, also, an interesting one. Bassano del Grappa's strategic position made it a coveted prize throughout history. The powerful Visconti family of Milan took control in 1368, before the mighty Republic of Venice claimed it in 1404.
The Battle of Bassano: A Town Shaped by Centuries of Conflict
The town played a crucial role during the French Revolutionary Wars, becoming the site of the significant Battle of Bassano. Following Napoleon's defeat, it was absorbed into the Kingdom of Lombardy-Venetia in 1815, and finally joined the newly unified Kingdom of Italy in 1866. Like many Italian towns, Bassano del Grappa faced dark times during World War II when, following Italy's armistice with the Allies, German forces occupied the city and committed atrocities against its population.
Things to See in Bassano del Grappa: Ponte Vecchio
Standing gracefully over the rushing waters of the Brenta River, the iconic Ponte Vecchio has become a symbol of Bassano del Grappa's resilience. This remarkable wooden bridge, crafted in 1569 by the legendary Andrea Palladio, has risen from destruction multiple times throughout history, each time returning more magnificent than before. Today, this architectural masterpiece is more than just a crossing point - it serves as a living monument where visitors from around the world, including veterans, come to reflect and remember. The bridge's enduring presence, despite centuries of challenges, mirrors the indomitable spirit of Bassano del Grappa itself.
See it for yourself!
Avventure Bellissime offers a variety of Italy tours and Italian vacation packages that include stops in Veneto.
One of our most popular is the Small Group Hill Towns of Veneto Venice Day Trip. This exciting 9-hour tour takes clients by comfortable car from Tronchetto in Venice along some of the country’s most scenic backroads through the magical foothills of the Dolomites to the Prosecco wine region, where the tour ends with a wine tasting at a charming local winery.
