Hugging the banks of the Piave River, the Province of Belluno sprawls across the mountainous terrain of the Italian Alps. The remains of a sanctuary dedicated to Paleoveneti indicate that the region has been settled since at least the 5th century BC and later became part of the Holy Roman Empire’s March of Verona. Belluno spent time under Venetian, Austrian and Napoleonic rule before being occupied by Nazi Germany during World War II.
Things to do in Belluno
Centuries-old castle towns, high-altitude mountain trails and family-friendly ski resorts - the Province of Belluno has it all.
Explore Parco Nazionale delle Dolomiti Bellunesi. Sprawling across 32 square kilometres, Parco Nazionale delle Dolomiti Bellunesi is a UNESCO-listed landscape that encompasses the high-altitude mountains of the Alpi Feltrine. It’s a popular setting for hiking and mountain biking in the summer months and offers sightings of roe deer, chamois and marmots.
Sightsee in the town of Belluno. Backed by the snow-capped peaks of the Dolomites, Belluno centres around a historic old town clustered with Renaissance-era buildings. Admire the 15th-century Palazzo dei Rettori and the Baroque church of San Pietro, then gaze up at the Filippo Juvarra-designed bell tower of Belluno’s magnificent Duomo. Paintings by local masters are on display in the Gothic-style Church of Santo Stefano.
Wander the medieval streets of Feltre. Nestled south of Belluno is the charming hill town of Feltre, where you’ll find elegant palaces, porticoes and loggias that once housed a wealthy merchant class. Step inside the Cathedral of St. Paul to see Renaissance paintings by Pietro Marescalchi and learn about the ancient Roman city that has been uncovered below. Superb views of Feltre’s ruined castle are on offer from Piazza Maggiore.
Getting around Belluno
The Province of Belluno is around 2.5 hours’ drive from Bolzano and Bolzano Airport, which has flights to destinations across Europe. Regular trains connect from Venice to the Belluno and Feltre railway stations while buses serve smaller towns and villages throughout the province. Renting a car is the most convenient way of getting around the region.