Are you dreaming of a trip to Bassano del Grappa?

What I can tell you is that it is a place where everything rocks!

This town that lies at the foot of Monte Grappa is full of life with the Brenta river flowing through it.

It is known for many things, but most of all for the bridge Ponte degli Alpini and for having been the birthplace of the first Italy distillery.

It’s the jewel of the Vicenza area, second only to Vicenza itself.

If you have a free day, let me tell you it is so worth it to go visit! 

I’ve been there countless times, and I swear, it never gets old.

The history, the beauty – it’s just breathtaking every single time.

I’ve got a list of 12 must-see spots and things to do that’ll make your day trip unforgettable.

Where to park in Bassano del Grappa

First of all, parking.

Don’t worry, I suggest you park your car in Via Santa Caterina, close to the memorial of the ‘Ragazzi del ’99’ boys.

From there it is a five minutes’ walk to the centre. And, just turn to the right and up a flight of stairs and voilà you’re on Viale dei Martiri. 

OK, now the things you absolutely must not miss:

Things to do in Bassano del Grappa

Ponte Vecchio di Bassano or the bridge of Alpines

This is the real soul of Bassano, you must believe me: this is a wooden bridge over the Brenta, a very, very long construction made all of wood that seems to be floating on water.

When you get there, take your time to cross it slowly.

Tread the wooden floor and feel the old house moving even though it is immobile; stand at the parapet and watch the river below.

What a weird thing is it, almost magical! 

Also, don’t forget that this bridge has a chilling history.

It has been reconstructed many times, the latest one was in 2020 but it still has the layout of it from 1569.

Can you believe it has even endured wars, floods, and other events?

Since 2019, it is also a National Monument in memory of the Alpine soldiers of the First World War who crossed it.

Some are memorial plaques and they have great stories to tell – all of them should be read – they are all interesting. 

If you take a look from the bridge, you’ll spot some bullet holes in the front of a building facing the Brenta river.

There’s actually an interesting story behind those – there’s an inscription from 1809 that explains it all.

Turns out, Archduke John of Austria led some kind of expedition to Tyrol that didn’t go so well.

The bullet holes are like a little piece of history, reminding us of that failed mission.

It’s pretty cool how sometimes these old buildings can tell us stories about events from centuries ago, isn’t it?

Museum of the Alpini

Just after the bridge, you can’t miss the Museum of the Alpini. It looks small from the outside, but trust me, it’s a real time capsule. As soon as you enter, you are thrust into the middle of the world wars. 

There are original uniforms, weapons, medals, but the most touching thing are the soldiers’ diaries and letters.

Reading their words gives you chills, it’s as if they were speaking directly to you. And then there are the flyers that D’Annunzio dropped on Vienna during his famous air raid – stuff to be believed!

The museum is managed by very enthusiastic volunteers.

If you hit it lucky and find a taker, try to get them to share some stories with you. They have tales that are not told in text books and they narrate them to you with child like excitement.

Poli Grappa Museum

A stone’s throw from the bridge is the Poli Grappa Museum.

Now, even if you’re not a hardcore grappa drinker, trust me, this place is a blast. First of all, the building itself is a marvel: a building that was once used as a distillery, but is now a museum.

Once you get inside the door, the smell of grappa is in the air.

The museum tour is a journey through time: you start from ancient distillation techniques to modern methods.

There are antique stills that look like something out of an alchemy film, historic bottles that are true works of art and even an area where you can smell the different essences used to flavour grappa.

The best part?

There is a tasting at the end of the tour.

You can sample grappas of all kinds: old, aromatic, virgin.

Oh it can swing from one extreme to the other, just like a theme park ride for your taste buds!

If there is an item that you would like to take home with you, the museum shop allows you to purchase it.

Bruschette at Al Porton

Well, after all this culture, you must be ready to get your stomachs stuffed.

And that’s where Al Porton comes in.

This place is an institution in Bassano for bruschette.

We are not talking about the usual slices of bread with tomato, no no.

Here bruschettas are works of art!

The place is accurately a combination of the classic osteria and the contemporary bistro.

The moment you step into the place, you get the aroma of freshly toasted bread that makes you drool.

You can order bruschetta with almost anything you can think of and their list is as long as the telephone directory.

There is the classic with baccalà mantecato, a Veneto speciality that is a real flavour bomb.

Then they have the one with soppressa and mushrooms, perfect if you want something hearty.

If you are the kind that loves to try new things, go for the one with pumpkin cream and crispy bacon, it leaves a taste that is amazing in your mouth.

Of course, don’t forget to pair it with a glass of Prosecco produced in the same region.

You might be even lucky enough to see the owner walking around the tables and telling guests some stories connected with the history of the restaurant and Bassano.

This is like getting another dish while also learning some history of the place at the same time.

Alta Via del Tabacco

If after all that eating you feel like moving around a bit, the Alta Via del Tabacco is for you.

This path is a piece of history that winds through breathtaking nature.

The trail starts right at Ponte Vecchio, so it is very easy to find.

At first, it follows the course of the Brenta, giving you spectacular views of the river and the city.

As you ascend, the panorama opens up and you begin to see the surrounding mountains.

The name ‘Via del Tabacco’ comes from the fact that this path was once used by smugglers to smuggle tobacco.

As you walk, try to imagine these guys climbing at night with sacks on their backs!

The path is not very difficult, but wear comfortable shoes.

There are places where the path gets a bit steep, but the effort is rewarded by the view.

When you reach the top of Monte Costa, you have a 360-degree view of Bassano, the Brenta valley and the Pre-Alps.

It is the perfect place for a picnic break with a view!

If you have time, you can do the whole route up to Valstagna, but even just a piece is absolutely worth it.

And remember to bring your camera: the views are postcard-perfect!

Statue of the “Bacin d’Amor”

This statue is a real emotional punch, in a good way!

It’s right at the north entrance of the Ponte degli Alpini, and trust me, you can’t miss it.

The statue depicts a young alpine soldier kissing his beloved before leaving for the front.

It’s a moment frozen in time, full of emotion.

When you look at it, you can almost feel the desperation and love in that kiss.

It’s like you’re spying on an intimate and poignant moment.

The artist, Sergio Dalla Valentina, did an incredible job capturing every detail: the tight embrace, the expression on the girl’s face, the determined yet sad posture of the soldier.

It’s one of those artworks that make you stop and think.

If you’re lucky enough to be there at sunset, the sight is even more moving.

The golden light illuminating the statue creates an almost magical atmosphere.

It’s the perfect time to take a souvenir photo or simply stop to contemplate and maybe chat with locals about the stories of the Bassano alpini.

Piazza Libertà and Piazza Garibaldi

These two squares are like the living room of Bassano.

They’re the city’s heart, where there’s always something happening.

Let’s start with Piazza Libertà.

It’s surrounded by historic buildings that look like they came out of a painting. There’s the Loggia del Comune, a Renaissance building that makes you feel like you’ve stepped back in time.

And then the Church of San Giovanni, with its imposing façade.

If you’re lucky, you might catch an event or market in the square.

A stone’s throw away is Piazza Garibaldi, which locals call Piazza delle Erbe. There’s always a lively atmosphere here.

The Civic Tower dominates the square—if you’ve got the stamina, climb to the top for a panoramic view of the city.

In Piazza Garibaldi, you’ll also find the Civic Museum, which is definitely worth a visit.

It’s full of artworks, from paintings by Jacopo da Ponte (known as Bassano) to archaeological artifacts.

The beauty of these squares is that they’re perfect for a break.

Sit at an outdoor table, order an aperitivo, and enjoy watching the life of Bassano pass by.

It’s the ideal place for people-watching and immersing yourself in the local atmosphere.

Palazzo Sturm – Museum of Ceramics and Printing

Palazzo Sturm is one of those surprises that leaves you speechless. From the outside, it looks like any other palace, but once you step inside… wow!

The palace houses two museums in one: the Museum of Ceramics and the Museum of Printing. The ceramics section is incredible.

There are pieces dating back to the 1500s, and each room is like a journey through time. You’ll see how techniques and designs have changed over the centuries. Some vases are so delicate they look like they’re made of lace!

The Museum of Printing is equally fascinating.

They have antique printing presses that look like they’ve come straight out of a steampunk film. And the coolest thing?

Some of them are still operational! If you’re lucky, you might catch a demonstration.

But the highlight of Palazzo Sturm is the terrace.

Climb to the top, and you’re greeted with a breathtaking view of the Brenta River and the Ponte degli Alpini.

It’s the perfect spot to take THE photo of Bassano, the one that will make all your friends envious on Instagram.

And if you visit now, there’s an extra surprise: the “King Kong Rhino” installation by Li-Jen Shih in the courtyard.

It’s a huge and surreal sculpture that contrasts amazingly with the historic architecture of the palace.

An unexpected mix of old and new!

Ezzelini Castle

The Ezzelini Castle is like a time machine that catapults you straight into the Middle Ages. As soon as you see it, you immediately understand why it was considered an impregnable fortress. It’s huge, imposing, and makes you feel tiny when you approach it.

The star of the castle is the Bolzonella Tower. It’s incredibly tall, about 43 meters, and if you have the courage to climb to the top, a breathtaking view awaits you. From up there, you can see all of Bassano, the Brenta valley, and on clear days, you can even glimpse the Dolomites in the distance. It’s the perfect place to be king (or queen) of the castle for a day!

But the beauty of the castle isn’t just the view. There’s a lot of history within those walls. The Ezzelini were a very powerful family in the Middle Ages, and this castle was their headquarters. As you walk through the courtyards and halls, try to imagine what life must have been like here centuries ago. Knights in armor, ladies in elaborate dresses, court intrigues… it feels like being in an episode of Game of Thrones!

Don’t miss the patrol walkway. It’s a path along the castle walls that offers endless panoramic views. And if you’re lucky, you might catch some historical reenactments or cultural events. The castle often hosts concerts, exhibitions, and shows, especially in the summer.

Cathedral of Santa Maria in Colle

This church is a real bomb of history and art. Imagine, it dates back to 998! When you enter, it’s like diving into a thousand years of art history.

The exterior seems almost sober, but don’t be fooled. As soon as you step inside, you’re left open-mouthed.

The frescoes on the walls and ceiling are a spectacle. There are works by famous artists like Jacopo Bassano and Leandro da Ponte. It’s like having a private art gallery!

The centerpiece is the main altar by Bernardo Tabacco. It’s a Baroque masterpiece that almost seems alive, with all those sculptures and decorations.

And then there’s the organ by Francesco Antonio Dacci, an 18th-century gem that’s still functioning.

If you’re lucky, you might catch it during a concert – the sound is spine-tingling!

Don’t forget to take a look at the crypt. It’s the oldest part of the church and has an almost mystical atmosphere.

The columns and capitals are decorated with symbols and figures that seem to have come out of a book of riddles.

It’s the perfect place to take a moment of tranquility and maybe light a candle.

Porta Dieda

Porta Dieda is like a magic portal that transports you back in time. It was one of the main gates of Bassano in the Middle Ages, and wow, you can see it was important!

The coolest thing about Porta Dieda are the frescoes by Jacopo Bassano. This guy was an A-list artist of the Renaissance, and he left his mark here.

The frescoes are a bit faded by time, but you can still see religious scenes and various allegories. It’s like flipping through a history book, but painted on a wall!

The gate was part of the Lower Castle, which unfortunately no longer exists. But you can still see the remains of the city walls that connected to the gate.

If you close your eyes and use a bit of imagination, you can almost hear the noise of the carts entering the city and the shouts of the guards checking the passersby.

And you know what’s cool? Porta Dieda isn’t the only ancient gate in Bassano. If you have time, also look for Porta delle Grazie and Porta Granda.

It’s like an urban treasure hunt, and each gate has its own story to tell.

Viale dei Martiri

Viale dei Martiri is much more than just a street. It’s a living monument, a place of memory that goes straight to your heart.

The avenue is dedicated to the 31 partisans who were executed here during World War II. Each tree along the avenue has a plaque commemorating one of these heroes.

As you walk, you read the names, the ages… you realize that many were young, some barely more than boys. It’s an experience that makes you reflect and gives you chills.

But it’s not just a sad place. The avenue also offers a spectacular view of the Valsugana and Monte Grappa.

Especially at sunset, the view is breathtaking. It’s as if the beauty of the landscape wanted to balance the sadness of history.

Many locals come here to jog or take a quiet walk. It’s a perfect place to stop for a moment, sit on a bench and reflect. Maybe bring a good book or a notebook to write down your thoughts.

And you know what? The avenue is also a great starting point for excursions on Monte Grappa.

If you have time and want to have a longer adventure, ask about the trails that start from here. You might discover even more breathtaking views!

There you have it! With these 12 stops, you’ll have experienced Bassano del Grappa in 360 degrees.

History, art, nature, good food… there’s really everything. Just remember to enjoy every moment and not to rush too much. Bassano is one of those cities that should be savored slowly, like a good glass of grappa!

If you are planning a trip to Italy or are interested in visiting other cities and towns in the Veneto region, here’s a list of my articles on the subject:

How to plan a trip to Italy – 15 essential tips

12 Best Things To Do In Verona, Italy

40+ Must-see Places & Best things to do in Venice Italy (Tips by a local)

How to Hike the Tre Cime di Lavaredo loop: best day hikes in the Dolomites & insider tips

If you’re looking for activity recommendations to help plan your trip to Italy, check out the Viator guides I’ve prepared. “Ciao, alla prossima!” (That’s Italian for “Until next time!”)