Castelfranco Veneto

Castelfranco Veneto, centrally located between Treviso, Padua and Vicenza, perfectly preserves its Medieval urban layout, which revolves around the presence of the important Castle. The birthplace of Giorgione, it preserves ancient residence, Giorgione's Home, and in a chapel of Duomo famous Castelfranco Altarpiece. Duomo, in neo-Classical style, was built in 1723 by the architect Francesco Maria Preti. The element that most characterizes Castelfranco is the castle, which encloses historic center: defended by very high walls, red brick, includes six towers, one of which turned into the bell tower of Cathedral, although from a drawing in Municipal Library there are seven towers. The visit to Civic Museum is also interesting. Castelfranco is also home to an important music conservatory dedicated to the composer Agostino Steffani. Auditorium of the conservatory is Academic Theater, considered a real jewel of eighteenth-century architecture, designed by the architect Francesco Maria Preti. Among the events, in the second weekend of September, Palio and Festa dei Borghi are held, which recall the construction of Castle, which took place in 1195. The event takes place in period costumes (XI and XIV century) and Palio is disputed inside the Walls. During the first fifteen days of December, Castelfranco Variegated Radicchio Fair is held, during which local trattorias and restaurants offer a themed menu.