Bassano
del Grappa lies on the banks of the Brenta River (beautifully
situated on that river — totally picturesque). It is a
very pretty town, easily navigated, nice to wander in and very
old and evocative….The Ponte Coperto/Ponti degli Alpini
crosses the Brenta and is a beautiful wooden bridge designed
by Palladio in the 16th century. The bridge originally
dates back to the 13th century, but has been rebuilt
on several occasions. Piazza Garibaldi is the center
of town and here you’ll find the Chiesa di San Francesco.
This 13th century church has some fine paintings
(by Bassano/Jacopo da Ponto) and a lovely portico. The Museo
Civico is right next door and has more paintings by Bassano/Jacopo
da Ponto and other artists. Market day is Thursday in Bassano
del Grappa.
Marostica
is a charming medieval town. It is a fortified village with
two castles. The main square (very beautiful) is the Piazza
di Castello with the castle(there’s another castle
above this one). Every other year (even numbered years) in the
month of September this piazza becomes a living chess game.
Why? Because in 1454 the ruler of this town, Parisio (a very
fair and good ruler) had a lovely daugher (Lionora)….well,
two knights/rivals (Rinaldo and Vieri) both wanted to marry
Lionora….so, they challenged each other to a duel —
the winner would marry Lionora. Parisio did not want a duel,
so he suggested a game of chess and the loser would marry Oldrada
(Lionora’s sister)…..September 12th was
the tournament — the site: Piazza di Castello (right in
front of the castle!). Vieri was the winner (and Lionora’s
personal favorite)….and they lived happily ever after….it’s
quite a spectacle and a lovely little town….no word on
the happiness of Rinaldo and Oldrada……sounds like
the Taming of the Shrew to me! Whatever, this is a charming
town with many lovely sights.