Bassano del Grappa
This the perfect city to visit in one afternoon, where you can stop by for an aperitivo by one of its squares. There are also a few nicer shops if you need a new outfit or some culinary memories from Italy
The history of Bassano is intertwined with the First World War and “alpini”, the mountain soldiers wearing the green hat with the feather on top. Many battles against the Austro-Ungarian soldiers were indeed fought on the Monte Grappa and all around the area you find memorials remembering the fallen soldiers.
One of the symbols of Bassano is Ponte Vecchio or Ponte degli Alpini, designed by Andrea Palladio in 1569. In 1945 it was bombed by the Allies to damage the traffic of the Germans. From here you can admire the view of the mountains and the river Brenta.
Bassano is also known for its white asparagus and the grappa production. There are two main places you should have grappa in town. One is Grapperia Nardini by Ponte Vecchio, one of the oldest distilleries in Italy. There you should also try their signature drink “Mezzo e Mezzo”, a liqueur with notes of rhubarb, orange, and bitter herbs served with soda water. Then there is the Grappa Museum from the Distillerie Poli, where you can find out about the production process and buy a few bottles to bring home. I suggest getting the honey-flavored one!
Restaurants:
Forno Artigiano Moretti - bakery
Dolce Bassano - pastry shop
El Bocon del Prete - delicacies