- Distance and Time required: 2,9 Km | 1h
- Elevation gain: 101
- Starting Point: Via Pascoli Conegliano (in front of Villa Canello)
- Short description: Starting from the northern slope, we will walk up to Conegliano Castle passing through Porta Ser Belle. We’ll visit the museum inside the castle before heading down to the town center to see Porta Monticano and Piazza Cima. On the way back, we will follow Calle Madonna della Neve, sheltered by the ancient Carraresi walls.
- Stroller/Wheelchair accessible: No
The route
When we spent a few days at Lake Garda a year ago, the kids were really struck by the castles we visited: those imposing manors that dominated towns in the Middle Ages, symbolizing power and military strength. So, one morning, we set off for Conegliano to see its castle and its medieval remains.
The walk is short, but definitely not lacking in highlights, especially since we topped it off with a visit to the civic museum (inside the castle), where the ticket is very reasonably priced.
We arrived at the small car park adjacent to Villa Canello; the trail that leads to the castle was closed, but we wanted to "enter" the city through a medieval gate. So, we headed up to the right (with the villa behind us), walking along the convenient sidewalk of Via Pascoli.
Villa Canello
To Porta Ser BelleIn no time, we reached the junction with Via Molmenti (where you’ll find a small shrine and a fountain) and turned left.
Via Molmenti is quite narrow and lacks a sidewalk, so we have to watch out for passing cars. Sebastian and Marco Albino were tempted to scramble up the grassy hillside, but the slope on the left gets steeper and steeper, and catching up with them would have been quite a challenge.
We arrived in front of Porta Ser Belle and, stepping through it, we officially entered the city, surrounded by medieval walls on both sides. Marco Albino examined them closely to see if he could manage to climb up, but seeing the lack of secure handholds, he eventually gave up on his plan.
near the Castle
Inside the CastleAfter a couple of bends, the Conegliano Castle comes into view. We reached it and, after a short break in the park, went inside to explore the rooms. The older kids were fascinated by the medieval armor and weapons, while Samuele wanted to climb every single staircase to reach the top—perhaps still remembering the view from Lazise Castle.
Sebastian asked me about the coats of arms of the Podestà (the governors) who ruled the city during the Venetian period, and about the scale model that reconstructs the ancient remains of the castle.
View of Conegliano
Villa GeraWe left the museum and, as soon as we headed down the steps of the square in front of the castle, we turned left onto Via F. Benini. The street has very little traffic and is lined with magnificent houses; after all, we are on the hill overlooking Conegliano, one of the wealthiest areas in the province. After a bend, we reached a panoramic terrace from which we could see the Brolo di San Francesco again, with Villa Gera on the left.
Osteria Collalbrigo
Osteria Collalbrigo
On the hills of Conegliano: gourmet "cicchetti," Venetian cuisine with a modern twist, and a panoramic terrace.
Via del Marsiglion n. 89 a Conegliano
Tel. 351 940 1002
We continue our descent, with the oak trees along the roadside protecting us from the sun. At the bend, we take the steps leading down to the left, which bring us to Via Beato Marco Ongaro. Porta Monticano is on our left, but we head right until we reach Piazza Cima (the heart of Conegliano), with Samuele singing the PJ Masks theme song to the smiles of passers.
Porta Monticana
Piazza CimaWe carry on along Via Accademia (on the left side of Piazza Cima) and then, veering slightly to the left, we head up Calle Madonna della Neve. Along this stretch, "the troop" starts playing trains—perhaps the concrete strip in the middle of the path reminds them of railway tracks.
The Carraresi walls appear, and then we are fascinated by the unique shape of the right side of the "calle": the walls and the roots of a tree seem to merge together, creating a natural protrusion.
Calle Madonna della Neve
Church Madonna della NeveWe come into view of the small Oratory of the Madonna della Neve and continue uphill until we reach the Castle avenue. From there, we turn left, pass through Porta Ser Belle once again, and head back towards the car.
PasseggiateTreviso Tip: If you want to end your day on a high note, you'll find Osteria Collalbrigo just 6km from the center (Via del Marsiglion 89). It is the perfect spot for a post-walk break: the view over the hills is truly breathtaking. For info and reservations: 351 940 1002.
Photo gallery
Osteria Collalbrigo
Osteria Collalbrigo
On the hills of Conegliano: gourmet "cicchetti," Venetian cuisine with a modern twist, and a panoramic terrace.
Via del Marsiglion n. 89 a Conegliano
Tel. 351 940 1002
Track Gps
What to see
Porta Ser Belle: its strategic position allowed control over the passage towards the steep side of the hill, which led along the "dei Pascoli" road to the eastern end of the Contrada Granda..
Castle and Civic Museum of Conegliano: featuring various rooms, including the art gallery, the fireplace room with armor, and the archaeological room with artifacts and documents. On the walls of all the rooms, the coats of arms of the Podestà (governors) sent from Venice are depicted. At the very top of the tower, there is a terrace where you can admire the stunning panoramic view that stretches from the mountains to the sea.
Porta Monticana: mentioned for the first time in 1309, it was renovated by the Scaligeri and Carraresi families. On the outer side, there is a depiction of a "Lion of Saint Mark walking," with its hind paws resting on the Venetian Lagoon and its front paws on the mainland.
Calle Madonna della Neve: an ancient pedestrian path that leads from the heart of the village up to the Castle.
Brolo di San Francesco : located on the hill behind the ancient convent of San Francesco, this was once the monks' kitchen garden. For over four centuries, they cultivated this land to provide vegetables and fruit for their table. Inside, you can now find the Torre della Castagnera, part of the ancient city walls. Efforts have been made to restore the traditional crops, creating a garden full of vines, olive trees, and fruit trees. The Brolo is usually open on the first Sunday of the month.
Refreshment points
Water fountain at the junction between Via Pascoli and Via Molmenti, and another one in the castle park.
Osteria Collalbrigo - Via del Marsiglion n. 89, Conegliano - Tel. 351 940 1002 (A post-walk recommendation just 6km away, featuring a breathtaking view)
Curiosities
What is identified today as the Conegliano Castle is actually the "Torre della Campana" (Bell Tower). It was named this because the "Campana Magna" (Great Bell) was located at its summit, and it was rung to summon the citizens for town council meetings.