Veneto is geographically divided into three zones. The lower part is perfectly flat and crossed by rivers descending from the Alps (the Po, Adige, Brenta, Piave, Tagliamento, Isonzo) whereas lagoons follow the Adriatic coastline. The crops are mainly corn, beet-root and soya, with animal farms. Industrial, chemical and mechanical groups are also present in the region.
The main towns are Rovigo,
Este an old Veneto town with an interesting museum, Montagnana a wonderful town
with surrounding walls and good 'prosciutto' ham. In the heart of Veneto lies
Padua with its famous university and the marvellous St. Anthony's Basilica with
frescos by Giotto. Today, Padua is one of the region's main industrial and commercial
centres, with numerous international trade-fairs. Near Padua, at the foot of
the Euganei hills, are the towns of Abano and Montegrotto which are famous for
their thermal waters and hot springs. To the east is Mira, a town famous for
footwear. Along the coast is Chioggia, an important fishing centre, and, of
course Venice, which, with its beauty and art treasures attracts millions of
tourists from all over the world.
Along the coast to the north are the towns
of Jesolo, Caorle, Bibione, Lignano, Grado up to Trieste, which are also internationally-renowned
seaside resorts. The central zone is partly flat, with hills to the north.
Crops
are mainly corn and pastures, with cattle- and pig-farms, plus a flourishing
dairy and meat production. In the hills extensive vineyards adorn the landscape
and provide excellent wines. Finally, there are large industrial zones concentrating
on processing and manufacturing. Verona, to the west, near lake Garda and unique
for its beauty, is the main centre of traffic towards Germany and Northern Europe.
This fine old city is world famous for Romeo and Juliet and its Roman Arena.
It also has a highly developed machinery industry and food production and is
the location for important international trade-fairs. Its hills produce excellent
wines. Situated at the foot of Mount Berico, Vicenza, with its 'Santuario della
Madonna', is the home of Palladium, the creator of the Veneto Villas, and Pigafetta,
who documented Magellan's travels. It also boasts a large industrial production
in textiles, leather and hides, machinery and gold jewellery for which it has
a world-level trade-fair centre. The Asiago tableland - with Asiago - is a summer
and winter (Nordic skiing) tourist resort with extensive pastures and woods,
and a healthy dairy production. Situated below is the town of Marostica with
its medieval castle and famous 'live' chess-matches in medieval dress, and Bassano
in a panoramic position as the starting point for climbing Mount Grappa, the
battlefield during World War I.
Treviso is know for its fine medioeval old quarter and for the friendly lifestyle. It is also the birthplace of the sculptor Arturo Martini and painter Gino Rossi, who were great twentieth century artists. The province is noted for farm products ( renowned red chicory ) and manufacturing,especially mechanical things, clothing and furniture. Busy towns there are Conegliano and Montebelluna for sport footwear. Near is the ancient Asolo and Possagno birthplace of the sculptor Canova and the sorrounding hills offer attractive landscapes and excellent sparkling wines (Valdobbiadene-Conegliano ). Nearby is Castelfranco Veneto ( the town of Giorgione ) and Cittadella, both towns having mighty medioeval walls.
Further east is the old town of Oderzo and the medioeval Portogruaro, producers of fine red and white wines. On entering Friuli Region we find the towns of Pordenone, Udine, Gorizia and the fortress of Palmanova with their villas, castes, wines and famous hams (prosciutto). The northern part of Veneto is occupied by the mountainous province of Belluno. In addition to Belluno, the main town with its interesting Alpine nature park and also birthplace of Dino Buzzati, fantastic writer of these mountains, are the old towns of Feltre and Mel with its perfectly preserved old quarters ( XVI century ) with near the Zumelle castle. Lamon the land of the beans, is situated on the road going to the tourist resorts of Fiera di Primiero e S. Martino di Castrozza in the nearby Trentino Dolomites. Near on the top of mount Avena, were discovered remains of the Neanderthal man. Following the Piave valley from Belluno, is Longarone, trade fair centre, with the tragic Vajont dam. Near we find the Zoldo valley ( famous center for ice-cream ) with mount Pelmo ( mt. 3.168 ) named the God throne and the wonderful Fiorentina valley.
Further on is Cadore the home of glasses with the town of Pieve di Cadore the birthplace of the great painter Titian ( Tiziano ). To the west is Agordino, the birthplace of Pope Luciani-John Paul I with the town of Agordo and Marmolada ( mt. 3.340 ) the queen of Dolomities. And to north Ampezzano ( Ladin land ) with the neighbouring valleys: Fassa, Gardena and Badia. This is the magic kingdom of the Dolomites with its lofty pink rock walls ( originating from coral reefs formed in the sea 230 million years ago) rising above the green fields and woods. In the centre of all this is Cortina d'Ampezzo, the internationally-famous summer/winter tourist resort, surrounded by unique beauty. To the east, the green and quiet Comelico and the rural Carnia with its tasty cheeses. Lastly, a centuries-old hospitality and healthy and traditional cuisine complete the picture and will certainly make both guest and tourist alike appreciate this beautiful and interesting Region of Italy.
