What to see in Belluno in 2 days: complete itinerary

What to see in Belluno in 2 days

Belluno is the gateway to the Dolomites, an elegant city set between spectacular mountains on the Piave river. The Venetian historic centre, with its Gothic and Renaissance palaces, is one of the Veneto's best-kept secrets. Mass tourism hasn't arrived here yet, offering an authentic experience.

Day 1: The historic centre between Piave and Dolomites

Morning

Start from **Piazza dei Martiri**, the heart of the city with its historic cafes under the arcades. The view of the Belluno Dolomites from the square's benches is breathtaking. Climb via Mezzaterra toward the upper town.

**Piazza del Duomo** is Belluno's jewel: the **Cathedral** (16th century, designed by Tullio Lombardo), the **Palazzo dei Rettori** with its marble facade and Venetian loggia, and the 12th-century **Civic Tower** form a harmonious ensemble. The fountain of San Gioata completes the scene.

Visit the Cathedral with altarpieces by Jacopo Bassano and frescoed side chapels. Then climb the **Civic Tower** for a panorama embracing the entire Belluno basin and the Dolomites.

Afternoon

Walk along **Via Mezzaterra**, the decumanus of the ancient city, flanked by noble Venetian palaces with Gothic mullioned windows. Reach **Porta Rugo**, the city's oldest gate, and the Piave belvedere. The view of the river gorge with mountains behind is extraordinary.

Visit the **Palazzo Fulcis Civic Museum**, reopened in 2017, with art collections from the 14th to 19th century in a splendidly restored 18th-century palace.

Hidden gem: descend the **Via Rialto staircase** to the **Borgo Piave** quarter, the ancient fishermen's and boatmen's district. The low houses along the river have a completely different atmosphere from the upper centre.

Evening

Aperitivo under the arcades of Piazza dei Martiri. Dinner with Belluno specialities: pastin (spiced fresh sausage), casunziei (beetroot ravioli), polenta and schiz (grilled cheese). Local craft beer or a Prosecco from Valdobbiadene.

Day 2: The Dolomites and surroundings

Morning

Devote the morning to a short hike in the **Belluno Dolomites**. Twenty minutes from Belluno, the **Dolomiti Bellunesi National Park** offers trails for all levels. The **Buse di San Lucano** trail (easy, 2 hours) rewards with spectacular panoramas.

Alternative: reach **Nevegal** (15 minutes by car), Belluno's balcony. From the summit the panorama stretches from the Dolomites to Venice's lagoon. The Alpine Botanical Garden is a treat.

Afternoon

Return to Belluno for the **Castionat quarter**, the historic residential area north of the Cathedral with 18th-century villas in gardens. Visit the **Church of San Pietro** with frescoes by Cesare Vecellio (Titian's relative).

Walk the **Viale delle Dolomiti** along the Piave: the cycling and walking path follows the river with continuous mountain views. In summer locals swim in the Piave's pools.

Hidden gem: the **Church of Santo Stefano** in the northern outskirts preserves a polyptych by Andrea Brustolon, Belluno's "Michelangelo of wood."

Evening

Final stroll through the illuminated historic centre. Dinner with alpine cheeses (Piave DOP, Schiz, Tosella) and a closing glass of mountain grappa.

Recommended walking routes

• **Monumental route** (2.5 km): Piazza dei Martiri → Via Mezzaterra → Piazza del Duomo → Porta Rugo → Borgo Piave → return climb
• **Piave route** (5 km): Ponte della Vittoria → Viale delle Dolomiti → river park → Ponte degli Alpini

Practical tips

• Belluno is the Veneto's northernmost city: the climate is alpine, bring layers even in summer
• Palazzo Fulcis is closed on Mondays
• The city is an ideal base for Cortina (1h), Agordo and the Cadore
• The train from Venice takes 2 hours (scenic route along the Piave)

Further reading

• [Where to stay in Belluno](/guida/dove-dormire-a-belluno)
• [Where to eat in Belluno](/guida/dove-mangiare-a-belluno)
• [How to get to Belluno](/guida/come-arrivare-a-belluno)