Imagine a place where vineyards entirely cover the rolling slopes of hills and small valleys: we are in Veneto, among the Prosecco Hills declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2019. In this article, we take you to discover the 6 things not to miss in this magical place.
6 must-do experiences in the Prosecco Hills
The Prosecco Hills are located in the province of Treviso and cover an area of 97 square kilometers, stretching roughly from the municipality of Valdobbiadene to that of Conegliano. It is the 55th Italian site recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site, and it’s not hard to see why.
We had been dreaming of a trip through these postcard landscapes for a while: the hills embroidered with vineyards, interrupted only by small villages, each more beautiful than the last, were a constant obsession in our minds.
We took advantage of our ninth anniversary to spend 2 fairytale days in these places, filling our eyes with poetry in front of their landscapes, tasting excellent DOCG proseccos, and visiting the most iconic corners hidden among the rows of vines.
For our stay, we chose Tenuta Sant’Eufemia, in an excellent position to reach some of the area’s most essential stops. Here is our list of six experiences to have in the Prosecco Hills, plus other things to see nearby:
1. Visit the Molinetto della Croda
The place that stayed in our hearts the most during these 2 days in Veneto is undoubtedly the Molinetto della Croda. Even among other tourists, this watermill manages to convey incredible serenity.
After walking a few meters on a dirt road, you turn a corner and the mill appears before you like a vision. The brilliant green of the surrounding vegetation and the small artificial lake created by the waters of the Lierza stream immediately make it an enchanted place in the eyes of the visitor.
The main structure of the mill dates back to 1630, after which living quarters for the caretaker family were added, followed by a stable and a granary. The mill was decommissioned in 1953, but the municipality of Refrontolo purchased it towards the end of the 20th century and proceeded with a restoration of the building, which today houses a milling museum and art exhibitions.
Over the course of its four centuries of existence, the Molinetto della Croda has inspired many artists and painters. Not to mention cinema, where it appears in a scene from Mogliamante, a film starring Marcello Mastroianni and Laura Antonelli, directed by Marco Vicario.
2. Visit the Abbey of Santa Maria di Follina
Once a Cistercian monastery, the Abbey of Follina is a splendid religious building well worth a half-hour visit. The earliest records of the abbey date back to a document from 1127, which already hints at the historical importance of the monastic complex.
The cloister is cool and silent, a corner of paradise in the hot Treviso summer. The most important rooms of the abbey overlook this area, some of which can be visited: the Chapter House, the refectory, the library, and the parlor.
The facade of the basilica is one of the most important examples of Cistercian Gothic in Veneto. The interior is also worth a visit, featuring some remarkable frescoes and a wooden crucifix from the Baroque era.
3. Photograph the village of Rolle
If like us you love hunting for scenic views, the village of Rolle will give you memorable photos. Rolle is a hamlet of Cison di Valmarino and was the first village to be protected by FAI (the Italian National Trust) in 2004. If it looks familiar, the reason is simple: it is one of the most photographed places in all the Prosecco Hills.
Every inch of the slopes above and below the small village is covered with vineyards: a spectacle that speaks for itself. Rolle seems to emerge from the rows as a gentle concession of nature, almost as if it weren’t the protagonist of this panorama.
4. Stroll through the streets of Cison di Valmarino
Included in the circuit of the most beautiful villages in Italy, Cison di Valmarino is a must-stop for anyone visiting these areas. The historic center is truly adorable and develops around Piazza Roma, where we find the Church of San Giovanni Battista, some local bars, and a Relais de Charme very popular with young people as well.
Within the municipal territory, we also find the spectacular Castelbrando. The fortress today houses a restaurant and a hotel, but it is still possible to reach it via a funicular and enjoy the view from above. It can be visited by reservation.
5. Have lunch at Salis – Ristorante Enoteca
Since the famous Osteria senz’oste has now fallen prey to mass tourism, we looked for an equally valid alternative to celebrate our anniversary in Valdobbiadene.
This alternative is called Salis, a restaurant-enoteca with a crazy view of the surrounding hills and excellent quality in both food and service. We had a divine lunch, enjoying one of the most beautiful panoramas we’ve ever seen. We heartily recommend it, but you need to book well in advance.
6. Visit the DOCG Prosecco producing wineries: Nani Rizzi and Bisol
Could we visit an area renowned for its wine production without doing some tastings? Of course not. Our first choice fell on the Nani Rizzi winery, where we had one of the best tastings of our lives.
For 20 euros each, we tasted 5 different sparkling wines, from the driest Valdobbiadene DOCG Millesimato Extra Brut to the sweetest Valdobbiadene DOCG Millesimato Dry. The location is unique: the tasting is served on a terrace overlooking Valdobbiadene and the neighboring vineyards. There is also a swimming pool, but we didn’t ask for permission to dive in.
A special mention goes to the Nani Rizzi logo: it was taken from the signature with which Giovanni, the current owner’s grandfather, closed the letters sent home during his imprisonment in the war. Nani stands for “Giovanni,” while Rizzi is a nickname: the real surname is in fact Spagnol.
Our weekend also led us to stop by the Bisol 1542 winery to say hello to someone. What can I say? One sparkling wine tasted equals one sparkling wine bought. The shop premises have just been renovated and winery tours will also restart soon. Furthermore, Bisol is part of the Lunelli group, which we know from having visited Tenuta Castelbuono in Umbria.
Other things to see around the Prosecco Hills
Our trip to the province of Treviso couldn’t end without visiting other symbolic places in the area, a short distance from the Prosecco Hills.
1. Canovian Temple of Possagno
Until a few weeks ago, we didn’t know about the existence of this incredible temple. In the early 1800s, the parish church of Possagno was in urgent need of restoration. Antonio Canova, a native of Possagno, proposed a project to the city’s wealthy families. They, frightened by the costs, refused.
A few years later, Canova decided to finance the reconstruction of the church entirely out of his own pocket. We have him and his skills to thank if today we can admire the splendid neoclassical temple that dominates Possagno from an elevated position.
The front colonnade in Greek style immediately recalls the Parthenon in Athens, while the central body was designed inspired by the Roman Pantheon. Entry is free, while a small donation is requested to climb the dome. Inside are the tomb of Canova and that of his half-brother Giovanni Battista Sartori.
2. Antonio Canova Gypsotheca Museum
A few meters from the Canovian Temple stands the Antonio Canova Gypsotheca Museum, which can be visited along with the birthplace of the Venetian sculptor. It is the most important monographic collection of plaster casts in Europe, transported to Possagno from the artist’s Roman studio at the behest of his half-brother Giovanni Battista Sartori.
The neoclassical forms of Canova’s plaster casts leave you speechless: inside the gypsotheca, you breathe art and beauty, and you remain in disbelief in front of the most imposing sculptures.
Among the most famous plaster casts, we remember the Graces, the Magdalene, and Pauline Bonaparte. The museum complex is completed by the Park, the Library, and the Canova Archive.
Visit to the Antonio Canova Gypsotheca Museum – Useful Information
- Hours: Tuesday-Friday from 9:30 AM to 6:00 PM, Saturday and Sunday from 9:30 AM to 7:00 PM, closed Monday
- Cost: €10 full price, €8 reduced, €22 families
- Website
3. Asolo
On the way back home, we decided to make one last stop: the village of Asolo. Also due to a heavy downpour, our visit was shorter than expected. We still managed to take a pleasant walk in the historic center of the village and catch a glimpse of its many points of interest from the outside.
Among the must-see things in Asolo are:
- Eleonora Duse’s house
- The Castle
- The Fortress (La Rocca)
- The Garden of Villa Freya
- The Cathedral (Il Duomo)
Included in the circuit of the most beautiful villages in Italy, over time Asolo has attracted some important intellectuals, especially foreigners. Among the many are Eleonora Duse, Robert Browning, Henry James, and Freya Stark.
Where to sleep in the Prosecco Hills: Tenuta Sant’Eufemia
We chose to stay at Tenuta Sant’Eufemia for its panoramic position over the vineyards of San Pietro di Feletto and for the production of its organic proseccos. We found a recently renovated structure immersed in an enchanting landscape: the perfect place to recharge your energy.
The excellent breakfast convinced us more than the aperitif with a cold cut platter and a glass of prosecco, even though the terrace where it is served is truly magical, especially at sunset. Unfortunately, check-in is from 6:00 PM, so staying only one night we didn’t have much time to enjoy the facility.
We have reached the end of our list of must-do experiences and things to see in the Prosecco Hills. Have you ever visited these places? Do you have other spots to recommend in the area? Let us know with a comment!
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