Discover Crespano Del Grappa

Crespano del Grappa brings together sacred architecture, the history of the First World War and trails around the Sanctuary of Madonna del Covolo as distinct focal points. When planning your trip, you can first decide whether to focus on churches and the museum or on routes toward the Valle and Cima Grappa. The places below show how architecture, collections and trail routes differ from one another. It is best to check trail conditions locally.

Churches and historic architecture

The Cathedral of Saints Mark and Pancras was designed by the Venetian architect Giorgio Massari; construction began with the laying of the foundation stone on October 3, 1735. The main altar was made by Ludovico Torresini. The cathedral’s construction history and furnishings can therefore be considered as two distinct aspects.

The Romanesque Church of San Pancrazio dates from the early 12th century and preserves a wooden crucifix from the 14th century. Today, the historic bell tower is all that remains of the old parish church of San Marco; the church itself dates from between the 10th and 12th centuries. San Paolo del Lastego is considered one of the oldest churches in the upper Treviso area. It is fully preserved on the west bank of the Lastego, south of the town. These examples emphasize different features: the cathedral’s design and altar, the crucifix at San Pancrazio, and the bell tower at San Marco.

Madonna del Covolo: architecture and trails

The present-day Sanctuary of Madonna del Covolo was built to a design by Antonio Canova. It is a Neoclassical building with a circular floor plan, a pronaos with a triangular pediment and Ionic columns. The floor plan, portico and column order refer to distinct architectural elements. The sanctuary is also the starting point for numerous trails leading into the Valle or to Cima Grappa.

The road from Crespano to the sanctuary is also described in detail: it is steep, scenic and unpaved. Fifteen wayside shrines line it, corresponding to the Stations of the Cross. The road and the trails starting at the sanctuary are distinct points of reference for your planning; check conditions locally.

World War I Museum

The Museo Storico della Grande Guerra 1915-1918 is housed in Palazzo Reale San Marco. It contains around a thousand artifacts documenting daily life at the front. The museum’s specialist library holds 800 volumes on the First World War. The collection and the library thus focus on distinct themes: the artifacts draw attention to daily life at the front, while the books address the subject of the war.

The exhibition is divided into four sections: provisions, field hospital, leisure and trench. Food supplies, medical care and leisure are presented alongside everyday life in the trenches. This gives the exhibition a thematic breadth that goes beyond a single aspect of the war.

Compare trails by route and difficulty

The historic Mulattiera del Grappa, trail CAI 105, connects the Sanctuary of Madonna del Covolo with Cima Grappa. The Direttissima, trail CAI 106, runs parallel to the Mulattiera and is intended for experienced hikers. By comparison, the Mulattiera is identified by its connection to the summit, while the Direttissima is distinguished by its parallel route and its classification for experienced hikers. Trail conditions can vary, so it is advisable to check them locally before setting out.

A short forest trail leads from the sanctuary to the Tre Busi spring. The spring is believed to have healing properties. The trails described also differ in their destinations: alongside the routes into the Valle or toward Cima Grappa, there is this short trail to the spring. When planning, you can refer to the destinations mentioned, the routes and the stated classifications.

Discover more destinations: Portobuffolè, Meduna Di Livenza, Talponada, Gorgo Al Monticano, Pero, Soligo, Musestre, Follina.

For the broader travel overview: Treviso.