.jpg/alternates/LANDSCAPE_910/Kimberly%20Kephart%20Cittadella%202.jpg)
View of Cittadella on sunny day (Kimberly Kephart)
If you have driven between Vicenza and Bassano Del Grappa, you may have passed by a curious ring-shaped town without giving it much thought. But Cittadella, surrounded by its 13th-century walls that are fully walkable, offers one of the most unique day trips in the Veneto region.
Perfect for families, history lovers and anyone looking to swap the crowds of Venice for something slower and more serene, Cittadella is an easy getaway that delivers both charm and an unforgettable perspective!
What sets Cittadella apart is its completely intact circular wall system, one of the few in Europe that you can still walk all the way around. Originally built by the Carraresi family of Padua in the early 1200s, these fortified walls stretch one mile, offering panoramic views of the town’s rooftops, piazzas and the countryside beyond.
Cittadella was built as a defensive outpost in the never-ending power struggles between rival city-states like Treviso, Verona and Vicenza. Its location along key trade and military routes made it an ideal stronghold.
You will start your walk from the Casa del Capitano, the main gate and museum, where you can purchase your ticket and learn about Cittadella’s defensive history. As you ascend the restored stone steps, the town unfolds beneath you like a storybook, each turn in the wall revealing something new from the bell towers to laundry flapping on the balconies.
The walls rise approximately 15 meters high and span about 1.5 kilometers around. On clear days, you will even spot the Venetian Prealps in the distance.
Cittadella’s story is not all quaint rooftops and cobbled lanes. During your visit, you will hear about Ezzelino III da Romano, a ruthless military leader aligned with the Holy Roman Empire. Around 1251, he commissioned Torre di Malta, a prison so notorious for torture and executions that it was later referenced by Dante Alighieri in the “Divine Comedy.”
Today, the prison is part of the town’s Archaeological Museum, a stark yet fascinating reminder of the town’s medieval past.
Aside from the walls, Cittadella’s old town is compact, making it easy for you to get around on foot. Do not miss
Palazzo Pretorio: A 14th-century palace that occasionally hosts art exhibits.
Duomo di Cittadella: The neoclassical cathedral with a peaceful interior and artwork by Jacopo da Ponte. There is also a museum in here that is FULL of history.
Whether you are pushing a stroller or just looking for a laid-back afternoon, Cittadella is manageable, mellow and absolutely worth a few hours. The wall walk has safety railings and plenty of stopping points, though comfortable shoes are recommended.
You will find restrooms and shaded benches inside the town gates, making it easy to enjoy without overplanning.
Cittadella has a wonderful food scene. For a scenic lunch, try Bar Borsa Café and Bistrot right on Piazza Pierobon. It is here that you can enjoy a nice lunch or have a drink with a view of the church. Alternatively, you can walk a few blocks down to Patrick’s Winery Enoteca & Gineria. It is a cozy atmosphere and on a hot summer day, it is a wonderful place to unwind.
Cittadella is just
35 minutes by car from Vicenza
1 hour 20 minutes from Aviano
1 hour 41 minutes from Venice, with a 10-minute walk into town from the station
There’s free and metered parking just outside the city walls.
Wall Walk Ticket: Grab the Cittadella Card, it is good for a year, and you can get stamps at each location like: Palazzo Pretorio, Teatro Sociale, Museo del Duomo di Cittadella and La Cinta Muraria. €10 per person.
Best Time to Visit: Spring and fall for cooler weather and fewer crowds
Great for: Families, couples, solo adventurers and photographers
“Pro Tip: Walk the walls clockwise in the morning for the best light for photos.”
Cittadella may be small, but paired with Bassano Del Grappa, these two make such a great outing for discovering more of the Veneto region. Its perfectly preserved walls, laid-back charm, and easy access make it a standout in the region. Whether you live nearby or are just visiting, it reminds you that living in Italy is special—you never know what historic site you might find around the corner.
Walls around Cittadella (Kimberly Kephart)
Kimberly Kephart is a freelance travel writer and destination content creator, collaborating with global brands and destination management offices. Based in Vicenza, Italy, Kimberly is passionate about exploring the globe and sharing her insights through her blog, Kimberly Kephart Travels, and on Instagram at @kimberlykepharttravels. As she pursues her Travel Coach Certification with the Travel Coach Network, Kimberly continues to craft comprehensive travel resources that inspire and empower fellow military spouses and solo travelers to embark on meaningful, sustainable journeys.
Editor’s Note: This article was written by a member of the local military community, not an employee of Stars and Stripes. Neither the organization nor the content is being represented by Stars and Stripes or the Department of Defense.
