Castelfranco Veneto

Infobox CityIT
official_name = Comune di Castelfranco Veneto
img_coa = Castelfranco Veneto-Stemma.png img_coa_small =


image_caption =
region = RegioneIT|sigla=VEN
province = ProvinciaIT (short form)|sigla=TV (TV)
mayor = Maria Gomierato
mayor_party =
elevation_footnotes =
elevation_m = 42
area_footnotes =
area_total_km2 = 50.93
population_footnotes =
population_as_of = 2008-01-01 (ISTAT)
population_total = 33361
pop_density_footnotes =
population_density_km2 = 648
coordinates = coord|45|40|0|N|11|56|0|E|region:IT_type:city(33048)
gentilic = Castellani
telephone = 0423
postalcode = 31033
frazioni = Treville, Salvarosa, Salvatronda, Bella Venezia, Campigo, Sant'Andrea oltre il Muson, Villarazzo, San Floriano di Campagna.
saint = Saint Liberalis
day = 27 April
mapx = #expr:45 + 40 / 60.0
mapy = #expr:11 + 56 / 60.0
locator_position =
native_name = Castelfranco Veneto
name = Castelfranco Veneto
website = http://www.comune.castelfranco-veneto.tv.it/

Castelfranco Veneto is a town and "comune" of Veneto, northern Italy, in the province of Treviso, 25 km by rail from the town of Treviso. It is approximately 40 km inland from Venice.

History

The town originates from a castle built here by the commune of Treviso in the course of its strife against Padua (1195). In 1246 it was captured by Ezzelino IV da Romano, returning to Treviso after his death in 1259. In 1329 it was acquired by Cangrande I della Scala, lord of Verona. Ten years later, together with Treviso, it was handed over to the Republic of Venice, to which it belonged until 1797. Castelfranco then followed the history of Veneto.

Main sights

The older part of the town is square, surrounded by medieval walls and towers constructed by the people of Treviso in 1211 (see Cittadella). The massive Castle is noteworthy.

Castelfranco Veneto was the birthplace of the painter Giorgione, and the Cathedral (1723) contains one of his finest works, the "Madonna with St. Francis and Liberalis" (1504), but more commonly called "La Pala del Giorgione". In the background, the towers of the old town may be seen. The painting was being restored in Venice, Italy; however, ceremonies are planned for the return of 'La Pala' near the end of 2005.

The Cathedral itself was designed by Francesco Maria Preti, over an ancient Romanesque church. Other artpieces include seven fragments of frescoes by Paolo Veronese

Cultural activities

References

*1911