Having one of the country’s richest historical, natural, artistic, cultural, musical and culinary heritages, Veneto is today the most visited region of Italy, with about 60 million tourists every year.
Veneto is a gem of a region in the northeast corner of Italy. Bound on the west by Lake Garda, on the north by the Dolomite Mountains and on the east by the Adriatic Sea, the landscape of the Veneto is rich and varied.
Veneto is known for having its own unique culture and traditions within Italy. This is primarily due to the fact that it was an independent republic for over 1000 years prior to the unification of Italy, and continues to have autonomous governmental powers till this day.
Veneto is today among the wealthiest, most developed and industrialized regions of Italy. Having one of the country’s richest historical, natural, artistic, cultural, musical and culinary heritages, it is also the most visited region of Italy, with about 60 million tourists every year.
Lake Garda, also known as Lago di Garda, is the largest lake in Italy with an area of 370 km², and one of the most harmonious. Its shores touch three regions: Veneto, Lombardy and Trentino-Alto Adigue.
Lake Garda is a very lively place surrounded by charming little villages, a favorite destination for tourists in summer. It also stands out thanks to its breathtaking and varied landscapes, from the steep cliffs in the north to the rich vegetation on the southern and western shores (palm trees, lemon trees, cypresses, etc.)
With a pleasant climate, devoid of the harsher, northern Alpine weather, the Veneto has become Italy’s largest wine producer, creating some of the country’s most noted vintages.
The Amarone appellation is a DOCG zone in Valpolicella, while the Soave wine region, a world renowned area for white wines, has become one of the largest producers in the Veneto.
Located within 9 provinces spread throughout the northeastern regions of Veneto and Friuli Venezia-Giulia you will find the beautiful wine territory of Prosecco DOC. The area of Prosecco DOC represents 24,450 hectares of vineyards and more that 1200 winemakers!
With such a varied geography, the Veneto’s cuisine has become distinguished by its countryside and the agricultural resources available. While many traditional dishes have emerged from the region, it’s the more contemporary culinary creations that have left their mark on Italian cuisine.
Tiramisu, a coffee flavored custard dessert, and one of Italy’s most famous dishes, has its roots in the Veneto. While some will argue that Friuli Venezia Giulia may have been the progenitor, the dish shares a strong tradition with the Veneto region. Originating at Le Beccherie restaurant in Treviso, the dish has gone on to become quintessential fare after any Italian dinner.
Beef Carpaccio, thinly sliced beef with a sauce comprised of mayonnaise and tomatoes, is another of the Veneto’s more contemporary dishes to have left a mark on Italian cuisine. Created at the now famous Harry’s Bar in Venice, the dish has its origins from a discerning client unable to eat cooked meat. The now famous meal has become an incredibly popular starter throughout Italy.
Flagship Food Appellations
Situated on the Adriatic between Lombardia and Friuli Venezia Giulia, the Veneto offers some of Italy’s greatest cultural and geographical treasures.
The city of Verona, a historical Roman town that’s been fused with Renaissance architecture, provides a great introduction to the region. Home to Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, the rather infamous balcony is worth a visit for literary fans. The city is also home to one of the largest Roman arenas within the Italy. The ancient theater plays host to yearly operatic performances that rank among the best in the world.
For those looking to escape the city and embrace nature, Veneto provides a wealth of opportunity. Home to one of the largest lakes in Italy, Lago di Garda, acts as a great alternative to some of the busier lakes in neighboring Lombardia. Adventure seekers can engage in a multitude of sports, with the lake catering to everything from hiking to mountain biking and parasailing. This splendid bathing lake, as well as unspoiled nature and crystal clear water, now guarantees, even in winter, an unusually mild climate for northern Italy. This is why the production of olive oil, 4 types of wines, local products based on freshwater fish offer unique aromas and flavors throughout the year. Lake Garda is a concentrate of everything that the Veneto, the land of Venice can offer.
Further north is the ski resort of Cortina d’Ampezzo, considered one of the most luxurious in Italy, acts a great addition to any trip to the Veneto. More famously known for having hosted the Olympics in 1956, this small town acts as a great introduction for those looking for something different during their Italian vacation. Cortina d’Ampezzo provides the perfect mix of people watching with just the right amount of alpine activity.
A visit to the Veneto wouldn’t be complete without experiencing its world famous capital. Once home to the Venetian empire, Venice provides an almost surreal experience for visitors. Its maze of canals and Palazzi almost seem lost in time, with only the noise of passing boats reminding you of the present. Gondola rides provide one of the best ways to see the city, devoid of the crowd filled streets, exploring Venice through its network of canals is a truly memorable experience. St Mark’s Basilica and The Palazzo Ducale, both located within St Mark’s square act as a great first step when visiting the city. Centrally located, the two monuments provide an impressive introduction to Venice and its storied history.
Veneto is pretty famous for its beautiful villas such as Villa la Rotonda in Vicenza or the stunning Villa Contarini in Piazzola sul Brenta.
Vicenza is a palladian jewel in the heart of Veneto Region, famous for the beautiful city center and the expressive culinary recipes.
Veneto is home to one of the most famous events in the world: the Venice Carnival, which annually attracts over 4 million visitors.
But Veneto is also rich in many other famous events like the International Film Festival (Venice), the Game of Marostica chess, the Opera Festival in Verona, the Campiello literary award.
Many festivals to historical or religious background, like the Festa della Sensa (May) and the Feast of the Redeemer (July), the feast of Panevin (January).
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When was the last time you had dinner in an Italian restaurant in Canada and you thought you were dining in Italy? That’s exactly how “Ospitalità Italiana Certified”restaurants want you to feel when you visit their fine dining establishments.
Ospitalità Italiana is an official certification from Unioncamere, Italy’s federation of local Chambers of Commerce and Industry, that tells you that the food you are enjoying is unquestionably Italian: products are authentic, ingredients genuine and recipes true to the thousand year history of Italian cuisine.
Canada is home to some leading Italian Chefs. Passionate and innovative, many have refined their skills and advanced their knowledge directly in Italy. In addition, Montréal boasts a fabulous cooking school ITHQ where young aspiring chefs learn Italian technic and Italian traditional recipes from the masters.
So the next time you make reservations for an Italian dinner in a Montreal restaurant, ask if they’ve received the Ospitalità Italiana seal of approval. You will enjoy the true Italian taste.