The town of Belluno in northern Italy sits within the Dolomiti Bellunesi National Park and is overlooked by the awe-inspiring Dolomites mountain range. The town is a popular base with travellers looking for adventure in the mountains and also boasts an interesting collection of cultural sites with its old buildings and historical monuments.
Exploring all of the exciting outdoor opportunities in the Dolomiti Bellunesi National Park is one of the main draws of Belluno. Hiking through the winding mountain trails and enjoying the spectacular views is an immensely rewarding experience. The town’s rich history also makes for a great sightseeing trip through the ancient city centre streets. The Duomo cathedral and the Palazzo dei Rettori are two of the most stunning architectural sites in the town.
Belluno is linked to the city of Padova by train which is roughly a two-hour journey away. Travellers coming from many of the major cities in Italy including Venice and Verona can switch at Padova to reach Belluno. For those flying into Italy, the two nearest airports are Venezia-Marco Polo and Venezia-Treviso. Belluno is a fairly compact town so getting around on foot is the simplest way to explore the town, although there are public transportation routes to other nearby towns and villages in the area.
Belluno is believed to have been founded between 220-200 BC and has experienced a lively history, including being incorporated into the Republic of Venice in 1404 before finally becoming an official Italian territory in 1866. The town is notable for being the home of two separate popes, Pope Gregory XVI and Pope John Paul I.