Walks in the Treviso Towns and Villages

Canova’s Walk – Exploring Possagno between Art and Nature

Passeggiata del Canova a Possagno
Canova's Walk

The walk

The day’s a bit so-so, and as we arrive in Possagno we notice some big clouds hanging over Monte Grappa — but luckily they seem to be clearing.

We park the car right in front of Canova’s Temple. While the kids play on the steps under the Doric colonnade, Evelina goes inside to check out the interior. The kids’ laughter echoes across the square — even though I “Shhh” them every three seconds — but that “tilted” bell tower just cracks them up.

Temple of CanovaCanova's Temple in Possagno
Tilted Bell TowerTilted Bell Tower

When Evelina comes out, we take the road that runs to the left of the Temple and cross a little bridge, following the signs for Colle San Rocco. But instead of climbing up the Via Crucis, we stay to the left. We’re right next to the remains of an old religious building, and after a few steps we spot a sign marking the start of the nature trail.

We follow the path, passing a little olive grove and a dry-stone wall. The view to our left is hidden at first by trees and bushes, but little by little it opens up.

Religious ruinsReligious ruins
Campanile Tempio del CanovaCampanile "Storto"

We get a clear look at the hill that was dug out to make the famous “Coppi” roof tiles of Possagno. With a few gentle ups and downs, we keep walking through acacias, oaks, and twisting ivy. The kids are playing tag, and Sebastian shows me a mix of acacia and ivy that forms a leafy “hand” above the trail — like it’s giving hikers a friendly pat on the back.

Possagno Natural PathPossagno Natural Path
Cava coppi PossagnoCava argilla

We cross a dry stream and see another olive grove to the left. After a short stretch, the trail slopes down a bit more steeply, but the surface is solid and not slippery. And along this descent we find a treasure (at least, for a first grader it is!): a rock shaped like the number 1! It obviously has to be taken straight to his math teacher. We reach the end of the nature path and turn left.

Soon we’re on a paved road, and in a garden by the roadside we spot mini replicas of landmarks like the Leaning Tower of Pisa and the Eiffel Tower. A friendly dog walks along with us for a bit.

We find the number 1
Replica of LandmarksReplica of Landmarks

We turn right and follow the road, keeping left at the fork and heading toward Contrada Vardanega. We pass a small shrine to the Virgin Mary, then turn left again where there’s a bench. Just before the curve, we take the trail that drops down next to a house. We’re now on the “Strada dei Mort”, kind of like Nature Trail No. 2.

We stick to the main trail without taking any turns, and before long we’re back on a paved road (Via Europa). Right in front of us is the quarry again, towering in the distance. We walk past a couple of gardens where chickens, goats, ducks, and turkeys follow us suspiciously — maybe they’re hungry. Naturally, Marco Albino and Sebastian run after them.

Shrine to the Virgin MaryShrine to the Virgin Mary
Strada del MortStrada del Mort

We follow Via Europa to the junction with Via Molinetto, and keep going straight. Marco Albino pretends to be a tightrope walker on the edge of a little wall while mamma, Samuele, and Sebastian walk ahead. We reach a sign for Contrada Masiere (there are also signs for the Malghe) and head left uphill until we reach the Church of San Francesco.

From here we turn right onto Via San Francesco, and after passing the town’s cemetery we go left onto Via Sant’Albino. We stay on this road without turning until we reach the entrance of the Canova High School.

Chiesa di San FrancescoChurch of San Francesco
Doric Columns of Possagno TempleDoric Column

We turn left onto Piazzetta San Pio X and we’re back at Canova’s Temple.

From here, we head to the Agriturismo "A Due Passi dal Tempio" for a well-deserved tagliere of cold cuts with a panoramic view.

Agriturismo a Due Passi dal Tempio
Museum GypsothecaMuseum Gypsotheca

If you’ve never visited Canova’s Gypsotheca and his house, I really recommend going to see the master’s work. We skipped it this time because… well, with the kids, we’re not 100% sure. They might find out the statues are made of plaster and try to use them as chalk on the blackboard...

Galleria Fotografica.

Interno del Tempio
Interno del Tempio
Cupola
Cupola
Percorriamo il lato sinistro del Tempio
Percorriamo il lato sinistro del Tempio
Sentiero natura
Sentiero natura
Lungo il sentiero natura
Lungo il sentiero natura
Muretto a secco
Muretto a secco
Sentiero natura e ulivi
Sentiero natura e ulivi
Abitato di Possagno e cava di argilla
Abitato di Possagno e cava di argilla
Una mano vegetale
Una mano vegetale
Contrada Vardanega
Contrada Vardanega
Sentiero natura 2
Sentiero natura 2
Panorama montagne
Panorama montagne
Lungo Via Sant'Albino
Lungo Via Sant'Albino
Ed ecco nuovamente il Tempio
Ed ecco nuovamente il Tempio

Track Gps

Eat and drink near the walk

Agriturismo a Due passi dal Tempio

Agriturismo a Due passi dal Tempio

Seasonal cuisine and the authentic flavors of rural tradition, with animals raised freely in the open air.

Just 700 meters from Canova’s Temple, on Via Caldoie 58
in Cavaso del Tomba – Tel. +39 0423 544231 and +39 339 6939154


What to see

Canova’s Temple is a neoclassical church built at the foot of Col Draga. It was designed by Antonio Canova himself, who also laid the foundation stone. The exterior colonnade recalls the Parthenon in Athens, while the central body is inspired by the Roman Pantheon. The dome features 7 rows of 32 coffered panels with a golden rosette in the center. Inside, you’ll find several paintings — including The Deposition of Christ from the Cross by Canova — and also his bronze sculpture Pietà.

Gypsotheca Museum preserves the artistic legacy of Antonio Canova, one of the greatest neoclassical sculptors. Here you’ll find the original plaster casts of his works, while his childhood home showcases his paintings and sketches. The garden, orchard brolo, and surrounding park are the very places where Canova likely drew inspiration for many of his masterpieces.

Eat and drink near the walk

Agriturismo a Due passi dal Tempio

Agriturismo a Due passi dal Tempio

Seasonal cuisine and the authentic flavors of rural tradition, with animals raised freely in the open air.

Just 700 meters from Canova’s Temple, on Via Caldoie 58
in Cavaso del Tomba – Tel. +39 0423 544231 and +39 339 6939154

Refreshment Points

Fountain near the Temple

Agriturismo a Due passi dal Tempio - Via Canoie n. 58 a Cavaso del Tomba (a 700mt dal Tempio) - Tel 0423 544231 e 339 693 9154

Curiosities

The Gypsotheca was created thanks to Giovanni Battista Sartori, Canova’s half-brother and universal heir. A man of the Church and deep culture, Sartori wanted to move all the unfinished works, plasters, and molds from Canova’s studio in Rome back to Possagno. He had a special space built next to the sculptor’s family home to preserve everything — and to protect these pieces from being copied by others using them as reference models.

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Important Note

Information is based on personal experience at the time of the walk. Please verify conditions locally before setting out

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