Crocetta Del Montello between History, Villas and Landscape

A historically evolved landscape on Montello

Crocetta Del Montello is located in an area that has been continuously inhabited or used from the distant prehistoric period through Roman times. This long development is reflected here not only in individual buildings, but also in the different themes that can be connected with one another: archaeology, military history, villa culture, former industry and a landscape shaped by water. This creates a destination whose character is best understood through specific places and their history.

Museum, villas and historic sites

The Museo Civico di Crocetta del Montello “La Terra e L’Uomo” uses palaeontological and archaeological collections to convey the development of life and the history of humankind. The local library and the natural history museum “La Terra e L’Uomo” are now located in Villa Ancilotto. This creates a path from the early traces of life and human history to a historic building whose own past is also remarkable.

Villa Ancilotto began in the mid-17th century as the Osteria “Alla Croxetta”. The villa, run by the Ancilotto family, was regarded at provincial level as a model of modern enterprise. Villa Pontello represents another chapter in architectural and social history: the building dates from the 18th century and was acquired by the Pontello family in 1850. After being damaged during the war, the villa was rebuilt and converted into an orphanage in 1928. Today, Villa Pontello and its adjoining areas host various social and cultural activities.

The industrial past is also part of the local character. The Canapificio Veneto in Crocetta was founded in 1883 and was a modern hemp-processing industry. It produced ropes, cords, and white and coloured threads. The area can therefore be understood not only through its grand villas or museums, but also through the history of the work and production associated with it.

Military history at the Osservatorio del Re

The Osservatorio del Re is a military observation post beneath the Casa Benedetti building in Crocetta del Montello. From there, King Vittorio Emanuele III followed the battle in the Quartier del Piave. The Colonna Romana also stands at the Osservatorio del Re; it was erected in 1933 as a memorial to the First World War.

Route, wine and natural history

The “The Battle of the Solstice” route begins at the Osservatorio del Re in Crocetta del Montello and can be travelled by bicycle or car. This allows the historic starting point to be combined with an individual mode of transport. Villa Sandi, a Palladian-style building dating from 1622, offers another way to experience the regional culture. Villa Sandi organises guided tours of the underground wine cellars, the villa and the surrounding garden.

The Fontana del Buoro di Ciano is a striking landscape and archaeological feature. It is a depression hollowed out by stream water. Archaeological remains dating from the Late Copper Age to the Bronze Age have been found in the Fontana del Buoro di Ciano.

Other places in the same area

Salgareda, Stabiuzzo, Cison Di Valmarino, San Fior, Orsago, Fungaia, Varago and San Vito

For the higher-level travel overview: Treviso.