Mel - The Belluno Province

The city of Mel is one of the most beautiful towns in Italy situated in the heart of the Valbelluna on the left bank of the Piave river and, halfway between Belluno and Feltre. The historical center, interesting and suggestive, still preserves in its characteristic buildings the importance that this town had under the dominion of the Serenissima. An aristocratic atmosphere not to be missed, immersed in the Natural Park of the Belluno Dolomites, among green meadows, dancing streams and deep gorges.

A very interesting area is the Brent of Art, an area of great geological and naturalistic importance, located in the neighboring municipality of Trichiana, where the course of the stream and the debris it carries, have smoothed and shaped the rocks, with an incessant activity which continues from the last glaciation, about 12,000 years ago.

Also noteworthy is Angelo Pellegrino Sbardellotto, an anarchist born in Mel, made history for having tried several times to assassinate Mussolini. The inhabitants are called Zumellesi and, in fact, to understand and understand the history of this village, it is necessary to start from the castle to the doors of the town, that of Zumelle.

Built in 46 AD, the Zumelle Castle is certainly the pearl of the city and was a strategic outpost throughout history. The construction was in a decisive position, because it controlled the transit of one of the most important Roman road arteries, the Via Claudia Augusta Altinate, which connected the mountains with the Po Valley.

At the time of the barbarian invasions, the castle became the cornerstone of the defensive system of the valley, guaranteeing connections between Ceneda, a district of Vittorio Veneto, and Feltre. According to legend, the castle was going to ruin, and was re-founded by Genseric, trustworthy man of Amalasunta queen of the Ostrogoths. Once the sovereign disappeared, Genserico fled and took as his wife the maid Eudosia, and after some time he settled in the new fortress.

From this marriage two twins would be born, with the toponym of Zumelle. Today it can be reached by following the road along the Teche stream, between ups and downs and tight curves, and is in excellent condition with its surrounding walls, moats and towers.

◊ THE BELLUNO PROVINCE ◊

Also called the province of the Dolomites, extends in a totally mountainous territory, embroidered by incredible valleys and well-kept villages, natural oases and large rocky walls. The characteristics of the area reserve pleasant surprises but, the natural monuments that rise between large forests and green pastures, the Dolomites, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2009, are a breathtaking view that would leave the tourists in awe. This territory will welcome you and give you unique emotions, every single meeting will enrich your day and the endless red sunsets, admired from the top of some summits, will color your holidays in an unforgettable adventure.

◊ SPECIAL CATEGORIES ◊

The Veneto Region, nestled in the north-east of Italy, is a mix of history and traditions and, all of it, is enriched by the liveliness of its inhabitants and by a wide range of typical products all to be savored. From the highest peaks of the Dolomites, he embraces and welcomes each visitor with brotherly warmth, accommodating him among the many lounges of his cities of art, giving him unforgettable emotions. Turning between the pages of this site, you can organize your next holidays in the Veneto region and thanks to the many photos published, everything will be very simple.