Feltre

Feltre is an Italian town located in the province of Belluno, at the foot of the Dolomites. It has a very ancient history, dating back to pre-Roman times when it was inhabited by the Rhaetians, before becoming an important Roman centre under the name of Feltria.

Feltre was a strategic Roman municipality, situated along the Via Claudia Augusta, a crucial trade route between the Po Valley and northern Europe. The Roman Feltria (or Feltriae) belonged to the Regio X Venetia et Histria and was a municipality registered with the Menenia tribe.

Due to its strategic location, it suffered devastation during the barbarian invasions, being occupied by various forces, including Alaric (409), Attila (452), the Franks (594 and 776), and the Hungarians (900). From the 10th to the 13th century, it was governed by its bishop-counts. It sided with the Lombard League against Frederick Barbarossa and later fought against Ezzelino da Romano, who conquered it in 1248. From 1404 to 1797, it remained a stable dominion of Venice, becoming an important administrative and commercial centre, though it was devastated by the Landsknechts in 1509. After the fall of the Republic of Venice, Feltre passed to Austria; from 1806 to 1814, it was part of the Napoleonic Kingdom of Italy before being incorporated into Lombardy-Venetia (until 1866). It expelled the Austrians during the uprisings of 1848 and was again occupied by them during the First World War. During the Second World War, it was an active centre of the partisan Resistance.

Feltre is known for its historic centre, clustered on a hill, with Renaissance and medieval palaces that reflect its long association with the Republic of Venice. It is nicknamed the “painted town” due to the frescoes adorning its Renaissance buildings. The town hosts the Palio di Feltre, a historical re-enactment featuring competitions between its four districts.

Feltre is a major road and rail hub and an important agricultural and livestock market. Its industrial sector includes metallurgy (aluminium), mechanical engineering, electrotechnics, textiles, chemicals, and building materials. The proximity to the Dolomites and the Belluno Dolomites National Park makes it a popular destination for hikers and nature enthusiasts.