Oderzo, the ancient Opitergium
A few km from the Venice so loved throughout the world and also by us who live here, you will encounter this town, far from the most beaten tracks but easily reachable by car or public transport: Oderzo (the ancient Opitergium) stands in the heart of the Venetian plain, exactly where centuries ago the Paleoveneti founded it.
Having become a municipium of the Roman Republic in 49 BC and therefore having fully become part of Rome, it also suffered barbarian invasions: with the end of the diocese of Oderzo and the bishop moving to Heraclia, the contention began between various feudal families such as the Collalto, the Da Camino, and the Scaligeri. Having passed under the Republic of Venice in 1380, its period of greatest splendor, it remained there until the arrival of Napoleon.
Today Oderzo can be visited on foot through a route that follows the ancient Roman roads and, thanks to the at least partial visibility of the archaeological areas from the street front and the presence of information panels, it is possible to immerse oneself in antiquity. Notable is the stop at Ristorante Gellius, built over an archaeological site from the Augustan era, 1st century BC.
A guided tour service is also available, on fixed days or by reservation, carried out free of charge by the ATHENA voluntary association, which allows access to the Forum areas, only partially visible from the street front, and the former Prisons-Gellius.
What to see
- Eno Bellis Archaeological Museum
- Roman Forum area
- Frescoed porticos
- Piazza Grande and its sundial
- Cathedral of San Giovanni Battista
Where to eat and drink
- Bar Capovolto (Via Spinè, 9C. Tel. 366 411 4245): Melissa and Alessio with their themed brunches, quick and tasty lunches, a coffee stop.
- Settegrammi Caffetteria (Via Umberto I, 91. Tel. 349 080 8616): a sweet break, a thousand types of coffee blends, many chocolates and pralines for all tastes.
- Al Gambero d'Oro (Via Valentino Rizzo, 13. Tel. 0422 713715): excellent pizzas for both lunch and dinner, but also an excellent choice of restaurant menus at affordable prices.
- Ristorante Gellius (Via Calle Pretoria, 6. Tel. 0422 713577): Michelin-starred, built with flooring overlooking the site from the Augustan era, 1st century BC.
- Tenuta Rechsteiner (Via Frassenè, 2, 31046 Piavon. Tel. 0422 752074).
Where to stay
In the center of Oderzo or in the immediate vicinity:
Things to know before you go
How to get there: from Treviso by bus or train, which arrives directly in the center. If by car, Noventa di Piave or Cessalto exit, about 20 km of road from the exit.
Info for visits: ATHENA cultural association, Via Garibaldi 80, 31046 Oderzo (TV). Tel. 339 4733106, associazioneathena@virgilio.it
