However, Treviso still had its scholars and men of letters who left their mark on local history: names such as Giovanni Bonifaccio; Bartolomeo Burchiellati; and later, Rambaldo of the Azzoni Avogardo and the Riccati counts. Artists, whose names still shine in the pages of history, also flourished: Cima da Conegliano (Giovanni Battista); Giorgione da Castelfranco; the Trevisan Paris Bordone; not to mention Lorenzo Lotto and Titian (Tiziano Vecellio) who left great works here, just to cite a few. During these centuries convents (there were 20 convents and about 15 churches in Treviso in the 16th century), churches and palaces underwent renovations, adapting to the taste and stylistic demands of the period, while the city gates were also adorned with bas-reliefs and columns.
And so arrived the 18th century: the Accademia Agraria (agricultural academy) and Biblioteca Comunale (city library) opened in Treviso; and Antonio Canova was born in Possagno on November 1, 1757: the famous sculptor who would later bravely ask Bonaparte for the restitution of works of art stolen from the Veneto region, such as the Horses of St. Mark.

NAPOLEON ARRIVES

With the napoleonic invasions, Treviso also came under french rule. On May 2, 1797, Bonaparte was received by the noble and proud Anzolo Giustinian-Recanati at St. Agostino in the Locanda dell'lmperatore. Anzolo greeted Bonaparte with a dignified address, finally delivering his sword. The French entered Venice a couple of weeks later, ending the by now shaky reign of the Republic.
The arrival of Napoleon raised the hopes of those who yearned for a new order. Instead, stormy years of great delusion followed: the treaty of Campoformido gave the Veneto region (and hence Treviso) to the Austrians; new wars erupted; and the French arrived destroying, pillaging and sacking the countryside with its various Armies passing through the city again and again. The French brought sudden changes to the organisation of public powers; caused the disappearance of monasteries, the suppression of parishes and the transformation of churches and convents into military depots and barracks.
These events left a permanent scar on Ireviso. The only gleam of hope in such adversity was the legislative acknowledgment of the Ateneo Veneto, cultural pole destined to survive to this day.
On November 2, 1813, with Bonaparte defeated, the Austrians returned to the City as absolute rulers in the name of Restoration, for 53 years with only a brief respite in 1848.
From this period, Treviso's history is basically that of Italy: the movements in 1848; the war of Independence; and later, the city's annexation to the Kingdom of Italy on July 15, 1866.
Two world wars, tragic aerial bombardments, appalling destruction and building reconstruction, left the City as we know it today. On April 13, 1948, the City of Treviso was awarded the gold medal for military valour for its role in the revival and resistance against nazi-fascist violence.
This then is Treviso, a small provincial city, devoted to St. Liberale, and dissected by the Sile river. A charming town of canals and irrigation ditches, with a population of less than 100,000 with its glories and its traditions. Treviso is known for her cordial hospitality, fine cuisine, the scent of wines, and her world-famous red radicchio. This is the city where Arturo Martini and Giovanni Comisso lived, with its "mad and happy" people, loyal to the motto "mi no vado a combatar" (I don't care), and where the spirit of friendliness is renewed and part of the gossip and talk of the markets and bars.

IL CASTELLO D'AMORE (CASTLE OF LOVE)

Amongst the festivals of chivalry that took place in Treviso in the 1200's which contributed to its fame as the "joyous and amorous Marca", was that of the "Castello d'Amore". This event usually took place during the Easter period for the amusement of its citizens and the knights of the neighbouring cities. The fairest damsels of the day, stood on the top of a wooden castle adorned with multicoloured brocades and tapestries. Their favours were then won by the knights who threw apples, dates, nutmeg, roses, lilies, ampullae of perfume and any other flower or spice (according to Rolandino) noted for its beauty and fragrance.
The most memorable occasion of the "Castello d'Amore" took place on May 19, 1214, held at "Spineta" (or Selvana) between the gate of San Tomaso and the Limbraga. Salinguerra dei Torelli of Ferrara was Mayor of Treviso at this time. Damsels and knights from Venice and Padua were invited to the feast and they, with their friends, relatives and admirers, arrived in large numbers. There were continuous parades and picturesque processions of the participating cities' banners on the streets of Treviso. All seemed to be well, the damsels with their heads covered in multi-coloured ornaments, teasing and flirting from the "castle"-top when right in the middle of the scuffle for the conquest of the "castle", a frightful brawl broke out between the Paduans and the Venetians. During this brawl the banner of St. Mark was torn to ribbons.
Fortunately, the "masters of arms", whose job was to make sure that all proceeded smoothly, intervened and the "game" was suspended for that day. The consequences of this brawl were soon felt, and a real war quickly broke out between the Paduans and the Venetians in which Treviso, too, was caught.
The war lasted a year with the Venetians being the victors. Pope Onorio III then delegated the Patriarch of Aquilea to be peace maker and invited all parties to forget the wrongs and insults suffered.
Many authors, Italian and foreign, have written on this subject, from early in the 13th century to the present day. Its iconography has also been varied, with images found not only in fresco work but in lead, ivory, silk, and embroidered and painted material.

THE PALIO (HORSE RACE)

The "Palio" races were part of the Trevisans' medieval enterlainment. Palios would be organised during the year for various reasons: by the City to commemorate an important event; one promoted by the bishop's men; and perhaps one by the private sector. The first evidence of "Palio" races in Treviso is found in this note dating to 1313: "Et XII denarios grossos Viviano et Bonifacino tombratoribus in solucione unius vie, quam fecerunt cum domino potestate ad cursam ad palium".