First time visiting the Church of San Nicolò in Treviso, Italy? This guide covers history, architecture, opening times, accessibility, and nearby attractions.
History and overview of the Church of San Nicolò
The story of the Church of San Nicolò in Treviso begins with the arrival of Dominican friars in the city in the early 13th century. According to historical records, Dominicans settled in Treviso around 1221, and by 1230 the local authorities granted land for both their church and convent.
The present building, largely completed in the early 14th century, was made possible thanks to a generous donation of 70,000 florins by Nicola Boccasino — better known later as Pope Benedict XI. The style of the church combines Romanesque solidity with emerging Gothic verticality, giving it a striking yet austere appearance.
Over the centuries, the church has witnessed dramatic episodes: the bell tower collapsed once, and construction stalled during the plague in the 14th century. It underwent important restorations in the 19th century (including a new wooden roof and red Verona marble flooring), and suffered damage during WWII bombings in 1944.
Inside, the church is dominated by twelve tall, cylindrical columns (ten in brick, two in stone) supporting a nave roof in a “ship’s keel” style. Many of these columns are decorated with frescoes by Tommaso da Modena and his school, depicting saints and famous Dominicans. The presbytery also contains a sculptural tomb of Agostino Onigo (attributed to Antonio Rizzo) and a painted Madonna by Giovanni Gerolamo Savoldo.
There’s also a remarkable architectural feature: the church was built with a slight tilt (about 91° 4′) so that, at the winter solstice around noon, sunlight illuminates six medallions on the north side of the building — a subtle play of light, geometry and meaning.
Opening hours of the Church of San Nicolò
- Mondays to Fridays: 08:30–12:00
- Saturdays & Sundays: 08:30–12:00 and 15:30–19:30
Entrance to the church is free.
How to get to the Church of San Nicolò & parking
Location
The Church of San Nicolò is located at Via San Nicolò, 50, Treviso, in the historic centre of the city.
Parking & transport
- There is limited on-street parking in the historic centre — as with many Italian historic towns, using public transport or walking is often easiest.
- The church is well-connected by Treviso’s pedestrian streets, making it very walkable when touring the city’s old town.
Accessibility & visitor tips for the Church of San Nicolò
- The interior is largely accessible, though historic buildings like this may have uneven flooring; take care when walking.
- The church is part of a larger religious complex: the former Dominican convent now houses the diocesan seminary.
- If you’re particularly interested in the frescoes by Tommaso da Modena, visit slowly — they are detailed and spread throughout the columns and chapter room.
- Because of its size and historical significance, the church is a good first stop in Treviso before exploring other medieval sites.
What you’ll experience at the Church of San Nicolò
Entering the church, you’ll immediately feel its vastness — at approximately 88 metres long, 33 metres high and 27 metres wide, it’s the largest church in Treviso. The brick walls, tall arches and narrow windows reflect its Romanesque-Gothic character, with a strong vertical emphasis.
Inside, the twelve majestic columns catch your eye — not just for their scale but for the frescoes of saints and historical Dominican figures painted by Tommaso da Modena and his school. The apse and presbytery area also reward the visitor with a sculpted tomb of Agostino Onigo and a serene Madonna by Savoldo.
Finally, take time to reflect on the solstice light effect. On the winter solstice, around noon, sunlight illuminates six medallions carved into the north wall — a design very likely intended by the original builders.
The Church of San Nicolò: In summary
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| What is the cost to enter? | Free entry |
| When is it open? | Mon–Fri 08:30–12:00; Sat & Sun also 15:30–19:30 |
| Where is it located? | Via San Nicolò, 50, Treviso, Italy |
| Is parking easy? | Limited—best to walk or use public transport in the historic centre |
| Is the building accessible? | Yes — large interior, some uneven historic floors, but accessible for most visitors |
Nearby attractions
- Piazza dei Signori — The political and social heart of Treviso, just a short walk away.
- Pescheria di Treviso — Treviso’s historic fish market on the canals, full of character.
- Loggia dei Cavalieri — An elegant medieval loggia close by, perfect for architecture lovers.
- Casa dei Carraresi — A historic building in Treviso used for exhibitions and cultural events.
- Church of Santo Stefano — Another historic church nearby, with its own stories to tell.
More Veneto travel
Other Veneto region travel articles on Planet Whitley include:
- Practical guide to visiting the Cappella degli Scrovegni in Padua.
- Exploring Palladian architecture in Vicenza.
- Practical guide to visiting the Teatro Olimpico in Vicenza.
- Why it makes sense to do a Valpolicella wine tour from Verona.
- How fast is the Treviso to Trieste train?