Napoleon's Italian Campaign. A Travel planner

Events: the Battle of Calliano (4 September 1796); the occupation of Trent (5 September 1796); the Battle of Primolano (7 September 1796); the Battle of Bassano (8 September 1796).

Stops: Calliano, Trent, Primolano, Bassano

Duration: 2 days

The trail: Immersed in the dramatic landscape of the Adige and the Brenta valleys, the Bassano trail traces the second Austrian attempt to relieve Mantua. Investigating the main military encounters and the overthrow of the Bishopric of Trent, the trail culminates in Bassano, a wonderfully relaxing city at the Brenta valley’s outlet. Here the two adversaries, Bonaparte and Wurmser, took turns to occupy the Palazzo Roberti during what was a very trying time for Bassano’s citizens.

Approximate driving time from Bassano to nearby areas of interest:

Events related to the Battle of Borghetto (Trail VII): 2 hours

Events related to the siege of Mantua (Trail VIII): 2½hours

Events related to the Battle of Arcole (Trail XI): 2hours

Events related to the Battle of Rivoli (Trail XII): 2hours

Events related to the uprising in Verona (Trail XIII): 1½ hours

Distance from Bassano to Trent: 85 km

Distance from Bassano to Venice: 60 km

Distance from Bassano to Verona: 100 km

Suggested sights to visit:

Day trip:The Adige Valley

Castel Pietra, Rovereto. On 2 September Bonaparte set off for the Tyrol. Two days later Massena, having first dispersed the enemy outposts in his way, ran into a seemingly strong fortified position at La Pietra. Open by appointment only. Tel: 0464 430363.

Castel Beseno, Calliano. Although Castel Beseno played no direct role in the Battle of Calliano, the old castle, dramatically positioned high above the valley bed, offers a perfect view of Calliano and Rovereto, the two hottest spots during the fighting. Apr-Oct, Tues-Sun 9am-12pm, 2pm-5pm, Jul-Sep 9am-6pm.

Castello del Buonconsiglio, Trent. On 5 September Bonaparte entered Trent. He established his headquarters in the magnificent castle of the ruling Prince-Bishop who had only just fled the city. Opening hours: 10am to 6pm in summer months; vary in winter.
Daytrip:The Brenta valley and Bassano

Castello di Scala, Primolano. When Bonaparte learned that Wurmser had hurled the bulk of his forces down the Brenta valley he immediately decided to take up pursuit, a decision that rendered the French fully dependent on local supplies. On 7 September the French attacked the Austrian rearguard at Primolano. The fortress was later destroyed but the view is still splendid.

Forte di Covelo, Primolano. Further down the road to Bassano, the defeated Austrians staged a second defence at the inherently strong Forte di Covelo but were again overrun. Not open to the public.

Viale dei Martiri, Bassano. It’s only a short march from Cismon to Bassano and in the early hours of 8 September Bonaparte had his troops march against Bassano. The northern perimeter of the old city of Bassano offers a panoramic view of the Brenta valley outlet.

Ponte Vecchio, Bassano. The Battle of Bassano on 8 September culminated when Massena’s advance guard stormed the Ponte Vecchio breaching the town’s defences.

Porta delle Grazie, Bassano. While Massena burst through the Ponte Vecchio, Augereau defeated the Austrian positions to the north of Bassano, entering the city via Porta delle Grazie.

Porta Dieda, Bassano. By around midday the French were able to lay claim to the control of Bassano, allowing Bonaparte to march from the Porta Dieda to the Piazza Libertà in triumph.

Palazzo Roberti, Bassano. Bonaparte installed army headquarters in Palazzo Roberti, spending the night in the very same room that Wurmser had slept in a few hours before. Today the building houses a bookshop. Opening hours: normal working hours.

Church of San Francesco, Bassano. The injured French soldiers were attended to a few blocks down from Palazzo Roberti in the church of San Francesco. Open to the public.

Museo Civico, Bassano. The birth place of Antonio Canova, the great contemporary sculptor who was highly dissatisfied with the French army’s reckless and illegal requisition of art, is located only a few kilometres away from Bassano and it is therefore only natural that Bassano’s civic museum displays several of his works, some of which are of Napoleonic interest. Tues-Sat 9am-6pm, Sun 3.30pm-6.30pm.