Belluno

Belluno stands above the Piave valley amid the mountains of the eastern Alps. Its name is associated with a Celtic expression for a shining hill, and Roman Bellunum became a source of iron and copper. Bishops later ruled the town, which acquired walls and a castle. After long disputes with neighbouring Treviso, Belluno submitted to Venice in 1404. Under Venetian rule it became an important point for timber carried down the Piave from Cadore, remaining with the republic until 1797.