Bassano del Grappa

Town in Veneto region, northeast Italy, on the River Brenta, 30 km/19 mi northeast of Vicenza; population (1990 est) 38,800. Bassano is a centre of asparagus growing and produces grappa (a type of brandy). It has ancient walls, a 10th-century cathedral, and a museum which contains, amongst other masterpieces, works by the Bassano family of painters.

Jacopo da Ponte (called Jacopo Bassano), the most famous member of the Bassano family, was born here in 1510.

Napoleon defeated the Austrians here during the French Revolutionary Wars. There was heavy fighting at nearby Monte Grappa during World War I. Bassano was heavily damaged during World War II, but many structures, including the remarkable 13th-century covered wooden bridge (Ponte Coperto), have since been repaired.