Belluno Cathedral
Last updated on September 8, 2026Overview
The cathedral of San Martino faces the Palazzo dei Rettori across Piazza del Duomo in Belluno. It was rebuilt from 1517 in the Venetian Renaissance manner, and the design is traditionally attributed to Tullio Lombardo.
Its bell tower is the more remarkable thing. Built between 1732 and 1743 to a design by Filippo Juvarra -- the architect of the Turin royal buildings and the Superga -- it is a piece of first-rank eighteenth-century architecture in a small alpine provincial city, and it dominates the town.
The facade of the church itself was never completed, and remains bare brick.
Quick Facts
- Type: Church
- Local name: Duomo di Belluno (vedi la pagina italiana)
- Built: Rebuilt from 1517; campanile 1732-1743
- Designed by: Attributed to Tullio Lombardo; campanile by Filippo Juvarra
- Architectural style: Venetian Renaissance
- Denomination: Roman Catholic
- A Juvarra tower in the mountains: The campanile of 1732-43 was designed by Filippo Juvarra, architect of the Turin royal buildings -- a commission far above the scale of the city.
- The facade was never finished: The church front remains bare brick, so the building still looks unresolved from Piazza del Duomo.
Visit Responsibly
This is an active cathedral in a small city with no significant tourist economy. Visit quietly, stay out of services, and do not photograph people at prayer.
The building is maintained by the diocese rather than by ticket income; an offering in the box is the direct contribution.
Belluno's centre is compact and on a slope. Park at the edge and walk in, and spend a little in the town while you are there.
Plan Your Visit
The cathedral is a working parish and diocesan church, and entry is free. Expect the usual long midday closure, and avoid service times.
It is on Piazza del Duomo in the centre of Belluno, five minutes from Piazza dei Martiri and about fifteen from the railway station.
Allow twenty to thirty minutes.
The bell tower can sometimes be climbed, seasonally and for a small charge, and the view over the town to the Dolomites is worth it -- but the hours are limited and it is worth checking rather than assuming.
The church is largely level at the entrance; the tower climb is steep and narrow and is not accessible.
Dress appropriately, with shoulders and knees covered.