visitors. The park “del Sojo” is a rocky foothill where local his- Roana tory was intertwined with mysteries and fantasy creatures over the centuries. Witches are believed to have gathered here, but Graffi ti in the Val D’Assa also men, the former bustling, the latter frightened and in search In a very deep and rough gorge, which begins at the Vezzena plain of shelter. The path runs amidst meadows, the lush forests with The province of Vicenza is packed with history and leads up to the Valdastico valley, signs of primitive tribes can hornbeams, downy oaks and cornels. But if the sculptures are the and rich of art and architecture treasures. be found on both the valley fl oor and halfway up the hill. These modern interpretation of an environment whose value only had to But in addition to the history of handbooks and Magic Tour tribes left us more than ten thousand engravings which testify be increased in order for it not to fall into oblivion, there are still to ancient ceremonies. Prehistoric peoples seemed to have been references to fantasy tradition. The caves of the “salbanei”, the chronicles, there’s the hidden and mysterious fascinated by this valley, thus they worshipped it and used it for water pools where the “anguane” (water divinities) lie in wait and history of legends, witches, ogres and fairies. A Journey between historic special magical and propitiatory rites. According to research car- the age-old plants accompany the visitor on the tour, emerging We are referring to the fascinating tissue of ried out by the archaeologist Ausilio Priuli, newer signs which suddenly on every turn. Artists are inspired also by these crea- evidence and fantasy tales testify to the change of religious rites and cults have been added tures; many of their works are interpretations of the mysterious what people say and tell, which is what contin- over the centuries to the oldest graffi ti, which goes back to 5,000- world of the “little people”. ues to give life to both the salons of the upper- 4,000 BC. There are also references to possible star and cosmo- class Vicenza and the meetings in the stables logical myths, and the viewer’s fantasy can play with the signs of humbler people to this day. that hint at machines and fl ying beings. Some people consider the Località Spaccata signs stories written on stones which tell about aliens who landed The split mountain Considering this local tradition we wanted to on our planet aboard giant space crafts. offer the “Magic Tour”, a guided tour to places in the Province of Vicenza The split mountain is a rocky structure which is closely linked to which are interesting both for their artistic the nearby Piccole Dolomiti (“small Dolomites”). It goes back to Roana the Upper Triassic, two hundred million years ago, when the lands value and their nature views, following a map Ecomuseum “del Ghertele” of the valley of Recoaro was covered by the Tethys Ocean, a warm of stories which are still told by the people of and clear sea. The deep crack that splits it was dug into the rocks Vicenza, and which are brought to life during Getting to know the archaeology of the Asiago Plateau with its by the river Torrazzo. The arsenic and the iron in the rocks origi- history and its traditions is possible at the Ecomuseum, which is nated some mineral waters for which Recoaro Terme is famous events such as Hobbiton in Bassano, Natale di a starting and meeting point for excursions, music and theatre all over the world. Fiaba (fairy tale Christmas) in Thiene, Hogazait events and laboratories for adults and young people. Its seat is This is the place in the Vicenza area which is linked the most to – Cimbrian Festival in Roana, Venetian festival an old stable, from which we can start our journey along real or the mysterious female water creatures called “anguane”. It is also imaginary tracks on the trails of our ancestors. Here there are easy to meet them in proximity to water and in the night. That is of animated fairy tales – Fiabe nelle cave (fairy references to elves, witches and the “salbanei”, elf-like magical the time when the “anguane” come out with their wicker baskets tales in the quarries) in Rubbio… creatures that have always been living around the Sette Comuni to wash their clothes, but be careful, for these women are ever- New mysterious places are constantly (the seven villages on the plateau) who play jokes on the inhabit- changing and dangerous. They may look nice at a fi rst glance, with ants, or do them favours or tease them. An absent-minded farmer their wavy long hair and their attractive shapes, but the next thing discovered, such as “Le Priare” in Montecchio still may fi nd his draught horse’s tail plaited as though it was the they may do is to pull people into a hole or a pool and keep them Maggiore, underground quarries which those hair of a princess out of a fairy tale. And this is only one of many imprisoned forever. And the next time the “anguane” can be horri- who were condemned to death in the nearby stories that you might hear. ble shrews who live in caves. It is told that the most famous among them, Etele, daughter of Uttele, lived in this very mountain cleft: at castle of Juliet were allegedly thrown into (for fi rst as Giordano’s faithful wife, then, after turning into a mountain further information please contact segreteria@ Rotzo spirit, she became the wife of the river and the wind. prolocoaltemontecchio.it, tel. 0444 696546). From the point of view of history, the split mountain was a favourite The “Altar Knotto” place of Margherita of Savoy’s who went there a few times, after We look forward to offering you a magical ex- At the eastern border of the Asiago Plateau, in the village of Rot- the access road had been the meeting place with the crown prince perience! zo, the wide tableland of the Seven Comuni becomes impassable Vittorio Emanuele (twenty-two mountain climbers witnessed this) and juts out over the Valdastico valley. Here an enormous natural on 17th August 1879. To live in these places means to take on their block of stone overlooks the precipice, as though it was hanging character: at the beginning of the 20th century, Luigi Pellichero, in space: the “Altar Knotto”, also called “the devil’s stool”. On this the old innkeeper with his long hair and beard, coarse and surly, altar the mountain dwellers worshipped gods of Germanic origin, scared adults and children alike and was nicknamed the “wizard PROVINCIA such as Odin and Thor. Around the ancient rock gifts were offered of the crack”. Via E. Fermi, 134 - 36100 Vicenza DI VICENZA and sacrifi ces for the spirits of the forests, the mountains and tel. 0444.964380 - fax 0444.994779 the springs were made. This place is still linked to diabolic tales e.mail: [email protected] www.vicenzae.org of mysterious and fascinating forces and bewilder the wayfarers Montorso Vicentino www.vicenzabooking.com from their very fi rst steps on the track. People who love and are interested in ancient rites also visit two more places, which are Luigi da Porto’s ghost called Altaburg and Alta Kugela. The famous tale of Rome and Juliet which touched Shakespeare so much that he was inspired to write one of his greatest tragedies, was written by Luigi da Porto in the quiet of his country house in Testi di Caristina Salviati, disegni di Max Paggin Rubbio Montorso. Actually, very little has remained of the manor, which was inhabited by the writer at the beginning of the 16th century: an The painted and the inhabited quarry old colonnade and a tower. That house has been replaced by the During our modern day meetings we usually talk about the fact beautiful Palladian villa “Da Porto Barbaran”, built by the French that the modern men don’t communicate with nature and the Cherrette starting from 1662. supernatural any longer. Whenever they build anything, they History has it that Da Porto retired to his village Montorso after a dusty archive in Venice for over two centuries, and in 1819 it al- metre-track between caves and natural cavities under the district. pollute, disfi gure, eradicates, erases, crushes. But there is always the bloody battle against the Landsknechts (mercenary pikemen) legedly fell into the hands of the writer Alessandro Manzoni, in Visitors return to the Taverna Eolia after a walk among fascinat- someone who goes against the mainstream. The Bassano based in the Friuli region: disfi gured, crippled and of very poor health he the course of secret relationships with Agostino Carlo Rubbi, an ing geology wonders. The two exits, one leading to the villa Carli artist Toni Zarpellon started from a small garage to get to an preferred not to meet the simpering faces of the Vicenza lords and offi cer of the Austrian empire, an expert on judicial secrets. What and one to the villa Da Schio, which can be visited, are particularly abandoned quarry with his improvised paintings. Like with the to enjoy the loving care of his devout servants. What remains of emerges from the acts is that at the end of 16th century a man by interesting. spells of the ancient tribes, a place which man had turned into a sad this tormented and melancholic fi gure here in Montorso is the hill the name of Paolo Orgiano (don Rodrigo) lived in the village and space became a colourful bestiary of anthropomorphic images. called “la Fratta”. Walking away from the house we turn left into was infamous for his abuse of power and his brutality towards the The renovation and the pleasant sensation convinced the artist, the via Villa, where we fi nd the farmhouse where Da Porto loved farmers. The aim of his excursions on which he was the leader Mossano who in the meantime enlivened the inhabited quarry too, putting to dwell and where, according to the inhabitants of the village, his of the bravoes was the abduction of young women. Other char- 150 car tanks in it of which he made 150 sculptures of different restless ghost is still wandering around (this legend has become acters that were seemingly drawn from the trial were: Renzo and The cave of San Bernardino and the Prisons shapes and dimensions. But the experience doesn’t end here: famous all over the world after a Japanese TV station produced a Lucia (the farmers Vincenzo and Fiore), Friar Christopher (Friar In this beautiful town on the hill there are many possibilities for everyone is invited to take part at the renovation of the third and documentary on Da Porto’s ghost, who was evoked by a medium on Ludovico Oddi) and the count Zio Conte. The latter’s name was re- excursion lovers; some old paths which were used until a few dec- last quarry, the “laboratory”. The restyling is made by the visitors TV!). At the end of this road, on the left, the path leads upwards to ally Settimio Fracanzan and he lived in a marvellous example of ades ago by the inhabitants have recently been turned into a long who are asked to rethink the living space, following the eternal the hill where Luigi used to stop to admire the two castles of Mon- Venetian architecture, even if its southern façade displays a mix- panoramic trail on the Berici Hills. principle which also inspired the great architect Andrea Palladio: tecchio Maggiore, which today are named after Romeo and Juliet. ture of different orders. There are many great attractions on this route, like the cave of men’s buildings must be in perfect harmony with the landscape. The manor was built at the beginning of the 18th century and can San Bernardino, which is named after St Bernard of Siena who be found just outside the centre of Orgiano. It has recently been spent some time here. The cave is one of Europe’s most inter- Lumignano examined in a comparative study carried out by professor Claudio esting sites and archaeological excavations are carried out here Asiago Povolo of the University of Venice. The result of the history analysis to this day. They show that the place was inhabited by prehis- The Hermitage of San Cassiano has been presented to the Olympic Academy, one of Vicenza’s most toric people during the Palaeolithic period and even long before, The gnome village The district Lumignano in the village of Longare is famous for its ancient and prestigious culture groups. with traces of the Neanderthal man. The cave was often used as Some people swear that the gnomes, who came from the north, peas, for the popular climbing crag and even more for its caves. shelter during wars and enemy raids by the people of Mossano. found their ideal home in the age-old forests of Asiago,with their What attracts researchers and visitors particularly is the cave of “The Prisons” are a fascinating and mysterious fortress dug into silence and their animals. Some people also swear they are in San Cassiano. Climbing up the mountain behind the village on a Costozza the rock inside a private property, a “palace” made of staircases, contact with this parallel world and tells about encounters and wide pendant terrace, we can see the age-old hermitage where, chambers, rooms, loggias and windows, some of which are re- friendships with the magical creatures. What is certain is that tradition has it, the saints Theobald and Cassian retired to pray and Caves and ventiducts inforced by terracotta structures. A place inside the rock which mainly children, but also adults are fascinated by the idea of fi nd- meditate. And this is also a place where speleologists and folklore The whole rocky area between the village of Longare and the dis- is unique for the grandiosity of its structure. The visit starts ing signs and traces of the “little people”. Thus, it was decided to lovers meet to admire the wonders of geology and to tell each other tricts of Lumignano and Costozza is full of a particular kind of from the square in front of the church of Mossano and includes a decorate the unspoilt park of the Da Barba hotel, among alpine tales of fantasy creatures who, according to tradition, have been caves, called “covolo”. They are real rooms dug into the rock, usu- pleasant walk among evidence of human life on the Berici hills in fl owers, wild animals and old tunnels, with a village of gnomes “living” in the caves and caves of the Vicenza area forever. ally with a narrow door-like opening, which were used as shelters different periods of history. which makes this fantasy come true. The walk leads along amidst Among the legends which are passed on orally, one of the most during certain historical periods, like wars or enemy raids. Many abundant spruce woods and green pastures. Every turn holds a fascinating is the story of Adelaide, queen of Italy (a historic of these caves have always been “inhabited” by mysterious crea- surprise, sometimes of a natural sort, sometimes of playful na- person who lived in the 10th century), to which the “Covolo della tures who can become dangerous to solitary visitors who, legend Vicenza ture: a small waterfall, a lake, a bridge, the little houses among Regina” (the queen’s cave) near the hermitage is dedicated. She has it, may risk to meet and disturb the witches who are roam- the trees, and we can experience what could be seen only in escaped the imprisonment infl icted upon her by Berengario, af- ing and dancing in the woods and on the pathways. This is also Villa Valmarana ai Nani books and in our imagination. It is a unique experience for those ter her husband Lothar had been killed, and hid in these caves the place where the devil Purafi aba, a character of a nice short In Vicenza a visitor cannot miss a visit to the artistic and fa- who have got children, but also really pleasant for those who want for some time, before she fi nally fl ed to safety to the city of Este. novel written by the local writer Giovanni da Schio, found the road mous villa Valmarana, the construction of which started 1669, to relax amidst beauties of nature and fantasy inventions. “I see The queen was grateful to these places, and for all her life she to hell. There is also a cave called “covolo del Prussiano”, where and which was frescoed by Tiepolo and his son in 1757. It is said them nearly every day”, the park guide tells the children, “when kept sending presents, dried fruit and “sacred” books to the peni- a misanthropic creature of Belgian origin lives, a bugbear for that once a rich and powerful prince had a gloomy castle built they just come out of their dens, they are very small, about 25 cm, tents who retired into the hermitage to pray. The hermitage of whimsical children. Those who like to let their imagination run are here, surrounded by high walls, because he did not want his only including their hood, then they grow as tall as a person. They are San Cassiano has belonged to the Da Schio family since 1825. spellbound by ruins, wild landscapes and caves, where the “strie” daughter Jana, a disfi gured midget, to suffer seeing more hand- good-natured, likeable and play some little jokes, then they take a The present owner, count Alvise Da Schio, has agreed to have the (witches) live, evil creatures who bring about curses that even the some people. Thus, all the servants that surrounded her were ride on the merry-go-round, with neither cars nor noises. Vicenza-based speleology group “Proteo” run it. From the piazza priests and the holy water cannot ward off. In the caves, ravines midgets too. However, many youngsters were attracted by the Mazzaretto, facing the church, we can see a capital on the right and gorges of most of the Vicenza area live the cruel “anguane”, prince’s wealth and the girl’s beautiful face and came to ask for from which starts the route nr. 3 that leads to the hermitage, to creatures of the water. her hand in marriage, but as soon as they discovered her deform- Lusiana the cross and to the walls of the mount Brojon. But in ancient times people were sometimes helped by fairies, ity, they found any pretext to go away. One day the poor girl fell who sometimes gave wool skeins to young girls who were about to hopelessly in love with one of the many suitors, who, like all the Park “del Sojo” marry. The fairies can be seen at night, when they hang out their others before, had walked away upon seeing her. She went to the It lies in the village of Lusiana, on the southern border of the Asia- Orgiano washing upon long lines hanging between two cliffs. The caves balcony that overlooked the road and started to call the young go Plateau, and was designed by the architect Diego Morlin in the can be reached on foot along the paths which start from the centre man and leant over so much, she fell down on the road and died. district of Covolo. It is a small village on top of the hills and sur- The real Betrothed of Costozza. It is said that the midgets (“nani”), who climbed upon the wall to rounded by wild and unspoilt nature. The main aim of the creation They lived in Orgiano. This is the result of the recreation of the tri- In this district there exists an underground track called “dei ven- see what had happened, remained petrifi ed from shock. They can of this park was to preserve the natural environment, but also to al in which in 1607 a person called Paolo Orgiano was sentenced tidotti” (ventiduct track). Its entrance is at the restaurant Taverna still be seen like that, as ornamental sculptures of the villa that enrich the landscape and to offer an opportunity to artists and to lifelong prison. A document regarding this trial was buried in Eolia, where a map that shows the route can be seen: a seven-kilo- bears their name. Roana Roana Rotzo Rubbio Graffi ti in the Val D’Assa Ecomuseum “del Ghertele” The “Altar Knotto” The painted and the inhabited quarry

The area that is the richest in The museum can be found in Shortly after reaching the main From either Bassano del Grappa fi nds is the rocky wall called the district of Ghertele. The as- square in Rotzo, coming from or Marostica, in the direction of “parete di quota 824”, that can sociation Associazione Archei- Asiago, a road runs up on the Asiago, you can reach the district be reached along two routes that dos and the Roana Town Coun- right towards the mountains of Rubbio, that lies at about 1,000 start at the centre of Roana and at cil offer tourist and education Campolongo and Verena. At a metres altitude. Shortly before the the nearby district of Canove. To activities and theme holidays. bend called “curva del Telale” village take the road on the right access the place it is necessary take the path nr. 802 in the that leads to the mountain Monte to be accompanied by a guide. woods westwards. Caina. In order not to get lost, fol- Info: Associazione Archeidos, Info: Associazione Archeidos, low a repeater, a small garage and tel. 0424 691100, website: www. tel. 0424 691100, a small path downwards. archeidos.it; tourist offi ce, 0424 website: www.archeidos.it; Info: tel. 3282143191, 462221, website: www.comune. Tourist offi ce tel. 0424 462221, Info, website: e-mail: [email protected], roana.it; www.magicoveneto.it. website: www.comune.roana.it. www.magicoveneto.it website: www.cavedirubbio.com In the In the pic- In the In the pic- picture: ture: the old picture: a ture: some of graffi ti detail. shepherd’s suggestive the anthro- hut, today image of pomorphic seat of the the “Altar fi gures paint- Ecomuseum Knotto” ed on the from which overlooking rocks of the the excur- the valley Val abandoned sions start. d’Astico. cave.

Asiago Lusiana Località Spaccata Montorso Vicentino The gnome village Park “del Sojo” The split mountain Luigi da Porto’s ghost The wood called “Boschetto The park can be freely visited After passing Valdagno and the Montorso Vicentino is located del Pöslen” is a highly imagi- all year. A guided tour can be signpost for San Quirico turn 16 km from Vicenza. Once native place inside the 90,000 booked. Picnics must be au- left onto the provincial road nr. you have reached the centre square metre park of the Hotel thorised. 100. The visit of the place can of Montebello go on about 5 da Barba. On the road towards include excursions, shows and km towards Arzignano. In the Asiago, in the district of Canove, animation. summer there are many cul- turn right at the dairies. ture initiatives. Visits upon reservation only. Info: tel. 0444 685402 (tech- Info: tel. 0424 463363, e-mail Info: tel. 340 3723231, e-mail nical offi ce), e-mail: info@ [email protected], Info: cell. 339 3124946, [email protected], comune.montorsovicentino. websites www.asiago.to and e-mail: [email protected], website: www.montagnaspac- vi.it, website: www.comune. www.dabarba.it. website: www.parcodelsojo.it. cata.com. montorsovicentino.vi.it In the In the picture: In the picture: In the picture: picture: one the evoca- the evocative the villa of the many tive work by path that Da Porto- surprises Margherita leads to the Barbaran of the park, Michelozzo, split mountain after its the hang- depicting a wa- meets the recent ing bridge ter spirit, called mount Torrazzo restoration. between “anguana”, in with its gurgling two gnome the thick of the waters and houses. forest. waterfalls.

Lumignano Orgiano Costozza The Hermitage of San Cassiano The real Betrothed Caves and ventiducts

It is located on the road Rivi- Orgiano is located 32 km from They can be found on the south- era Berica in the village of Vicenza, south of the Berici eastern part of the Berici Hills. Longare. The speleology club Hills. Driving along the provin- Restaurant Taverna Eolia, tel. “Proteo” is open to the public cial road up to Lonigo, you ar- 0444/555036, website: www. on every fi rst Sunday of the rive at the crossroads towards aeolia.com. Visit of the villa Da Magic Tour month. Guided visits can be Orgiano. Individual visits of the Schio upon booking, tel. 0444 booked in other days. villa: Sundays and holidays 555099, mobile 340 4854568, Info: e-mail [email protected], from 15 March to 1 November, website: www.costozza-villa- A Journey between historic tel. 0444 922711 (Mr Luca Dal 15-19; groups: all year upon daschio.it. Molin) and 0444 790204 (Ms telephone booking. Info: Consorzio Pro Loco evidence and fantasy tales Samuela Dal Maso), e-mail: Colli Berici, tel. 0444 638188, [email protected], website: Info: tel. 0444 874589, website: e-mail: [email protected], www.colliberici.it. www.villafracanzanpiovene.com. website: www.colliberici.it. In the In the pic- In the picture: the ture: the villa picture: Hermit- Fracanzan views of the age of San Piovene, built underground Cassiano, in the 18th track of the enshrined century by Costozza Roana 1/2 5 Asiago in a cave of the architect ventiducts. Rotzo 3 an evocative Francesco cliff. Muttoni. Rubbio Lusiana 6 4       

Mossano Vicenza   

The cave of San Bernardino and the Prisons Villa Valmarana ai Nani   

 They are located along the road It lies on the southern side of the 7 S. Quirico   Riviera Berica about 30 km from Monte Berico hill. Open all year:  Vicenza. To access the cave and from 10 March to 8 November,    the prisons a guide is needed 10 -12 and 15-18 (closed on Mon- Tourist information and can be booked at 3472914152 days); from 8 November to 10 www.vicenzae.org (Giorgio Vacherelli), e-mail: pro- March: Saturdays and Sundays   [email protected], only, 10–12 and 14–16.30. Visits VICENZA BASSANO DEL GRAPPA 13 Vicenza in other times upon reservation.   Piazza Matteotti, 12 Largo Corona d’Italia, 35    Info: Consorzio Colli Berici, Tel. 0444320854 - Fax 0444327072 Tel. 0424524351 - Fax 0424525301   tel. 0444.638188 (mornings), Info: tel. 0444 321803, e-mail  11 Costozza [email protected] [email protected] Montorso V. 8  e-mail [email protected], [email protected],  website www.colliberici.it. website www.villavalmarana.com. VICENZA RECOARO TERME Lumignano 9 Piazza dei Signori, 8 Via Roma, 15   In the picture: In the picture:   Tel. 0444544122 - Fax 0444325001 Tel. 044575070 - Fax 044575158 megalithic the villa 12 Mossano   structures Valmarana ai [email protected] [email protected]  Orgiano 10

called “the Nani and a view  

prisons”, an on the park ALTOPIANO DI ASIAGO TONEZZA DEL CIMONE   

enigmatic for- surrounded Via Stazione, 5 - Asiago Via Roma, 24

  tifi ed palace by the walls  Tel. 0424462221/ 0424462661 Tel. 0445749500 - Fax 0445749505    of medieval that became Fax 0424462445 [email protected]  origin dug into famous for the the rock. dwarf statues. [email protected]