VEN alpolicella. Nature, Art, Flavors Territory of the www.infovalpolicella.it

www.valpolicellaweb.it IAT VALPOLICELLA Tourist office - Via Ingelheim, 7 - 37029 (VR) Tel/Fax: +39 045 7701920 - [email protected]

www.stradadelvinovalpolicella.it STRADA DEL VINO VALPOLICELLA - VALPOLICELLA WINE ROUTE Via Ingelheim, 7 - 37029 San Pietro in Cariano (VR) Tel/Fax: +39 346 3202167 - [email protected]

Getting around The eight municipalities of the Valpolicella area are served by ATV buses. The bus route 103 goes from to Santa Maria di , San Pietro in Cariano, Sant’Ambrogio and Dolcè. The bus route 104 goes to Negrar and then up to Sant’Anna d’Alfaedo. The bus route 107 goes to the Marano valley. The bus route 105 goes to the valley. The bus route 101 goes to . For all bus routes and timetable go to www.atv.verona.it

The regional and fast regional trains that connect Verona with the Brenner Pass stop in Domegliara (Sant’ambrogio di Valpolicella).

The closest airport is Valerio Catullo in Verona Villafranca (www.aereoportoverona.it)

Tasting in the cellar

2 3 Valpolicella A unique Wine and local products The Valpolicella area lies just north of Verona and The hills of Valpolicella are the cradle of some of the most prestigious to the east of Lake Garda; it is a unique area with wine region Italian wines. The wine produced in this area is red wine and the king vineyards sweeping over the hills, historic villas, old is without a doubt the Amarone della Valpolicella, one of the most villages and rural courtyard houses in local stone. long-lived Italian wines. Valpolicella, unique in its kind, features a series of small valleys crossed by “progni”, small torrential The vineyards water courses, with hills that slope southwards of Valpolicella Amarone, meaning “great bitter” was behind Verona. born from an evolution of Recioto della Valpolicella: legend has it that the story of this wine began thanks to a forgotten barrel of Recioto wine, which continued to ferment transfor- ming all the sugar into alcohol. Grape used for Amarone

Recioto, one of the most famous wines of the region, is in fact a sweet dessert wine, perfect with dry cakes and biscuits. Recioto wine embodies the history of Valpolicella. The other local wines are: Valpolicella Classico, a young wine with a very intense red colour and a strong aroma, and Valpolicella Ripas- so, characterised by greater structure, alcoholic content and longevity. Recioto Grapes of glass the territory

The Valpolicella from above The hills of Valpolicella are famous for much more than just wine: this area is rich in local products. On the border with the Lessinia Mountains the traditional dairy farms produce delicious cheeses such as Monte Veronese. The Valpolicella area also has a long tradition in producing cured pork products such as soppressa and salami. Local products include extra virgin olive oil with an intense green-gold colour and rich flavour. A wide variety of fruit is grown in this area, such as cherries, peaches (yellow or white fleshed, nectarines) and the “misso” pear (misso in the local dialect means a pear that is over ripe, dark coloured and soft).

Variety of peaches in the territory

4 5 Dolcè Villa del Bene The municipality of Dolcè has much to offer to visi- tors: from the Cicladige cycle route to the historical Villa del Bene, from nature to sport, all along the river Adige. The new cycle route from Volargne to Ossenigo is 25 km long and it is connected to Verona, the cycle routes of the Trentino Alto Adige region and hence with Northern Europe. Trekking and hiking lovers The Dolcè area is dotted with villages rich in history, can enjoy trails and round trip paths to suit all tastes; traditions and monuments. Volargne, Ceraino, Peri outdoor sports enthusiasts are spoilt for choice with and Ossenigo with their historic villas, old courtyard the activities available on the river Adige: rafting and houses and fortresses are ideal destinations for en- canoeing as well as rock climbing. vironmentally friendly tourism. The hamlet of Os- senigo, surrounded by vineyards, offers a stunning landscape; a place where you feel like time has stop- The locks ped. From Peri to Dolcè, along the road to the Bren- of Cerano ner Pass, you cross an uncontaminated land, rich in vineyards surrounded by woods, the Cicladige cycle route and the river. Travelling down towards Ce- raino you come across the Chiusa, one of the most beautiful natural areas of the Adige valley: a can- yon shaped in the rocks by the river Adige. In Volar- gne it is worth visiting Villa Bene, a large complex comprising several buildings, completed in 1560. It was built in Volargne in the fifteenth century and is connected by a row of cypresses to the river Adige. A majestic portal, attributed to Michele Sammicheli, is decorated with a head that symbolises Christ and a solar disk. A wide range of services are available: B&Bs, farmhouse holidays, hotels, wine cellars and restaurants where you can relax, enjoy the local di- shes and taste excellent DOC wines of the Valdadige Terra dei Forti valley, such as the local Enantio and Casetta wines.

Towns rich in history, traditions and monuments

6 7 Fumane Fumane is in the heart of the Valpolicella area and is characterised by a wide variety of landscapes and A wide variety of environments: sweeping vineyards, cherry trees and orchards in the hills, woods and meadows in the landscapes and mountains. Near Molina, the deepest valley of the environments Lessinia Park opens in a fan shape revealing a dozen remarkable waterfalls created by the mountain streams.

This natural treasure is protected and enhanced by the Cave of Parco delle Cascate, a park with a series of streams, Fumane waterfalls, small lakes, rock terraces and caves called “coaloni”. The hamlet of Molina is very picturesque with narrow streets, houses built with local Lessinia stone and small courtyards houses. Territory of Fumane

In Fumane it is worth visiting the Villa della Torre, a 16th century complex reminiscent of the Roman domus; the four rooms, one in each corner, feature monumental fireplaces with the opening in the shape of the face of a monster. Traces of the presence of Neanderthals and Homo Sapiens dating back to a period between eighty thousand and twenty-five thousand years ago have been found in Fumane. The most important find is a series of red ochre images painted on stone and these, together with other finds can be seen in the Cave of Fumane.

Villa della Torre

Waterfalls of Molina

8 9 Church of Santa Maria Valverde

Gentle, unspoiled agricultural scenery

Church in

Marano di Valpolicella The Marano valley is wedged in the heart of the Valpolicella area, and it has retained the traditional local landscape. Here, in fact, the gentle agricultural landscape has not been altered and even if vineyards and cherry trees now dominate the low and mid- hills, many parts are still covered with olive groves and conifers. The higher part is mainly woodland with well-marked paths and trails that start from Malga Biancari towards the Tibetan bridge and the splendid Valsorda valley. From the church of Santa Maria Valverde you can enjoy a wonderful view of the area: from Verona to Lake Garda, and on clear days you can even see the Apennines. The Marano valley

10 11 Romanesque bell tower in S. Peretto

Negrar di Valpolicella Negrar di Valpolicella in spring The Negrar area, nestled between the green hills with sweeping vineyards and cherry trees, bordered by a large stream, so-called “progno”, extends to the ea- sternmost part of Valpolicella, joining the Lessini Mountains to the north. This area is rich in precious historic villas, many of which can be visited, such as Villa Rizzardi and its Pojega garden and , where you can admire the beau- tifully frescoed Chamber of the Muses. You can also visit the sixteenth-century cellar, with barrels over one hundred and forty years old, and the large park with a spring-fed pond. In the area of Negrar there are also many historic religious buildings, such as the church of San Peretto, with a characteristic 12th century Romanesque bell tower.

Giardino Pojega of Villa Rizzardi

Precious historic villas

12 13 Pescantina Pescantina Pescantina is strongly connected to the river Adige and has always lived in symbiosis with its river, as confirmed by the name “Piscantina”, formerly attributed to the town, which derives from the Latin A life in symbiosis verb “piscare”, to fish: a territory that has benefited with its river greatly from the river as way of communication, water reserve and source of hydraulic energy. The old town centre of Pescantina offers other interesting sites that tell us its history: the marble column

of Sant’Antonio, Palazzon, Palazzo Giacopini- Rowing on the Quadrella, the Sanctuary of the Madonnina, Palazzo river Adige Betteloni and Palazzo Danese.

Festival of San Lorenzo

In the hamlets you can find spots of considerable artistic and landscape interest: in the historic village of Arcè, it is worth visiting Villa Da Sacco and the Church of San Michele Arcangelo, a fine example of local Romanesque architecture; in Santa Lucia you can see the Church of Santa Lucia and relax in Aquardens a beautiful spa with thermal baths; in Ospedaletto there is Villa Quaranta, with its spa and thermal baths; in Balconi you can admire the Monument to former military internees; in Settimo take your time to visit Villa Bertoldi, Villa Mirandola and Villa Sparvieri.

14 15 Sagra di San Lorenzo

Forte Mollinary in Monte

Sant’Ambrogio is renowned for its precious marble, Sant’Ambrogio used over the centuries for its colour and structure to build prestigious monuments such as the Arena di Valpolicella of Verona. Excursions of various levels are avai- lable to discover and savour the authentic village Sant’Ambrogio can be considered the “natural gate- atmosphere, the natural landscapes, local historic way to the Valpolicella area”. The municipality is 20 and cultural beauties. km from Verona and 12 km from Lake Garda and the Brenner road and railway line, after having crossed Church of San Zeno the striking Valdadige valley, connect it to Northern in Poja and Northern Europe.

The territory is rich in contrasts: hills covered with vineyards, carved rocks that descend towards the val- ley, impressive quarries that bear witness to the inter- national success of its stone, Monte Pastello (1112 m high) to the north and the river Adige. A unique area rich in history, Venetian villas, centuries-old chur- Cloister of the parish church ches, Austrian fortifications, local traditions and pro- of S.Giorgio ducts, nature trails, excellent restaurants, renowned View of S.Giorgio and wineries and different types of accommodation: small on Garda Lake hotels, B&Bs and charming farmhouses. On the se- cond Sunday of November the traditional “Festa de le Fae” (Broad Bean Festival) is held in the village of San Giorgio di Valpolicella, officially classified as “One of the most beautiful villages in Italy”. It is a festival that derives from an ancient pagan tradition with traditio- nal costumes, tasting of broad bean soup, chestnuts, local wines, music and folk dances. If you are plan- ning a day trip you can visit the hills surrounding the area and taste the wonderful and extraordinary local wines, renowned all over the world, such as the Ama- rone Classico della Valpolicella and the Recioto Clas- sico della Valpolicella. We recommend a longer stay to fully appreciate the following: the magical village of San Giorgio Ingannapolton, with its Lombard-Roma- nesque parish church; the small Romanesque church of San Zeno in Poia; the numerous Venetian Villas, such as Villa Brenzoni-Bassani, Alighieri, Villa Rovereti Zurla, Villa Nichesola, the Austro-Hun- garian Fort, fountains, vineyards, wineries and many other places of interest. “The natural gateway to the Valpolicella area”

16 17 Sant’Anna D’Alfaedo Sant’Anna D’Alfaedo lies between the valleys of Negrar, Marano and Fumane and the Corno d’Aquilio of the Lessini Mountains forms a natural border to the north. This area is dotted with numerous “contrade” (small groups of houses), generally located near the borders, enhanced by historic fountains and churches Forte Monte Tesoro and small and welcoming mountain huts, all built entirely with the Prun stone (or Lessinia stone). In the area of Sant’Anna d’Alfaedo there are some important natural monuments, such as the Spluga della Preta, one of the deepest karst caves in the world (about 1000 meters), and the Ponte di Veja, an enormous natural stone bridge, one of the few remaining in the world. The bridge, with its unusual structure, has always attracted artists: it seems in fact that Dante Alighieri was probably inspired by the “Ponte di Veja” when he wrote the “Malebolge” in the Divine Comedy. Ponte di Veja

Sant’Anna d’Alfaedo was exploited as a strategic area during the conflicts of the First World War. Evidence of this is the Forte Monte Tesoro, renovated in 2018. During your stay in Sant’Anna d’Alfaedo a must is a tasting of the local products such as fresh and mature cheeses and cured meat.

Mountain hut in Lessinia

18 19 The Romanesque parish church of S.Floriano From San Pietro in Cariano you can visit the arti- stic and cultural heritage of the nearby city of Ve- rona, which is only about ten kilometres away and also easily accessible by local public transport. Just as easily you can enjoy a day trip to the Lessinia Mountains or Lake Garda. These are all perfect de- stinations for day trips, so you can then return in the evening to savour the local products with a good glass of fine Valpolicella wine.

Villa Serego Santa Sofia San Pietro in Cariano

San Pietro in Cariano is a truly unique town, rich in history, art, nature and good wine. The oldest traces Rich in history, of human presence in the area date back to the Neo- lithic period, but there are also numerous finds from art, nature the Roman age and later eras. Sites that deserve a and good wine visit include: the Romanesque parish church of San Floriano, the ruins of Castelrotto castle, the Palace of the Vicariate of San Pietro in Cariano, the recen- tly renovated squares, the numerous manor houses with their splendid courtyards, a sublime expression of Venetian architecture, Villa Serego (Villa Santa Sofia), the only Palladian Villa in the Province of Villa Verona, and Villa Lebrecht, home to the Faculty of Lebrecht Viticulture and Oenology.

20 21 Negrar

Palio del Recioto e dell’Amarone – Easter LA DAMA VINI - Via Quintarelli, 39 - 37024 Negrar (VR) The Palio, held in Negrar, is the most important event for the locals and it also attracts a great number of [email protected] - www.ladamavini.it - Tel. 045 6000728 visitors: there is a competition between wineries for the best Recioto wine produced with the grapes of the HOTEL VILLA MORON Via Moron, 28 - 37024 Negrar (VR) last harvest, which can only be tasted during this event. Tradition has it that the winner is proclaimed on [email protected] - www.villamoron.it - Tel. 045 7500979 Easter Monday. During the event you can taste the Recioto wines of the Palio and the other Valpolicella TRATTORIA CAPRINI - Via Zanotti Paolo, 9 - 37024 Torbe (VR) wines at the kiosks along the streets. [email protected] - www.trattoriacaprini.it - Tel. 045 750 0511 VERONA SPED - Via Villa Zamboni, 1 - 37024 Negrar (VR) Classic wine festival – April/May [email protected] - Tel. 045 862 0589 An important festival that takes place between April and May in San Pietro in Cariano. The festival includes San Pietro in Cariano many events, such as the Magnalonga, a non-competitive walk on a nature, food & wine trail of about 10 STRADA DEL VINO VALPOLICELLA - Via Ingelheim, 7 - 37029 San Pietro in Cariano (VR) km (along the way there are refreshment points serving typical Valpolicella dishes), the Amarathon, a half [email protected] - www.stradadelvinovalpolicella.it - Tel. 3463202167 marathon that crosses vineyards and rural courtyards, the Bike Ride to the Villas and many other events that HOTEL VALPOLICELLA - Via L. V. Beethoven, 3 - 37029 San Pietro In Cariano (VR) are organised every year. [email protected] - www.hotelvalpolicella.net/it - Tel. 045 770 2382 HOTEL GRAN CAN - Via G. Campostrini, 60 - 37029 San Pietro In Cariano (VR) Adige Marathon – October [email protected] - www.hotelgrancan.it - Tel. 045 770 1911 A special canoeing, kayaking and rafting marathon along the waters of the river Adige; an important VINI NICOLIS - Via Villa Girardi, 29 - 37029 San Pietro in Cariano (VR) appointment of the Italian and European competitive canoeing season. It is also an occasion for people to [email protected] - www.vininicolis.com/it/ - Tel. 045 770 1261 meet and enjoy a day out celebrating sports and the outdoors; an opportunity to spend a day paddling with Fumane friends along the river. Every year the Adige Marathon attracts many participants including professional VALENTINA CUBI - Località Casterna, 60 - 37022 Fumane (VR) athletes, that challenge each other along a 35 km descent from Borghetto d’Avio to Pescantina, and amateurs [email protected] - www.valentinacubi.it - Tel. 045 7701806 or simple enthusiasts, that cover the 20 km stretch between Dolcè and Pescantina. CORTE LAVARINI - Strada Provinciale 33b, 4 - 37022 Fumane (VR) [email protected] - www.cortelavarini.com - Tel. 045 4576237 Val Polis Cellae – Second Sunday in October ENOTECA DELLA VALPOLICELLA - Via Osan di Sopra, 45 -37022 Fumane (VR) A day dedicated to discovering the treasures of the Valpolicella area visiting wineries and vineyards, farms [email protected] - www.enotecadellavalpolicella.it - Tel. 045 683 9146 and historic houses, culture and flavours, to celebrate the great red wines of the Verona area and their Sant’Ambrogio producers. Every year, on the second Sunday of October, the participating wineries open their doors and you B&B PORTA DELLA TORRE - Via della Torre, 10 - 37015 San Giorgio di Valpolicella (VR) can taste the wines of the Valpolicella area, including Recioto and Amarone della Valpolicella. The wineries, [email protected] - www.portadellatorre.it - Tel. 045 683 8259 all connected to each other by shuttles (service included in the ticket), host temporary art exhibitions and VINERIA BORGO SAN GIORGIO - Piazza della Pieve, 5 - 37015 San Giorgio di Valpolicella (VR) almost all of them serve local hot food. [email protected] - vineriaborgosangiorgiovalpolicella.business.site - Tel. 349 381 9614 CASA IOLE B&B - Via Casetta, 240 - 37015 Sant’Ambrogio di Valpolicella (VR) Festa delle Fae – Second Sunday in November [email protected] - www.casaiole.it - Tel. 349 953 6889 It seems that already in the fifteenth century, in San Giorgio di Valpolicella, officially classified a “One of the RESIDENZA BORGO VALPOLICELLA - Strada Garibaldi, 5b - 37015 San Giorgio Di Valpolicella (VR) most beautiful villages in Italy” on the hills of Sant’Ambrogio di Valpolicella, there was the custom of [email protected] - Tel. 340 1613533 distributing broad bean soup (“fae” in the Veronese dialect) to the villagers in November, after All Soul’s Day. COALI - Case Sparse Coali, 3 - 37015 Sant’Ambrogio di Valpolicella (VR) [email protected] - www.coali.it - Tel. 347 528 7771 This tradition has been maintained despite the passing of the centuries: still today you can relive the ancient B&B AL CRISTO - Case Sparse Cristo, 2 - 37015 Sant’Ambrogio di Valpolicella (VR) village customs, in the streets of San Giorgio, with historical dances, music and typical Valpolicella products. [email protected] - www.bebalcristo.com - Tel. 045 684 5020 The procession in traditional costumes is not to be missed! During the procession a large cauldron containing VILLA SAN GIORGIO - Via Case Sparse Conca d’Oro, 1 - 37015 San Giorgio di Valpolicella (VR) the broad bean soup, prepared according to an ancient recipe, is taken to the churchyard and placed on a large [email protected] - www.valpolicellaline.it/villa-san-giorgio.html - Tel. 045 683 8170 stone, the “piera de le fae”. The soup is then served to the heads of the local families according to the number of ANTICO CASALE BERGAMINI - Via Stazione Vecchia, 764 - 37015 Gargagnago (VR) family members. Recently, however, the broad bean soup has also been served to tourists and visitors. [email protected] - www.anticocasalebergamini.com - Tel. 392 878 7404 Sant’Anna Fae festival SUPERMERCATO CONA SNC - Via Cesare Battisti, 138 - 37020 Sant’Anna D’alfaedo (VR) [email protected] - Tel. 045 751 9179 Marano LE BIGNELE - Via Biniele, 4 - 37020 Valgatara (VR) [email protected] - www.lebignele.it - Tel. 388 406 6545 NOVAIA - Via Novaia, 1 - 37020 Marano di Valpolicella (VR) [email protected] - www.novaia.it - Tel. 045 775 5129 CORTE RUGOLIN - loc. Rugolin, 1 - 37020 Marano di Valpolicella (VR) [email protected] - www.corterugolin.it - Tel. 045 770 2153 CORTE BORGHETTI - Loc, Via Praele, 19 - 37020 Prognol (VR) [email protected] - www.corteborghetti.com - Tel. 348 609 9925 TERRE DI GNIREGA - Via Gnirega, 7 - 37020 Gnirega (VR) [email protected] - www.terredignirega.it - Tel. 333 770 1122 22 23 www.infovalpolicella.it

IAT VALPOLICELLA Via Ingelheim, 7 - 37029 San Pietro in Cariano (VR) Tel/Fax: +39 045 7701920 [email protected] - www.valpolicellaweb.it

STRADA DEL VINO VALPOLICELLA Via Ingelheim, 7 - 37029 San Pietro in Cariano (VR) Strada del vino Tel +39 346 3202167 - [email protected] Valpolicella www.stradadelvinovalpolicella.it

Travelling to the Valpolicella area

A4 – Serenissima Motorway (Milano - Venezia) exit at Verona Sud. Drive towards Borgo Trento and take the SP 1 road towards Trento/ Valpolicella. Alternatively take the A22 Motorway (Brennero - Modena) towards Brennero, exit at Verona Nord. A22- Motorway (Modena - Brennero) exit at Verona Nord and take the ring road towards Trento, follow directions to S. Pietro in Cariano – Valpolicella for about 10 km.

Verona’s main railway station is called Porta Nuova. The 3 lines that arrive here are: • Milan – railway line • Bologna – Brennero railway line • Verona - Mantua – Modena railway line The following buses go from Verona Porta Nuova to the Valpolicella area: ATV Valpolicella 101, 102, 103, 104, 105 and 21. www.atv.verona.it The railway station in the Valpolicella area is Domegliara – Sant’Ambrogio along the line of regional and fast regional trains to and from the Brenner Pass.

Valerio Catullo Airport in Verona Villafranca www.aeroportoverona.it Giugno 2020 Coordinamento: Direzione Turismo Regione del Veneto Progetto e sviluppo: www.venetoinnovazione.it Grafica e Layout: me-young s.r.l.s. Progetto e sviluppo: www.venetoinnovazione.it Veneto Turismo Regione del Giugno 2020 Coordinamento: Direzione MUSEUMS • Museo e Parco Archeologico S.Giorgio di Valpolicella: Tel. 346 3202167 - [email protected] • Museo Preistorico e Paleontologico di Sant’Anna d’Alfaedo: Tel. 045 7532121 • Museo Etnografico del Fiume Adige: Tel. 045 7156093 - 045 7150056. • Grotta di Fumane: Tel. 366 2064398 - [email protected] • Valpolicella Wine Planet: Tel. 045 7703194 - [email protected]

Comune di di Comune di Marano Comune di Comune di Comune di Comune di Dolce Fiumane di Valpolicella Negrar Pescantina Sant’Ambrogio Sant’Anna D’Alfaedo San Pietro in Cariano