Soave, one of the most beautiful villages in Italy, was elected “Borgo dei Borghi” (Village of the Villages) just this year. Immersed in the rolling hills between the Lessini Mountains and the Val d’Adige, it is famous for its homonymous white wine: sweet, it should be said, both in color and aroma.
This medieval town, but of much older origins, is dominated by a magnificent Scaligero Castle. Its walls, perfectly preserved, descend the slope embracing the entire historic center: the breathtaking view and the evocative atmosphere will make you want to visit it, discovering every hole.
Centuries of history also characterize the production of wine, the typical product of Soave for excellence, celebrated and celebrated in numerous festivals, events and historical re-enactments. It is a long tradition that is now recognized by 4 DOC awards. If you love wine, a visit to the various wineries in the area is not to be missed.
Ideal for a day trip from Lake Garda or Verona, Soave is a historical and romantic destination that will captivate you!
What to see in a day trip in Soave.
The historic center: the Scaliger walls, the cathedral and the palaces.
The first impact you have with the village of Soave is certainly the one with the imposing walls that surround it. Built in 1369, during the domination of Cansignorio della Scala, in ancient times they had only three doors to give access to the town: Porta Aquila, Porta Vicentina and Porta Verona which gives the entrance to the beautiful main street of the historic center, via Roma, a landmark to wander through the picturesque alleys.
Cathedral of San Lorenzo Martire.
Its facade is in Renaissance style, with Ionic columns and a staircase in red Verona marble. The temple has a single nave, with baroque altars and valuable paintings; the bell tower is in classic style with three-mullioned windows. The most important altarpiece is that of Francesco Morone, the most illustrious Veronese painter of the century. XVI.
In addition to the numerous works of art, the majestic and beautiful organ built in 1889 by the Englishman Giorgio Trice is worth seeing. The solemn power of its sound means that concerts of sacred music are often held in the church.
Justice palace.
This unique building is located in piazza dell’Antenna. Built in 1375, it has a loggia with four pointed arched doors and pointed windows. Today it houses a beautiful wine shop.
Scaligero palace or del Capitano.
This beautiful building, which still retains its original plan dating back to the century XIV, it is now the seat of the Municipality. It is also called “Palazzo del Capitano” because it housed, during the Serenissima, the Captains, who were the highest local authority.
Baccio Zanella Park.
The park, adjacent to the Palazzo del Capitano, extends along a hilly slope and occupies an area of approximately 7,300 square meters.
Access from Via Camuzzoni leads to a first level, where you can still admire the welcoming Italian garden. It is possible to cross the different terraced floors passing through a long and suggestive staircase that leads to the Scaligero Castle.
From this you can also take the short path that leads to the tower, from which the walkway above the walls begins. The view from up there is truly exciting.
The Scaligero Castle of Soave.
This Castle is a typical military artifact of the Middle Ages and represents one of the best examples of a castle structure in the Veneto region. You will find evidence of its long history, paved with feudal disputes, struggles, factions, barbarian invasions, supremacies and defeats, by visiting its perfectly preserved rooms and internal courtyards. You will discover a place where time has stopped.
Events and what to do in a day trip in Soave.
Strada del Soave: wine tasting and visit to the cellars.
The Soave wine route was born in 1999: a path of about 50 km along which it is possible to admire the landscape, visit wineries, taste wine, taste typical dishes in the farmhouses. There are thirteen municipalities that it crosses, located in four beautiful valleys that for their various attractions are certainly worth a visit. Starting from Verona, one finds in order Val di Mezzane, Val d’Illasi, Val Tramigna and Val d’Alpone.
Trekking on the “Vecia via della lana”.
The Antica via della Lana is an itinerary immersed in the green hills planted with vines, olive trees and cherry trees, which winds along the eastern ridge of the Lessini Mountains. It recalls the old path of wool: a path used since ancient times to transport raw wool to the factories of the nearby valleys and then return with skeins of product to be knitted. Today it is an ideal route for cycling, hiking and equestrian tourism enthusiasts that climbs from Soave and reaches San Bortolo (part of the municipality of Selva di Progno). In total it is an itinerary of about 48 kilometers, which crosses the municipalities of Soave, Cazzano, Illasi, Tregnago, Badia Calavena and Selva di Progno.
Grape festival.
Conceived in 1929, it was the first of its kind in all of Italy. The event is characterized by the high quality of the events, both cultural and folkloric, which aim to exalt the Garganega, the queen grape and treasure of Soave. It takes place every year in September.
How to get to Soave.
By car.
Soave is located between Verona and Vicenza, on the A4 Milan-Venice motorway. Take the Soave-San Bonifacio motorway exit, turn right as soon as you exit and turn right again after 50 meters. You will immediately find the sign for Soave whose center is 1 km away.
On the train.
The nearest railway station is located in San Bonifacio (4 km away from Soave), on the Milan-Venice railway line. Make sure the train stops at San Bonifacio. Or you can get off at the Verona – Porta Nuova station and from there take the bus to San Bonifacio.
By plane.
The closest airport is Verona-Villafranca (distance from Soave 25 km).
By bus.
The bus departure station is located in front of the Verona-Porta Nuova railway station. Take the bus to San Bonifacio and get off in the center of Soave (the stop is in front of the Hotel Roxy Plaza).
Soave is the ideal village to satisfy sight and palate, immersing itself in centuries of history.
See you next time dear Outdoors!
Silvia Turazza – Garda Outdoors editorial staff
drone pictures by www.jtdrone.com
Where to sleep – Where to eat – Experiences on Lake Garda.
On Lake Garda there are many structures in which to stay, from small and well-kept B&B’s to resorts with wellness centers and beauty services, in the section dedicated to hotels find all the information you need to find the most suitable accommodation for you.
The same goes for restaurants, at this link you will find our selection of restaurants on Lake Garda. Remembering that Lake Garda offers several starred restaurants and the quality of the culinary offer is very high.
There are many activities and experiences you can do on Lake Garda, so we recommend you visit the section dedicated to experiences in our magazine by clicking here.
