Colognola ai Colli: Churches, Villas and Viticulture with Ancient Traces

Colognola ai Colli between Cultural History and Viticulture

Colognola ai Colli is a destination for travellers who want to combine Italian cultural history, historic architecture and viticulture in one municipality. Sacred buildings, villas with different architectural layers and traces of ancient routes give the place a diverse profile. At the same time, hiking trails as well as combined paths for cyclists and pedestrians offer an active way to explore the area. Colognola ai Colli is therefore particularly suitable for planning a trip that considers culture and landscape together.

Sacred Sites in Monte and near Pieve

The parish church in Monte, dedicated to Saint Fermo and Saint Rustico, dates from the 15th to the 17th century. A cross dating from 1772 stands in front of it, with symbols of the Passion of Christ carved into it. Near Pieve, two gromatic cippi are considered evidence of the ancient centuriation in the area. These places and objects make historical observation tangible and offer various points of reference for a culturally oriented stay.

The Santuario di Santa Maria della Pieve was probably built in the 11th or 12th century over or near a Roman temple from the Republican period that was dedicated to Mercury. A dedication to Mercury remains visible and is set into the façade of the Santuario. Inside, a cycle of frescoes from the late 13th century to the middle of the 15th century has been preserved.

Villas with Different Historical Layers

Villa Stagnoli Bertani is a three-storey manor house with outbuildings and a courtyard, reflecting the architectural taste of the early years of the 19th century. Its building was expanded on the basis of 16th-century structures and preserves vaulted rooms on the ground floor as well as a dovecote tower. Villa Stagnoli Bertani – Tenuta Santa Maria alla Pieve is located in the immediate vicinity of the ancient Pieve of Colognola ai Colli. Above Colognola ai Colli, Villa Peverelli Cavalli was built on the ancient ruins of a castle. For those interested in architecture, this creates a broad picture comprising a manor house, a sacred building and older architectural traces.

Ancient Routes through the Area

The history of transport also reaches far back: in 148 BC, the Via Postumia ran at the foot of Monte Bissone through the area, connecting Genoa via Verona with Aquileia. Together with the gromatic cippi near Pieve, this route points to the ancient organisation and use of the area.

On the Move between Trails and Wine

Hiking trails and combined paths for cyclists and pedestrians make it possible to discover the villas as well as the historic and cultural attractions throughout the municipality of Colognola ai Colli. Viticulture is already documented for the pre-Roman period. The volcanic soil of Colognola ai Colli gives the wines produced there a unique complexity. Those who enjoy combining cultural destinations with activity and regional character when planning a trip will find several clearly identifiable themes to shape their own itinerary.

Practical Information for Motorhome Travellers

On Via Nogarole, next to the car park at the football ground, Colognola ai Colli has a municipal motorhome site with facilities. The site offers free water and a drain for disposal.

More Destinations for Orientation

Castelnuovo Del Garda, Arcole, Brognoligo-Costalunga, Bionde, Braga, Buttapietra, Veronella, Oppeano

For the broader travel overview: Verona.