Custoza: History, Vineyards and Broccoletto

Custoza amid morainic hills and two settlement centers

Custoza is located in the western central part of the province of Verona, among the morainic hills of Lake Garda. The town consists of two larger settlement centers on the hills of Bellavista and Ossario. A small hollow connects them with Piazza XXIV Maggio in the center. This distinctive structure shapes orientation in the area and makes Custoza a destination where history and rural character are closely intertwined.

The Ossuary and community performances

The Ossario di Custoza was inaugurated on June 24, 1879, after the remains of almost 2,000 soldiers who had fallen in battle were exhumed and collected there. The Ossuary includes a crypt, a chapel and a small archaeological museum dedicated to the battle. The former caretaker’s house contains exhibition rooms with multimedia installations about the history of the monument.

Another cultural highlight is “Sego de la Vecia.” This tragicomic performance in dialect verse is performed by actors from throughout the village and usually takes place every six years. Thus, alongside its place of remembrance, Custoza also celebrates a communal form of local theater culture.

Broccoletto, festivals and wine

Broccoletto di Custoza is a Slow Food Presidium and is grown exclusively in the Custoza area. The vegetable is harvested by hand between November and February. In local households, it is traditionally blanched for about 20 minutes in boiling water, seasoned with extra virgin olive oil and served with a hard-boiled egg together with salami or fresh sausage.

For several years, the Festa del Broccoletto has been held in January, involving the producers’ association, restaurateurs and the Pro Loco. In 2026, the Broccoletto di Custoza event series reached its 24th edition and included events and tastings. The “Broccoletto in Piazza” program offers traditional dishes with Broccoletto in modern interpretations.

Wine is also part of the local festival tradition: “Il Custoza in festa” is a historic wine festival organized by the wineries of Custoza and reached its 55th edition in 2026.

On foot through the vineyards

The “Cammina Custoza” excursion begins at Piazza di Custoza and follows a route through the vineyards. Along the way, it passes through DOC vineyards, small woods and areas rich in vegetation. Those who want to explore Custoza on foot will find a combination of landscape, winegrowing and peaceful natural stretches.

Getting there and choosing accommodation

Those traveling by train should take a train to Peschiera del Garda and continue by ATV bus. Those arriving by car should follow the signs for the Sommacampagna exit on the A4 Milan–Venice motorway. When choosing your accommodation in Custoza, you can therefore pay particular attention to whether you want to combine history, regional cuisine, wine and routes through the countryside.

Further destinations

If you would like to combine Custoza with other destinations on your trip to Italy, you can also explore Lazise, San Martino Buon Albergo, San Giovanni Lupatoto, Assenza, Soave, Povegliano Veronese, Marano Di Valpolicella and Cavalcaselle.

To the higher-level travel overview: Verona.