Dolcè between the Adige, gorge and culture

Dolcè between the Adige, gorge and history

Dolcè combines a striking river landscape with historic sites and varied trails. Forte Ceraino was originally named Forte Hlawaty and was built by the Austrians between 1850 and 1851 in the municipality of Dolcè, on the left bank of the Adige. From Ceraino, the fort can be reached in about 30 minutes via a narrow military road; this then continues to Forte di Monte. This gives you an excursion destination where the history of the Adige Valley can be experienced in direct connection with the landscape.

Gorge, woodland and the Adige landscape

The Chiusa di Ceraino is a narrow gorge where the Adige runs between Monte Pastello and the hills of Rivoli. From there, you can enjoy impressive views over the valley. The section of the Adige that runs through the Dolcè area is considered particularly unspoilt, impressive and rich in flora and fauna. Those who do not want to observe nature only from a distance will therefore find a variety of landscapes in Dolcè: the river, the rocky narrowness of the Chiusa and the wooded areas along the edge of the valley.

Between the main town of Dolcè and the hamlet of Peri lies the Bosco dei Poeti. The woodland covers 130 hectares and has 12 kilometres of comfortable paths. The Bosco dei Poeti displays around 1,000 works by approximately 600 Italian and international artists, as well as poems and drawings. This makes it a distinctive part of Dolcè’s cultural landscape, without requiring you to focus your visit on just one attraction.

Cycle paths, mountain trails and activities on the water

For exploring by bicycle, the CiclAdige-Terra-dei-Forti route through Dolcè offers an easy and varied trail. It connects sections along the left bank of the Adige with stretches through vineyards, orchards and mixed hornbeam and downy oak forests. The Adige Terra dei Forti cycle path begins in Ceraino and passes the parish church of Dolcè at kilometre 4.5. Those who prefer a route towards the mountains can take the Dolcè–Monte Pastello route from Dolcè’s main square via CAI Trail No. 236 towards Monte Pastello.

The river also shapes the possible activities. On the Adige in the Dolcè area, you can go rafting and canoeing. Isola di Dolcè is a landing point for river trips.

Historic traces and Villa Del Bene

The buildings of Villa Del Bene were constructed in the 15th century and completed by 1560. The scenes of the Adige and the Chiusa in the loggia of Villa Del Bene are attributed to Nicola Crollanza. Between Ceraino and Dolcè, there is also the Riparo Soman, where a probably female Bronze Age burial was discovered in 1983. Malga Montarione is a historic site in the municipality of Dolcè, within the Lessinia Regional Natural Park. Together, these places give your stay a chronological span ranging from the Bronze Age through the Renaissance to the 19th-century fortifications.

Getting there and the location of your accommodation

The transport routes in the valley are a useful point of reference for planning your trip. The Brenner railway line has stops in Dolcè and Peri. Road 12 also runs through the valley near Dolcè, crossing the Abetone and Brenner passes. When choosing a hotel or other accommodation, it is therefore worth considering its location within the municipality and the destinations you would like to combine during your stay: river landscapes and water sports, paths through woodland and vineyards, or historic sites in Dolcè and Ceraino.

More destinations

Spiazzi, Sanguinetto, Nogarole Rocca, Torri Del Benaco, Salizzole, Ceraino, Salionze, Monteforte D'alpone

To the higher-level travel overview: Verona.