Grezzana: Discover Rock Landscapes and History

Grezzana is the right destination for you if you would like to combine rock landscapes, a long cultural history and paths through the hills. At Vajo del Paradiso, unusual geology meets prehistoric traces; historic sites, a villa with a garden and a circular trail complete the picture.

Rock Landscapes and Prehistoric Traces

At Vajo del Paradiso, the differently eroded layers of “Rosso ammonitico” have formed high rock ledges. Rocky paths run along their base; caves and rock shelters also open up there. Rare rock paintings have been preserved on the rock walls of Vajo del Paradiso. Their dating is difficult: they range from the Neolithic through protohistoric periods to possibly early Christian or early medieval religious depictions.

History in Buildings and Archaeological Sites

The garden of Villa Arvedi was created as an elegant, understated embellishment of the building erected in 1650 by architect and sculptor G.B. Bianchi. The villa stands on a lawn terrace; its parterre features refined double-fan patterns – a design described as unique in Italy.

Contrada Bellori has largely preserved its characteristic architectural features. Its landmark, the Mulino di Bellori, is a two-wheeled watermill built around the 16th century that remained in operation until 1956.

The complex now known as Torre del Falasco also began to take an organized form at the beginning of the 12th century. At that time, the area was granted as a fief to the Turrisendi family, who further fortified the site, which was already naturally protected.

The route there crosses private property, so the Torre is currently not open to the public. From a distance, you can see it from the bypass road between Grezzana and Stallavanea, in the direction of Lessinia, among the rocks.

Riparo Tagliente is considered one of the significant prehistoric archaeological sites at European level and proves that Lessinia has been inhabited since ancient times. Riparo Tagliente is accessible only during the excavation campaign conducted by the Università di Ferrara, usually at the end of September or beginning of October.

Hiking and Cycling Around Grezzana

The circular route “Boschi e antiche località sulle colline di Grezzana” runs from Grezzana at 168 m via Orè (225 m), Bivio Falasco (295 m), Case Vecchie (485 m) and Coatte (345 m), returning to Grezzana at 168 m. FEET is a project to promote hiking and cycling trails in the Grezzana area.

Other Places in the Surrounding Area

In the area around Grezzana, Castle Saint Pietro is a castle; the Teatro romano di Verona is an ancient site and museum; and the Museo Africano is a museum. Also in the area around Grezzana are Parco delle Cascate, a waterfall, and Arco della Costa, Porta Borsari and Porta Vescovo, which are natural arches.

Villa Arvedi continues to produce grapes and olive oil. This gives the villa an agricultural dimension in addition to its garden and architectural history.

More Destinations for Trip Planning

If you would like to expand your travel ideas, you can find more destinations at Ferrara Di Monte Baldo, Ceraino, Mazzano, Malpasso, Cariano, Bevilacqua, Nassar and Sant'ambrogio Di Valpolicella.

For the higher-level travel overview: Verona.