Illasi: Castle Hill, Churches and Paths between Two Valleys

Illasi is a destination for you if you would like to combine history, wine and walks through the hills during one stay. The town brings together the Castello di Illasi, standing on a ridge, several churches, a wine museum and paths with views across the Val d’Illasi and Val Tramigna. This makes it possible to plan a varied visit combining culture and landscape.

The Castle Hill and Castello di Illasi

Castello di Illasi stands on the ridge above the town. Together with the nearby Castello di Soave, it had a strategic function in controlling the valley routes. Castello di Illasi can be traced back to AD 971. The complex features a distributed fortification system with a residential Mastio located beside the military Cassero, as well as an almost elliptical surrounding wall.

Churches, Frescoes and the History of Winemaking

In Cellore, in the municipality of Illasi, the Abbazia Minore di San Zeno Vescovo is probably attributed to the 7th or 9th century; it has been documented since 1037. The Chiesa di San Giorgio Martire is neoclassical and preserves a bronze portal by Virgilio Audagna, as well as frescoes by Carlo Donati. In the Chiesa di Sant’Anna, you can see a 14th-century painting depicting Saint Anne with the child Mary.

The Museo del Vino Villa Canestrari is housed in a 16th-century villa. Historical tools and machines used for winemaking and bottling wine are displayed there. The visit complements the churches and castle with an insight into the craftsmanship behind wine.

Paths with Views of Two Valleys

The Sentiero degli Olivi partly runs along the ridge of the hills and offers simultaneous views of the Val d’Illasi and Val Tramigna. The Quattro passi tra i vigneti e gli olivi di Illasi loop trail leads to the castle hill and offers views of both valleys. The Santuario di S. Felice dates from the 9th or 10th century and preserves numerous frescoes.

Getting There and Special Occasions to Visit

From Verona, travel towards Vicenza, following the signs and the SS 11 to Caldiero; there, turn left and follow the SP 10 to Illasi. At Villa Sagramoso Perez Pompei, guided tours are available for groups of 10 or more by prior reservation. This specific reservation rule is important when planning a visit.

L’olio in festa in Illasi includes music and tastings of local products on the Friday, Saturday and Sunday of the last week of November. The Sagra di San Bartolomeo in Illasi is associated with 24 August or the following Sunday. In this way, culinary and local events complement the historic sites and paths through the hills.

Further places for travel planning: Rivalta, Cavalo, Trevenzuolo, Dossobuono, Cerro Veronese, Via I Maggio Mediana Dell'industria, Bovolone, Badia Calavena.

For the overarching travel overview: Verona.