Nassar on the Adige: Alzaia, History and Valpolicella

Nassar is located within the municipality of San Pietro in Cariano and includes an area directly along the Adige, considered unique in the area.

Adige Trail and Sentiero dell'Alzaia

The route along the Adige begins at the railway bridge in Parona and reaches the municipality of San Pietro in Cariano at Nassar. It can be travelled on foot, by bicycle or on horseback. After entering the municipality, the Sentiero dell'Alzaia reaches the old Mulino Nassar. Along the Alzaia, Nassar is designated as a site of ecological interest. In principle, the Sentiero is accessible year-round; after rain, however, the sandy surface and, during flooding, the Adige can make the path impassable.

Cycle Paths and the Valpolicella Landscape

The regional cycle network in Valpolicella and Valdadige also has historical features: in part, it follows the routes of former Roman roads, while a main axis runs along the Via Claudia Augusta Padana. The cycle paths pass through predominantly agricultural landscapes. Vine cultivation dominates in lower Valpolicella, while cherries and olives are grown at higher elevations. The landscape therefore changes with altitude, offering different impressions for cycling tours in the surrounding region.

Churches, Villas and Historical Traces

Within the municipality of San Pietro in Cariano, the Pieve di San Floriano was first mentioned in a document dating from 905. The Pieve is a Romanesque church incorporating extensive fragments of Roman buildings into its structure. In Santa Sofia, Villa Serego stands along the old road from Parona to Pedemonte; it was designed by Andrea Palladio in the 16th century. The chapel attached to the villa contains frescoes from the early 14th century.

The Nassar section of the Alzaia includes the 15th-century church of Sant’Antonio Abate, which preserves two fragments of frescoes beside the high altar. The section also includes markers recording the water levels reached by the Adige during the floods of 1719 and 1882. Villa Morando is also known as La Colombina and stands on the banks of the Adige in Nassar-Settimo.

Villa Mosconi is also known as Villa Mirandola; it was built toward the end of the 17th century. At the beginning of the 19th century, a pagan altar decorated with putti and sacrificial implements was found on the grounds belonging to Villa Mirandola. Today, it is located in two parts on either side of the entrance on the façade of the San Giuseppe Chapel attached to the villa. Nassar also preserves old buildings with interesting architectural elements and was once the site of a hospice for travellers. At the old Mulino Nassar, bridges cross the inlet and outlet channels; these once powered the mill's machinery.

Wines from Valpolicella

The wines associated with the Valpolicella area of San Pietro in Cariano include Valpolicella, Amarone, Recioto and Ripasso. The regional wine tradition complements the historical and landscape themes that shape Nassar and its surroundings.

More Places for Your Trip to Italy

Also discover Cerea, Caselle Di Sommacampagna, Pacengo, San Giorgio In Salici, Beccacivetta-Azzano, Palù Dei Mori, Ceraino and Erbé.

For the overarching travel overview: Verona.