Sommacampagna: Trails, History and Local Culture

Sommacampagna can be discovered through outdoor activities, history and local everyday life. The Sentiero della Pace runs north of the town, while the Slow Food Mercato della Terra is held regularly in Piazza della Repubblica. Historic sites and destinations in the surrounding area complete the picture of a trip that combines culture with active exploration.

Trails for Hikers and Cyclists

The Sentiero della Pace runs 1.8 km north of Sommacampagna along the road from the sports facilities uphill to the historic Madonna del Monte sanctuary. The climb to the sanctuary and the limited length of 1.8 km provide this section of the trail with a clear framework. For longer cycling tours, the Anello cicloturistico Terre del Custoza circular cycle route is available: it is approximately 65 km long and fully signposted with tourist cycling signs. For planning a cycling tour, the approximate length of 65 km is an important figure.

The Ossario di Custoza and Its History

The Ossario di Custoza preserves the remains from the battlefields of the First Italian War of Independence from 23 July to 25 July 1848 and the Third Italian War of Independence on 24 June 1866. The fighting took place at Custoza and in neighbouring municipalities. On a smaller scale, it also contains remains from the Second Italian War of Independence, originating from the fighting at Solferino and San Martino on 24 June 1859.

The Ossario includes exhibition halls in the former custodian’s house. They opened in 2018 and focus on the battle of 24 June 1866 as well as the history of the Ossario. The Ossario di Custoza is open to the public from Wednesday to Sunday in the mornings and afternoons, as well as on Tuesday afternoons. Its opening on several days of the week provides a different time frame from the market held on the first and third Sunday of each month.

Market and Historic Buildings

The Slow Food Mercato della Terra in Sommacampagna takes place on the first and third Sunday of each month from 09:00 to 13:00 in Piazza della Repubblica. The four-hour time slot makes the market a regular morning event. Villa Venier is known as “La Bassa” and is a 17th-century patrician palace with an Italian garden.

Museums, Castles and Palaces in the Surrounding Area

The Museo Nicolis, a museum, is located in the surrounding area of Sommacampagna. The Castello Scaligero, a castle, is also nearby. Villa Vecelli Cavriani can be found there as a palace. Parco Natura Viva, a zoo, is also part of the area around Sommacampagna. Further cultural destinations include the Castelvecchio Museum, also a museum in the surrounding area, as well as three natural arches: Porta Palio, Arco dei Gavi and Porta Borsari.

Other places in Veneto include Caldiero, Malcesine, Quinto Di Valpantena, Garda, Cariano, Oppeano, San Rocco and Gazzo Veronese.

To the higher-level travel overview: Verona.