Stra: Villa culture, rural heritage and cycling routes

Historic villas and rural culture

In the municipal area of Albaredo d’Adige, Villa Serego Rinaldi is a 16th-century villa complex with agricultural outbuildings, a chapel and a park. The villa also preserves a fresco cycle attributed to Domenico Brusazorzi, featuring rural and mythological scenes. Villa Brena was designed at the beginning of the 20th century in the style of 18th-century Venice. It includes a large garden and an extensive park; for several years, it has been used as a tourist establishment.

Villa Malaspina Pellegrini also combines architecture with the landscape along the Adige. It is located in the municipal area of Albaredo d’Adige on the left bank of the river, in Motta between Albaredo and the hamlet of Coriano, and dates from the 18th century. Villa Perosini Fontana is a 17th-century complex near the bridge over the Adige. The former Rocca di Rivalta near Motta has a considerably older historical connection: it was partially destroyed in 1234 as a result of the conflicts between the Guelphs and Ghibellines.

Memories of the rural world

The cultural side of Stra also leads into the history of rural life. „Mondo Contadino“ transfers the oral heritage handed down by generations of farmers into written form. Dino Coltro was born in Strà di Coriano and developed his interest in the rural world during his education on a rural farm near Strà di Coriano. Later, he described it in almost thirty books. His published work includes poetry, fiction, research and theatre.

Cycling routes between towns and landscapes

For active days, an ecological-cultural route is planned from Albaredo d’Adige via Riva dell’Adige to Beccacivetta di Coriano, which can be undertaken by bicycle or on foot. The cycling route „In bici con gusto tra sapori e cultura della Bassa Veronese“ passes through the designated locality of Moggia Strà and is classified as easy to moderately difficult. Moggia Strà is also one of the designated localities on the 55 km cycling loop „Gravel delle 4 Province“. This gives you different forms of transport and tour lengths that can be easily incorporated separately into your daily planning.

Wine and regional festival culture

Part of the growing area for Arcole DOC wine lies in the municipal area of Albaredo d’Adige. Festival culture includes the „Festa della Polenta“, at which polenta and eel were tasted. The „Sagra e Fiera di San Rocco“ was held in Albaredo d’Adige on the first weekend after Ferragosto. These themes give your trip to Stra different directions: you can place historic architecture, literature and rural traditions at the centre just as much as cycling, walks, wine and regional specialities.

Which accommodation suits your travel plans

When choosing a hotel in Stra, it is worth deciding in advance what you want to focus on during your days. Those interested in culture will find several distinct ways of exploring the history of the area in the villas, the Rocca di Rivalta and Dino Coltro’s works. Those who prefer to be on the move can consider the ecological-cultural route, the cycling loop via Moggia Strà or the 55-kilometre gravel loop as different planning options.

Further destinations: San Giorgio In Salici, Volargne, Selva Di Progno, Nogara, Zevio, Valgatara, Novaglie, Bardolino

To the overarching travel overview: Verona.