Velo Veronese: Karst, History and Lessinia Routes

Velo Veronese is considered a balcony overlooking the Veronese plain. The town combines a striking karst landscape with traces of history, regional culture and routes leading through the Lessinia. Anyone planning a journey combining nature, geological history and ancient paths will find a range of points of interest here – from the cave to the former transhumance route.

Karst landscape and local traditions

The Covoli di Velo Veronese are classified as a designated nature reserve within the Lessinia Regional Natural Park. The Covolo di Camposilvano is considered the largest karst cave in the Venetian Prealps. Its history goes back a long way: it was used as a refuge at least 50,000 to 70,000 years ago and also served as a natural place for storing food in Roman times. In the Valle delle Sfingi stands a mushroom-shaped rock which, according to local tradition, is associated with an ogre and the fairy beings known as “fade”.

Routes through the Lessinia

Trail No. 253, “La Via Cara”, follows the upper section of the Via Cara for much of its length. This former transhumance route once connected the plain with the pastures of the Conca dei Pàrpari. Another trail connection is the Legend Run route: it starts in the square in Velo Veronese, leads to the summit of Monte Purga and is fully signposted.

The CAI route No. 252, “Dorsale bassa della Lessinia”, leads from the Museo di Bolca via Velo Veronese towards Ponte di Veja and is approximately 37.4 kilometres long. It passes through woods, meadows and the Contrade of Bolca in the direction of Peri; Velo Veronese lies along the route. For mountain biking, the route “In mtb da Camposilvano alle steli di confine con il Regno del Tirolo” leads through the high pastures of the Lessinia to stone boundary markers between the former Republic of Venice and the Kingdom of Tyrol. Its course includes Velo Veronese, Roverè Veronese and Bosco Chiesanuova.

Monte Purga and Cimbrian history

The remains of a prehistoric hill fort and a Roman fortification can be found on Monte Purga. Velo Veronese was once the capital of the 13 Cimbrian municipalities. The local culture also includes the Festa del Monte Purga, which is considered a traditional local festival.

The “Velo Veronese – I tesori di Azzarino” route passes through Azzarino, a former Cimbrian municipality. Its Contrade, stone markers, sundials and frescoes preserve local stories. The townscape also features the Monumento ai Caduti di Velo Veronese, commemorating those who fell in the First World War; the monument was inaugurated on 18 June 1922.

Fossils and the Covolo di Camposilvano

The Museo Geopaleontologico di Camposilvano displays fossils from the Lessinia and beyond in an exhibition on the development of life through the various geological eras. The exhibition begins with an extensive ammonite collection. Other exhibits include the remains of marine reptiles, dinosaur footprints and the complete skeleton of a cave bear, which stands more than three metres tall when upright.

A staircase trail approximately 500 metres long begins at the Museo Geopaleontologico di Camposilvano and leads to the Covolo Amphitheatre. From its viewing balcony, the cave entrance can be seen. You can reach the museum by car via Via Covolo; parking is available directly in front. When choosing your accommodation in Velo Veronese, you can focus your stay on the karst formations, historical routes or the geological museum.

More destinations for planning your trip

Salionze, Trevenzuolo, Pesina, Malcesine, Verona, Rivalta, Costermano and San Zeno Di Montagna.

For the overarching travel overview: Verona.