Discover Villaga: History, Hills and Wine

Villaga Between History and Rolling Hills

Villaga combines traces of history with open landscapes and paths through the hills. If you would like to bring culture, nature and regional cuisine together on your trip to Italy, the town offers a range of opportunities to do so. The Eremo di San Donato stands 300 metres above sea level on a cliff with large natural cavities near a spring and can be traced back to 1243. In 1283, a Benedictine convent was added to the hermitage.

The path to the Eremo di San Donato offers views of the valley below and the Euganean Hills. The Grotte di San Donato lie almost at the summit of the 415-metre-high Monte Tondo. In the hills between San Donato and Monte Tondo are fortifications from the First World War, trenches carved into the rock, short tunnel sections, machine-gun emplacements and a stone blockhouse.

Churches, Villas and Historical Traces

The earliest known mention of the parish of San Michele Arcangelo in Villaga dates back to 1187. The dedication to the Archangel Michael is considered a possible indication of Lombard origins. San Giorgio in Toara was probably built as a chapel within the parish or parish district of Barbarano and later developed into a parish church. The present building dates from the early 18th century; the oldest document containing an entry for San Giorgio in Toara is dated 10 October 1288.

Villa Rasia-Dani is considered the oldest house in the municipality of Villaga. The walls of the right-hand part of the building date from the early 15th century, while the wooden portico and loggia were built between 1506 and 1509. Villa Palma-Bedeschi is also known as “La Commenda di San Silvestro” and passed from the Templars to the Knights Hospitaller and later to the Knights of Malta. Villa Barbarano is also known as “Il Castello di Belvedere”. The Colombara del Paradiso is usually called “Castellaro”, its structure dates back to medieval defensive towers, and it is believed to have been used as an observation post.

Trails, Valley and Wine Country

The landscape of Villaga extends from open farmland and vineyards to forests covering Monte Tondo. The Calto Valley preserves the atmosphere of an unspoilt place with mills that have been closely connected with the use of water for centuries. For cyclists, the regional E7 Riviera Berica cycle route runs through Villaga along the former route of the FTV railway and tram line.

The Alta Via dei Berici passes through the western part of the Pozzolo plateau in Villaga. Its Stage 22 leads in Villaga from San Donato di Villaga to Valle Verde di Pozzolo. One restriction is important when planning specifically: the complete loop trail of the Tourist Path of Calto Valley is currently unavailable. From the Bampo fountain, the path cannot be continued through the forest on the eastern slope to Via Gervasi.

In Toara di Villaga, the Piovene Porto Godi winery offers individuals and groups tours and tastings, including individually tailored tastings of different vintages or tastings accompanied by local products.

More Places for Travel Planning

Gambellara, San Floriano, Pedemonte, San Germano Dei Berici, Arsiero, Romano D'ezzelino, Cassola, Villaganzerla

To the higher-level travel overview: Vicenza.