Montegalda between the Bacchiglione, Castles and Gardens

Montegalda combines a waterside landscape, old stands of trees and historic sites to create a destination where nature observation, culture and outdoor activity can coexist as distinct interests. On the edge of town, the Bacchiglione, castles, villas and gardens shape the themes for planning your trip.

River, Forest and an Easy Cycle Route

The Bacchiglione runs along the edge of Montegalda. Montegalda preserves remnants of historic woodland areas and old trees, including oaks; some of these oaks are among the longest-lived in the Province of Vicenza. The combination of the watercourse and mature stands of trees gives the landscape a calm, nature-oriented character.

The Ciclovia del Bacchiglione follows the embankment throughout and runs almost entirely along a paved cycle path. The route is considered easy and safe and is also suitable for families with children. It therefore suits a trip planned around physical activity without challenging routes being the focus.

The Colzè navigation lock was built in 1870 with two rows of lock gates. Today, it is considered an interesting example of engineering and a testament to industrial archaeology. It adds a technical perspective to an interest in river landscapes.

Castles, Gardens and Historic Architecture

Castello Grimani Sorlini has more than 1,000 years of military and civil history and towers above Montegalda. Montegalda Castle has a fully preserved and still functioning drawbridge dating from the 14th century.

The grounds of Montegalda Castle include cypresses, exotic trees, an orangery and an Italian garden. Villa Gualdo also draws on and imitates Palladian architecture. Those wishing to combine gardens and architecture will therefore find different points of interest: landscaped park spaces and an engagement with an influential architectural style.

The grounds of Villa Fogazzaro-Roi-Colbachini feature rare exotic plants, including bald cypresses, Calocedrus trees and Japanese pagoda trees. Villa Feriani was built in the second half of the 17th century over an earlier 15th-century building. The themes therefore range from botanical features to architectural history.

Literature and Sacred Art

The apse of the Church and Monastery of San Marco still houses a valuable altarpiece by Alessandro Maganza dating from 1606. The Museo del Fogazzaro includes a museum tour with first editions and translations of the famous novelist’s most important literary works. Those interested in culture can therefore plan sacred art and literature as two distinct themes.

Practical Information for Your Stay

Those interested in visiting Palazzo Gualdo can obtain information from the municipal offices of Montegalda at 0444 736414-17.

When choosing a hotel in Montegalda, you can tailor the focus of your stay to the area’s points of interest: the river and old trees for peaceful landscape impressions, the Ciclovia for easy cycling with the family, and the castles, villas, church, monastery and museum for cultural interests. This allows you to connect your choice of accommodation with your travel plans without reducing Montegalda to a single type of holiday.

More Destinations for Planning Your Trip to Italy

More destinations for planning your trip to Italy: Isola Vicentina, Villaganzerla, San Giorgio Di Perlena, Creazzo, Romano D'ezzelino, San Giuseppe, Altavilla Vicentina, Lastebasse.

To the higher-level travel overview: Vicenza.