Piovene Rocchette: Trails, Sanctuaries and Local History

Piovene Rocchette lies at the foot of Monte Summano and is a starting point for mostly nature-oriented, relatively easy trails.

Monte Summano and Religious Sites

In a hollow on Monte Angelo stands the Oratorio della Beata Vergine dell'Angelo, on the way to Monte Summano. Its neoclassical façade is surrounded by meadows and woods. Following the suppression of the Girolimini order in 1774, the Chiesa dell'Angelo took on the role of a Marian sanctuary.

The Rinnovo del voto alla Madonna dell'Angelo is also one of the religious traditions of Piovene Rocchette. It includes a traditional votive procession to the Santuario della Madonna dell'Angelo. This connects the route to the sanctuary with a religious custom rooted in the area's history.

Hiking Through Forests and Scenic Views

The regional hiking trail VI 461 leads in Piovene Rocchette from the town to the Santuario dell'Angelo and is classified as difficulty level E. The Sentiero dei Girolimini follows a well-preserved mule track for approximately 6 kilometres and has a total elevation gain of about 950 metres. Because of the approximately 950 metres of elevation gain, you should allow sufficient time and breaks for this trail.

Along the Sentiero dei Girolimini, shady forest sections alternate with clearings offering scenic views. Wild orchids may bloom there in spring. Those looking for trails with varied landscapes will find a clear combination of forest passages, open vistas and nature-oriented activity here.

Monuments, Murals and Frescoes

The Monumento ai Caduti on Viale Vittoria was created in 1923–1924. It depicts a bronze soldier and a woman holding her son. The mural “Asterix & Obelix” in Parco Rodari offers another way of exploring the area's history, depicting the history of Piovene Rocchette.

Parco dell'Ospizio borders the chapel of Santa Maria in Ara Coeli. It can be reached via Via Levrena, passing by Birreria Vecia. Villa Verlato features a fresco cycle dating from the final years of the 16th century.

Birreria Vecia and an Historic Brewing Tradition

The natural caves at Birreria Vecia were used by the Girolimini monks for brewing beer. The brewing tradition of Birreria Vecia dates back to 1867. The operators of Birreria Vecia offer guided visits to the caves upon prior request.

When choosing your hotel, you can define the focus of your trip in advance: Would you like to include trails on Monte Summano and the Sentiero dei Girolimini, visit religious sites, or learn more about monuments, frescoes and the brewing tradition? Piovene Rocchette offers several specific points of interest for this, allowing you to choose your accommodation according to your own itinerary and daily rhythm.

More Destinations for Your Planning

Gambellara, Breganze, Sossano, Isola Vicentina, Bolzano Vicentino, Solagna, Campiglia Dei Berici, Sandrigo

To the higher-level travel overview: Vicenza.