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Soave is a medieval village 20 km from Verona and 30 km from Vicenza. Easily accessible from the Soave-San Bonifacio motorway exit along the A4, it has a hilly area with a wine vocation.
Soave has been named "Borgo dei Borghi 2022". The Veronese centre, called upon to represent the Veneto region on the popular Rai3 programme Kilimangiaro, was awarded the title of Italy's most beautiful village, edging out 20 other small Italian towns. Also on the podium were Millesimo (Savona) and Castelfranco Piandiscò (Arezzo). The victory of Soave, city of wine, marks the first victory of a Veneto municipality since the launch of the television format (2014), which on Easter Sunday totalled 1.15 million viewers in prime time.
SOAVE WINE AND TERRITORY
Viticulture, landscape, artistic beauty, a strong vocation for wine tourism, Soave represents a wine and a territory at the same time. Soave DOC, one of the oldest in Italy, recognised by royal decree in 1931, consists of approximately 7 thousand hectares under vine, in 13 municipalities east of Verona, partly on hills of volcanic origin. Ninety companies are members of the Protection Consortium. President Sandro Gini speaks of "recognition that goes to this land in its entirety, made up of history, unmistakable landscape lines and Garganega vineyards that cover these hills like tiles in a precious mosaic". But Soave also boasts other records. It was the first Italian production area to be entered in the National Register of Rural Landscapes of Historic Interest, which was then followed by the recognition of the Giahs-Fao (Globally important agricultural heritage system), dedicated to agricultural areas in the world that promote sustainable agriculture, far from industrial processes, and that preserve a close link between landscape, local products and associated rural communities.
The town of Soave lies at the foot of the Lessini Mountains and is characterised by its castle and Ghibelline crenellated walls. Surrounding the walls are 24 towers, watered by the Tramigna river.
The castle is one of the best examples of a castle structure in the Veneto region. A military construction, over the years it has been at the centre of feudal disputes, struggles, factions, barbarian invasions, supremacies and defeats.
As place of great and rare charm, this Castle reveals, with real and tangible testimony, the breath of the past along with the ability to enchant and allure whoever is wishful, in silence, to hear its voice.
The prestige of an exclusive place where time has stopped.
Today, it is Soave's main attraction and can be seen on guided tours. It is also available for wedding parties, meetings or receptions.
The Castle is open:
- from Tuesday to Sunday: 9:00-12:00, 14:00-16:00.
- Monday closed.
From March 27 the Castle will be open:
- from Tuesday to Sunday: 9:00-12:00, 15:00-18:00.
- Monday closed.
Soave can be considered the Italian White Wine for excellence.
The evidence of the cultivation of vines in the Soave area is very ancient and the fame of this wine is great since the most remote times of history: "Vinum suave, nobile et pretiosum"; this is how the ancient Romans called this wine described as early as 533 AD by the imperial official of King Theodoric, Cassiodorus.
The steep slopes of Soave allow splendid exposures, which guarantee perfect ripening of the grapes and the soils of the hills are of ancient volcanic origin, which give Garganega, the vigorous and productive native vine with elongated clusters and beautiful yellow berries golden, of high quality levels, which give fascinating, long-lived wines, characterized by aromas of white flowers, fruity aromas, tropical notes and an almond finish for a great gustatory balance, which gives the wine body, structure and a certain softness.
In addition, the grape's natural propensity for withering is also exploited to make one of the most famous and popular dessert wines: Recioto di Soave Docg, a sweet wine with velvety and persuasive aromas.
There are several Soave Cellars where it is possible to take beautiful walks in the vineyards, to conclude with a taste of the most typical wines.
Inside the Medieval Village of Soave and in the immediate vicinity there are numerous Restaurants, Wine Bars and Gastronomies of typical products where it is possible to taste and buy local products.
The first human settlements date back to the Stone Age. In Roman times, there was an important 'pagus' along the Via Postumia. The historic centre, however, according to reliable sources was founded in the Longobard era, in the year 500, by a tribe of Swabians from whom the name 'Suaves', 'Suevi' later became 'Soavi' and finally Soave.
The first documents naming the castle date back to the 10th century; the manor is a typical medieval military artefact, standing on Mount Tenda and dominating the valley. According to a diploma issued by Frederick Barbarossa in 1100, the fortress belonged to the Sambonifacio Counts of Verona. In 1237 it was owned by the feudal Greppi family, who ceded it to the Municipality of Verona in 1270.
Under the rule of the Scaligeri, Soave with its castle grew in importance so much so that its walls were restored and reinforced several times. Bitter battles raged for its possession. In 1338 it was conquered by Rolando de' Rossi of Parma and again by Mastino II della Scala at the head of the Venetian troops. When the Scala dynasty died out, it passed into the hands of the Visconti of Milan and then the Carrara of Padua.
In 1405, with the help of the Gonzagas, the rule of the Venetian Republic was established, to which it remained faithful, so much so that in 1517 it earned the Antenna and the St. Mark's Standard.
A period of peace began that lasted for three centuries, until the arrival of Napoleon Bonaparte's troops.
In the period 1889-92, the Camuzzoni family, having become owners of the castle, carried out the reconstruction and restoration of those parts of the building that had proven to exist.
In addition to the Castle, Soave offers numerous other monuments in its historical centre, such as: the 13th-century Palazzo dei Conti Sambonifacio, the 1411 Palazzo dei Conti Cavalli, the 1375 Palazzo di Giustizia and Palazzo del Capitano, the 15th-century Palazzo Pullici, the home of Ippolito Nievo, the 17th-century Palazzo dei Conti Moscardo, the Cathedral of St. Lawrence the Martyr of 1303, the Churches of St. George of the 11th century, St. Mary of Monte Santo of the Dominican Fathers of 1443, St. Rocco of the 15th century, St. Anthony of 1667 and the Sanctuary of St. Mary of Bassanella of the 1st century.
Baccio Zanella Park: the park, adjacent to the Palazzo del Capitano, extends along a hilly slope and occupies an area of approximately 7,300 square meters. Access from Via Camuzzoni leads to a first level, where you can still admire the welcoming Italian garden, and it is possible to cross the different terraced floors via a long and suggestive staircase leading to the castle. From this you can also take the short path that leads to the tower, from which the walkway above the walls begins. The view from up there is truly splendid.
In addition, every weekend you can get on the Città di Soave train which, starting from the bridge in front of Porta Verona, will cross the historic center of the medieval village and will be able to go up to the gates of the Castle.
- The 3rd Sunday of each month: Antiques Market.
- Sundays and holidays: Zanella Park opening.
- Every weekend and holidays: Tourist Train.
- 3rd weekend of May: Medieval Soave Wine Festival.
- June and July: Soave City of the Book.
- June, July and August every 2nd and 4th Sunday of the month: "Ancient Trades" stalls.
- 3rd weekend of September: Grape Festival.
- 2nd weekend of October: Chocolate Festival.
- From the 3rd Sunday of December to the 3rd of January "Soave, the town of cribs".
and many others, available on: https://www.soaveturismo.it/pro-loco-soave/eventi/
