Custoza: Ossuary, Broccoletto and Vineyards

Custoza brings together the landscape of the Lake Garda moraine hills, a distinctive local history and a food culture closely connected to the area. The Ossuary, seasonal Broccoletto and an excursion through vineyards offer different ways to shape your stay.

Location and Orientation in Custoza

Custoza lies in the west-central part of the Province of Verona, among the moraine hills of Lake Garda. The town consists of two larger settlements on the hills of Bellavista and Ossario. A small hollow connects them; Piazza XXIV maggio is located there, in the center. The town center is therefore between the two settlements, not on either of the hills mentioned—a useful reference point when getting your bearings.

The Ossuary and Its History

The Ossario di Custoza was inaugurated on June 24, 1879. Before that, the remains of nearly 2,000 soldiers killed in battle had been exhumed and gathered there. The complex includes a crypt, a chapel and a small archaeological museum about the battle. The former caretaker’s house contains exhibition rooms with multimedia installations about the monument’s history.

The different parts of the complex each offer a distinct focus: the crypt and chapel are part of the ensemble, as is the museum, with its connection to the battle. By contrast, the multimedia installations in the former caretaker’s house explore the history of the monument itself. In this way, remembrance, the history of the battle and the creation of the Ossuary remain distinct themes.

Broccoletto: A Seasonal Specialty

Broccoletto di Custoza is a Slow Food Presidio and is grown exclusively in the Custoza area. It is harvested by hand between November and February, giving this local specialty a clear seasonal connection. In Custoza families, Broccoletto is traditionally blanched in boiling water for about 20 minutes, seasoned with extra-virgin olive oil and served with a hard-boiled egg and salami or fresh sausage.

The culinary tradition can be understood not just through the name of the vegetable, but also through its origin, harvest season and preparation. If you’re looking for a hotel for a stay in Custoza, you can consider whether seasonal food culture, local history or the landscape will be the focus of your trip.

Festivals and Living Traditions

The Festa del Broccoletto has been held in January for several years. It involves the producers’ association, restaurateurs and the Pro Loco. In 2026, the event reached its 24th edition and included events and tastings. The 2026 program for “Broccoletto in Piazza” featured traditional dishes made with Broccoletto, presented with a modern interpretation. Dates may change from year to year, so check the dates for your travel year if you’re planning your stay around the festival.

“Il Custoza in festa” is also part of the town’s festival tradition: the historic wine festival of Custoza’s wineries reached its 55th edition in 2026. Dates and programs vary from year to year. Another form of local culture is “Sego de la Vecia,” a tragicomic performance in dialect verse, in which the whole village takes part as performers. It is usually held every six years, though this rhythm may change. If you’re planning a trip around a performance, check the specific date.

Cammina Custoza Through the Landscape

The “Cammina Custoza” excursion starts at Piazza di Custoza and follows a route through vineyards. It passes through DOC vineyards, small woods and areas with abundant vegetation. This excursion focuses on the landscape along the route, while the Ossuary offers a cultural and historical perspective on Custoza. These can be considered as different focuses for a stay, without combining them into a single excursion destination.

Plan Your Journey

For travel by train, the recommended combination is to travel to Peschiera del Garda and connect to an ATV bus. Check current timetables before your trip. If traveling by car, use the Sommacampagna exit on the A4 Milan–Venice motorway as your reference point; check road conditions and signage in advance. If you’re planning your stay around a festival, also bear in mind that event dates and programs may vary.

Discover more destinations: Pacengo, Bussolengo, Bonferraro, Arcole, Settimo, Malpasso, Sanguinetto, Rivalta

For the main travel overview: Verona.