Dolcé: Fortresses, the Adige and culture

Dolcé can be explored through several specific themes: Forte Ceraino, the narrow Chiusa di Ceraino, woodland paths in Bosco dei Poeti, and cycling and river activities. If you are looking for hotels in Dolcé, these different highlights can help you decide which experiences to focus on during your trip.

Fortifications and the gorge

Forte Ceraino, originally called Forte Hlawaty, was built by the Austrians between 1850 and 1851 in the municipality of Dolcé, on the left bank of the Adige. From Ceraino, a narrow military road leads to the fort in about 30 minutes and then continues to Forte di Monte. This approximate time gives you a guide for planning your visit.

Chiusa di Ceraino is a narrow gorge where the Adige flows between Monte Pastello and the hills of Rivoli. The gorge offers impressive views of the valley. This part of your trip planning therefore brings together two distinct interests: the history of a military installation and the landscape along the river.

Cycling routes through river and cultural landscapes

The Adige Terra dei Forti cycle path begins in Ceraino and passes the parish church of Dolcé at kilometre 4.5. The CiclAdige-Terra-dei-Forti route through Dolcé is considered easy and varied. It links sections along the left bank of the Adige with stretches through vineyards, orchards and mixed forests of hornbeam and downy oak. The route description therefore offers more than a distance: it also describes the changing landscapes along the way.

As the condition of the military road and the surfaces and conditions of the cycling route can change, check them before your visit or ride.

Forest, art and history

Bosco dei Poeti lies between the main settlement of Dolcé and the hamlet of Peri. The woodland covers 130 hectares and has 12 kilometres of easy paths. Around 1,000 works by some 600 Italian and international artists, along with poems and drawings, are displayed in Bosco dei Poeti. Forest and art are two distinct aspects of this same place.

The buildings of Villa Del Bene were constructed in the 15th century and completed by 1560. Nicola Crollanza is credited with the scenes of the Adige and the Chiusa in the loggia. In 1983, a probable female Bronze Age burial was discovered at Riparo Soman, between Ceraino and Dolcé.

The Adige landscape and activities on the water

The stretch of the Adige that flows through the Dolcé area is considered particularly unspoilt and impressive, and rich in flora and fauna. You can go rafting and canoeing on the Adige in the Dolcé area. The river landscape is therefore both a natural attraction and a setting for activities on the water.

The Adigemarathon is an international canoe and kayak race. It takes place every year on the third Sunday in October on the stretch of the Adige in the Dolcé area and attracts hundreds of participants from around the world. If you would like to plan your trip around the race, check the event date before making plans.

Isola di Dolcé is a landing point for river descents. If you are planning a descent, check in advance whether this landing point can be used on your chosen date.

Hiking and getting your bearings

The Dolcé–Monte Pastello route starts from Dolcé’s main square and follows CAI trail no. 236 towards Monte Pastello. Malga Montarione is a historic site in the municipality of Dolcé and lies in the Lessinia Regional Natural Park. These two details help distinguish the area’s hiking and landscape highlights without implying that they are the same route or destination.

The Brenner railway line has stops in Dolcé and Peri.

Discover more destinations: Malcesine, Cavaion Veronese, Cavalcaselle, Oppeano, Cologna Veneta, San Giorgio In Salici, Villafranca Di Verona, Pesina Spezie

For the broader travel overview: Verona.