Monteforte D'alpone: Culture, Trails and Wine

The themes of a trip to Monteforte D'alpone range from architectural history and religious art to trails through the countryside and local wine production. When choosing a destination, you can consider whether you are most interested in historic sites, outdoor activities or the region’s wines.

Historic Buildings and Art

The Chapel of Sant’Antonio Abate stands on the hill among the remains of the former castle. It was built between the late 13th and early 14th centuries. The castle’s former defensive tower survives as the chapel’s bell tower. The castle ruins and the religious use of the tower thus represent different chapters in the town’s history.

The chapel of the Palazzo Vescovile also preserves a precisely dated work of art: it contains a fresco of the Nativity of Mary by Francesco Torbido, dating from 1534. The history of the Palazzo is also linked to a journey. In September 1581, Empress Maria of Austria spent a night there while travelling to Spain with her brother Maximilian of Bohemia.

Another work of art is the Cristo Moro, a large boxwood crucifix dating from 1500. It was restored and moved to the parish church of Monteforte. The parish church also preserves frescoes by Giovanni Bevilacqua from the early 20th century. In Borgolecco, in the early 17th century, Benedetto Boniotti added the Oratorio di San Carlo Borromeo to the estate built by his family. The oratory’s former altarpiece was created by Claudio Ridolfi. It depicted Mary with the Child, along with Saints Carlo Borromeo, Francis of Assisi and John the Baptist.

Religious Sites

The Grotta di Lourdes in Brognoligo is a replica of the Lourdes grotto, with a statue of the Madonna. It also contains a copy of the Bernardette statue from Lourdes, made of Carrara marble. The grotto was consecrated in early September 1948. Its replica, material and consecration date make it a distinct destination for anyone interested in religious art and history.

Trails Through the Countryside

The Sentiero delle Contrade Storiche is an easy 7.3-kilometre circular trail between Brognoligo and Costalunga. By contrast, the Sentiero tra Campi, Corti e Filari focuses on the landscape and accessibility: it passes through fields, vineyards, ditches, country roads and scattered farmsteads, and is almost entirely flat. It is designated for inclusive use by wheelchair users and people using a Joëlette. When comparing trails, the first is described with a specified circular route and distance, while the second is described as flat and designated for wheelchair and Joëlette use.

Mons Fortis, passi nella storia is an urban trekking route for families. It can be walked or cycled from the Bishop’s Square, past the oldest Contrada, to a wayside shrine on the edge of town. The Percorso 10 Capitelli starts at Piazza Silvio Venturi. Wooden signs mark the route, while additional signs identify the wayside shrines reached along the way. The countryside around Monteforte is also suitable for mountain-biking enthusiasts.

Getting There and Wine Production

Monteforte D'alpone is served by the regional ATV 226 and X02 bus routes. Check the timetables before travelling. Wine production is also part of the area’s local character: Monteforte D'alpone is a growing area for Soave Classico and Recioto di Soave. If you are interested in wine, these two designations offer a concrete point of reference for regional production.

Discover more destinations: Spiazzi, San Giorgio In Salici, Calmasino, Ceraino, Pastrengo, Pescantina, Parona Di Valpolicella, Roveré Veronese

For the main travel overview: Verona.