Crespadoro: Caves, Hiking Trails and Cultural Heritage

Crespadoro’s natural and cultural attractions can be seen in specific places. In Durlo lies the natural cave El Buso delle Anguane. The Sentiero degli Angeli winds through the forests, meadows and mule tracks of Campodalbero; the Via dell’Acqua focuses on the water resources of the Valle del Chiampo. Other attractions include the parish church of Sant’Andrea, historical finds near Durlo, the Oratorio di San Matio and an astronomy centre in Marana di Crespadoro. This gives you different points of interest to consider when planning your trip, from a cave and circular hiking trails to religious landmarks and astronomy.

Cave and Local Lore

El Buso delle Anguane is a natural cave in Durlo, accessible via a forest path near Contrada Micheletti in Crespadoro. Due to its distinctive shape, it is listed in the Veneto cave register and is associated with speleological research and the protection of Veneto’s speleological heritage. Local lore also shapes the significance of the place: according to tradition, the cave served as a refuge for the Anguane. These magical female beings are associated with water. Thus, at El Buso delle Anguane, a distinctive natural formation meets a water-related storytelling tradition.

Circular Trails and Seasonal Nativity Scene Trail

The Sentiero degli Angeli is an approximately 10 km circular hiking trail through the forests, meadows and mule tracks of Campodalbero, with an elevation gain of 450 metres. The Via dell’Acqua is also a circular trail and is approximately 6 km long. It was created to promote tourism centred on the water resources of the Valle del Chiampo; its focal point is the hamlet of Durlo di Crespadoro. Based on the approximate distances, the Via dell’Acqua is shorter; the Sentiero degli Angeli also has a stated elevation gain. The trails differ in focus, too: the Sentiero degli Angeli highlights the landscapes along the route, while the Via dell’Acqua focuses on the valley’s water resources.

The seasonal Nativity Scene Trail in Campodalbero runs from 1 December to 31 January.

Churches, Finds and Folk Art

The parish church of Sant’Andrea in Crespadoro is documented as a parish church as early as 1297–1303. The present-day church dates from the early 20th century. The two dates refer to different aspects: its early documentation as a parish church and the current church building.

Ceramic fragments dating back to a Bronze Age civilization were discovered near Durlo on Monte Purga. The Oratorio di San Matio is another historical landmark. It is a place of worship for a contrada and is adorned with expressive, mysterious sculptures of local folk art. The year 1749 is inscribed on its altarpiece. Archaeological finds, the parish’s long-documented history and the art at the Oratorio each offer a distinct perspective for exploring Crespadoro’s cultural history.

Astronomy in Marana

MarSEC in Marana di Crespadoro is an astronomy centre run by astronomy enthusiasts. Its opening hours and events depend on their availability. If you plan to include the centre in your trip, check the schedule in advance. You can then plan around the available opening hours or events.

Discover more destinations: Quinto Vicentino, Brogliano, Thiene, Zovencedo, Villaganzerla, Noventa Vicentina, Barbarano Vicentino, Valdagno.

Go to the main travel overview: Vicenza.