Fara Vicentino: Church Art, History and Nature

Fara Vicentino combines historic churches and art with nature and routes through varied landscapes. This offers several themes to focus on when planning your trip: sacred art, architectural history, observing nature, or trails through the countryside. You can explore the area through whichever theme interests you most.

Church Art and Architectural History

The main altar of the Chiesa parrocchiale di S. Bartolomeo apostolo features a painting by Giacomo da Ponte. It depicts the Virgin Mary with Saint Lucy and Saint Mary Magdalene. The parish church belonged to the Augustinian monks until 1180 and was rebuilt in the Neoclassical style from 1851 to 1859. The artwork and the building’s history provide two different historical points of reference: the painting brings the depicted figures into focus, while the reconstruction adds an architectural touch from the 19th century.

Several dates need to be distinguished in the history of the Chiesa di San Giorgio Martire. Its origins are thought to date to around 1250; it was first mentioned in an important document in 1297. Construction of the new church began in 1770. The stone, tower-shaped bell tower was rebuilt between 1821 and 1828. These dates describe different stages: a presumed origin, the first mention, the start of the new construction, and the later rebuilding of the tower. This sets its building history apart from the Neoclassical reconstruction of the parish church of S. Bartolomeo.

The Oratorio Immacolata e Santi Felice e Fortunato also has a layered history. The original church was built around 1480 on the site of a smaller church dating from 1150, which was later destroyed. The cultural perspective also includes the home of ceramic artist Alessio Tasca in Fara Vicentino, which houses his ceramic sculptures.

Nature and Trails

The Oasi Selgea is also part of Fara Vicentino’s natural landscape. The nature area lies near the Astico River, on the site of a former gravel pit and on the border with the municipality of Zugliano; it is owned by the municipality of Zugliano. Ducks and other birds can be observed in the oasis. There are picnic areas and places to sit by the lakeshore. Here, observing nature and spending time by the water go hand in hand with the site’s history of gravel extraction. Check the current visiting arrangements before your visit.

The Sentiero Natura di Valle Zaccona passes through forests, meadows, farmland and vineyards, leading to historic local contrade. The Cammino Rigoni Stern follows the Vicenza–Asiago route through Fara Vicentino. Itinerary 2.01 runs through the hills of Fara Vicentino, Breganze and Lugo di Vicenza, as well as along the Astico River and the Chiavone Bianco stream. Each route has a different focus: the Sentiero highlights landscapes and contrade, the Cammino follows the Vicenza–Asiago route, and the itinerary takes in hills and waterways.

Other Local Themes

Horse-riding excursions can start from the equestrian centre in the hamlet of Val Zaccona. Another local connection is Torcolato: this passito wine has been known in Fara Vicentino for centuries. These activities and wine complement the town’s historical and landscape-related themes.

Discover more destinations: Tezze Sul Brenta, Villaverla, Schio, Piovene Rocchette, Marano Vicentino, Rive Poleo, Valli Del Pasubio, Mason Vicentino.

For the broader travel overview: Vicenza.