Pove Del Grappa: Hiking, Heritage and the Olive Fair

Pove del Grappa brings together hiking trails, churches and local events in an area that spans markedly different elevations. It stretches from the banks of the Brenta at 100 metres above sea level to Monte Asolone at 1,529 metres in the Massiccio del Grappa. When planning your stay, you can decide whether you are most interested in hiking, learning about the town’s history or attending an event.

Hiking trails with different highlights

The Sentiero della Bastia starts in the historic town centre. The trail is 1,430 metres long, climbs 242 metres and takes about 40 minutes to walk. Its length, elevation gain and walking time give you specific points of reference when estimating how much time to allow for this route. The Sentiero Panoramica has a different focus: It runs along the mountainside and offers views across the plain of Vicenza from open stretches. It is a relatively easy hiking trail.

The Sentiero del Cornon has a named destination: it leads to the Sacello del Cornon. There is an open bivouac shelter there with a fireplace, tables and benches. The trails therefore differ not only in how they are described, but also in what is highlighted along each route: for the Bastia, the focus is on measurable trail details; for the Panoramica, on the mountainside and the views; and for the Cornon, on the Sacello and its bivouac shelter.

Churches and stoneworking tradition

The Chiesetta di San Bartolomeo has existed since at least the 10th century. It is the only church in the Pove del Grappa area to have preserved its old architecture. The parish church of San Vigilio houses an altarpiece by Jacopo da Ponte dating from 1537 and a Flemish wooden crucifix from the 15th century. The church of San Pietro preserves three 17th-century altars with 18th-century altarpieces. The churches thus offer different historical highlights: San Bartolomeo is notable for its preserved architecture, while artworks and furnishings take centre stage at San Vigilio and San Pietro.

Stoneworking is also part of the town’s history. For more than four centuries, Pove’s stoneworking tradition has encompassed the extraction, working and trading of stone quarried on the slopes of the Grappa above the town. Most of Pove’s population was engaged in these activities. The Museo dello Scalpellino offers a specific reason to visit; however, access is available only by prior reservation. You can book by calling 0424-808793 or emailing ragioneria@comune.pove.vi.it.

Olive Fair and religious processions

The Fiera Mercato dell’Olivo has been held every year on Palm Sunday in the town centre since 1982. The fair is dedicated to olive growing and nursery plants. Stalls are set up in the square in front of the town hall and along the adjacent streets. Its annual schedule and its Palm Sunday date are especially useful to know if you want to plan your stay around the event.

The Feste Quinquennali in onore del Divin Crocifisso have a different character. They are held every five years on the first two Sundays of September. About 600 residents of Pove take part in the solemn processions through the town’s streets, wearing costumes and portraying biblical figures and the Passion of Christ. Unlike the annual Olive Fair, the focus here is on religious processions and their enactment. The two events therefore differ both in their timing and in their content.

Cycling along the Brenta

Another option is the Sentiero del Brenta. It is a flat, well-maintained cycle path alongside the Brenta River, connecting the areas of the Bassanese and Valsugana. While the hiking trails highlight features such as elevation changes, the mountainside and views, the cycle path stands out for its flat riverside route and the connection between these two areas. This gives you options to weigh up when choosing your stay: hiking, cycling, local history or the different event dates.

Discover more destinations: Primolano, Mirabella, Montegalda, Bertigo, Valli Del Pasubio, Cassola, Brendola, Lovara.

View the broader travel overview: Vicenza.