Piovene Rocchette
Piovene Rocchette is where most of my family live - I have about eight uncles and aunts and countless cousins in this one tiny place. It is a
pleasant little village with an interesting old town that meanders its
way up the slopes of the legendary local mountain – Monte Summano.
A favorite street in the morning
What to Visit
There are a few interesting sights in the old town. The little chapel,
known as the Ospizio, is my favorite spot.
Ospizio dates back to the 17th century
and was run by friars who offered a place to stay and a hot meal to the
many pilgrims who used to make the trip up Monte Summano.
The local Church of S. Stefano dating back to the 18th century is lovely too.
Near the church there is a shady piazza which is a pleasant place to relax in the summer under the huge pine trees.
There is a little bar in the piazza where you can sit and have something to drink while watching the passing parade.
Kids play while mothers relax and old people stand around gossiping. Best day to be here is Friday when the local market is in full swing.
The market winds up and down the main street and off down the side ones too; they have stalls selling all sorts of things from clothes to cheese and you'll find some fabulous treats and great bargains. I could easily spend an entire morning at the market and normally do!
In fact Friday's market is such a local legend that all the folks from neighbouring towns come to Piovene to do their shopping, catch up on news and see old friends.
When you've done shopping head on down the hill to a local landmark - the haunted
castle of Palazzino Fraccaroli. Built in the 18th century, but never
finished, local legend says it is a cursed and haunted place.
I never go
near the place!
I sent my husband to take the photo. I'm always convinced I see ghosts floating outside or just inside the top windows, which is where they are supposed to appear...can you see any? Maybe it's just me.
Monte Summano
Monte Summano dominates Piovene and has been a
site of pilgrimage for centuries – traces of bronze and Iron Age
settlements have been found on the slopes of the mountain.
Pilgrims
have flocked to Monte Summano ever since the Bishop of Padua dedicated
it to the Virgin Mary back in the 15th century.
The mountain offers
some great hiking trails and it is a popular jumping off point for
hang-gliders - something I have never had the courage to do. Still you don't need to jump off the top just enjoy the fantastic view. On a clear day you can
see nearly to Venice.
Same street as the first photo on this page but in the evening
What else to do? I would recommend...
-
First is to just stroll around the little streets, squares and alleys of
the old town, enjoying the atmosphere.
- Wander up the narrow lanes as
they climb the mountain and take in the ever more impressive view. The photo above was taken right at the start of the walk in a narrow lane where there is a drinking fountain with the freshest mountain spring water you'll ever taste. I
must warn you though - the streets can get very steep and it can be hot
work in the summer - if it gets too much like hot and thirsty work then
read on...
- Beer lovers must visit the Birreria Summano. One
of the oldest Italian breweries it has now been taken
over by a large German brewery. The good part is that the beer is still excellent...according to my husband who's the beer expert!
They have a great restaurant serving local specialties.
Wholesome, very tasty food it is and the prices are very reasonable.
If
you want to use Piovene Rocchette as a base to explore the Veneto then
there is a lovely little hotel on the edge of town that is perfect.
Family owned and with that really welcoming Italian family feel about
it. The hotel is the Albergo Ristorante Belvedere in nearby Thiene.
Where is Piovene?
Discover the pretty little nearby town of Santorso
You'll Enjoy These...
Arqua Petrarca has been voted one of the loveliest towns in Italy. Filled with cobbled streets, quaint squares and picturesque churches.
Padua Italy, known as Padova in Italian, has to be one of the loveliest of all Italian cities.
Arsiero, in the Veneto Dolomites, is a peaceful, tranquil kind of place. Here you will find some of the friendliest people on this planet, awesome scenery and history galore. .
What a sheer joy Bassano Del Grappa is. Even during summer you'll find none of the crush of tourists so common in Italy and yet there is so much to see
Some of the Verona churches are among the most beautiful and significant in Italy. These are the ones not to miss...
Padova is not only worth visiting; it is a must-see destination. City of bicycles, city of canals, city of medieval wonders Padova is all of this and much more.
Treviso Italy is often just the place you pass through on the way to Venice. Don't make this mistake. Spend a few days here and discover...
Aren't these Verona photos absolutely magical? There is also so much insider information on what to see and do in this most enchanting of Italian cities.
On the doorstep of Venice summer beach fun is in full swing on the long sandy shores of Caorle.
Some lovely pictures of Veneto and Venice Italy. Our site is an insiders guide to this magical region of Italy. A ghost can be seen in the third photo
Car rental in Venice can leave you with a sinking feeling. Read our guide to avoid that happening to you...
Our complete guide to the thermo spas near Venice Italy. From where to stay through to what to see our insider guide will...
Verona Italy is a magical city, a city of romance and history. Read our insider’s guide to discovering its secrets.
However your day is going these gorgeous pictures of Verona are sure to brighten it up considerably. This is one of the Veneto's and Italy's loveliest towns...
From Verona to Venice and beyond I have selected the best Veneto hotels and bed and breakfasts. My family has lived here for generations and these hotels are those I can recommend with confidence....
Love unspoilt and one hundred percent genuine Italian towns? Borghetto sul Mincio is one of the loveliest in Italy and the home of tortellini pasta..
This famous Verona castle was built in the 14th century, by Cangrande “Rabid Dog” della Scala. The castle includes an escape route across...
Veneto Italy is full of secrets, a place of great natural beauty, ancient medieval villages and two of the greatest cities on earth. Discover the Veneto...
A guide to Valpolicella wine and insider tips on how best to tour the magical Valpolicella region of the Veneto.
Young children may get bored on a continual diet of history and museums in Italy. Santorso is the answer...
The town of Asolo is always considered to be one of the loveliest towns in all of Italy. For centuries it has drawn artists, writers and poets. Here's why...
Marostica is famous for its chess festival, with real live knights and ladies battling it out on a huge board. Discover this medieval gem.
Looking to buy gold jewellery in Italy? No place beats Vicenza, The world capital of gold jewellery making. Visit the home of Italian gold!
Looking for things for children to do in Italy? Having children myself and having spent ten years living in Italy I have discovered some wonderful places for the kids...
If you've been to Venice and Verona you'll know it's true, these cities are irresistible. Click through and spend 5 minutes with us and you'll see why.
Please Book with Us... Maria here, if you enjoy my site I'd love your support.
Simply book your next trip anywhere (not only to Italy) via the link below or with any of the hotel links on the website.
You'll get the best deal available and the income I receive helps me to remain independent and to keep bringing you more of beautiful Italy.
Click to Begin
More Travel Tips:
- Book your tickets to museums and other attractions in advance on Tiqets.com
- Book your accommodation. Booking.com and Agoda both help you to book accommodation in advance and check availability on the days of your travels
- Book your excursions. Wherever you go, make the most of your time! Excursions with professional guides will help you do this - choose a location and the best option for yourself on Viator or Getyourguide
- Book your car. At least a month before is best. Use Discover Car Hire.
- Cash Back on Flights: Great deals & money back with WayAway
- Get Insured with TravelInsurance.com
New! Comments
Have your say about what you just read! Leave me a comment in the box below.