Grezzana between rocky landscapes and history

Grezzana combines hiking trails and rocky landscapes with a history spanning prehistoric sites and historic buildings. If you would like to include landscapes and cultural history in your travel plans, the circular trail over the hills and the area’s diverse historic sites offer specific points of interest.

Rocky landscapes and hiking trails

In the Vajo del Paradiso, layers of “Rosso ammonitico” that have eroded to varying degrees have formed tall rock ledges. Rocky paths run along their base, and caves and rock shelters also open up here. The varying degrees of erosion shape the rock faces and make geology an essential part of the landscape’s character.

The circular trail “Boschi e antiche località sulle colline di Grezzana” (Woodlands and ancient settlements on the hills of Grezzana) starts and ends in Grezzana at an altitude of 168 metres. The route passes through Orè at 225 metres, Bivio Falasco at 295 metres, Case Vecchie at 485 metres and Coatte at 345 metres before returning to the starting point. The elevation first rises to Case Vecchie, then descends via Coatte. This makes it possible to follow the route using its waypoints and elevations, without reducing the hike to a single viewpoint.

The FEET project is also related to hiking: it aims to enhance hiking and cycling routes in the Grezzana area. Local orientation therefore includes both a specifically described circular route and a project that covers hiking and cycling.

Prehistoric traces and historic sites

Rare rock paintings have been preserved on the rock faces of the Vajo del Paradiso. They are difficult to date: they range from the Neolithic to prehistoric times, and may possibly also be early Christian or early medieval religious depictions. These different possible interpretations show that the paintings cannot be assigned to a single period.

Riparo Tagliente is considered one of Europe’s significant prehistoric sites and provides evidence of early settlement in the Lessinia. It can only be accessed during the excavation campaign conducted by the University of Ferrara, which usually takes place in late September or early October. This restricted access is an important factor when planning your visit.

The complex structure now known as the Torre del Falasco took on an organized form at the beginning of the 12th century. At that time, the area was granted as a fief to the Turrisendi family, who further fortified the already naturally protected site. The path to the Torre crosses private property, so it is currently not open to the public. From a distance, it can be seen among the rocks from the bypass between Grezzana and Stallavena in the direction of Lessinia.

Villas, garden design and local history

The garden of Villa Arvedi was created as an elegant, understated embellishment for the building, erected in 1650 by architect and sculptor G.B. Bianchi. The villa stands on a lawn terrace and overlooks the parterre with its refined double-fan pattern, considered unique in Italy. In addition to this garden, grapes and olive oil continue to be produced at Villa Arvedi.

Contrada Bellori preserves a different historical scene, with much of its characteristic architecture still intact. Its landmark, the Mulino di Bellori, is a two-wheel watermill dating to around the 16th century, which remained in operation until 1956. The mill and the Torre del Falasco therefore represent different historical periods: the development of a fortified structure at the beginning of the 12th century and a mill that continued operating until the mid-20th century.

If you would like to discover more destinations, you can also find Caprino Veronese, Arcole, Calmasino, Custoza, Trevenzuolo, Pai, Lavagno and Cavalo here.

For the broader travel overview: Verona.