Sommacampagna: Local History, Market and Routes

Sommacampagna combines early local history and historic buildings with a regular market. Nearby are the Sentiero della Pace and the Ossario di Custoza; further afield in the region is a signposted circular cycling route. The options range from market day in town to cultural heritage and routes with different geographical reach.

History among the Pieve, castle and palace

The first houses in Sommacampagna were built around the beginnings of feudalism around the Pieve di Sant’Andrea. The Pieve was probably an important point of reference for the Veronese countryside and the lower moraine area, as well as a spiritual centre for intensive economic activity. It thus connects early settlement development with possible regional and economic significance.

The Chiesa di San Rocco also tells of different periods: it was built in 1511 on the ruins of a medieval castle on Sommacampagna hill. The 16th-century church and the older castle complex are thus part of the hill’s shared architectural history.

Villa Venier, also known as “La Bassa,” is a 17th-century patrician palace with an Italian garden. Alongside the religious buildings, it offers another architectural point of reference in the town’s history: a palace with a garden.

Cultural heritage nearby

The Ossario di Custoza houses the remains of those who fell on the battlefields of the First Italian War of Independence, from 23 to 25 July 1848, and the Third Italian War of Independence, on 24 June 1866. The battles took place at Custoza and in neighbouring municipalities. A smaller number of remains from the Second Italian War of Independence are also kept there, from the battles at Solferino and San Martino on 24 June 1859.

The exhibition rooms in the former caretaker’s house opened in 2018. They focus on the battle of 24 June 1866 and the history of the Ossario. The Santuario di Madonna del Monte is officially recognised as a place of cultural interest and of significance to the local community.

Routes on different scales

The Sentiero della Pace lies 1.8 km north of Sommacampagna and runs along the road from the sports facilities up to the historic Santuario di Madonna del Monte. Its route can therefore be understood through two reference points: the sports facilities and the sanctuary. The distance of 1.8 km indicates its location north of the town.

Further afield in the region, the Anello cicloturistico Terre del Custoza circular cycling route is about 65 km long and fully signposted with tourist cycling route markers. The two figures refer to different things: 1.8 km locates the Sentiero north of Sommacampagna, while about 65 km is the length of the cycling route. Thus, a route nearby and a longer cycling loop represent different geographical scales.

Market in Piazza della Repubblica

The Mercato della Terra Slow Food in Sommacampagna takes place on the first and third Sunday of each month from 09:00 to 13:00 in Piazza della Repubblica. This time slot gives the market a regular place in the morning and helps you fit it into your plans for the day.

At the market, you can talk directly with the producers. The gardens in the piazza also have an area where you can taste the products you have bought. The market visit, conversations and tasting thus come together in one place and at a specific time in the monthly schedule.

Discover more destinations: Colà, Negrar, Palù Dei Mori, Rivalta, Ronco All'adige, Calmasino, Velo Veronese and Selva Di Progno.

See the main travel overview: Verona.