Montorso Vicentino – Villa da Porto and Historic Churches

Montorso Vicentino is particularly suitable for you if you would like to get to know a place through specific buildings, their history, and a clearly identified nature trail. The main attractions are Villa da Porto, several churches from different centuries, and the Sentiero Natura di Montorso Vicentino. These sights offer various historical points of reference: from a villa belonging to the Counts Da Porto, through medieval church history, to sacred details dating from the 17th century.

Villa da Porto and the History of the Counts Da Porto

Villa da Porto is considered one of the most magnificent villas built by the Counts Da Porto in the province. Its construction took place between 1662 and 1724. For your cultural orientation in Montorso Vicentino, the villa therefore represents an attraction in its own right alongside the churches and the nature trail. Chronologically, the villa stands between the older churches and the later construction of the Chiesa Parrocchiale di S. Biagio.

Churches from the 13th to the 19th Century

A particularly old point of reference is the Vecchia Torre Campanara. It is the only surviving part of the parish church dating from the 13th century on Fratta Hill. The surviving tower structure thus points to a church history of which only this part has been preserved to the present day.

The Chiesetta di San Marcello stands above Bellimadore Hill. It was built by the local community in the 15th or 16th century. Inside are a wooden statue of Saint Marcellus dating from the 17th century and historic stone holy-water stoups. The location, date of construction, and furnishings provide three different approaches to visiting the site: you can consider the connection with the hill, the building history, and the surviving sacred objects separately.

The Chiesa Parrocchiale di S. Biagio belongs to a later construction phase. It was built between 1840 and 1854 according to plans by the architect Luigi De Boni. Its façade is decorated with five statues, ornate friezes, and marble. Beside it is the history of the old San Biagio church: it was elevated to the status of an archpriest church and declared autonomous in the 14th century. Thus, the two San Biagio references bring together different historical levels, without equating the older church history with the later building.

Sentiero Natura: Starting Point and Routes

The exact starting point of the Sentiero Natura di Montorso Vicentino is at the former primary school in Ponte Cocco. The Sentiero Natura is also associated with a running event. It includes a 20-kilometre route as well as shorter routes of 6 and 14 kilometres.

More Places to Choose From

For further orientation, you can also visit the pages on Campiglia Dei Berici, Cassola, Sandrigo, Valstagna, Grisignano Di Zocco, Gambugliano, Arcugnano, and Poiana Maggiore.

For the overarching travel overview: Vicenza.