Tours

Lessinia could be on another planet. It is so close to Verona, yet so diverse and varied. It has a bit of everything: interesting natural phenomena, museums and a population of German origin, the Cimbri.

There is so much to do in this relatively small region: it is ideal for the tourist who is not in a hurry and would like a detailed knowledge of their surroundings, but it also makes an ideal destination for a day (or even half-day) out. There are three recommended itineraries: the first visits the Alpone Valley, the second goes up to Valpantena and the third explores western Lessinia.

However, for those who have the opportunity to visit Lessinia, the first step should be to visit the Bosco Chiesanuova Tourist Office to pick up some of the abundant literature on Lessinia and its Natural Park. Armed with this material, each visitor can select particular areas of interest and plan their visit accordingly.

For example, if you were interested in natural phenomena, you could visit the Covolo di Camposilvano, the Ponte di Veja and the village of Bolca. These are just a few places linked with the geomorphological history of the region.

Alternatively, you could start by visiting some of Lessinias museums: the Museum of Cimbra Culture in Giazza, the paleological museum in SantAnna dAlfaedo, the ethnographical museum in Bosco Chiesanuova, the geo-paleontological museum in Camposilvano, the fossil museum in Bolca and the trombini museum (of antique rifles) in Selva di Progno.

You could also find out more about the Cimbri population. As well as visiting the museums, you could attend a village festival, such as the one at Camposilvano, where you will be able to look at typical costumes, listen to local dialect and hear the thunderous shots of the trombini.

Talking of festivals, it should be mentioned at this point that many activities are undertaken in Lessinia to promote the conservation of local traditions. Fairs and exhibitions are held throughout the year, such as the >Festival of Mushrooms in Roverè, the Potato Festival in Cologna Veneta, the Monte Veronese doc Cheese Festival in Erbezzo, the Cherry Festival in Monteforte dAlpone (where the Festival of Grapes is always held) and the Montecchia di Crosara Chestnut Festival at San Giovanni Ilarione.

Although they are not exactly festivals, the annual Night Carnival in Monteforte dAlpone, with its allegorical floats and masks which parade past under the stars, and the Midnight Mass which is celebrated at the gigantic natural cathedral that is the Covolo di Camposilvano are both worth a mention.

If you are interested in local culture, there is one aspect which is indispensible—the cuisine. Lessinia is famous for truffles, which you can try at Alla Ruota in Negrar, as well as for mushrooms which you can have at Alpone in Montecchia di Crosara. There are also many regional specialities such as mocetta di capra—a type of sausage which you can try at the Torre in Cologna Veneta.

If you fall for the various culinary delights, you should be prepared to do something about the accumulated calories. In the summer, there are a variety of excursions which can be undertaken through Lessinia, either on foot (contact the Club Alpino Italiano in Verona for details), or by bicycle ( the Amici degli Bicicletta organisation in Verona can advise you on the best routes). Speleology is not for everyone, but anyone who is interested can visit the speleological section of Cai di Verona.

In winter, you will be spoiled with choices: there is alpine skiing, cross-country skiing, snowboarding and ice skating on the rink at Bosco Chiesanuova.

Lessinia is truly a hotbed of cultural activity and beautiful natural phenomena.