Discover what to do in Arcugnano: Lake Fimon and the Berici Hills, the Valley of the Mills, the feast of San Luca, the Bruschetta Festival, the Sopressa Festival. Want to know more? First of all…
Where is Arcugnano located?
The municipality of Arcugnano borders north with Vicenza, south with Barbarano Mossano, southeast with Nanto, southwest with Zovencedo, east with Longare and Castegnero, west with Altavilla Vicentina, Brendola and Zovencedo.
Lake Fimon
Surrounded by flourishing acacias, English oaks, elms, poplars and weeping willows with pale branches turned over clumps of common reed, the placid lake basin, which originated about 170,000 years ago, is nestled among the lively wooded slopes of the Berici Hills, a geological formation of marine origin whose prosperous biodiversity complex is testified by an invaluable treasure of fossils that have immortalized various forms of plant and animal life. Among these, for its quality of preservation, emerges the fossil of a small shrimp about thirty-five million years old, whose claws, tail and even antennae can be distinguished with extraordinary clarity, imprinted in thin layers of limestone rock.
Attesting to the healthiness of the environment and the pleasant mildness of the climate are several fish and amphibian species that populate the lake area, as well as majestic specimens of mute swans, moorhens and ducks splashing among shiny, round water lily leaves.
If you are wondering what to do in Arcugnano and are looking for a serene, restful naturalistic location immersed in greenery, strolling along the white cycle-pedestrian path that follows the grassy banks of Lake Fimon might be just what you need!
The Valley of the Mills
A charming network of itineraries allows you to explore the lush Arcugnano landscape, crossed by icy streams whose clear course, channeled into ancient stone ditches, powers the wheels of centuries-old milling complexes framed by the spectacular mass of the Berici Hills.
One of the most scenic routes that are part of the Nordic Walking Park is trail number 4, a sinuous path that starts from Lake Fimon (45.46820063017524, 11.538770244032875) and runs through the hilly reliefs punctuated by vineyards and olive groves wrapped in lush forest vegetation, crosses the fairy-tale scenery of the Valley of the Mills and, from the Fimon hamlet, leads back to the starting point passing through Via Covolo and Via Bocca.
The feast of San Luca
The feast of San Luca is held every year in May in the hamlet of Torri di Arcugnano. The 2022 edition took place from May 13 to 16.
During the event you can savor exquisite meat specialties such as ribs, chops and sausages sizzling on the grill, accompanied by french fries and slices of grilled polenta.
In addition to the delicious dishes, whose aroma spreads through the large marquees crowded with hungry diners, the festival program includes performances by talented DJs and tribute bands.
The Sopressa Festival
The initiatives to best enjoy the beautiful season in the peaceful rural municipality a stone’s throw from Vicenza certainly do not end here! The Sopressa Festival takes place in July at the sports field in Villabalzana. The 2022 edition was held from July 14 to 17.
An ideal event for food lovers, the long-awaited festival highlights the typical Vicenza cured meat through tasting points and large dining areas where, in addition to inviting platters of cold cuts to be paired with polenta, fried potatoes and beans, you can order appetizing dishes of bigoli and gnocchi with tomato and duck ragù and enjoy pints of craft beer and first-choice wines.
The Bruschetta Festival
The Bruschetta Festival is held every year between June and July at the sports field next to the church of Santa Giustina. The 2022 edition took place from June 24 to 26 and from July 1 to 3.
The fair will allow you to taste one of the most delicious and beloved traditional recipes in Italy: slices of toasted bread drizzled with olive oil and topped with your favorite ingredients, from the classic margherita with tomato, stringy mozzarella and oregano, to versions with grilled vegetables, speck and gorgonzola, fresh tomato and basil, smoked cooked ham and mushrooms, just to mention some of the many gourmet bruschettas made with local products that will make your mouth water.
If you are wondering what to do in Arcugnano and want to spend warm summer evenings with lip-smacking dishes and wild dances to the engaging rhythm of Cuban, country and rock and roll music, the Bruschetta Festival is an event not to be missed!
