Discover what to do in Erbezzo: the ancient cattle fair, the hamlets of Erbezzo, the church of Saints Philip and James. Want to know more? First of all…
Where is Erbezzo?
The municipality of Erbezzo borders Ala to the north, Grezzana to the south, Bosco Chiesanuova to the east, and Sant’Anna d’Alfaedo to the west.
The ancient cattle fair
The 2023 edition of the ancient cattle fair was held from Thursday 7 to Sunday 10 September at the Palalinte Sports Hall near the Erbezzo Town Hall.
As every year, the event’s program includes a large market area with km0 products that enhances the territory’s biodiversity, from fine quality honey to fresh Friesian milk, from alpine cheeses like Monte Veronese DOP to cured meats, meats, cakes, Cimbrian artisan biscuits, and other exquisite typical sweets like Sbrisolona di Erbezzo.
The centuries-old event includes photographic exhibitions, agricultural conferences, livestock driving courses, and workshops to learn wool processing, from shearing to weaving.
If you are wondering what to do in Erbezzo, the ancient cattle fair is an unmissable opportunity to spend the beautiful season with livestock exhibitions, equestrian hiking, and top-quality food and wine specialties to be savored in the spectacular natural setting of the Lessini Mountains.
For more information about the traditional event, you can consult the Facebook page Antica Fiera del bestiame di Erbezzo.
The hamlets of Erbezzo
Starting from Piazza dei combattenti, head east passing between the post office and the Banca di Verona, then take the grassy path that goes into a lush forest. The panoramic route leads to the Scalchi hamlet, a characteristic stone settlement where the Quelle del Baito dairy is located. From the privileged position of the village, you can gaze upon the spectacular mass of bright wooded hills, whose sinuous profile is lost on the horizon in transparent vibrations.
The route continues south along the Vajo dell’anguilla, an ancient river valley immersed in a silent and uncontaminated environment dominated by the imposing mass of the Lessini Mountains. The winding forest path leads to the Genderli hamlet, welcoming rural settlements framed by green slopes dotted with walnut, cherry, fir, cedar, and other lush tall trees.
Crossing the Stalla and Costa hamlets, you reach the southern end of the hiking route, corresponding to the Portello hamlet (altitude 794 meters). The second part of the itinerary leads to Costamora, a charming hamlet nestled on gentle sunny slopes dotted with willows, walnuts, oaks that shade centuries-old stone farmhouses covered in ivy and framed by sunflowers and well-kept vegetable gardens.
The path continues north through the Costamatta, Vederle, Schioppi, Balestre, and Chiomati hamlets. The latter stands out for the presence of a splendid monumental maple.
The winding mountain route turns west and leads to the Stocchi hamlet. Crossing the settlements of Fasani di sotto and Fasani di sopra, the itinerary passes the Vajo di Fasani and leads to the Church of San Pietro. After reaching the place of worship, continue north for about 170 meters, then keep right towards the Larici hamlet, one of the most photogenic locations in Erbezzo. From the Manarini hamlet (45.63678913117203, 10.991149545855677), follow the Erbezzo San Pietro path. The route leads to the Erbezzo cemetery, a few steps from the church of Saints Philip and James.
The church of Saints Philip and James
Located at Via Roma, 40, the church of Saints Philip and James marks the southern boundary of Piazza dei combattenti. The place of worship features a double-pitched facade flanked by two porticoed wings.
Accessible via a three-step staircase, the massive studded wooden portal is surmounted by a pictorial representation of Saints Philip and James, on either side of which are two round-arched single-lancet windows.
Distinguished by a Latin cross plan, the place of worship has a single nave surmounted by a lunette barrel vault. Inside the church are precious paintings, including a fresco depicting the Sacred Heart of Jesus and other saints, altars in polychrome marble, refined wooden sculptures, and a valuable 18th-century pipe organ.
If you are wondering what to do in Erbezzo, the church of Saints Philip and James is one of the most significant spiritual, cultural, and architectural landmarks of the town.
