Discover what to do in Galliera Veneta: the park of Villa Cappello, the parish church, the feast of Saint Mary Magdalene and Saint James. Want to know more? First of all…
Where is Galliera Veneta?
The municipality of Galliera Veneta borders to the north with Rossano Veneto, to the south with Tombolo, to the east and southeast with San Martino di Lupari, to the west and southwest with Cittadella.
The park of Villa Cappello
Located at Via Roma, 188-190, the park of Villa Imperiale is pervaded by an atmosphere at once fairy-tale and regal. Set in the placid rural landscape of the upper Paduan plain, the vast green lung is crossed by a sinuous network of white paths that meander among imposing centuries-old trees in an enchanted dimension suspended in time.
Among the numerous tree species that populate the ancient oasis, you will find lush specimens of palms, cedars, firs, beeches, alders, planes, oaks, horse chestnuts, ailanthus (known as trees of heaven), maples, hornbeams, magnolias, plums, maritime pines, elms, specimens of Japanese Sophora, and weeping willows with dense branches hanging over clear pools of water where ducks splash lively.
Creator of the romantic garden of Villa Galvagna Giol in Fontanelle (TV), Francesco Bagnara was commissioned to expand and embellish the majestic park with artificial islets and fish ponds.
Studded with statues, crossed by icy streams connected by graceful little bridges and adorned with spectacular fountains, the fabulous green area of Villa Cappello is an ideal destination for those wondering what to do in Galliera Veneta and looking for a quiet place to contemplate the changing and gaudy vegetal curtain whose colors fascinate and captivate in every season, from the bright tones of spring and summer to the warm and golden shades of autumn foliage that in winter give way to a dense tangle of dark snow-covered branches.
The Church of Saint Mary Magdalene
Located at Via Marconi, 5, the imposing mass of the neoclassical church stands out for a façade vertically divided into three parts by two pairs of Corinthian pilasters resting on high bases, framing two niches containing the statues of Saint John the Baptist and Saint James the Greater. Completing the vertical development of the structure are the architrave, the frieze and the triangular pediment adorned with an elegant dentil motif.
Accessible via a large tympanumed door surmounted by a semicircular lunette, the church has a single nave with a white and red checkerboard floor. The apse houses an elaborate pipe organ and a grandiose marble altar flanked by sculptures of two stone angels with outstretched wings. Hanging above the tabernacle, which encloses a brilliant metal cross, stands a golden canopy decorated with finely crafted floral motifs.
The walls of the building are embellished with pictorial works depicting the crucifixion of Saint Dominic, Saint Roch, and scenes from the life of Christ, such as the birth of Jesus and the baptism of Jesus in the waters of the Jordan.
The feast of Saint Mary Magdalene and Saint James
The feast days dedicated to Saint Mary Magdalene and Saint James are July 22 and 25 respectively, although the celebration in their honor does not always coincide with this date. In 2022 the feast took place from July 15 to 19.
An occasion recommended for food lovers, the event features a large dining area with a wide assortment of fish dishes as well as tasty sandwiches and appetizing chicken wings to be enjoyed with cold mugs of beer, ideal for combating the summer heat. The village festival will also offer dance evenings with famous orchestras, jazz groups and engaging Latin American rhythms.
If you are wondering what to do in Galliera Veneta and want to spend the beautiful season with live music and top-choice gastronomic specialties, attending the feast of Saint Mary Magdalene and Saint James might be just right for you!
