Discover what to do in Marano di Valpolicella: the Temple of Minerva, Villa Lorenzi, Buella, Benati, a bike ride in Marano di Valpolicella. Want to know more? First of all…
Where is Marano di Valpolicella?
The municipality of Marano di Valpolicella borders to the north with Sant’Anna d’Alfaedo, to the south with San Pietro in Cariano, to the east with Negrar di Valpolicella, and to the west with Fumane.
The Temple of Minerva
Dating back about 2,600 years, the ruins of the temple are set into the northeastern slope of Monte Castelòn, whose fertile slopes are covered with dense woods and lush vineyards.
As evidenced by the remains of votive offerings found at the site, the temple was originally used for propitiatory rites.
Dedicated to the cult of the goddess Minerva from the 2nd-1st centuries BC, the architectural complex was enclosed by a colonnade and decorated with frescoes and mosaic works, fragments of which have been brought to light by several excavation campaigns.
How to reach the Temple of Minerva?
Starting from the parking lot in Via Val Verde (45.55796179918002, 10.909684933825407), leave the entrance of the Corte Zardini winery on your left and proceed northeast on a slight uphill for 180 meters, then turn left. Continue for 550 meters along the winding road that surrounds the hill, then turn right to reach the Sanctuary of Santa Maria Valverde.
From the sanctuary, take the path shaded by cedars and firs that leads to the archaeological excavations, accessible through guided tours.
If you are wondering what to do in Marano di Valpolicella, the Temple of Minerva is one of the most fascinating, mysterious, and romantic cultural landmarks of the municipality, a recommended destination for history enthusiasts and those who wish to take a peaceful walk discovering the dreamlike landscapes of Valpolicella.
Villa Lorenzi, Buella, Benati (not open to visitors)
Located in the Canzago area, Villa Lorenzi, Buella, Benati is a charming 18th-century noble residence immersed in the fairy-tale atmosphere of the Marano Valley.
The complex consists of a white main body, spread over three floors, flanked to the east by two rustic stone annexes and to the west by an elegant porticoed area. The latter is accessible through a massive wooden portal framed by Ionic pilasters.
The entrance portal of the residential core is flanked by two windows adorned with masks. The three openings are softened by a rusticated ashlar facing.
The villa and its annexes frame a lovely, well-kept garden enclosed by a stone perimeter wall with sinuous wrought-iron gates.
Bike ride in Marano di Valpolicella
The starting point of the itinerary is the parking lot of the Church of Saints Peter and Paul in Via Valpolicella, 41. The first section of the route winds south along Via Valpolicella, crosses the village of Prognol lungo, and continues along Via Cadiloi. Reaching the urban center of Volgatara (45.533310421089716, 10.910430971061132), turn right into Via Tobele. After 400 meters, turn right again and proceed north along the winding asphalt road, bordered by stone walls, which stretches across bright rolling hills wrapped in sun-drenched vineyards.
After 190 meters, just before a dark, towering cypress tree, turn left and proceed for 600 meters along the slope of a hill dotted with silver olive trees and cloaked in lush vines. From the privileged position of the hilltop, you can gaze upon the spectacular hilly landscape that frames the Marano Valley.
Turn right and proceed in the shade of a cypress avenue. The path continues for 2.5 km into the rural landscape of Marano, shaded by oaks, cherry trees, elms, firs, and many other tall trees.
Along the route (45.54659555885095, 10.908074612253616) you will find a majestic centuries-old oak tree immersed in greenery. Continue along Via Canzago, where the splendid Villa Porta and Villa Lorenzi are located, until the intersection with provincial road 34, then turn left and proceed north for 500 meters until you return to the starting point.
