Discover what to do in Santorso: the park of Villa Rossi, Bocca Lorenza, the festival of Sant’Antonio. Do you want to know more? First of all…
Where is Santorso located?
The municipality of Santorso borders to the north with Velo d’Astico, to the south and west with Schio, to the east with Piovene Rocchette and Zanè.
The park of Villa Rossi
Located in Via Santa Maria, Parco Rossi is a serene oasis that extends at the foot of Monte Summano, whose gigantic mass towers regally over the plain marked by lush fields and dark hedges of poplars, acacias, elms and willows.
Studded with centuries-old trees, from blooming horse chestnuts to splendid magnolias with twisting branches and leaves shiny and bright in the sun, the ancient garden also includes towering cypresses and elegant fir trees, just to name a few of the many tree varieties that make up the delicate and lush plant heritage of the park.
To the unpredictable and evocative character of an uncontaminated environment, seemingly primordial and wild, the peaceful green area alternates the precise geometries of well-kept hedges that are arranged around an artificial water mirror dotted with water lilies.
Crossed by sinuous itineraries that accompany the visitor into a bewitching and fairy-tale dimension that arouses awe and wonder, the garden is an ideal destination for those looking for a quiet place to stroll and contemplate the dreamy atmosphere of a splendid green jewel set in the heart of Santorso where nature and architecture blend in a balanced and enchanting manner.
Bocca Lorenza
Ideal destination for hiking enthusiasts, Bocca Lorenza is a deep cave that penetrates the innards of the southern slope of Monte Summano from which artifacts have emerged, now preserved in the archaeological museum, attesting to human presence in this place thousands of years ago.
Starting from the parking lot in Via Salzena (45.73669737538856, 11.393335979613669), cross the Parco di Villa Rossi. You are in Via A. Rossi in front of the sumptuous palace. Leave the facade of the stately home to your left, proceed east for a few meters and take Via dei Roveri to your left. The path, mostly uphill, winds through dense vegetation that follows the slopes of the mountain until it leads to the mysterious cave.
To explore the dark meanders of the cave, it is advisable to wear trekking shoes, a protective helmet and heavy clothing due to the low temperatures, around 13-14°C.
Festival of Sant’Antonio
The anniversary of the death of Antonio di Lisbona, which occurred on June 13, 1231, is celebrated at the church of Timonchio in Via Roma 31 also in the days immediately before and after the death of the Saint.
To the solemn liturgical celebrations, the festival reconciles the atmosphere of a lively country fair that enhances the gastronomic specialties of peasant origin that distinguish Vicenza cuisine. In the large tents of the dining areas you can taste delicious dishes such as bigoli all’arna, a type of thick spaghetti made with egg pasta seasoned with exquisite duck ragù, typical grilled meats such as chops, sausages and ribs, aged cured meats with a smoked aroma to accompany with grilled polenta and fried potatoes, as well as tasty wood-fired pizzas.
The festival includes sports and recreational activities to do outdoors, from five-a-side football matches and walks to dancing evenings where you can let loose to the rhythm of talented DJs and tribute bands that will make you relive the timeless classics of rock and roll.
If you are wondering what to do in Santorso and wish to spend the summer in a carefree and fun way in the spectacular setting of formidable mountain ranges cloaked in pleasant wooded areas, participating in the Festival of Sant’Antonio will surely be right for you!
