Discover things to do in Velo d’Astico (VI): the San Martin festival, Meda hermitage, Castle of Velo. Want to know more? First of all…
Where is Velo d’Astico?
The municipality of Velo d’Astico borders to the north with Arsiero, to the northeast with Cogollo del Cengio, to the south with Schio, to the southeast with Santorso, to the east with Cogollo del Cengio, Piovene Rocchette and Santorso, to the west with Posina.
The San Martin festival
The day on which Saint Martin is commemorated is November 11, but the celebrations in Velo d’Astico also take place in the days immediately before and after this date.
The 2022 edition of the ancient festival of Saint Martin was held on November 13 in Piazza IV Novembre, a large cobblestone area that through an elegant staircase leads to a panoramic square from which you can embrace with your gaze the peak of Mount Cimone, whose colossal mass bears the indelible traces of the harsh and desperate conflicts between the Royal Italian Army and the Austro-Hungarian troops during the Battle of the Plateaus.
The slope of the mountain is covered in forests whose crowns merge into a dense green mantle interrupted by impressive cliffs.
In addition to the heartfelt liturgical functions dedicated to the patron saint, the festival combines initiatives aimed at promoting local specialties in a dimension of fun and carefreeness that, besides bringing together the local population, attracts visitors from all over the region to have fun together and gather around the red glow of crackling flames on which chestnuts are roasted.
On the occasion of the fair, the historic center of the village fills with colorful stalls among which the scents of cinnamon and cloves spread, making the aroma of mulled wine unmistakable, served from a steaming cauldron hanging over the fire on a high tripod.
In addition to the exquisite traditional cuisine, the event features live music, fun activities for children, and interesting exhibitions that illustrate how the ancient artisan activities that marked the daily life of our ancestors were carried out.
If you are wondering what to do in Velo d’Astico, the San Martin festival is a more than recommended opportunity to experience autumn in the welcoming and jovial atmosphere of a bygone fair in a charming village surrounded by the breathtaking scenery of the Vicentine Prealps.
The Castle of Velo
Perched on top of a wooded hill near the sumptuous church of San Martino and San Giorgio in Piazza San Martino 3, the mighty ruin was part of an imposing 10th-century fortification.
Built with dark volcanic rock that gives it an aura of charm and mystery, what remains of the formidable thousand-year-old construction consists of a crenellated tower with a circular base, partially rebuilt in brick after a restoration work, flanked by a stone wall topped with barbed wire and a metal sculpture of an eagle with outstretched wings.
Accessible via a pointed arch flanked by two streamlined bombs from World War I resting on massive bases, the medieval stronghold internally houses relics and commemorative works from the First World War.
Meda Hermitage
Perched on the top of a spur of Mount Summano bounded by steep bare rock walls, the hermitage of the Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary and of Saints James and John is a charming place of worship reachable via a winding route that snakes between the houses of the hamlet of Meda di Sopra and climbs the ridge of the hill from which you can enjoy wonderful landscape views of the Vicentine Prealps and the lively torrential course of the Astico.
Used as an artillery position thanks to its strategic location, the mountain is crossed by the centuries-old tunnels dug during the First World War.
If you are passionate about hiking and wondering what to do in Velo d’Astico, the Meda hermitage and the mountain on which it stands are places steeped in history and irresistible natural charm.
