Discover what to do in Badia Calavena: Antica fiera dei Bogoni, Monte Pecora, Abbazia Benedettina di Calavena. Want to know more? First of all…
Where is Badia Calavena located?
The municipality of Badia Calavena borders Selva di Progno to the north, Tregnago to the south, Vestenanova to the east, and Velo Veronese and San Mauro di Saline to the west.
Antica fiera dei Bogoni
The 2023 edition of the Antica fiera dei Bogoni took place from Friday 1 to Sunday 3 December in Sant’Andrea di Badia Calavena.
In the Veronese dialect, bogoni are snails traditionally collected in spring and eaten during winter and in the period of Lent.
The old custom of starting the market before dawn stems from the intention to avoid paying the tithe once imposed by the Abbazia di Badia Calavena.
During the event, you can taste exquisite snail-based dishes, savor renowned truffles and browse picturesque craft markets.
For more information about this lively recurring event, you can visit the Facebook page Pro Loco Badia Calavena and the website www.fieradeibogoni.it.
Monte Pecora
How to reach Monte Pecora
The starting point of the route is the parking area near the Abbazia di Calavena in Piazza Mercato, 14. Follow the north side of the abbey church, then keep left and tackle the bends of provincial road 36, then continue southeast for 3.3 km.
The route offers breathtaking panoramic views of the sinuous hills that mark the eastern border of the Val d’Illasi. The lush vegetation of ash trees, hornbeams, black locusts, field maples and downy oaks covering the hills alternates with evocative terraces dotted with walnut and cherry trees and bordered by stone walls.
Once you reach the La Collina restaurant in Via Collina, 1, leave Via Righetti on your right and follow the uphill road toward Bolca and Sprea. From the privileged position of Monte Pecora (869 m), topped by a 65-meter wind tower, you can take in a fairytale landscape shaped by the mountain ridges of Lessinia, dotted with silver olives and draped in centuries-old woods that frame pleasant grassy stretches shining in the sun and ancient rustic farmhouses.
After reaching the white stone wayside shrine, keep right and continue north for 2.3 km along the mountain ridge. At this point (45.58527291093915, 11.182767489928233) keep left on the winding lane that leads to a lovely cluster of stone houses nestled among the hills.
Cross the old village and continue north to the junction, then follow provincial road 36 b northwest toward Sprea. Pass the cemetery and continue until you reach the majestic neoclassical church of Sprea, then keep following the provincial road for 5 km southwest, descending the wooded slope of the hill shaded by acacias, hornbeams, elms, poplars, alders and many other lush tall trees.
At the junction turn left and continue south along provincial road 10 for 2.1 km, following the Illasi stream. Once you reach Palazzo Fritz, in Via Roma, 3, turn left and continue for 400 meters until you return to the starting point.
The church of Saints Vito, Modesto and Crescenzia
Located in Piazza Mercato, 18, the monastic architectural complex is accessible through a splendid 19th-century neoclassical church. Internally divided into three naves, the place of worship is connected to the extraordinary cloister framed by a portico topped by an elegant loggia, both marked by graceful round arches.
If you’re wondering what to do in Badia Calavena, the church of Saints Vito, Modesto and Crescenzia is a jewel of art, history and architecture, as well as one of the most significant spiritual and cultural landmarks of the Val d’Illasi.
