Discover what to do in Carrè: a walk among the hills of Carrè, the church of Santa Maria Assunta, the patronal feast of the Assumption. Do you want to know more? first of all…
Where is Carrè located?
The municipality of Carrè borders to the north with Chiuppano, to the northeast with Lugo di Vicenza, to the south with Zanè, to the east with Lugo di Vicenza and Zugliano, to the west with Piovene Rocchette.
Walk among the hills of Carrè
The starting point of the recommended nature itinerary is the parking lot on Via Ca’ Magra. (45.73095153209996, 11.47695242816705). The gravel path winds through the clear Igna stream along whose banks grow lush species of walnut, acacia, yew and poplar, to name but a few.
Follow the pleasant tree-lined path along the stream until you reach Via Tavani (45.747855369767265, 11.472761467649729), turn right and proceed gently uphill in the shade of beech and field maple trees. Follow Via Tavani until you reach a small rural building behind which the rocky profile of the mountains stands out on the horizon.
To your right, take the road framed by a group of houses, among which stands a charming stone dwelling, the birthplace of Monsignor Massimiliano Spiller. Leave the wayside shrine to your right, continue along the quiet tree-lined road and, unless signs prohibit, go from Via Tavani to Via Costa Diana and then emerge at the intersection of Via Broiadosso and Via Ca’ Vecchia (45.75055859501658, 11.479851444872676).
Turn right and proceed along Via Ca’ Vecchia, passing next to a clearing, a green area with benches, seats and a barbecue area.
Proceed through the vast hilly expanses dotted with silver olive trees until you reach Hotel La Rua. At the stop sign turn right and follow Via Rua for 1.9 km, then continue on Via S. Rocco for 1.2 km in the shade of tall poplars, through whose foliage you can glimpse the sunny countryside of Carrè, crossed by lush hedges and vineyards resting on gentle grassy slopes. At the intersection, leave the little church of the Madonnetta to your right and proceed along Via Madonetta to the next intersection, then turn right onto Via Ca’ Magra to return to the starting point.
The church of Santa Maria Assunta
Announcing the majestic bulk of the parish church, set in the heart of Carrè at Piazza XI Febbraio, 4, are the tall and white crenellated bell towers rising at the ends of the façade, in which open elegant mullioned windows with parapets.
The façade of the place of worship is horizontally divided into three registers separated by stringcourse frames. Rhythmed by pilasters, the ground floor is accessible via an elegant staircase leading to the massive door set within a majestic splayed arch.
The second level, also rhythmed by pilasters, features at the center the lunette of the great arch, internally decorated by a formidable mosaic work in which the figure of Saint Mary of the Assumption stands out together with angels in the divine and timeless dimension represented by a brilliant golden background.
Separated from the middle band by a dentil motif, the top area of the front presents a clock with Arabic numerals surmounted by a metal cross flanked by the bell chambers.
A true museum of sacred art, the church houses spectacular paintings, marble altars, wooden tabernacles in excellent state of preservation made from the 15th to the 18th century.
The patronal feast of the Assumption
August 15 is the day of Mary’s assumption into heaven, although the celebration in her honor also takes place in the days before and after this date.
Alongside the liturgical celebrations, an occasion of spiritual gathering for the community which includes the holy mass in the municipal cemetery and the solemn procession, a heartfelt ceremony that involves carrying the statue of the saint to the parish church, the event combines the lively atmosphere of a fair that brings the population together and highlights food and wine specialties to be enjoyed in large dining areas: from succulent meat specialties, skewers and sliced meat, to pasta dishes and gnocchi with ragù that make your mouth water, as well as tasty fried fish dishes whose aroma spreads among the long, well-aligned benches of the white marquees, from which comes the echo of the cheerful chatter of adults and children.
The festival includes dance evenings to the rhythm of talented groups that will make you relive some of the greatest hits of Italian music.
If you are wondering what to do in Carrè and wish to learn about the ancient traditions of a charming little village nestled in the rural heart of the Vicenza area, attending the patronal feast of the Assumption will surely be right for you!
