Discover what to do in Chiuppano: the Astico, the mill race of the former Rossi cotton mill, the Isolon festival park, the Chiuppano-Marola trail, and the Settembre Chiuppanese festival. Want to know more?
Where is Chiuppano?
The municipality of Chiuppano borders Caltrano to the north, Carrè to the south, Calvene and Lugo di Vicenza to the east, and Piovene Rocchette to the west.
The Astico, the Rossi cotton mill’s mill race, and the Isolon festival park
Born from the icy underground springs that flow in the depths of the Folgaria plateau between the peaks of Mount Sommo and Mount Plaut in Trentino-Alto Adige, the river furrows the territory of Lavarone, crosses the Val d’Astico and together with the Brenta delimits the vast plateau of the Seven Municipalities.
The torrential watercourse favors the development of a dense tree heritage that spring and summer seasons flood with light, enhancing the vivid shades of poplars, alders, white willows, walnut trees, and acacias, lapped by winding crystalline bends from which the white pebble bed can be glimpsed through the blue, light green, and dark blue reflections.
The flourishing natural microcosm encloses winding dirt paths like corridors of swaying fronds that intertwine to create a brilliant vegetal dome. In the autumn months, the thick foliage gives way to rows of dark tangled branches that border the trails shrouded in golden and slippery leaves.
You can leave your car at the parish of San Michele Arcangelo or in Piazza dei Terzi. Proceed on foot in a southeast direction along Via Dè Faveri Don Pio until you reach the intersection with Via Alessandro Rossi. Turn left and walk along Via Alessandro Rossi for 550 meters; then, unless signs prohibit pedestrian traffic, proceed east, leaving the Local Socio-Health Unit N.4 on your right.
Proceed for 230 meters until you reach a fork. Keep left and continue for 700 meters, entering the shady forest formation from which the sound of the current comes increasingly intense. Here you will find the mill race of the ancient Rossi family cotton mill, now out of operation, a fascinating example of industrial archaeology and an irresistible destination for hiking enthusiasts.
The difference in level between the two watercourses, separated by the stone wall of the mill race, is particularly striking: one dark and deep, the other with a shallow bottom, from which pebbly islets emerge, bathed by clear ripples.
Continuing northeast, following the winding banks of the Astico, after about 800 meters you reach a wide grassy area surrounded by tall and majestic acacias and ash trees where for several years a festival of rock, reggae, blue beat, and boogie music was held. Among the long branches hides a metallic creature resembling an insect with a sharp profile, spread wings, and pointed antennae, whose abdomen bears the image of a person with long, disheveled hair pointing a gun to their temple, above which a stylized red heart has been painted.
After taking a swim in the cold, clear waters of the river, you can lie down and rest in the meadow area dotted with buttercups, where you will find a barbecue area.
Chiuppano-Marola Trail
The starting point of the trail is the parking lot of the Chiuppano cemetery near the church of San Michele al Monte. Head east and take the Strada Vicinale della Fonda. The ancient path winds through pleasant wooded hills, leads to an area with wooden benches and tables, crosses the Vaccara stream, and brings you to the charming and quiet hamlet of Marola.
If you are wondering what to do in Chiuppano and wish to venture into spectacular river locations and visit quiet rural towns surrounded by an unspoiled and fairy-tale environment, taking a walk in this splendid municipality nestled in the heart of the Vicenza area will be an unforgettable experience!
Settembre Chiuppanese
The popular festival is held every year in the first half of September and features local gastronomic specialties to enjoy in large dining areas, outdoor sports activities including fun walks, gymnastics, yoga, and football matches, as well as live music and craft workshops to learn activities like bread-making. The event also includes cultural initiatives such as photo exhibitions and book presentations.
