Discover what to do in Lonigo: Rocca Pisana, the Lonigo fair, the feast of Sant’Apollinare. Do you want to know more? First of all…
Where is Lonigo?
The municipality of Lonigo borders north with Montebello Vicentino, north-east with Sarego, north-west with Gambellara, south-east with Cologna Veneta, south-west with Zimella, east with Sarego, Val Liona, Alonte and Orgiano, west with San Bonifacio, Arcole and Zimella.
Rocca Pisana
Perched on the top of a rounded grassy hill covered with woods, Villa Pisana is one of the most significant cultural landmarks of the municipality together with the cathedral of Lonigo, built where once stood the majestic castle of which only the keep, Palazzo Pisani, the sanctuary of Madonna dei Miracoli (Via Madonna, 18), internally decorated with spectacular frescoed architecture, and the Scaliger Tower, also known as the Prison Tower, have survived.
Designed by Vincenzo Scamozzi in the second half of the 16th century, the Renaissance monument with a square plan is arranged on three levels: basement, main floor, and attic.
Crowned by a dome resting on an octagonal drum, the building is accessible from the south through a staircase leading to a portico, slightly projecting from the facade, punctuated by six Ionic columns supporting a dentiled triangular pediment. On the north, east, and west sides, serlianas open up.
From the dominant position of the hill, one enjoys a wide-ranging view of the elegant garden bordered by well-kept flowerbeds and the boundless rural landscape dotted with tiny rural dwellings and marked by cultivated fields that stretch to the horizon.
If you are wondering what to do in Lonigo, Rocca Pisana is a must-see destination for those who wish to discover the spectacular historical and architectural heritage of this welcoming village bordering the Verona area.
The fair of Lonigo
The ancient fair of Lonigo takes place every year in the large spaces of Parco Ippodromo near the path that follows the grassy banks of the GuĂ river. In 2022 the folkloric event took place from Friday 25 to Monday 28 March.
Born more than five hundred years ago, the event of medieval origin is rooted in the miracle that occurred on March 25, 1486 in the church of Pavarano. According to legend, the image of the Madonna came to life and covered with her hands the wounds inflicted by a rogue who had slashed her eye and chest.
An opportunity for meeting, fun, and learning for thousands of people, the fair showcases the most modern innovations in the industrial and agricultural sectors, while passing down food products resulting from ancient knowledge that have shaped the cultural identity of the territory over the centuries.
For more information about the program of the next event we recommend visiting the website fieradilonigo.it and the Facebook page Fiera di Lonigo.
The feast of Sant’Appollinare
According to the liturgical calendar, the day dedicated to Sant’Apollinare is July 23 but the celebrations in his honor also take place on the days before this date. In 2022 the popular event was held on July 23 and 24 at the church of Sant’Apollinare in Via Chiesa Monticello, 8.
As every year, with rare exceptions, the feast includes engaging group walks to discover the enchanting locality of Monticello, a picturesque rural hamlet surrounded by the gentle hills of the Lonigo countryside. After the walk, you can have lunch in company surrounded by lush vineyards orderly laid out along the winding profile of sunny hills.
The feast reconciles the solemnity of heartfelt liturgical ceremonies with the jovial and carefree atmosphere of a bygone fair, featuring traditional specialties, native wine excellences, and cold mugs of beer, ideal for beating the summer heat. There will also be play areas for children and the classic charity fishing.
If you are wondering what to do in Lonigo and are looking for activities to spend the beautiful season in the splendid natural setting of a pleasant village in lower Vicenza, among food and wine specialties to savor on a panoramic terrace overlooking green slopes dotted with silvery olive trees, participating in the feast of Sant’Apollinare will be an unmissable experience!
To stay updated on the next editions of the event, you can consult the Facebook page Sant’Apollinare in Campo.
