Discover what to do in Mussolente: the sanctuary of Madonna dell’acqua, naturalistic trails in Mussolente. Want to know more? First of all…
Where is Mussolente?
The municipality of Mussolente borders to the north with Borso del Grappa, to the northeast with San Zenone degli Ezzelini, to the southeast with Loria, to the southwest with Cassola, to the east with San Zenone degli Ezzelini, to the west with Romano D’Ezzelino.
The sanctuary of Madonna dell’acqua
Perched on top of a sunny hill traversed by swaying rows of pale silver olive trees, rows of dark cypresses and well-aligned yews, as well as plane trees, poplars, cedars, willows, and palms, the white place of worship built between the 18th and 19th centuries stands on the ruins of a medieval temple. Flanked by the soaring bell tower, the structure dominates the gentle green slopes that extend to the steep sides of the Grappa massif.
The sanctuary can be reached via Via XI Febbraio, a winding asphalt road bordered by ivy-covered walls, or via a stairway leading to the Mussolente cemetery shaded by acacias, oaks, and hazels located on Via San Polo and indicated by appropriate signage (45.79196626472931, 11.796452064592176).
The church is distinguished by a majestic façade divided by four pilasters resting on high bases, on which the architrave and triangular pediment with a circular opening stand out.
Accessible via a cobblestone staircase, the massive wooden door is preceded by a parapet adorned with four angel statues. Refined by priceless ancient frescoes, the sanctuary with a Greek cross plan has a single spacious and well-lit hall.
Another element of architectural value is the bell tower with four elegant mullioned windows and crowned by a conical spire set on an octagonal drum.
The name of the sanctuary originates from the recovery of an ancient sculpture depicting the Madonna, returned by the current of a stream after a flood had overwhelmed the monastery nestled on the southern slopes of the Grappa massif where the wooden statue was kept. The discovery of the splendid work was considered a good omen that would favor an abundance of water.
Naturalistic trails in Mussolente
Leave the façade of the sanctuary behind you and take Via XI Febbraio on your left. Follow the narrow winding road. After about 80 meters keep right onto Via Rive Lunghe, from which you will enjoy a wide view of the bright grassy expanses dotted with yellow buttercups, olive trees, and lush hedges that follow the gentle rolling hills making the foothill landscape so coveted by hiking and photography enthusiasts.
After about 1 km (45.79691967974432, 11.788425391040377) take the green path on your right that flanks the dense tree vegetation of the Mussolente countryside. For about one hundred meters head northeast leaving the thick hedge of plane trees, poplars, and shrubs on your right, then head southeast until you reach Via San Pietro (45.7962572873594, 11.791694965823769).
Turn right, immersing yourself in the leafy vault of walnut trees, acacias, and field maples, and head southeast. Continue along Via S. Palo in the shade of thick canopies whose branches extend to invade the road surface.
At the intersection with Via Tenente Eger, turn right and after 350 meters turn left onto Via Cumana. Proceed for 550 meters to the intersection where a wooden crucifix stands. Turn left and continue on Via Cumana for 200 meters, then keep right on Via Volpara.
Follow the hairpin bends on Via Volpara that wind between cedars and oaks and continue uphill along Via Carlo Eger until you reach the Hotel Ristorante Malga Verde.
Cross the parking lot and continue east for 290 meters until you find on your left a wooden and dirt staircase preceded by two acacias with ivy-covered trunks. The steps that climb the hill accompany the visitor to discover suggestive wooded formations that with their elegant foliage cover some of the most significant historical landmarks of the municipality.
Climbing the slopes of the hill in a northwest direction you will reach the trenches and walkways of World War I. The violent century-old furrows create a disturbing dissonance between the fairy-tale and vital atmosphere of the hill, cloaked in autumn months by a golden mantle of damp leaves teeming with insects that feed larks, woodpeckers, and great tits, and the indelible artificial scars expressing human madness.
Following the ascent in a northwest direction you will reach the top of Col San Lorenzo scattered with ash, downy oaks, and chestnut trees.
After visiting the enchanting wooded hill, return to Via Carlo Eger. Head south, taking the white dirt path that flanks a well-kept garden dotted with olive trees. Follow the peaceful path in the shade of acacias and oaks, from which fascinating glimpses of the rural landscape of Mussolente appear, until you reach Via del Ru.
Turn right and proceed west via Via del Ru, Via Guglielmini, and Via Pio X. At the intersection turn right and walk along Strada Provinciale 75 flanked by elms, ash trees, and oaks for 350 meters, then turn left and follow the route that crosses the vast garden of Villa Negri Piovene, a white 18th-century noble residence.
Stroll westward until you reach a hedge of plane trees, cedars, and willows towering along a clear stream, then take the path that will lead you to the roccolo, a bird hunting post built on top of a hill.
The structure consists of a series of trees, especially hornbeams, arranged in a semicircle and surrounded externally by a net for catching birds. At the end of the roccolo stands the observation post near a mighty centuries-old oak.
After the visit, head west until you reach Via degli Alpini, then proceed north to the intersection with Via delle Statue. Turn right and then immediately left onto Via XI Febbraio.
Continue north on Via XI Febbraio until you return to the Sanctuary of Madonna dell’acqua.
If you wonder what to do in Mussolente and wish to immerse yourself in a magical atmosphere where the ancient and delicate heritage of biodiversity harmonizes with fascinating monuments that narrate unique and significant aspects of the history and culture of the territory, from sumptuous centuries-old villas to legendary places of worship, to ingenious works of natural architecture suspended in a timeless dimension, a visit to this spectacular municipality in the Vicenza area, located at the foot of the Grappa massif, will be an unforgettable experience.
