Discover what to do in Nanto in the province of Vicenza: the Addolorata festival, the trail 85 of the Nanto mountains, Villa Barbaran Grassi. Want to know more? First of all…
Where is Nanto?
The municipality of Nanto borders to the north with Castegnero, to the northeast with Montegaldella, to the northwest with Arcugnano, to the south with Barbarano Mossano, to the southeast with Rovolon, to the east with Montegaldella and Rovolon, to the west with Arcugnano.
The Addolorata Festival
The celebration dedicated to Mary Addolorata takes place every year on September 15, the day after Saint Helena (Flavia Julia Helena) found, in 327, the cross on which Jesus was crucified. The 2022 edition took place from August 26 to 28 and from September 2 to 4. For more information about the dates of the next event, we recommend checking the Facebook page of the Pro Loco di Nanto and the municipality’s website.
A recommended event for food lovers, the festival features renowned recipes from the Vicenza gastronomic tradition, from grilled cuttlefish to delicious tripe, as well as exquisite handmade fritters that you can savor in the large dining areas near the Church of the Most Holy Savior in the Bosco di Nanto area.
Further enlivening the festive days will be bright, colorful rides, dance evenings with traditional dance orchestras, and performances by talented DJs with thrilling rhythms.
If you’re wondering what to do in Nanto and want to immerse yourself in the carefree atmosphere of a traditional popular festival, with mouth-watering dishes, pints of beer, and glasses of wine to be enjoyed in the serene rural setting of a charming village located on the southeastern slopes of the Berici Mountains, participating in the Addolorata Festival is an opportunity not to be missed.
Trail 85 of the Nanto Mountains
The starting point of this pleasant itinerary is the white war memorial in Via Chiesa Vecchia. After passing the ancient Pieve di Nanto on your right, continue for about 450 meters, keeping left, along a winding asphalt road framed by dry-stone walls, well-kept hedges, and tall cypress trees, which winds through sun-drenched slopes dotted with silvery olive trees and flourishing cherry trees. Then, take the steep dirt path that climbs up the hills (45.43994339575659, 11.5711495676926).
The trail goes through lush woodland until it reaches the intersection of Via Basili and Via S. Nicolò (45.44768120691991, 11.557546658453619).
Follow Via Basili for 220 meters, then keep left onto Via Mason, from which you will enjoy wide views of Lake Fimon surrounded by slopes covered with trees and shrubs, and the distant profile of the Berici Mountains standing out on the horizon. After reaching the fountain of the cyclist, turn left and walk along Via Brazzolaro for 400 meters, then turn right onto Via Bella Pai.
After about 600 meters, upon reaching a rural house, keep left unless there are prohibition signs, onto the Alta Via dei Berici until you arrive at the Covoli di Trene, spectacular caves (where Neolithic artifacts have been found), from which you can admire the boundless rural landscape bordered downstream by thick hedges and the wooded heights that dominate the horizon.
If you’re wondering what to do in Nanto and wish to venture into an unspoiled natural environment crossed by pleasant trails from which you can contemplate breathtaking panoramic views, walking trail 85 of the Nanto Mountains will be an unforgettable experience.
Villa Barbaran Grassi
Located at Via Madonetta, 10, Villa Barbaran Grassi is one of the most fascinating and significant architectural complexes in the municipality of Nanto. Harmoniously set in a large grassy expanse dotted with centuries-old oaks. Spread over two floors, the Renaissance manor consists of a long stone building marked on the ground floor, on the south side, by nine elegant round arches visible from the road, above which six windows open.
Elements of particular historical and ornamental value are the heraldic crests placed at the keystone of the arches, in which I was able to recognize the figures of fine shields and a rampant lion. Inside, the noble residence houses a priceless heritage of frescoes painted over the centuries, which delicate restoration work is slowly bringing back to their ancient splendor.
