Rural Tourism in The Land of Palladio

The Palladian villas of the Veneto
Veneto is scattered with villas designed by Andrea Palladio (1508-1580), one of the greatest architects in world history. The Palladian villas in the province of Vicenza are protected by UNESCO as part of a World Heritage Site named City of Vicenza and the Palladian Villas of the Veneto. Touring the area is a perfect way to plunge into a land of uncontaminated charm and wine and food traditions of inestimable value. The Province of Vicenza has undertaken a project for the certification of the rural accommodation establishments in the area, with the participation of Terranostra, a branch of the Farmers’ association Coldiretti, promoting rural tourism, respectful of the environment. The project has been fostered by the Chamber of Commerce of Vicenza , with 31 establishments participating.

Three Roads of Wines and Tastes cross the province of Vicenza. The Road of the Recioto and Gambellara DOC wines stretches along the low Chiampo Valley, in a territory of volcanic origin comprising the municipalities of Gambellara, Montebello Vicentino, Montorso and Zermeghedo. This area is also well-known for the Euganei-Berici DOP extra-virgin olive oil, the soppressa vicentina dop sausage and the Chiampo durone cherry. The Roads of Wines of the Berici Hills south of Vicenza is famous for the Berico-Euganeo DOP dry-cured ham, the grappa, the Dorata Hen of Lonigo, the Salado co l’Ajo del Basso Vicentino salami, the Costozza mushrooms and the Mandorlato di Lonigo nougat. At the foot of the mountain run the Roads of the Torcolato and the Breganze Wines, with gems such as the white asparagus of Bassano, the Marano maize flour, the Torresani birds of Breganze, the Morlacco cheese, the Marostica cherry PGI, in addition to the wines, that goes without saying.

In addition to the afore-mentioned specialties, the province of Vicenza is famous for its cheese production, especially for the Stravecchio di Malga, the Morlacco and the Morlacco di Burlina. The Marano maize found in the area is Italy’s oldest variety.