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Each land tells a story and the story in Illasi Valleys is made of tangible evidence that has survived the test of time and continues to influence the daily lives of the people who live in the area. The Venetian alpine foothills, outlined by white marl rocks and covered with pathways and meadows, hide a landscape just waiting to be discovered. This is where Illasi Valleys lies.
The Illasi Valleys are the 3 valleys: Val d’Illasi, Valle di Mezzane, Val Tramigna. The 11 Villages enclosed are: Lavagno, Mezzane di Sotto, San Mauro di Saline, Roverè veronese, Velo veronese, Selva di progno, Badia Calavena, Tregnago, Illasi, Colognola ai Colli, Cazzano di Tramigna with a population of about 38.000.
Covering an area of 300 km2 of vineyards, olive groves, forests and cherry orchards, the Illasi Valleys bear the marks of a history of craftsmen and offer visitors the chance to discover an Italy “off the beaten track”.
A little history
The Illasi Valleys cultural roots date back to many centuries ago. The first recorded sign of human life in Lessinia – this is the more commonly known term used for the area – is the biface of Lughezzano, an almond shaped hand axe used by humans between 300,000 and 150,000 years ago. The Cimbrians made their mark on the area around 1287BC, and the valleys then welcomed the Roman militia from the Gaul campaigns. Today Illasi Valleys has a patrimony of Roman colonies and milestones, medieval castles, ancient chapels and churches, Renaissance villas and gardens. The Celtic populations of the valleys called the Roman soldiers and their families “I Latii”, the name from which “Illasi” derives.
The green landscape & sports activities
The Lessinia Nature Park is a priceless heritage that gives the Illasi Valleys a real life. It is a vast expanse of green pastures and dense forests at an elevation starting from 1200m and home to a huge variety of flora and fauna. Visitors can enjoy walking the paths that zigzag across the pastures up to the mountain refuges, cycling along the plains scattered with vineyards, olive groves and cherry orchards, or riding horseback in the mountain meadows. Illasi Valleys offers a beautiful backdrop all year round for a range of sports.
Illasi Valleys is also a good location for winter sports such as Alpine or Nordic skiing. The slopes of the Lessinia, only a few minutes from the city of Verona, are one of the ski resorts closest to the Val Padana. It is also one of the most well equipped ski slopes of the Venetian Alpine foothills.
Lovers of caving will find many opportunities in the network of easily accessible and stunning caves of the Illasi Valleys area to practice their favourite sport; the Grotta Damati cave, reached from the village of Badia Calavena, shows the range of features limestone is able to form over time. These include stalactites, stalagmites, columns, curtains, wells and angel hair. The “Grotta di Monte Capriolo”, is one of the most beautiful geological features in the Lessinia Nature Park. Other interesting caves in the area are Grotta Perloch, reachable from Giazza, and Tana delle Sponde, accessible from Selva di Progno.
Nature products & culinary arts
In Illasi Valleys the flavours range from traditional olive oil to the vast selection of excellent and internationally renowned wines. These soils are the highest vineyards of the Amarone della Valpolicella appellation with vines growing at an elevation of up to 600m. Illasi Valleys was the birthplace of many cheeses such as the Monte Veronese, passed down to us by generations of skilful dairymen. The local cheese making tradition ensures dishes are constantly reinvented with fresh new flavours. A vast choice of fruit including cherries and chestnuts (as well as the special San Mauro chestnut), mountain herbs used to make liqueurs and spirits, deli meats and other dairy produce complete the range of local delicacies of the Illasi Valleys area.
Culture and tradition
Who really were the Cimbrians, the tribe that decided to settle in the Veronese alpine foothills many years ago? The answer to this question can be found in the “Museo Etnografico di Giazza”. Created by architect Arrigo Rudi, the museum tells the history of the Cimbrians through a series of sculptures, pictures, examples of popular art, objects and equipment used in traditional activities such as agriculture, hunting, the production of ice and coal.
The two museums of Camposilvano (Velo Veronese) and Bolca describe the geological and paleontological history of the area through a collection of valuable fossils and other artefacts.
The hilltops of Illasi Valleys are dotted with remains of castles, dating mainly back to Medieval times. One of the most charming castles in the area is the Castle of Tregnago.
The many noble villas found in Illasi Valleys are remnants of bygone golden eras including the Renaissance. The prestigious Villa Sagramoso is located in the centre of the village of Illasi and was once the headquarters of the Medieval lord.
The religious heritage of Illasi Valleys is vast and well distributed across the area. It includes a vast amount of churches and chapels decorated with rich frescoes, with the oldest being the roman church of Santa Giustina, built in Medieval times on an ancient temple dedicated to Mercury.
The most well-known traditions are those linked to the Christmas period; traditions which create an atmosphere of sharing such as the tradition of “Stella di Natale” where groups of villagers knock on doors and sing Christmas carols.
Hospitality & wellbeing
The warmth of a family welcome, together with the great tradition of hospitality is what gives the Wine Relais, agriturismi, self-catering accommodation, villa rental, hostels and B&Bs in the Illasi Valleys area their characteristic feel. The accommodation in the area is proud of the setting it offers. The range of options available also includes luxury accommodation. Lovers of travelling and camping holidays will also find somewhere to pitch at the “Paolo Zaffani” campsite if they get the best rv accessories, they can even check the Outdoor Empire ar light buyer’s guide and go hunting while in there, they will love to get their hands on the new PNW waterproof backpack.
There are many very modern spa facilities in the area, great for moments of relax and well-being. Illasi Valleys has outdoor swimming pools immersed in the green cypress trees overlooking the Amarone vineyards, Turkish saunas, massages and salt caves in settings ranging from innovative architectonic locations to 17th century or Renaissance villas.
Illasi Valleys in a click
Different themed and personalised packages for all tastes are available to discover the pleasures and treasures of this littleknown. Before you arrive, plan your stay in Illasi Valleys, find answers to all your questions, and choose the best packages: www.visitillasivalleys.com
