Things to see and do in this charming city
Welcome to Soave, a picturesque town in the Veneto region of north-eastern Italy. With its ancient walls, majestic castles and rolling vineyards, Soave is a destination that enchants visitors with its medieval charm.
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In this article we will guide you through the main attractions and activities not to be missed during your visit to Soave.
What to do in Soave
- Explore the Scaliger Castle
- Wander the medieval streets of the historic centre
- Visit to the cellars and tasting of Soave wine
- Admire the Porta Aquila and the city walls
- Enjoy the local cuisine
Myths and legends
- The legend of eternal love
- The Ghost of the White Lady
- The castle's treasure hunt
- The secret tunnel
- The legend that links the name of Soave wine to the writings of Dante Alighieri
Folk and traditional festivals
Interesting facts
Conclusions
What to do in Soave
Explore the Scaliger Castle
Begin your adventure in Soave with a visit to the Scaliger Castle. Built in the 14th century, this imposing castle dominates the town from the top of a hill. Admire its mighty walls, towers and defensive bastions and enjoy panoramic views over the town and surrounding vineyards. Inside the castle you can visit the castle museum to discover the history and architecture of the fortress.
Wander the medieval streets of the historic centre
Head to the historic centre of Soave and immerse yourself in the medieval atmosphere. The narrow cobbled streets lead you past fascinating historic buildings, colourful facades and ancient churches. Stop to explore the church of San Lorenzo, with its frescoes and Gothic architecture, and lose yourself in the picturesque streets of the village.
In addition, the following buildings deserve special mention for their importance and artistic beauty:
- Palazzo Scaligero o Palazzo del Capitano - built in 1375, it is now the town hall.
- Palazzo Moscardo - built in the 17th century
- Palazzo Pullici - built in the 15th century and was the home to Ippolito Nievo1 during his stay in Savoy
- Palazzo Cavalli - built in 1411
- Palazzo di Giustizia - built in 1375
Palazzo Scaligero or Palazzo del Capitano - built in 1375, now the town hall
Palazzo Moscardo - built in the 17th century
Palazzo Pullici - was built in the 15th century and was the home of Ippolito Nievo1 during his stay in Savoy
Palazzo Cavalli - built in 1411
Palace of Justice - built in 1375
Visit to the cellars and tasting of Soave wine
Soave is famous for producing the white wine of the same name, one of the most popular in Italy. Take advantage of your visit to explore the local cellars and take part in guided tastings. Discover the secrets of Soave wine production, taste the different grape varieties and be enchanted by the unique flavours and aromatic nuances.
Admire the Porta Aquila and the city walls
One of the icons of Soave is the Porta Aquila, an imposing entrance arch that was once part of the town's defensive walls. Walking along the ancient walls, you can enjoy a panoramic view and admire the towers and other gates that have protected Soave over the centuries.
Also admire Porta Verona!
Enjoy the local cuisine
You cannot leave Soave without trying its delicious cuisine. You will find restaurants and trattorias serving local specialities such as the famous "bigoli con l'anatra", a fresh pasta served with a tasty duck sauce. Complete your meal with a glass of Soave wine to accompany the local flavours.
Myths and legends
Soave is surrounded by some fascinating legends and stories. Here are some of the myths and legends associated with this fascinating town:
The legend of eternal love
It is said that in the castle of Soave lived a beautiful princess called Isabella. She was in love with a young nobleman, but their love was forbidden by their respective families. Determined to be together forever, the two lovers jumped from the castle bridge and threw themselves into the void. It is said that their souls have been wandering the castle ever since, testifying to their undying love.
The Ghost of the White Lady
Legend has it that the ghost of the White Lady appears from time to time at Soave Castle. She is said to be the soul of an unhappy woman who was unjustly killed and now wanders the castle in search of peace.
The castle's treasure hunt
It is said that there is a mysterious treasure hidden inside Soave Castle. Legend has it that whoever finds the treasure will have good luck and prosperity for the rest of his life. However, no one has yet managed to discover the secret of the treasure.
The secret tunnel
It is said that in the historical centre of Soave there is a secret tunnel that connects the castle to the surrounding countryside. Legend has it that the tunnel was used by rulers to escape in case of danger or to plan defensive strategies.
The legend that links the name of Soave wine to the writings of Dante Alighieri2
According to this legend, when Dante was in exile in Verona, he tasted the local wine and found it so pleasant that he called it 'Soave' in his Divine Comedy 'Purgatorio'. The quotation is found in Canto XI, where Dante praises the wine of Valpolicella, a wine-growing region near Verona. This is where the name Soave comes from. However, it is important to stress that this is a legend and not a documented historical fact. There is no concrete evidence to prove the actual link between Dante Alighieri and the attribution of the name "Soave" to the wine. It is likely that the legend was created to add a touch of charm and romance to the history of Soave.
These legends help to create an aura of mystery and romance around Soave, enriching the medieval atmosphere of the town and adding a touch of magic to its history.
Folk and traditional festivals
Soave is famous for its popular and traditional festivals that attract visitors from near and far.
Grape and wine festival
This festival, usually held in September, celebrates the important wine tradition of Soave. During the event, the streets of the historic centre come alive with stalls, shows, wine tasting, parades and entertainment. It is a unique opportunity to immerse oneself in the local wine culture and to sample food and wine delicacies.
Carnival of Soave
Like many other Italian towns, Soave celebrates Carnival with an explosion of colour, masks and festivities. During the carnival the streets are filled with allegorical floats, parades of masks, theatrical performances, music and dance. It is an opportunity to experience an atmosphere of festivity and joy.
Palio delle Contrade
This ancient tradition takes place in August and involves the four historical districts of Soave: Castelvecchio, Porta Bassano, Porta Vicentina and Porta Verona. Each district competes in various sports and traditional games to win the prestigious Palio. This event brings the community together and creates a healthy competition between the districts.
Garganega Festival
Garganega is the main grape used in the production of Soave wine. The Sagra del Garganega is a festival that celebrates this grape variety and takes place every summer. During the event, you can taste various Garganega-based culinary specialities, accompanied by music, shows and entertainment.
These are just some of the most popular festivals in Soave. The town is rich in traditions and celebrations that offer a unique opportunity to immerse oneself in the local culture and enjoy an authentic experience during a visit to Soave.
Interesting facts
Here are some interesting facts about Soave.
Soave wine
Soave is famous for the production of the white wine of the same name, 'Soave', one of the most famous and appreciated white wines in Italy. Made mainly from the Garganega grape variety, it has a fresh, fruity taste with a hint of citrus.
The olive tree of Soave
Within the walls of Soave stands the Olivo di Soave, one of the oldest trees in Italy. Estimated to be over 2,000 years old, it is a symbol of strength and longevity for the local community.
Conclusions
Soave is a medieval treasure waiting to be discovered, with its fascinating history, breathtaking views and renowned wine. From castles to wine cellars, picturesque streets to ancient walls, every corner of Soave offers a unique experience.
Whether you are a history lover, a wine enthusiast or simply a traveller in search of authenticity, Soave welcomes you with open arms and offers you an unforgettable journey into the past and the beauty of the Veneto.
Enjoy your visit!
1 Ippolito Nievo (1831-1861) was an Italian writer, best known as the author of the historical novel 'Le Confessioni di un Italiano', published in 1867, a few years after his death. The novel is a portrait of Italian life and events in the 19th century, focusing on the Risorgimento uprisings and national aspirations of the time. Nievo himself took an active part in the struggles for Italian independence, taking part in the Second War of Independence in 1859. His literary work was appreciated for its romantic and patriotic vein, as well as its ability to reflect the mood and hopes of his time.
2 Dante Alighieri (1265-1321) was a famous Italian poet, writer and thinker. He is best known for his epic work 'The Divine Comedy', which consists of three parts: 'Inferno', 'Purgatory' and 'Paradise'. Considered one of the masterpieces of world literature, it is an allegorical journey through Hell, Purgatory and Paradise, symbolising sin, purification and salvation of the soul. The figure of Dante has had a lasting impact on culture, literature and philosophy, and his work has profoundly influenced Western thought and art. Dante is often referred to as the 'supreme poet' and his influence is still felt today.
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