Itinerary 4: Art and Villas between Thiene and Zugliano

Itinerary 4: Art and Villas between Thiene and ZuglianoItalian poet Torquato Tasso was so tormented by the fear that his works might be heretical, he turned himself in—twice—to the Holy Inquisition.Yet, his epic poem Jerusalem Delivered left such a mark on its era that scenes from it were even painted on the walls of the Music Room in the magnificent Villa Giusti-Suman, in Zugliano.Our one-day itinerary dedicated to art and villas between Thiene and Zugliano takes us right into those frescoed rooms.This is the new episode of On the Road – Journeys of Discovery in the Pedemontana Vicentina.We begin at the Castle of Thiene, in the province of Vicenza: a historic villa built in the 15th century, decades before Andrea Palladio’s architectural revolution.From outside, the castle remains the finest example of Gothic residential architecture in the Veneto, with its tall windows topped by pointed triple arches and its Ghibelline battlements with their distinctive swallowtail shape.But once you cross the threshold into the frescoed halls and gardens, you’ll step into a time machine, travelling through the styles and fashions of nearly four centuries.The last major changes date back to the 19th century, as seen in the extraordinary park and romantic garden.Strolling through them, you’ll feel echoes of the elegant gardens of Vienna.It’s hard to leave the castle’s rose gardens and citrus groves behind, but now it’s time to discover a daring feat that forever changed the course of Italian aviation history.An 8-minute drive whisks us back in time to the roaring 1920s, as we head to Rozzampia, home of the Roma–Tokyo Hangar Museum.In 1920, Arturo Ferrarin, a native of Thiene, took up an audacious idea proposed by the poet-aviator known across Europe for his boldness—Gabriele D’Annunzio—and flew a biplane from Rome all the way to Tokyo: a journey of over 18,000 kilometers and 109 hours of flight time!The museum celebrates this extraordinary feat and has become a hub for aviation enthusiasts. It hosts flight and parachuting schools, as well as gliders, helicopters, and hot-air balloons.And who knows—some of you thrill-seekers might just seize the chance for an unforgettable, out-of-the-ordinary experience!For calmer visitors, it’s time to enjoy something delicious. Thiene has plenty to offer when it comes to food. Want a tip? Try the local specialty: baccalà alla vicentina—salt cod slowly stewed with milk and onions, typically served over a bed of soft polenta.Got a sweet tooth? Don’t miss the treccia d’oro—a traditional cake with a distinctive braided shape, packed with old-world flavor and still made according to a single, closely guarded recipe.It stays soft for days thanks to its natural leavening.This has been a truly flavorful day—one to remember. Ready for another leap into the past?We head northeast toward Zugliano, about 6 km away, with a small detour along the way. We park near the Church of Grumolo Pedemonte and set off on foot toward the ancient Church of San Biagio, surrounded by cypress and horse chestnut trees, on the edge of a woodland where you can hear the murmur of streams.But nature isn’t the only thing that will stir your emotions. Inside, the church contains frescoes dating back to the 1300s. Just imagine the artists who painted those walls 700 years ago…History, in moments like this, speaks straight to our hearts.We get back in the car and head toward Zugliano. Our final stop is the splendid Villa Giusti-Suman.This architectural gem, dating back to the 15th century, rises over four floors and is surrounded by a charming garden.Step into the piano nobile, the main floor, and you’ll discover five fully frescoed rooms—each with its own allegorical theme: Jerusalem Delivered, Genesis, the Hall of Knights, the Hall of the Gods, and the Fountain Room.The colors are vivid, and the imagery reflects the taste and culture of the time, transporting us once again into the past on this remarkable journey.With our minds full of art, we’re ready to hit the road once more.In the next episode, we’ll explore culture and flavor, between Breganze and Bassano del Grappa.You’ve been listening to On the Road – Journeys of Discovery in the Pedemontana Vicentina, a podcast produced by OGD Pedemontana Veneta e Colli.Writing, voiceover, music, and post-production by eArs.Co-funded by the 2025 National Tourism Fund.Visit visitpedemontana.com to learn more about our itineraries and immerse yourself in the local landscape.