On the Road – Journeys of Discovery in the Pedemontana Vicentina Podcast produced by OGD

Itinerary 6: Discovering the Risorgive Springs and the Towns of Malo, Monte di Malo, Isola Vicentina, and Castelgomberto - 2 daysThirty-five million years ago, sharks swam through what is now the Veneto foothills.This is revealed by fossilized teeth found in the Buso della Rana cave. We’ll dive into this ancient past during our two-day journey to discover the Risorgive springs and the towns of Malo, Monte di Malo, Isola Vicentina, and Castelgomberto.Welcome to the sixth episode of On the Road – Journeys of Discovery in the Pedemontana Vicentina.Our day begins at the sources of the Bacchiglione River, a protected natural park where the springwaters create a unique microclimate—perfect for a wide variety of plant and animal species.You’re surrounded by elm, willow, and poplar trees… and from above, if you watch and listen closely, you may spot great tits, herons, hawks, woodpeckers, and sparrowhawks.Here, we are guests in an unspoiled natural environment that we must respect and protect. We enjoy a packed lunch on site, ensuring that no trace is left behind.For coffee, we drive about 20 minutes to Malo, also known as the Carnival Town. This charming town is full of character, with its cathedral, churches, noble villas, and palaces.A small but fascinating museum, the Silk and Brick Art Museum tells the story of Veneto’s industrious silk industry and gelsibachicoltura—traditional mulberry and silkworm cultivation—dating back to the era of the Venetian Republic.We drive just five more minutes to reach one of the most thrilling stops on our itinerary, deep beneath Monte Malo: the Buso della Rana, the largest natural cave in the Veneto region.It’s rich with evidence that this entire area was once covered by ocean.Step inside the cave—can you feel your heart racing?You’re entering a world millions of years old: a vast limestone labyrinth of tunnels, pools, and chimneys.Don’t worry—guided tours are available and tailored to different experience levels, ensuring a safe and unforgettable visit. The underground world is truly fascinating. With a bit of luck—and the help of expert speleologists—you might even spot prehistoric marine fossils embedded in the cave walls, hidden beneath the mountain.If caving isn’t your thing, there’s a great alternative: the Aganè Nature Park, a peaceful green area where you can relax however you prefer.As evening falls, we return to Malo for the night.Tomorrow morning brings new adventures.At sunrise, we head to Isola Vicentina, a wooded hill region at the foot of the Prelessini Mountains, inhabited since the Iron Age.Today, you can visit several historic landmarks, such as the 18th-century Villa Cerchiari, or the Convent Church of Santa Maria del Cengio, located along an ancient route once travelled by pilgrims and merchants between Venice and the rest of Europe.But nature lovers, take note—Isola Vicentina has something truly special in store for you. The Bosco della Guizza is a shining example of how natural spaces can be enhanced and protected thanks to the efforts of the local council and community groups.Here you’ll find well-marked educational trails and walking paths. A circular route, which takes about an hour, guides you through the area’s rich flora and fauna. In the heart of the woods, you’ll come across a fully restored rustic building, now used as a multi-purpose space—perfect for hosting family lunches, group gatherings, training sessions, or corporate team-building events.Outside, there’s a well-equipped green area that you can reserve. And since it’s about lunchtime… how about firing up a barbecue?If grilling or picnicking isn’t your thing, you might prefer heading into the Isola hills, where you can enjoy traditional, wholesome food in one of the local trattorias. The peaceful setting, far from the bustle of city life, makes it even more rewarding.Before we wrap up, there’s one final gem to discover: the Villa Piovene-Da Schio, in Castelgomberto, located in the Agno Valley, about 8 km away.The villa was designed in 1666 by Antonio Pizzocaro, a follower of Palladio. As with many Venetian villas, you’re welcomed by a landscaped park and a beautifully proportioned Italian garden.Step through the doors, and you’ll find priceless artworks inside—masterpieces by Giambattista Tiepolo, one of the greatest European painters of his time, along with works by other renowned Venetian artists.And now, it’s time to say goodbye.We’ve spent two days surrounded by nature, history, and wonder, leaving us feeling peaceful but eager for more. With that, we bring this final episode of the podcast to a close… but not the journey!If you’ve enjoyed this series, we invite you to come and experience the unique atmosphere of the Veneto foothills in person.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.

Itinerary 5: Culture and Flavors between Breganze and Bassano del Grappa - 2 daysThe giant hammer strikes the red-hot metal. You hear the hiss of steam, the clanking of gears, the rush of water. The heat is intense. Tamiello the blacksmith plunges the glowing bar into cold water—a sudden, sharp hiss erupts into a cloud of steam.Where has this new two-day itinerary brought you, in search of culture and flavors between Breganze and Bassano del Grappa?We’ll tell you in this episode of On the Road – Journeys of Discovery in the Pedemontana Vicentina.We first encountered Breganze back in our opening itinerary—do you remember? We explored its wines and local cuisine. But here, there’s a place that embodies human ingenuity: the Museum of the Hammer, once the workshop of the Tamiello family, a dynasty of blacksmiths who, for generations, labored tirelessly beneath the vaulted brick ceiling of their forge.The maglio is a 16th-century contraption: a sort of massive mechanical hammer, powered by a water wheel, capable of shaping molten iron and steel with a force no human arm could match.Just imagine what a leap forward this must have been for 16th-century Breganze!After visiting the museum, take some time for lunch—perhaps in the town center or at a lovely spot in the hills. There’s no need to rush: embrace the slow pace of life, with good conversation, shared smiles, and a glass of Breganze DOC wine.Now, take your time and enjoy the surprise. Just a 25-minute drive away lies a city rich in art and history, yet still off the beaten tourist track. Bassano del Grappa is an ancient gem.Its cultural heritage easily rivals that of Italy’s more famous destinations: villas, noble palaces, and historic landmarks guide you on a journey from the Middle Ages to the Resistance.Take the whole afternoon to wander among its most iconic sites: the Ponte Vecchio bridge, the historic town center, Piazza Libertà, and the Ezzelini Castle.Relax and sit for a while in the heart of the town, at Piazza Garibaldi. In the Veneto region, aperitivo is a beloved ritual, often paired with cicchetti—toasted bread or polenta topped with local delicacies like baccalà, cured meats, and other savory treats.And good news for food lovers: the now world-famous Spritz was born right here. You’ll taste the difference!As night falls, Bassano becomes even more captivating under the city lights.We return to the hotel for a warm shower. Tomorrow, the city will surprise us all over again.Our second day exploring culture and flavors between Breganze and Bassano del Grappa begins with a good breakfast. Then we set off: today we’re diving into the Civic Museum and Palazzo Roberti.You’ll be amazed by the treasures inside the Civic Museum of Bassano, home to a unique collection of works by the master of Neoclassicism Antonio Canova. These include his stunning horse’s head, a preparatory study for the equestrian statue of Napoleon Bonaparte, commissioned in 1806.Palazzo Roberti also has ties to Napoleon—he stayed there during his Italian Campaign in 1796–1797. Today, the palace houses a magnificent bookstore, complete with terraces, a garden, and over 60,000 volumes.We grab a quick bite, but our cultural journey isn’t over yet. Bassano has one more gem to offer: a tasting of exquisite local artisanal grappa at one of the historic distilleries, such as Poli or Nardini.The spirit’s authentic flavor will guide you through a world of copper stills and wooden barrels. The air is thick with the scent of crushed grape skins. Bassano, with its rich heritage of art and craftsmanship, leaves you speechless… but certainly not thirsty!You’ll want to come back—two days just isn’t enough to discover every corner of this city.But for now, it’s time to move on. In the next episode, we’ll explore the Risorgive springs and the towns of Malo, Monte di Malo, Isola Vicentina, and Castelgomberto.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.

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.

Itinerary 3: Adventure and Remembrance between Schio and Valli del Pasubio - 2 daysAustrian soldiers are firing. You’re exposed, clinging to the rocky slopes of Monte Pasubio. How can you move men and weapons without being struck down?To survive, in 1917, the Italian Army’s 33rd Mining Company built the Strada delle 52 Gallerie, a mule track carved into the mountain and shielded from enemy fire. Today, it’s an adventurous CAI trail recommended only for experienced hikers.This is where our two-day itinerary of adventure and remembrance begins, between Schio and Valli del Pasubio, recounted in this new episode of On the Road – Journeys of Discovery in the Pedemontana Vicentina.Walking through the tunnels carved into the rock between Bocchetta Campiglia and Porte del Pasubio—each dedicated to war heroes or events—is a true adrenaline rush.In some places, you can still see traces of bombings.The entrance sits at an altitude of 1,216 meters, while the exit is up at 1,918 meters, on the southern face of the Pasubio massif.These narrow passages are around 2.20 meters wide. The width only exceeds 3 meters at the bends—a grim necessity at the time, allowing room to transport the wounded and the dead. Imagine the darkness, the footsteps of the soldiers echoing off the rock…Both physically and emotionally demanding, the Strada delle 52 Gallerie is perhaps the most thrilling hike in the Venetian Prealps.But we’d also like to offer an alternative route that’s accessible to less experienced hikers, yet still packs an emotional punch: the Avis Bridge in Valli del Pasubio, along the Strada del Re, set between the Vicentine Prealps and the Little Dolomites.This trail is suitable for everyone, but that doesn’t make it any less exciting.You can leave your car in the roadside parking area and continue on foot for about twenty minutes, following the signs. You’ll come face to face with a Tibetan bridge: 105 meters long and suspended 35 meters above the ground!Beneath your feet, you’ll see lush conifer and evergreen forests—a thrilling experience that certainly isn’t for the faint of heart.But this bridge has a story to tell, too. In 1956, a bus carrying volunteers from the AVIS blood donor association plunged into a ravine in this area. In a race to save the survivors, the people of Schio turned out in large numbers to donate blood. This powerful act of generosity led, the following year, to the founding of Schio’s municipal AVIS chapter.Now evening falls, and with it comes some well-earned rest—very well-earned, after a day spent in the trenches or hanging mid-air on a suspension bridge!We recommend spending the night in one of the many accommodation facilities in Valli del Pasubio, enjoying a relaxing dinner and a restful sleep.The next morning, the valley wakes under the sun. There’s time for a good breakfast—we’re ready to begin the second day of our journey through adventure and remembrance.Still feeling tired after yesterday’s hike? Then taking it easy at a spa—with a Turkish bath and a sauna—might be just what you need.Later, we recommend visiting the historic center of Schio, about 25 minutes away by car.Set amid the natural splendor of the Little Dolomites, the town is an open-air industrial archaeology museum. Its thriving textile industry, which flourished from the 18th to the 19th century, earned Schio the nickname ‘the Manchester of Italy’.This heritage lives on in its architecture, with three former wool mills still standing. One of the most striking is the Fabbrica Alta of the Lanificio Rossi: 13 meters tall and 80 meters long.But the city’s most visionary architectural gem is the Jacquard Garden, which gives Schio a dreamlike atmosphere.Created in the mid-19th century, this botanical garden features artificial caves, a nymphaeum, and an open-air theatre. It was part of an ambitious urban renewal project by Alessandro Rossi, owner of the textile mill, who wanted to create a space of beauty and well-being for his industrious town.Rossi was one of the key figures in Schio’s economic and industrial development—a pioneer of modernized industry and of a new kind of socially engaged entrepreneurship.We bid the area farewell with one last gentle walk, closing this two-day itinerary on a high note.You can explore the Via dell’Acqua, 10 km from town, or treat yourself to a stroll through the hills of Schio—on foot, by mountain bike, or even on horseback. We won’t forget the emotions that we’ve experienced on this journey. But our mission is to keep moving, and we’re not done yet!In the next episode, we’ll explore art and villas between Thiene and Zugliano.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.

Itinerary 2: History and Nature between Tonezza del Cimone and PosinaAccording to legend, whoever pulls the sword Excalibur from the stone shall become king of Camelot.Why not give it a try yourself on this one-day mountain itinerary through history and nature, between Tonezza del Cimone and Posina, here in a new episode of On the Road – Journeys of Discovery in the Pedemontana Vicentina.Tonezza del Cimone is a small village with just over 500 inhabitants, perched above the Astico Valley.It’s the starting point for numerous hiking trails, originally created as mule tracks and military paths during World War I. This area once marked the front line between the Italian and Austro-Hungarian armies. Trails include Excalibur, Fogazzariano, Fontanelle, Cherry Valley, The Great War Trail, and Monte Cimone, among others.What makes these routes truly special are the dry-stone walls and stone forts where soldiers once sheltered from enemy fire.From a landscape perspective, they offer breathtaking walks beneath the gaze of the Spitz, Cimone, and Pasubio mountains, where steep slopes alternate with conifer woods and mountain lakes.Excalibur is one of these trails, a circular route dotted with interpretive panels telling its story. Adults appreciate its historical and scenic appeal; children love it for a special surprise that we’re about to reveal.Right at the heart of the trail stands… a real sword in a stone! Visitors of all ages have fun trying to pull it out while snapping unforgettable photos.Who knows? Maybe the future king of Camelot is listening right now!We complete the loop and head back to the car because now it’s time for the tastiest part of our one-day itinerary through history and nature: lunch recommendations!We make our way toward Laghi—which we’ll tell you more about shortly—or straight to Posina, about 20 km to the southeast, where the valley’s mountain cuisine and locally sourced ingredients are sure to impress.If you’ve got a pen and paper handy, here are a few must-try dishes. Ready to jot them down?mountain potato gnocchibeans and vegetables from Posinasoppressa vicentina, a prized local cured meatgrilled polentaalpine cheesestrout and freshwater fishYou can either try them all in one go… or use it as a perfect excuse to stay a few more days!With full stomachs, we set off again together into the Posina Valley, one of the most picturesque areas of the Vicentine Prealps. It’s a patchwork of mountain hamlets, glistening waters, and woodland. The surrounding mountain peaks frame the scene.In Posina, you’ll find Lake Main, an artificial basin originally created as a tourist attraction but now perfectly harmonized with the natural landscape.Here’s a little bonus if you’re travelling with kids: near the lake stands the old Main Mill, now home to Posenello, a friendly imaginary sprite who invites young and old alike to reconnect with nature and simple pleasures.From the mill, you can also follow the Posenello Trail, a circular family-friendly walk through the surrounding countryside.Before we say goodbye, we promised to tell you a little more about the town of Laghi. In some ways, it’s a record-holder! It’s the smallest municipality in the Veneto region, with around 130 residents—that’s roughly one person every six square kilometers!Yet, it’s home to two natural lakes and a small stream, as well as four traditional mountain dairies.Though tiny, Laghi opens out onto Europe: it’s crossed by the E5 European Long-Distance Trail, which stretches from the Adriatic Sea all the way to Lake Constance, the meeting point between Austria, Germany, and Switzerland.That brings our day trip to an end. Few places like the stretch between Tonezza and Posina offer such a magical blend of nature, legend, and outstanding culinary tradition.But we’re not out of steam just yet. So in the next episode, get ready for two days of high energy: a journey of adventure and remembrance between Schio and Valli del Pasubio.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.

Itinerary 1: Villas and Wines in the Hills of Lugo di Vicenza and ColceresaAndrea Palladio was the greatest architect of the Renaissance. His villas and gardens left a lasting mark on history.His journey began where ours does: at Villa Godi Malinverni, the very first he designed.In this episode of On the Road – Journeys of Discovery in the Pedemontana Vicentina, we take you on an unmissable day trip dedicated to villas and wines, winding through the hills of Lugo di Vicenza and Colceresa, in the Veneto foothills.Our route begins on the gentle slopes just outside the village of Lugo di Vicenza. Here we find Villa Godi Malinverni. Completed in 1542, the villa was commissioned by nobleman Gerolamo Godi.The whole estate stretches over roughly 14 hectares, where the balanced, harmonious spirit of the Renaissance is reflected both in the building’s architecture and in the elegant Italian-style gardens.Behind the villa lies the centuries-old park, home to 1,400 trees and 80,000 flowering plants. Just imagine the colors and scents in springtime.Step inside the villa, past its austere façade, and you’ll be stunned by the opulence that lies within: frescoed halls and decorations by some of the most influential painters of the 16th-century Venetian school. There’s even a remarkable museum devoted to valuable fossils. One last curiosity before leaving Villa Godi Malinverni: the building also made its mark on Italian cinema, serving as the set for Luchino Visconti’s 1954 masterpiece Senso.We continue our journey together through Lugo di Vicenza and Colceresa. In just an 8-minute drive, we reach another enchanting spot: the little Church of San Pietro, in the Mare area. Perched on a hilltop, it offers a stunning panoramic view over the lush Vicenza plain, the Astico stream, and the surrounding mountains.From there, we head towards Breganze, known as a ‘City of Wine’ and home to certified DOC vineyards, about 10 km from Mare. It’s the perfect place to sample dishes from the Vicenza culinary tradition, such as polenta or bigoli, a typical homemade long pasta.But Breganze also boasts its own signature dish: torresano, young pigeon roasted on a spit, once served on the tables of noble families.Of course, the true highlight of this food and wine experience is the local wines: Cabernet, Merlot, and Vespaiolo first and foremost.To finish your meal in style, we suggest a glass of Torcolato, a dessert wine made from the sweetest dried and pressed Vespaiola grapes. You can only find it here… and it’s worth the trip.We’ll return to the wines of Breganze. But for now, we make our way to Colceresa, just 4 km away. This is the start of a well-marked network of nature trails, suitable for all experience levels. The landscape is dotted with streams, woodland, and vineyards. The trails are named after some of the animals you might—if you’re lucky—spot along the way: hedgehogs, squirrels, hares, roe deer, snails, and dragonflies.After this breath of fresh air, we return to Breganze. We wrap up our one-day itinerary with a guided tour of one of the historic, family-run wineries, where you can sample their DOC wines.Breganze’s winegrowing families are proud to show visitors their barrel cellars and the attic spaces where clusters of Vespaiola grapes are hung and twisted—torcolati, as they say in the local dialect. As the grapes dry, their sugar level becomes more concentrated, resulting in the exquisite dessert wine known as Torcolato.Our one-day journey through villas and wines ends with a celebratory toast scented with the tang of freshly pressed must.But our adventure through the Veneto foothills is far from over! In the next episode, we’ll explore a route brimming with history and nature, between Tonezza del Cimone and Posina.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.