Montecchio Maggiore is one of those places where legend has become so deeply rooted in the land that it becomes tangible and part of the very charm of the place. We're obviously talking about the story of the Montagues and the Capulets, or rather thelove story of Romeo and Juliet. Here in Montecchio Maggiore, in fact, popular stories tell of the two Castles of Love, or rather, the Castle of the Montagues and that of the Capulets, eternal rival families who once occupied the two manors.
In reality, there is no known evidence that Bellaguardia Castle and Villa Castle were the seat of the two families in Shakespeare's story, yet there is a fine line between reality and legend that is often best left untouched, as it creates an alternate dimension between dream and reality.
Montecchio Maggiore could be your next destination on your Veneto holiday: a walled city in the Vicenza area that goes far beyond the simple city of Romeo and Juliet and promises castles, villas, squares, an underground complex, views, and truly unmissable events if you want to discover every facet of the region.
The Castles of Bellaguardia and Villa: Where the Shakespearean myth was born
The town of Montecchio Maggiore can be recognized from afar: it is framed by two hills, two green hills that host two fortified fortresses perched on the same hilltop ridge but separated by a natural chasm that almost seems to emphasize an unbridgeable distance. It is this conformation that has given rise to rumors of castles of love, but reality tells a different story.
These two complexes were in fact erected for defensive purposes in the 14th century by the Veronese lordship of the Scaligeri to guard the important passage corridor between Verona and Vicenza.
The crenellated walls were transformed into a universal icon of passion and tragedy by the pen of the literary figure Luigi da Porto. Around 1524, while forced to convalesce for a long time at the nearby villa of Montorso following his war wounds, he admired the two imposing stone sentinels from afar. It was precisely by observing their hostile proximity that he wrote the famous novella " Historia novellamente ritrovata di due nobili amanti," laying the narrative foundation for what William Shakespeare would immortalize throughout the world decades later.
Today, you can visit both castles and enjoy very similar experiences. At Bellaguardia Castle, traditionally associated with Juliet, you can tour the keep and enjoy a panoramic view that encompasses the Berici Hills and the Veneto plain to the horizon. The internal courtyard, sheltered by the ancient walls, also offers rest and refreshment areas, perfect for a quiet break.
The Villa Castle, attributed to Romeo, is located a little lower than the other. It features a large crenellated wall and an evocative courtyard that in the summer is transformed into an open-air stage for film festivals, theatrical events, and historical reenactments.
A stroll along the hilly road that connects them is the ideal way to savor the tranquility of the landscape and be inspired by the never-quite-dim boundary between current events and literary fiction.
In the heart of the earth: the subterranean charm of the Priare
The charm of the Castles continues right down to the foundations, among the rocky roots, where an equally interesting heritage is hidden: the Priare.
This is a vast underground complex carved into the hillside, the result of centuries of tireless human labor. Beginning in Roman times, and then with renewed intensity between the 15th and early 20th centuries, these cavities served as quarries for the famous Vicenza Stone, the pale, malleable limestone block used in the construction of noble residences, palaces, and patrician villas throughout the province.
The Priare have been open to the public since 2008, but stepping through the entrance is like taking a journey back in time. The route winds among cyclopean pillars left intact to support the vaults, dark tunnels illuminated by soft lighting, and veins of rock that tell the story of the quarrymen's toil.
During World War II, the tunnels were converted into a safe air raid shelter for local residents, adding a touching touch to the local memory. A visit is a truly unique experience, with a constant internal temperature of 12 to 14 degrees Celsius year-round. The quarries seem like a place apart, rich in history and evocative charm.
Eighteenth-century elegance at Villa Cordellina Lombardi
Not just castles: Montecchio Maggiore has a pleasant town center. The architecture here, however, changes from the austere atmosphere of the Middle Ages to the harmony of the Age of Enlightenment, with the prestigious Villa Cordellina Lombardi.
Designed in the mid-18th century by the renowned Venetian architect Giorgio Massari at the behest of the Venetian jurist Carlo Cordellina, the residence is a tribute to Palladio's work, revisited with the refined taste of the era. What makes the villa an international must-see is the cycle of paintings housed in the hall of honor: Giambattista Tiepolo, one of the undisputed masters of European painting, worked here in 1743.
The frescoes, inspired by classical history and the exaltation of civic and moral virtues, including The Continence of Scipio and The Family of Darius Before Alexander the Great, enchant with their luminous celestial and golden tones and the artist's characteristic scenographic spatiality. The building is framed by a well-kept Italian garden, adorned with eighteenth-century statues, and a centuries-old park inviting for a relaxing stroll.
Among artifacts and echoes of nature: the Giuseppe Zannato Civic Museum
For those who love to discover the profound origins of the territories they visit, a stop at the 19th-century Villa Lorenzoni reveals a pleasant surprise: the Giuseppe Zannato Civic Museum. Far from being a simple provincial collection, the museum represents a nationally recognized scientific reference point.
The archaeological section houses artifacts that testify to human presence from the first Paleolithic settlements to the Roman and Lombard eras, documenting the daily life, funerary customs, and trade of the area's ancient communities. The natural history and paleontology section , meanwhile, houses one of the most important collections of Veneto minerals, particularly those related to the region's volcanic activity, and an exceptional collection of crustacean and marine fauna fossils from the Eocene, discovered in the area's sedimentary deposits.
An educational and fascinating visit, perfect for those traveling with children and wishing to understand how the geological and human landscape of the western Vicenza area was formed.
Experience Montecchio Maggiore: events, flavors, and practical tips
Montecchio Maggiore is not just a series of historical monuments, but a vibrant community that proudly celebrates its roots.
Every year, at the beginning of May, the area surrounding the Castles hosts Montecchio Medievale – La Faida, one historical reenactments in the Veneto region. For an entire weekend, armored knights, archers, drummers, artisans, and figures in period costume bring to life tournaments, fire shows, and medieval markets, ideally reviving the conflict between the rival families.
Montecchio's geographical location, nestled between rolling hills and fertile plains, is reflected in a cuisine inextricably linked to the typical products of Vicenza. During your stay, make sure to take the time to enjoy a glass of local wine and sample traditional rural dishes, such as the classic Vicenza-style cod.
Furthermore, Montecchio Maggiore enjoys an enviable logistical position: located just a few minutes from the motorway junction of the same name (A4) and the Pedemontana Veneta, it allows you to reach the centre of Vicenza in around a quarter of an hour and the art cities of Verona and Padua in less than forty minutes.
Choosing accommodation or an apartment in this area allows you to combine the tranquility of the hills with the convenience of a strategic starting point for exploring the vibrant heart of the Veneto region.
Book your stay in Veneto, choose your city, and travel comfortably throughout the region to discover places rich in history and stories!
