Villafranca di Verona is a small and enchanting Venetian town with a rich history that deserves to be discovered in depth. Staying in the city is a pleasant discovery and offers a strategic position to reach Verona and the other cities of the Veneto. Villafranca stands out for its important commercial tradition, evidenced by the lively flea market , a small attraction absolutely worth visiting, which is held every Wednesday morning in the city centre.
This picturesque local market offers a unique experience, where visitors can browse the stalls, looking for hidden treasures and breathing in the authentic atmosphere of Villafranca. An obligatory stop is at Caffè Fantoni , this historic venue which is part of the " Historical Places of Italy ".
The Scaligero castle
The historic heart of Villafranca is enriched by the mighty Scaliger Castle , built between 1198 and 1202. The imposing structure develops on a square platform of 150 meters on each side, with four corner towers and three intermediate shield towers. The castle, intended to house surveillance troops, offers tangible evidence of the city's medieval history. Not far away is Palazzo Bottagisio , an eighteenth-century residence which saw the signing of the armistice between Napoleon III and the Austro-Hungarian emperor Franz Joseph in 1859.
The seven towers of the castle are known as "Torresine" , and two more imposing towers, characterized by a shielded structure, highlighted by their three distinct edges. The main tower, also known as the Clock Tower , features stones with an inscription at its base, suspected to be from an arch or other building dedicated to the emperor Tiberius. An element of notable interest that distinguishes the Scaligero Castle of Villafranca is the singular difference in the type of battlements. The actual city walls follow a Guelph style, characterized by flat battlements, while the battlements of the keep and the shielded towers adopt a Ghibelline style, also known as "swallowtail".
Since 1995, the Scaligero Castle has become a renowned location for musical events, shows, historical reconstructions and fairs. Among the notable events, we highlight the performance of the Nobel Prize-winning singer-songwriter Bob Dylan in 1998 and the Italian debut of Coldplay in 2000 during the Rockaforte Festival.
The Nicolis Museum
For history and motor enthusiasts, the Nicolis Museum is an unmissable stop. This extraordinary private collection, founded by Veronese entrepreneur Luciano Nicolis , features a vast display of vintage cars, motorcycles, bicycles, musical instruments and more. The museum offers a fascinating look at the technological evolution of the last two centuries.
The Antiques Market of Villafranca di Verona
Despite the size of the city, the Villafranca antiques market is very successful. Every second Sunday of the month , the main streets are transformed into an open-air museum of ancient objects, offering visitors the opportunity to admire monuments and search for precious pieces. The walk among the stalls, which goes from the church of San Rocco to the castle, becomes a fascinating experience, even more so if it ends with a concert in the evocative setting of the castle.
Church of Discipline
The Church of the Discipline , also known as the Church of the Visitation, in Villafranca, has its roots in the late 15th century, when it was donated by the Maffei counts. These nobles were affiliated with the Brotherhood of Discipline, and the church was built next to their palace. Over time, between the mid-17th century and the second half of the 18th century, the brotherhood decided to expand and modify the structure according to baroque forms, while maintaining the original fifteenth-century structure of the building intact.
The facade of the church presents an elegant interpretation of the Baroque style, characterized by sinuous lines and rich decorations. An artistic bas-relief is positioned above the entrance, adding a distinctive touch to the structure. Crossing the threshold, visitors are greeted by an environment that tells centuries of history .
Inside the Church of the Discipline, it is possible to admire a precious recently restored Mortorio This work of art is enriched by nine statues sculpted in the 16th century, testimony to the artistic skill of the time. Every detail of the church, from its baroque decorations to the collection of works of art, reflects the historical and cultural importance of this place of worship in the heart of Villafranca.
Sleeping in Villafranca di Verona
Booking an apartment in Villafranca di Verona allows you to sleep in a suggestive location, a stone's throw from Verona and its attractions and for those who want to enjoy a splendid trip to Lake Garda. This choice also allows you to have access to all the beauties of the Veneto at a lower price and to enjoy the authentic flavor of a town suspended between modernity and ancient traditions.
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