Badia Calavena
The wonderful Badia Calavena: a village surrounded by the Venetian hills
Badia Calavena is a municipality located in the province of Verona, in the heart of Veneto, characterized by untouched nature and surrounded by the peaks of the Venetian hills. Around 2,580 people live here, and the village extends along SP10 of the homonymous valley, connecting Colognola ai Colli with Giazza. In this text, we will explore the physical geography of Badia Calavena, its etymology, its history, and demographic evolution, and talk about Peper Park, the park of clean and renewable energy.
Physical geography
Badia Calavena is located northeast of Verona, 32 kilometers from the provincial capital. It is situated in the middle Val d'Illasi at an altitude of and borders Selva di Progno to the north, Vestenanova to the east, Tregnago to the south, and San Mauro di Saline and Velo Veronese to the west. Developing along SP10 of the homonymous valley, Badia Calavena is easily accessible and offers a unique travel experience through the natural beauty of the Venetian hills.
Etymology
The etymology of Badia Calavena seems to date back to a Latin personal name "Calavius," with a typical Etruscan linguistic toponymic suffix "ena." This refers to the name of the village's Badia della Calavena, the abbey built on the ruins of the castle on the San Pietro hill.
History
Badia Calavena is the second Cimbrian settlement in Lessinia after Roverè Veronese in 1333. The first written data of the area dates back to 1040 when Bishop Walterio built a castle on the San Pietro hill, which was almost immediately destroyed. On the ruins of the castle, the Monastery of SS. San Pietro, San Vito and Modesto and Crescenzia was built with German monks from the Order of St. Benedict, like the Abbey of San Zeno in Verona. In 1185, Pope Lucio III visited and consecrated the church. The abbey was called "della Calavena" because it was built in the piece of the valley called "Calavena." The name of the underlying village derives from this "Badia della Calavena."
Demographic evolution
The population of Badia Calavena has been constantly increasing, going from 2,276 inhabitants in 1971 to 2,580 in 2021. Despite the small number of inhabitants, the community of Badia Calavena is very active and welcoming: the events organized by the village's associations bring people together and promote local culture.
Peper Park
Peper Park is one of the most suggestive places in Badia Calavena, also known as the park of clean and renewable energy. Its name derives from the acronym for Park of Clean and Renewable Energy and was chosen through a contest among the students of the village's municipal schools. In this park, it is possible to admire the impressive hydroelectric power plant on the mountaintop and enjoy a breathtaking view of the valley. Peper Park is also an important educational center that organizes guided visits for schools, tourists, and family groups, with the aim of raising awareness of renewable energy and respect for the environment.
Badia Calavena is a charming village where you can enjoy the beauty of nature, discover its fascinating history, and have a unique experience thanks to Peper Park. The active and welcoming community is always ready to welcome visitors with hospitality and a big smile.
