San Mauro di Saline
Welcome to San Mauro di Saline: a picturesque Venetian village
San Mauro di Saline is a municipality in the province of Verona, located about 25 km northeast of the city. The municipal territory extends over the ridges between the val di Mezzane and the Val d'Illasi and is surrounded by the municipalities of Velo Veronese, Roverè Veronese, Verona, Tregnago and Badia Calavena. The village has only 576 inhabitants and offers a pleasant oasis of peace and tranquillity near the Venetian hills.
Physical geography
San Mauro di Saline is located on a hilly terrain with altitudes ranging from 300 to 1050 metres above sea level. Between the val di Mezzane and the Val d'Illasi, the municipality offers several hiking trails for trekking and nature lovers.
Origins of the name
The name of the municipality refers to the ancient salt pans, a source of wealth for the area. However, it is unclear whether the toponym reflects the presence of salt-rich land or "fire-making stones." In 1867, the municipality added the name of its patron saint, San Mauro di Verona, changing its name from Saline to San Mauro di Saline.
History
The San Mauro di Saline area has been inhabited since prehistoric times and in the 13th century, it grew thanks to the German-speaking settlers who settled on the lands of local landowners. The village is part of the Thirteen Municipalities of the Veronese Mountain where Cimbrian, a Germanic language now extinct, was spoken.
Monuments and places of interest
San Mauro di Saline offers many historical and cultural places of interest. The Church of San Leonardo on Mount Moro is a beautiful example of Romanesque architecture from the 14th century and is located on a hill overlooking the village. The church of San Mauro, dedicated to the patron saint of the municipality, dates back to the 16th century and is also an important place of worship for the community.
Society
San Mauro di Saline has only 576 inhabitants, but the community is very united and welcoming. The demographic evolution of the area has undergone many changes over the years, but the community has been able to maintain its cultural identity.
Culture
San Mauro di Saline is famous for its annual festivals that attract visitors from all over the region. The Sagra di San Leonardo takes place in September and celebrates the end of the Alpine season and the passage from the mountains. The festival includes a livestock market, local agricultural products, and a religious celebration. The Chestnut Festival, which takes place on the last weekend of October, is another important celebration dedicated to the gathering of chestnuts and chestnuts from the area.
Economy
San Mauro di Saline is mainly an agricultural municipality and produces cherries in the lower area and chestnuts and chestnuts in the higher areas. The area also offers a wide variety of local products, such as cheese, olive oil, wine, and cured meats. Many agritourism facilities offer accommodation and gastronomic tours of the area.
In summary, San Mauro di Saline is a delightful and welcoming place in the province of Verona, which offers many opportunities to discover the nature and culture of the region. Its festivals, historical monuments, and friendly community make it a perfect place for a relaxing holiday among the Venetian hills.
