San Pietro in Cariano
Pedemonte: a border town in the province of Verona
Pedemonte is a densely populated hamlet of the municipality of San Pietro in Cariano, in the province of Verona. It is located along the southeast border of the municipal territory, connecting San Pietro in Cariano with the municipality of Negrar to the east and Verona (the provincial capital) to the south. It is therefore a border town, just eight kilometers from the gates of Verona. Despite the chaotic and marginal situation of the town, the presence of a historic building of world architectural importance contributes to the renown of the entire municipal territory on an international level: the "Villa Serego" designed by Andrea Palladio.
Traditional events in the town
At the end of July and the beginning of August, Pedemonte hosts the "sagra" (festival), a popular festival characterized by live music and food and wine stands, dedicated to the patron saint of the town: Saint Rocco of Montpellier. During the period between April 25th and May 1st, the traditional "Festa dei vini classici della Valpolicella" (Classic Wines of Valpolicella Festival) takes place. There are many events related to Valpolicella wine, including the "Magnalonga", a gastronomic walk along the hills, which attracts thousands of enthusiasts from all over Italy and abroad.
Places of interest
Pedemonte is rich in places of interest thanks to its history and architecture.
The Church of Santa Sofia is a valuable example of late Romanesque architecture, built on a previous IX century place of worship of which nothing remains. With a single nave and a timber roofing, it boasts frescoed walls probably carried out by a pupil of Turone.
Villa del Quar, in the locality of Quar (XVI century), consists of a seventeenth-century manor house, and east and west wings dating back to the sixteenth century, and an oratory from the mid-eighteenth century. It is now used as a luxury hotel.
Villa Serego, in the locality of Santa Sofia (1565), was designed by the famous architect Andrea Palladio and has been listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site since 1996.
Villa De Besi, Danese, Maggiore (XVII century) has undergone several changes throughout its history but now presents itself as a single building embellished with a porch and a loggia on the upper floor. Inside, you can admire a sixteenth-century fireplace and frescoed rooms.
Finally, the sixteenth-century fountain is another historical testimony of the town.
The passing-through town
Pedemonte is often considered a passing-through town as it develops along the main road of penetration into Valpolicella, provincial road No. 4, which has contributed significantly to the most felt problem of the town: traffic from the city and vice versa. However, in recent years, it has seen a significant demographic development due to many new residents who have moved from the city to the countryside.
In conclusion, Pedemonte is a place rich in history and culture, capable of attracting thousands of tourists every year thanks to its traditional festivals, wines, and architecture. I highly recommend visiting this piece of paradise among the hills of Verona.
