A woodland walk near Vicenza, from an old icehouse to a hilltop church

About

Around the 10th century, a fortress was built here to defend the plain during the Hungarian raids. Beside it grew one of the oldest churches in the area, for centuries the spiritual centre.Today the climb passes through the Brolo, a 40,000 square metre former agricultural enclosure, with old fruit trees, woodland paths and a restored historic icehouse. From the top, the view opens across the Vicenza plain towards the Berici Hills and Piccole Dolomiti.

A woodland walk to a hilltop church near Vicenza

Start at Parco del Brolo in Altavilla Vicentina, west of Vicenza, and follow the paths uphill towards Chiesetta della Rocca. The four hectare park occupies the slope above Villa Valmarana Morosini, with woodland, historic fruit trees and places to pause along the ascent.

The Via Morosini entrance gives the walk a useful starting point. From here, the restored icehouse and the paths through the former estate grounds introduce the history of the hill before you reach the church.

An icehouse and a garden grown for the table

The icehouse near the entrance once helped preserve food using natural cold. It belongs to the same domestic economy as the surrounding fruit garden, where planting served the household’s kitchen.

The word brolo means an enclosed orchard or kitchen garden associated with a villa. Persimmons, walnuts, cherries, hazelnuts and mulberries are among the historic plantings recorded here. These trees explain the agricultural origins of a landscape now used for woodland walks and afternoons outdoors.

Why is it called Chiesetta della Rocca?

Rocca means fortress. The church’s name preserves the memory of the medieval stronghold that occupied the hill, overlooking the plain and the approaches to Vicenza. Remains of the fortification survive around the site.

The first church dates to around the tenth century. It became a pieve, a mother church responsible for baptisms and serving several neighbouring communities. The building was reconstructed in the late fifteenth century and consecrated in 1522. Its small size today gives little indication of the territory it once served.

What to look for at the top

Look up at the brick bell tower, with its paired Gothic windows, white stone tracery and pointed pinnacles. Then look beyond the buildings: on a clear day, the panorama extends across the Vicenza plain towards the Berici Hills, Pasubio and the Little Dolomites.

Plan the outing around the park, the church exterior and the viewpoint. The church is used for particular occasions, including weddings and religious celebrations, so contact the parish beforehand if you would like to visit inside.