Discover Arcole

Arcole combines Napoleonic history with medieval and Renaissance traces. For planning your trip, the town offers particularly clear points of interest when you want to connect a museum, named historic buildings and routes through the area. A central starting point is the Museo di Arcole e della Battaglia Napoleonica, complemented by the Ponte di Arcole, the obelisk on the Alpone and the eight routes of “Sulle Tracce di Arcole”.

Museum and Napoleonic History

The Museo di Arcole e della Battaglia Napoleonica preserves an extensive collection. It includes paintings, prints, copper and steel engravings, lithographs, aquatints, posters, proclamations, bulletins of the Grande Armée and contemporary documents. The tour covers several eras: from Roman through medieval and Venetian times to the Napoleonic period.

For a museum visit, the published opening period is particularly important: From March 1 to October 31, the museum is open on Sundays from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Private visits can also be booked outside these regular opening hours. The museum is also equipped to provide access for people with disabilities.

Bridge, Obelisk and Historic Buildings

The Ponte di Arcole dates from the Middle Ages, probably the 10th century, and is connected with the construction of Arcole Castle. During the Battle of Arcole from November 15 to 17, 1796, the bridge was fortified by the Austrians and became the main site of the battle.

The Obelisk of Arcole was erected in 1810 on the right bank of the Alpone at the behest of General Bonaparte. Its form is unusual: A pyramid made of red Veronese stone stands on four marble spheres; the base bears trophies and inscriptions. Among the numerous monuments erected in Napoleon’s honor, the obelisk is considered the only victory monument still preserved in Italy.

Other named landmarks include the Chiesetta romanica dell'Alzana, a Romanesque chapel from the 12th century, and the Oratorio della confraternita del Santissimo from the late 18th to early 19th century. The Palazzo Malaspina già Pellegrini is a Renaissance palace dating from around the middle of the 16th century. Villa Pellegrini, also known as Decima, was built in the 14th century and restored in 1558 by Count Evangelista Pellegrini. In the Oratorio di San Giovanni Nepomuceno, a statue of Saint John of Nepomuk stands above a small altar.

Routes through Arcole and the Wider Surroundings

“Sulle Tracce di Arcole” comprises eight routes extending across the territory of Arcole. Maps are available for exploring these routes on foot, by bicycle or by car. Selected routes can be started via Google Maps or the Outdooractive app. The combination of different means of transport makes the offering suitable for a range of daily itineraries without limiting the routes to a single way of visiting.

The Ecomuseo di Arcole also aims to enhance the “Sulle Tracce di Arcole” routes. A special event is the “Marcia sui sentieri di Napoleone”, a commemorative and sporting route following the path of the historic march. It takes place on the first Sunday in May. In the wider surroundings along the “Strada del vino Arcole”, distinctive white and red wines are produced from international and indigenous grape varieties.

More Destinations in This Selection

In addition to Arcole, you can also consider Avesa (Avesa), Cisano Di Bardolino (Cisano Di Bardolino), Sommacampagna (Sommacampagna), Cerea (Cerea), San Martino Buon Albergo (San Martino Buon Albergo), Cazzano di Tramigna (Cazzano di Tramigna), Pedemonte (Pedemonte) and Tregnago (Tregnago) for further orientation during your trip.

For the main travel overview: Verona.