Montorio: Castle, Parish Church and Waterways

Montorio can be explored through two distinct themes: the eventful history of the castle and its springs, streams and waterworks. When planning your stay, you can therefore focus on cultural history or explore the waterways and routes described here.

Castello di Montorio Through the Ages

The medieval castrum of Castello di Montorio dates back to the 10th century and stands on earlier Roman structures. In 995, Emperor Otto III gave the castle to the Archbishop of Verona. Between 1860 and 1866, the Austrians converted it into a fortress, including a large, enclosed artillery battery with 35 cannons.

These milestones illustrate different aspects of the castle’s history: its early structures, its donation in the Middle Ages and its later conversion into a fortress. If you are particularly interested in military history, the changes made between 1860 and 1866 provide a specific historical and architectural reference point. The medieval origins and earlier Roman structures reach further back, giving the site a longer historical dimension.

Pieve di Santa Maria Assunta and Its Historical Jurisdiction

Pieve di Santa Maria Assunta is also one of Montorio’s oldest churches: it is documented as early as 1069. Historically, it was the mother church of the churches in Val Squaranto. Its jurisdiction extended as far as the Adige at Mambrotta. The history of the parish church therefore points beyond the building itself to a wider ecclesiastical context, whose geographical reach extended from Val Squaranto to the river at Mambrotta.

Those interested in the history of churches and their former roles will find a different perspective here than at the castle. The parish church is linked to a historical role within Val Squaranto, while the castle’s medieval structures and later conversion into a fortress take centre stage.

DAT La Colombara: A Difficult Chapter

During the Second World War, the DAT La Colombara building was used as a concentration camp for Jewish people. It was also used to imprison political prisoners and the relatives of men who refused military service. These uses are part of a painful chapter in Montorio’s history. Exploring the site offers a different perspective from its architectural and military history: the focus here is on the people who were persecuted or imprisoned and on how the building was used at the time.

Springs, Streams and Water in Montorio

Laghetto Squarà is an artificial lake of Roman origin. It was created as a reservoir for spring water used to supply the aqueduct towards Verona. This makes it a distinct point of interest for anyone interested in the historical use of water: the lake is described not only as a body of water, but also as part of a water-supply story connected with Verona.

The “MyTag Montorio – Le acque” route passes between Montorio’s springs and streams. It comprises 17 stages and starts and ends at Piazza Buccari. When planning, it is useful to keep both the recurring start and end point and the number of stages in mind. The route description connects Montorio’s waterscape with a clearly named trail without presupposing a particular walking time or level of difficulty.

Which Route Suits Your Interests?

The “Grande Anello della Storia” is suitable for cyclists, hikers and nature lovers.

More Destinations

More destinations in the directory: Mezzane Di Sotto, Villafranca Di Verona, Sandra, Castelletto Di Brenzone, Castello, Beccacivetta-Azzano, Nassar, Villa Bartolomea.

Back to the main travel overview: Verona.