Negrar: Discover Mosaics, Villas and Valpolicella

Negrar combines Roman history, Venetian villa culture, wine and a documented hiking route to create a variety of travel experiences. If you are looking for accommodation in Valpolicella, you can plan your stay around the interests you would particularly like to explore on site: archaeological finds, historic architecture, wine tastings or exercise on the Sentieri di San Peretto.

Roman Mosaics and Medieval Church Art

A particular focus is the Villa dei Mosaici. The excavations carried out in Negrar di Valpolicella between 2020 and 2023 fully uncovered the remains of a large Roman villa dating from the 4th century AD. Geometric and figurative mosaics were discovered on the floor surfaces; they are the site's main point of interest. For travellers interested in Roman history and ancient design, this excavation is therefore a clear thematic reference point when planning their stay.

In the centre of Negrar di Valpolicella stands the Romanesque Pieve di San Martino, first mentioned in a document in 1067. Its Romanesque tuff bell tower bears the Latin Carta Lapidaria, dated to around 1166. The Pieve also houses paintings from the 17th and 18th centuries. Those wishing to place different periods in context in one location will find historic architecture, a medieval inscription and later works of art within a shared cultural setting here.

Villas, Gardens and Wine from Valpolicella

Villa Mosconi has been an important wine production site since the 16th century. In the 18th century, the estate was expanded with a walled brolo and a romantic park. Guided tours showcase Neoclassical architecture, frescoed halls, romantic gardens, walled brolo vineyards, traditional drying floors for Amarone grapes and historic cellars. This is followed by a seated tasting. This makes Villa Mosconi a suitable stop for anyone who wants to discover wine production not only through a glass, but also through buildings, gardens and historic working areas.

Another opportunity for a wine tasting is offered by the Wine Shop in the Giardino di Pojega. Wines from Valpolicella and the complete Guerrieri Rizzardi collection are tasted there. You can take this aspect into account when choosing your accommodation in Negrar if regional wine and the connection between garden culture and enjoyment are among the focuses of your trip.

Putting the Route and Arrival into Your Travel Plans

For a more active day of travel, the Sentieri di San Peretto are available. They are a moderately challenging route with a walking time of around two hours. This allows you to add a specific hiking experience to your stay without overlooking the area's cultural and culinary themes. Take the stated walking time into account when planning your day and choose your accommodation so that it suits your personal focus for the stay.

Those wishing to visit Villa Mosconi can take ATV bus routes 21, 93, 101, 103, 104, 105 and 107 from Verona Porta Nuova to Arbizzano. The buses also stop in the historic town centre. This information may be helpful when planning your trip if you want to explore Negrar and the surrounding area without relying exclusively on a car.

More Places for Travel Orientation

For further planning in Veneto, you can also compare Dossobuono, Festara, Arcole, Malpasso, Cerea, Castel D'azzano, San Martino Buon Albergo and Valgatara.

For the overarching travel overview: Verona.