Montecchio Maggiore

Romeo and Juliet ... everything started in these places

A quaint village nestled in the Agno Valley, among the gentle rolling Berici hills, Montecchio Maggiore still has many historical traces of the middle Ages and is dominated by the Bellaguardia Castle and the Castle of the Villa, also known as the "Castles of Romeo and Juliet".

The manors are strategically positioned, separated by a valley but as close as the two unfortunate lovers. Probably few people know that the tragic story of Romeo and Juliet was not written originally by William Shakespeare, but by Luigi Da Porto from Vicenza, who set the story within the walls of the two castles of Montecchio.

Those who visit the town can not miss a visit to Palladio's Villa Cordellina Lombardi, luxurious residence hall with frescoes by Giovanni Battista Tiepolo, who is also said to be the artist of the drawings of the statues that adorn the beautiful garden.
Tiepolo also painted the frescoes of Villa Loschi Zileri, found in the nearby Biron di Monteviale. The splendid neo-classical Villa Lorenzoni, is now home to the Civic Museum of "Giuseppe Zannato", with an archaeological and naturalistic section.

The famous mostarda vicentina, a spicy quince and mustard sauce, is also made at Montecchio. Some cultural events are the "Rogo della stria" a propitiatory bonfire at the beginning of the year and the "Feud between the Montecchi and Capuleti", a commemoration in full medieval atmosphere that takes place at Castle Bellaguarda in May.
 
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