Pove Del Grappa: Trails, Churches and Stonecutting Tradition

Brenta, Grappa and Trails

The area of Pove del Grappa extends from the banks of the Brenta River at 100 metres above sea level to Monte Asolone at 1,529 metres in the Massiccio del Grappa. The Sentiero della Bastia is a 1,430-metre-long hiking trail that begins in the historic centre of Pove del Grappa, covers an elevation gain of 242 metres and takes approximately 40 minutes to walk. The Sentiero Panoramica is a relatively easy hiking trail that runs along the mountainside and offers views across the Vicenza plain at open sections.

The Sentiero del Cornon leads to the Sacello del Cornon; there is an open bivouac shelter with a fireplace, tables and benches. The Sentiero del Brenta is a flat, well-maintained cycle path along the Brenta River that connects the areas of the Bassanese and Valsugana.

Churches and Stonecutting Tradition

The Chiesetta di San Bartolomeo has existed since at least the 10th century and is the only church in the area of Pove del Grappa to have preserved its historic architecture. The parish church of San Vigilio in Pove del Grappa contains an altarpiece by Jacopo da Ponte from 1537 and a Flemish wooden crucifix from the 15th century.

The Church of San Pietro preserves three 17th-century altars with 18th-century altarpieces. The Museo degli Scalpellini in Pove del Grappa is dedicated to Antonio Bosa and documents the town’s traditional stonecutting craft. The Museo dello Scalpellino in Pove del Grappa is accessible only by prior reservation at 0424-808793 or by email at ragioneria@comune.pove.vi.it.

The stonecutting tradition of Pove del Grappa has involved the extraction, processing and trading of stone materials quarried on the slopes of Monte Grappa above the town for more than four centuries. Most of Pove’s population devoted itself to these activities.

Festivals and Exhibitions

The Fiera Mercato dell’Olivo has taken place in Pove del Grappa every year since 1982 on Palm Sunday in the town centre. The Fiera Mercato dell’Olivo is dedicated to olive growing and nursery plants; the exhibition area includes stalls in the square in front of the town hall and in the adjoining streets. The Feste Quinquennali in onore del Divin Crocifisso take place in Pove del Grappa every five years on the first two Sundays in September. During the solemn processions through the town’s streets, around 600 residents of Pove take part in costume and portray biblical figures and the Passion of Christ.

Back to the main travel overview: Vicenza.