Destinations: Soave

Soave, The Veneto

Located in the Veneto region, halfway between Verona and Vicenza, Soave is one of the few entirely walled small medieval cities. It has entrances through only three towers: Porta Verona, Porta Aquila (in the north) and Porta Vicentina (in the east). Soave lends its name to one of the finest Italian white wines on the market, the Soave DOC, a dry and fruity white wine.

History
Meaning "gentle" or "sweet," popular legend has it that Soave was named for its lovely location with sloping hillsides and verdant vines. A more realistic explanation is found in the name of some of Soave's original inhabitants, a Longobard tribe called the Svevi. Soave was populated during the Roman era, proven by the discovery of various Roman coins all around the area. The town was on the Postumian way, one of the ancient Roman roads that crisscrossed the country. Not much remains of the original Roman architecture, so most of Soave's important buildings date from the Middle Ages and beyond.

Sights
By far the most interesting structure in Soave is the Scaligero castle, which looms above the city on a steep hill. Undoubtedly built on the site of a Roman fortress, the castle is very well situated as a defensive structure. The three courtyards, high towers and drawbridge are only some of its sophisticated protective attributes. The wall that encircles the city begins from the side of the castle. It is 12 meters high and was constructed during the reign of the Scaligeri in the 14th century.

Another place to visit in Soave is the Palace of Justice (Palazzo di Giustizia), built in 1375, which has many historical inscriptions on the walls from the different municipalities that contributed to its construction. You are also sure to find many wine tastings around the town.

Transportation
Take the A4 and turn north towards Soave. There is no train station in Soave but it can be reached by bus from Verona.

Links
http://www.comunesoave.it
http://www.emmeti.it/Welcome/Veneto/Soave/index.uk.html