Soave
Soave is one of the best preserved walled towns in the Veneto, set on the first hills east of Verona, where the plain gives way to...
Updated 11 July 2026
The story
The story of Soave
History and origins
According to tradition, the name Soave derives from the gradual transformation of the word Suebi or Suevi, a Germanic people who settled in the area. The site's origins go back to Roman times, when the Via Postumia ran through the territory and Monte Tenda, where the castle now stands, likely held a watchtower. The site's strategic role grew with the rise of the della Scala family from the second half of the thirteenth century, who made it an outpost against the count of San Bonifacio. It was Cansignorio della Scala who, in 1369, built the walls that still enclose the entire town today.
What to see
The Castello Scaligero, built in the fourteenth century, is the most complete example of medieval military architecture in the area and can be visited today: its walkways offer views across the vineyards and the Verona plain. The walls, about two kilometres long, once ran past three town gates, Porta Aquila, Porta Vicentina and Porta Verona, still recognisable today. Walking along the top of the walls, past towers and battlements, is one of the town's most evocative experiences.
Nature and surroundings
Around the town stretches a hilly landscape entirely shaped by rows of vines, rising towards the Lessinia foothills. Trails and scenic roads cross the hills of the Soave Classico zone, offering glimpses of historic wineries and small rural hamlets in the area, such as Costeggiola and Fittà, ideal for anyone wanting to extend their visit beyond the town walls.
Food, wine and local produce
Soave gives its name to one of Italy's best known white wines, made mainly from Garganega grapes and protected by four DOC designations that attest to its quality. The area's wineries, many of them open to visitors, offer tastings that reveal the different styles of the wine, from Soave Classico to Recioto. Local cuisine pairs the wine with traditional Verona dishes, including risottos, cured meats and cheeses from the surrounding hills.
Events and traditions
Life in Soave follows the rhythm of the vineyard and the grape harvest, with wine related events and gatherings that bring the town to life especially in autumn, when the wineries open their doors to visitors and enthusiasts. The medieval streets of the historic centre naturally lend themselves to hosting markets, historical re-enactments and festivities tied to the local winemaking tradition.
Getting there
Soave lies about twenty kilometres east of Verona, easily reached by car or by train along the line connecting Verona to Vicenza. Its position at the foot of the hills, close to the motorway, makes it a convenient stop for anyone visiting the Verona area or travelling between Verona and Vicenza.
Local life and economy
The economy of Soave revolves entirely around viticulture and the food and wine tourism that it generates, with numerous farms and wineries, some run as cooperatives and others as family businesses, forming the real engine of the town. Alongside this, a range of accommodation and commercial services has grown over the years, driven precisely by the fame of the wine and the town itself.
Experiences not to miss
- Visitare il Castello Scaligero e camminare lungo le mura trecentesche
- Visit the Castello Scaligero and walk along the fourteenth century walls
To see
What to see in Soave
Routes · Trovido Route
Routes in Soave
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