Monte Berico, Vicenza. Italy

Monte Berico

Traveling Boy Bloggers on the Move:
Vicenza Walks – Monte Berico
Story, photographs and video by Tom Weber

archway leading towards Monte Berico with flowers in the foreground, Vicenza, Italy
Covered archway shows the way up Monte Berico – Vicenza, Italy

ike British film star Hugh Grant, I, too, went up a hill; but, unlike Grant, as Reginald Anson, the English cartographer, I didn't come down a mountain. It's still a hill, but what a hill it is!

I've got the perfect destination for a leisurely walk that I undertook just the other day. If you'll simply put one foot in front of the other, you can join me as I lead the way up Monte Berico (Mount Berico). Feel free to point-and-shoot along the way.

Monte Berico, a small hill that overlooks and dominates the City of Vicenza, is part of the undulating and vast Colli Berici (Berici Hills) that spreads out south of the city.

Cupola of the Santuario della Madonna di Monte Berico – Vicenza, Italy

Located just a short distance from the Centro Storico (Old Town), religious pilgrims, tourists and local residents alike take the steep hike up this hill to visit the Santuario della Madonna di Monte Berico (the Sanctuary of the Madonna of Monte Berico), the city's patron saint.

This is a jewel of a walk, with architectural and religious significance. Those up for the climb to the summit arrive on foot via an impressive 700-meter-long, two-sectioned archway.

interior view of the archway leading to the summit of Monte Berico
Under the covered archway leading to the summit of Monte Berico – Vicenza, Italy

Constructed to honor the Blessed Virgin Mary, the archway was designed by architect Francesco Muttoni and unveiled in 1746.

The procession-like design, consisting of 150 arches in groups of 10, symbolizes the 15 Mysteries and 150 Hail Mary's of the Rosary which are recited during the Stations of the Cross and other religious traditions observed by members of the Roman Catholic Church.

the Piazzalle della Vittoria or Victory Square atop Monte Berico
Piazzalle della Vittoria fronts the Santuario atop Monte Berico – Vicenza, Italy

Fronting the Santuario is the Piazzale della Vittoria (Victory Square), a national monument dedicated in 1924 to honor Italy's fallen heroes from numerous battles fought against Austria during World War I.

Panoramic view of Vicenza's Centro Storico as seen from the overlook atop
Monte Berico

From Piazzale della Vittoria – on a clear day – you can see just about forever from its large oval balcony: the panorama of Vicenza down below, the pre-Alps in the background to the north, and the Venetian Lagoon to the east.

Part of the two-section archway showing the way up Monte Berico – Vicenza, Italy

I live here and never tire of the trek up to Monte Berico under the shade of the beautifully crafted covered archway. It's a "must see" stop for anyone visiting Vicenza.

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Let Tom know what you think about his traveling adventure.

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Feedback for Destination Bosnia: Inside Sarajevo's Tunnel of Hope

Spent time in Sarajevo in the fall of 1973…beer was excellent!

--- David

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Hi Tom,

I must say, you're photographs are always amazing. They are top notch. You bring so much class to Traveling Boy. It's photographs like yours that make me want to go out and do my own traveling. Please don't get tired of sending us your amazing adventures. It's such a delight for the soul.

--- Raoul, Whittier, CA

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Hi Tom:

I'm also an American living in Italy. I've read with interest your blog and articles. I'd like to speak with you regarding residency and citizenship for Americans in Italy as you do seem to have a great deal of knowledge on all of these subjects. Would it be possible to give you a call on the phone? If so, please let me know how to reach you. If not, I can ask my questions via email.

Thank you!

--- David

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Hey Tom – Wow! Love those photos – they are so super that they make me A) Want to start eating NOW. B) Go there myself. C) See all that pristine beauty that looks so restful and peaceful. Great story, superb pix!!! Bravo!!

--- John, Los Angeles, CA

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Feedback for Destination Southwestern France: Saint-Émilion

Good job, Tom, and timely info. St. Émilion is in the list of places Jim Hayes and I will visit in September 2014. If we get the chance, we will exploit your experience to enhance the trip!

--- Bobby Harper, Dameron, MD

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Feedback for Vicenza Walks – Monte Berico

I lived in Vicenza for 4 years in the U.S. ARMY from 1963 to 1967. A wonderful place to explore. Palladio’s works are amazing. Have been back twice since and find new places to visit. My favorite is MONTE BERICO where I have some wonderful photos of my family.

--- Dr. Albert Pizzi, Hanover, MA

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I liked the new TB particularly the Vicenza article that took me back as a youth when we lived in Naples and travelled up there for a baseball tourney (U.S. Military Bases dependent schools played each other.)

Took me back to the plaza.

--- Bill

Feedback for A Canterbury Trail (Sutri)

Very interesting note. I have wedroned which route the early pre-Christian and Christian pilgrims travelled to Rome from England. Is it still possible to travel the Francigena trail?

--- Pawel

You can find out more info on walking tours of Via Francigena at this site: http://www.compagniadeicammini.it/en/. Thanks for stopping by and commenting..

Tom

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Good article, enjoyed reading it. Saved your recommended sights for future use.

--- Dardenne Prairie, MO

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You're going to be great at this Tom. Congrats.

--- Donna Vissa -Montreal

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Sent by Tom of Pasadena, CA

It all makes sense now. Gay marriage and marijuana was legalized in the last election. Leviticus 20:13 states
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