One day in Montecchio Maggiore: castles, Tiepolo and a sunset dinner

Montecchio Maggiore is not a town you rush through. Its sights are few but memorable: two castles on a wooded ridge, a villa with frescoes by Tiepolo and a view across the whole Vicenza plain. This plan fills a relaxed day and ends with dinner as the towers light up.

The plan at a glance

• 9:30: Coffee in the town centre
• 10:00: Villa Cordellina Lombardi
• 11:30: The Museo Zannato
• 13:00: Lunch in town
• 15:30: The walk up to Romeo’s Castle
• 17:00: Along the ridge to Juliet’s Castle
• 19:30: Dinner with a view

Morning: Villa Cordellina

Start with a coffee at a bar in the centre, standing at the counter like the locals. Then head to Villa Cordellina Lombardi at the foot of the hill. If it is open, go straight to the great hall to see Giambattista Tiepolo’s frescoes. If not, walk around the grounds and admire Giorgio Massari’s calm classical front.

Late morning: the museum

The Museo Zannato, the town’s museum of archaeology and natural history, shows fossils, crystals and minerals from the hills around Montecchio, along with finds from the area’s early history. It is small and a good choice for a family visit. Check its opening days before you go.

Lunch

Try a local dish such as bigoli with duck sauce or, on Fridays, baccalà alla vicentina with polenta. See our guide to the food and wine of Vicenza.

Afternoon: up to the castles

When the heat of the day has passed, walk up the lanes and paths through the trees to Romeo’s Castle, about 20 to 30 minutes from the centre. Its square tower and long walls look out over the plain to the Berici hills.

Late afternoon: Juliet’s Castle

Follow the ridge to Juliet’s Castle, with its slender tower. Stand between the two and imagine, as local tradition says Luigi da Porto did, the feuding families who lived in them. Read the story of the castles.

Evening: dinner with a view

Book a table at the restaurant inside Juliet’s Castle, or head back down to a trattoria in town. As the sun sets, the plain turns gold and the towers are lit up.

Tips for the day

• Check opening days: Villa Cordellina and the museum do not open every day.
• Wear good shoes: the path to the castles is steep.
• Book dinner: the castle restaurant fills up at weekends.
• Add a day: spend the next day in Vicenza with our Vicenza in a day guide.