Located near the banks of the Adige River, Sant’Ambrogio di Valpolicella is a small Italian town in the Veneto region. It was originally settled by Lombard stonecutters who came to mine the area’s marble and later became famed for its Valpolicella wine made from Corvina Veronese, Rondinella and Molinara grapes.
Things to do in Sant'Ambrogio di Valpolicella
Sant’Ambrogio di Valpolicella’s most famous sight is the Romanesque-style Church of San Giorgio, which was built in the 12th century. In addition to its cloister and Roman-based columns, it’s renowned for its 11th-century frescoes. On the edge of town is the Fontana Vecchia, a source of water and washing spot shaded by a century-old plane tree.
Sant’Ambrogio di Valpolicella is dotted with leafy parks where you can stretch your legs, including Parco Giochi Comunale Corgnan with its skating rink and benches. North of town is Parco di Villa Brenzoni Bassani, where you’ll find a children’s playground and several sculptures carved from locally sourced stone.
Sant’Ambrogio di Valpolicella makes an ideal base for exploring Verona, which is famed as the setting of Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet”. Wander through the medieval old town and gaze up at the balcony, which is believed to have provided the inspiration for Juliet’s house. Don’t miss the magnificent Verona Arena, a 1st-century Roman amphitheatre that showcases opera performances and concerts in the summer months.
Getting around Sant'Ambrogio di Valpolicella
Sant’Ambrogio di Valpolicella is around 20 minutes' drive from Verona and 20 minutes from Verona Villafranca Airport, which has flights to destinations across Europe. Trains stop at the nearby Domegliara - Sant’Ambrogio railway station while buses connect to the town centre. Most of Sant’Ambrogio di Valpolicella’s attractions can easily be accessed on foot.