San Giorgio, the hillside village built around the Pieve

San Giorgio di Valpolicella, also known as San Giorgio Ingannapoltron for its challenging climb, originates from the pre-Roman name San Giorgio in Ganna, where “Ganne” means rocky place. The area shows prehistoric traces from the Paleolithic to the Neolithic, with finds from the Bronze, Iron, and Roman ages, confirming its role as a crossroads between the plains and the Alpine area. In Roman times, it was a religious center and the capital of the Pagus of the Arusnati, strategically located for consular roads, ferries, and fertile plains. In the Middle Ages, the pieve and the palatium indicated the presence of clergy and officials, while the village was fortified. From the 13th century it lost strategic importance but remained urbanistically preserved. Under Venetian rule (1405–1797) it experienced prosperity. Today, alongside agriculture and stone working, the area promotes food and wine, cultural, and nature tourism.

What to see in the village

At the center of San Giorgio di Valpolicella stands the barbaric-Romanesque Pieve, dating back to the 7th–8th century, one of the oldest places of worship still in use in the province of Verona. Equipped with a cloister, chapter house, and bell tower, it was built on the remains of older buildings, incorporating ancient pagan cult sites. From the cloister, visitors can access the archaeological area, with rock-carved buildings dating back to the Iron Age, while the nearby Antiquarium Museum houses finds from prehistory to the Roman era. Near the cemetery, the Via Crucis of the Stonemasons, sculpted by students of the local Art School, enriches the village. Typical of the hillside are the marogne, dry-stone terraces, and the numerous marble and stone quarries. Finally, historic trails through vineyards and woods lead to fountains, Venetian villas, churches, and Austro-Hungarian forts, offering a journey through history, art, and nature.

Events in the village

The Spring Festival – Zughi en Piassa (April 25) is dedicated to children and young people: in the square of the Pieve, traditional games are revived, along with guided excursions and naturalistic, ethnographic, and archaeological workshops. On June 25, La Notte Romantica, promoted by the Club “I Borghi più Belli d’Italia”, transforms the village into a white night for lovers, among historic architecture and natural beauty. On the first Saturday of July, during Corteggiando, residents open their historic courtyards to tourists and visitors, offering music and tastings of local dishes and wines. On August 10, during Il Borgo dei Desideri, wishes are collected in the cloister’s well under the stars and candlelight, creating a magical atmosphere. Finally, the Festa de le Fàe (second Sunday of November) revives an ancient rite, with residents in historical costumes distributing fava bean soup, accompanied by music, dancing, guided tours, and food and wine delights.

What to see around the village

The surroundings of San Giorgio di Valpolicella offer Venetian villas and historic residences, such as Villa Serego Alighieri, nestled among vineyards and olive groves. The area features Romanesque and Gothic churches, including the Pieve of San Giorgio itself with its cloister and archaeological area. Food and wine enthusiasts can visit the wineries of Valpolicella Classico, Amarone, and Ripasso, with guided tastings. Numerous scenic trails cross hills, woods, and terraced landscapes (marogne), connecting old fountains, villas, and historic villages. The quarries of Rosso Verona marble and local stone tell the story of artisanal tradition, while nearby Verona offers art, history, and culture.

Cover photo credits: Alessandro Romagnoli