L'Ipogeo e le sue vie - La Pontara

Duration: 1 hour and 15' (approximately)

Distance: 4.6 kilometres

Difficulty: medium

Points of interest along the route: Hypogeum of Santa Maria in Stelle | Contrada Maroni

Not far away from the centre of Verona there is a place where you can live an unforgettable experience…

We are referring to Santa Maria in Stelle, a village easily reachable by bus, by bike or by car. Once arrived at the village, departing from the square, we follow a challenging and uphill climb called “Pontara”.

This walk starts from and arrives at the Hypogeum of Santa Maria in Stelle, a site which has become symbol of the Valpantena and is commonly known as “Pantheon”. It is a precious archaeological site of Christian origin, a place of worship which is the only one of its kind and a tourist attraction, due to its important historic, artistic and cultural contents. The Ipogeo (from the Greek ὑπό “under” and γῆ “hearth”) owes this name to its conformation: the site looks like an underground structure which branches under the parish of Santa Maria Assunta.
 
After visiting the monument, take the path that starts from the small road to the right of the square towards the south, but be careful because from a gentle carriage track it suddenly turns into a steep climb, also called by cyclists because of its difficulty “the wall of tears”.The effort is rewarded by the suggestive lawn at the end of the big climb, which offers a 180-degree view of the valley and above all the village of Santa Maria in Stelle.

Continuing along the main path you will reach some lavender fields and the center of Maroni, with its traditional terraces called “marogne”. Going down the “Piccolo Stelvio” route, you will finally find yourself on the square of the church.
 
Please remember that if you want to visit the Hypogeum of Santa Maria in Stelle it is necessary to make a reservation, sending an email at the following address: info@ipogeostelle.it. For further information about visit modalities (days, turns, maximum number of visitors and costs) please check the official website: www.ipogeostelle.it. 

You can find information material for your visit at the Tourist Office.

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