Valeggio sul Mincio is situated on the morainic hills between the splendid art cities of Verona and Mantua, in the middle of the Mincio valley, ideal place for long walks and bike tours.
Despite the prehistoric findings discovered in the area, the birth of the urban centre dates back to the Longobardic period.
Since the 12th century, the monastery of Santa Maria welcomes travellers and becomes the prefecture of Templar Knights Order; later, on its ruins, the church of San Marco Evangelista is built.
The great medieval fortifications or the Scaligero Castle, the Bridge Visconteo and the defence of the Serraglio are built between the 13th and 14th century.
Since the 15th century, Valeggio becomes part of the Serene Republic of Venice, losing its strategic role of military defence of the borders that it had held in the previous centuries. It becomes an agricultural and milling centre, as well as an important silkworm market.
During the Age of Risorgimento, the territory finds itself at the centre of the battles of the First, Second and Third War of independence that will lead to the birth of the Kingdom of Italy.
The suburb of Salionze has it historical importance as well for the meeting that takes place in 452 between Attila King of the Huns and Pope Leone Magno, who has come from Rome to stop the Huns’ devastating raids; such meeting is recalled every year during the festival of the village in the middle of July.
The economy is mainly based on agriculture and on the production of the Custoza and Bardolino wines.
The typical dishes of Valeggio are deeply linked to the tradition of the territory, with great attention to the quality of the ingredients and their genuineness. Among these, the tortellini di Valeggio and some dishes based on freshwater fishes such as the pike with sauce (luccio in salsa ).
Comune di Valeggio sul Mincio
Piazza Carlo Alberto, 48 – CAP 37067
Tel. 045 6339800
www.comune.valeggiosulmincio.vr.it
