Village of San Giorgio di Valpolicella
One of Italy's Most Beautiful Villages is located in the heart of Valpolicella
Where is
What to do in San Giorgio di Valpolicella
San Giorgio di Valpolicella is one of Italy 's Most Beautiful Villages of the Scaliger City. The hamlet favors the slow pace, as it is surrounded by vineyards, olive groves and ancient quarries, typical and identifying elements of Valpolicella. In fact, the presence of such local products leads to the production of extra virgin olive oil and the DOC and DOCG wines of the Valpolicella appellation: Amarone and Recioto, Valpolicella, Valpolicella Superiore and Ripasso. All this is nestled in the stone quarries and workshops, which represent an ancient craft and cultural tradition.
Why it is special
What makes San Giorgio unique is the breathtaking views, allowing enchanting sunsets between Lake Garda, Verona and Valpolicella. This is accompanied by the feeling of closeness to history given by the striking church of San Giorgio di Valpolicella. And indeed, its ancient stones are dressed in magic when they are touched by the rays of sunlight that filter through the columns of the cloister. It is in these moments that one feels isolated outside of time.
Events not to be missed
Another happy time to visit the hamlet is the second Sunday in November. Every year on this day, the hamlet goes back in time by hosting the Festa de le Fae, or fava bean festival. According to a very ancient rite, the inhabitants, dressed in historical costumes, distribute fava bean soup surrounded by music, dancing, cultural initiatives, guided tours and food and wine goodness.
A bit of history
Some archaeological excavations in the late 1980s brought to light the presence of very ancient human settlements, in particular a rectangular hut dating back to the Bronze Age. In a village with such a long history, it is not surprising that some facts have become legend. Such is the case of the Romanesque parish church with its cloister, which tradition says was built at the behest of Queen Matilda Cristina Malaspina.
Curiosity: San Giorgio ingannapoltron
San Giorgio is also referred to as San Giorgio "ingannapoltron," which means "fool the lazy," and derives from the distorted view of the village's distance when one is at the foot of the mountain as it seems one can reach it quickly because it is apparently close. The place name "ingannapoltron" seems to date back even to the Middle Ages when the joking word "poltron" was added to the name "San Giorgio in Ganna." The term that some scholars trace back to "ganne" means "pile of stones" and has been linked since its origins to intensive marble quarrying and processing, as is still the case today.
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