Holiday apartment in Arcole: History, trails and wine

Arcole combines Napoleonic history with medieval buildings.

Arcole: Museum and architectural history

A good introduction to the history of the town is the Museo di Arcole e della Battaglia Napoleonica. Its extensive collection includes paintings, prints, copperplate and steel engravings, lithographs, aquatints, posters, proclamations, bulletins of the Grande Armée and contemporary documents. The tour covers the Roman, medieval, Venetian and Napoleonic periods.

The Ponte di Arcole is particularly closely associated with the Napoleonic period. During the Battle of Arcole, which took place from 15 to 17 November 1796, the bridge was fortified by the Austrians and became the main site of the battle. At the same time, the Ponte di Arcole dates from the Middle Ages, probably the 10th century, and is connected with the construction of Arcole Castle. The Obelisk of Arcole was erected in 1810 on the right bank of the Alpone at the instigation of General Bonaparte. It consists of a pyramid made of red Veronese stone resting on four marble spheres, together with a pedestal decorated with trophies and inscriptions. Of the numerous monuments erected in Napoleon’s honour, it is the only victory monument still preserved in Italy.

Further historical highlights include the Oratorio della confraternita del Santissimo, dating from the late 18th to the early 19th century, and the Palazzo Malaspina già Pellegrini, a Renaissance palace from around the middle of the 16th century. In the Oratorio di San Giovanni Nepomuceno, a statue of Saint John of Nepomuk stands above a small altar. Villa Pellegrini is also known as Decima. It was built in the 14th century and restored in 1558 by Count Evangelista Pellegrini.

“Sulle Tracce di Arcole”: eight routes

The “Sulle Tracce di Arcole” network comprises eight routes extending across the Arcole area. Maps are available for exploring on foot, by bicycle or by car. Selected routes can be started via Google Maps or the Outdooractive app. One of the aims of the Ecomuseo di Arcole is to promote these routes.

The “Marcia sui sentieri di Napoleone” is a commemorative and sporting route following the path of the historic march. It takes place on the first Sunday in May.

Museum visit: opening hours and access

The Museo di Arcole e della Battaglia Napoleonica is open from 1 March to 31 October on Sundays from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Private visits can also be booked outside regular opening hours. The museum is equipped to provide access for people with disabilities.

Wine in the wider Arcole area

In the wider area around the “Strada del vino Arcole”, distinctive white and red wines are produced from international and indigenous grape varieties.

Discover more places

You can also extend your travel planning to Nogarole Rocca, Volargne, Moschina, Montorio, Beccacivetta-Azzano, Negrar, Peschiera Del Garda and Villa Bartolomea.

To the higher-level travel overview: Verona.