Between History and Mist: The Enchanting Exploration of Brendola and the Forgotten Fortress

Hello dear friends of the community,

It's always a pleasure to share my adventures with you, especially when it comes to exploring hidden treasures near my home. This time, I'll take you on a journey through the misty beauty of Brendola, a charming municipality located about 15 km from where I live, and a place I often choose for my hikes.

Last Saturday, despite the less-than-ideal weather conditions, I decided to embark on a hike along a picturesque path that runs alongside the majestic Brendola Fortress, or rather, what remains of it. The call of nature and the desire to explore places rich in history motivated me to set out—it's a bit of curiosity that drives me.

The morning was cool, with temperatures reaching -3 degrees Celsius overnight. Fortunately, being a passionate hiker, I was well-equipped to face adverse weather conditions, thermal suit and off I went! However, walking in the mist was a new experience for me, generating a mix of emotions ranging from curiosity to mild apprehension. Not so much for fear of unwanted encounters, but for the limited visibility I would have, making it impossible to spot the presence of any wild animals, such as wild boars, known to inhabit the area and be quite aggressive.

At certain points along the trail, I tried to capture the majesty of Brendola Fortress, once an imposing castle that served as a refuge for the bishops of Vicenza. Built on a limestone base, although currently not open to the public due to a gate restricting access, it remains one of the main attractions of the area. It's a shame that so many people are unaware of the existence of this fascinating and historic place, and it's not open to tourists.

Pausing to admire the spectacular sea of mist spreading beneath me, I could see the Berica Riviera immersed in an almost magical atmosphere. The mist, enveloping the hilly countryside around 300 meters in altitude, gave an aura of mystery and nostalgia. It was hard not to imagine that millions of years ago, this area was indeed covered by the sea.

I hope that my narrative and photos capture at least some of the enchantment of this adventure. I look forward to sharing new experiences with you in my next post. See you soon, friends!