The Fortress
Unfortunately, there are only the ruins of the fortress, built in 110. According to the historic novel written by Ercoliani Leutelmonte was its Lord. After the Valtenesi was taken from Verona by Brescia the fort was destroyed in 1279, for having offered shelter to the Ghibellines within its walls. The definitive destruction of the fortress took place in 1575, following the decree of the superintendent of Veneto, Giacomo Soranzo, as a band of raiders known as the Zamari had taken refuge inside it.
Parish Church of Santa Maria in Valtenesi
Constructed around 1050, in the village of Pieve Vecchia, it lies on the ruins of a much older church. The parish church of Santa Maria in Valtenesi is the oldest Romanesque monument in the area. There is a nave and two aisles, subdivided by impressive round arches resting on rectangular pillars. One can admire only fragments of the original frescoes, whereas in the presbytery there are frescoes by some artists from Romagna: in the triumphal arch a magnificent “Annunciation” is to be seen, whereas in the dome we find a “Christ” between two angels. The 16th century altarpiece on the high altar, created by Gian Andrea Bertanza from Padenghe and which depicts the “Virgin and Saints Rocco, Sebastiano, Siro and Savino”, is noteworthy. Unfortunately this impressive work was the victim of theft and the destruction of some of its components. The pieces found have been put together in some pictures.
The Parish Church
One can admire only fragments of the original frescoes, whereas in the presbytery there are frescoes by some artists from Romagna: in the triumphal arch a magnificent “Annunciation” is to be seen, whereas in the dome we find a “Christ” between two angels. The 16th century altarpiece on the high altar, created by Gian Andrea Bertanza from Padenghe and which depicts the “Virgin and Saints Rocco, Sebastiano, Siro and Savino”, is noteworthy. Unfortunately this impressive work was the victim of theft and the destruction of some of its components. The pieces found have been put together in some pictures.
Church of San Giovanni Decollato
This is found in Solarolo, close to the Town Hall. Belonging to the Knights of St John of Jerusalem, it was constructed in the 18th century with the artistic characteristics of the late Baroque period. Inside the stucco decorations may be admired.
Church of Santa Lucia
This is to be found in Balbiana and dates back to the 15th century. Consisting of a single nave with a remarkable round apse, inside there are some magnificent frescoes, genuine 15th century masterpieces depicting the Madonna and some saints.
