Historians attest that the town's name derives from "Suaves", the Latin name of a tribe of Swabian origins. Municipality in the province of Verona, located between the plain and the mountains of Lessini, the town of Soave is divided into two areas: a hilly one with its castle and the area of the main centre, situated in the evergreen Venetian plain. The ancient village of great charm, is surrounded by square towers and crenellated walls that feature medieval gateways, such as: Porta Verona and Porta Aquila, located in the South and North sections of the city walls, which represent the two extreme ends of the main high street. Soave is world famous for its production of a fine white wine.
The first settlement of Roman origins and known as "Pagus" was built near the Via Postojna, later conquered by the Lombards. The first historical mention of the castle dates back to a document of the X century and it belonged to several noble families of Verona, until it passed to the Della Scala, under whose rule the entire urban structure submitted several structural changes developing a harmonious patchwork of residential and defensive buildings. During these ages, Soave became the seat of a Capitanato with a wide jurisdiction. Contested by the Visconti and the Carrara, in the XV century it became part of the territories of the Serenissima Republic of Venice. It was directly involved in the War of the League of Cambrai, submitting various kinds of damage. This period was followed by periods of French and Austrian dominations, until it was incorporated into the Kingdom of Italy.
Attractions:
- the Cathedral of San Lorenzo, which was built in 1758 where once stood a former XIV century building. It features a single nave and a Renaissance façade. Inside are preserved Baroque altars, a XVI century altarpiece of Morone, a contemporary artwork created by Farinati, several statues and valuable paintings;
- the Church of Santa Maria di Monte Santo of the Dominicans, built in the XV century, features a linear façade covered by a gable roof. The Bell Tower has a square base and is topped by a pinnacle and a spire;
- the XVI century Church of Saint Anthony in the hamlet of Costeggiola. Between the XVII to the mid XX century, the building has submitted several refurbishments;
- the XI century Sanctuary of Santa Maria della Bassanella, inside which are preserved a series of valuable XIV century frescoes;
- the XIII century Church of St. George of extreme simplicity;
- the Church of St. Vincent Ferrer in Fittà;
- the XV century Church of San Rocco;
- the Scaliger Castle, probably built on the ruins of an ancient Roman fortress, documented since year 934, in the second half of the XIV century were fortified by the walls still visible today. The structure belonged to the Visconti and the Carrara families, until it was ceded to the Gritti;
- the Scaliger fortified walls built in the second half of the XV century;
- the XIV century Courthouse, characterized by a lodge and lancet windows;
- the XIV century Scaliger Palace, today seat of the Town Hall;
- the XV century Palazzo Cavalli with its arcade;
- the XVII century Palazzo Moscardo.