HOME

The village of Costozza is at the foot of the Berici hills south of Vicenza on the road called Riviera Berica. The da Schio villas stand amongst the trees of a large park including a formal italian garden. One of the villas stands by the entrance to a large cave, used as a cellar since time immemorial. Since the Roman domination and during the Middle Ages the village was called Custodia, after the caves, vast stone-quarries, which supplied the stone used later in the construction of numerous Palladian villas in the surrounding neighbourhood . Also Orazio Marinali, ( 1643-1720), had his workshop in a Villa above our cellars where he made the most beautiful statues adorning the Villas and gardens of the Veneto. (photo1)(photo2)(photo3)
Through the ages the ancient name of Custodia changed into Custoggia, Custoza and finally Costozza.Costozza has much to offer the naturalist, there are many beautiful landscapes and numerous ancient buildings of interest. The Berici Hills are ideal for excursions by bike, on foot and horse back. An excursion to the near by village of Lumignano to visit the ancient hermitage of S. Cassiano is recommended. From this site you can have a splendid view of the plain below and of the Euganei hills in the background(photo4).

The caves have always been used for the storage of foodstuff because of the cool, dry atmosphere and especially because of the constant temperature. Today these quarries are used as a mushroom farm. ( Azienda Agricola Funghi di Costozza di Andrea Rigoni). (photo5).