Corno d'Aquilio

Corno d'Aquilio is a mountain peak in the Lessini range (Monti Lessini) in the province of Verona, rising to 1,545 metres above sea level. It sits at the northern edge of Valpolicella — one of Italy's most celebrated wine regions — and ranks among the more prominent summits in the massif.

How to Get There

The main base for hikes to Corno d'Aquilio is Sant'Anna d'Alfaedo, a small village in the Verona province with straightforward road access from the city. The most popular trail starts at Contrada Tommasi, covering 9.7 kilometres with 669 metres of elevation gain and taking under three hours to complete. Shorter routes from higher trailheads cut the walking time to roughly one hour. Paths are well marked and manageable without specialist equipment.

What Will You See?

The summit offers broad views south over the Adige Valley and Verona, and north into the deeper Lessini highlands. The ascent itself passes through open upland pastures — wide, grassy plateaus that define much of the Lessinia landscape and are at their best in spring and early summer.

The area's most striking natural feature is the Spluga della Preta, a karst abyss on the mountain's northeastern slope descending around 1,000 metres underground. First explored in 1925, it is counted among the deepest cave systems in Italy and draws cavers from across the country. The combination of summit views and exceptional karst geology makes this destination worthwhile for walkers and speleology enthusiasts alike.

When to Visit

The hiking season runs from May to October. July and August bring the most visitors to the trails. Spring and early autumn are the best times to come: visibility is sharp, temperatures are mild, and crowds are smaller. In winter, snow covers the summit and routes require appropriate footwear and experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to climb Corno d'Aquilio? From Contrada Tommasi, the ascent takes under three hours. Shorter variants starting from higher trailheads reach the summit in about one hour.

What is the altitude of Corno d'Aquilio? The summit stands at 1,545 metres above sea level, placing it among the higher peaks in the Monti Lessini range.

Is the hike technically demanding? No. The climb is rated easy and requires no climbing gear — good walking boots and reasonable fitness are enough.

What is the Spluga della Preta? A karst abyss near the summit, roughly 1,000 metres deep and one of the deepest cave systems in Italy. It was first explored in 1925 and remains an active destination for cavers.