| The Sojo Park is located in Lusiana, a village in the province
of Vicenza, in the southern part of the Asiago plateau. It emphasizes the
environmental, historic and artistic value of an extraordinarily rich and
interesting area. Contemporary art sculptures have been positioned in this natural context, in order to create a new perception of time and space. Architect Diego Morlin’s project was first drafted in 2002. It was then gradually implemented, with the creation of this park. After many years of total neglect, this area has now become a natural oasis. The environment has regained its original vigour, beauty and strength. The Sojo rock formation is charming and full of mystery. According to popular legends, it was once the dwelling of witches. What is certain, however, is that it was a natural shelter for people since the late Neolithic age. The natural maze of ancient and newly constructed paths emphasizes both natural elements - caves, ponds, centuries-old trees - and man-made constructions – the so-called masiere (terracings), the calcare (lime kilns), the rural buildings and the gardens. Each sculpture establishes a particular relationship with the surrounding environment. Some of them stand in perfect harmony with the natural setting, others form clashing contrasts and create a delicate situation of forced co-existence. Walking along the paths, visitors can enjoy the magic of the place. New emotions are constantly evoked by the surprisingly rich and varied scenery. The sculptures are made of different materials: stone, wood, iron, bronze, clay. Some of them were created in the artist’s workshop, others were created on the spot, with natural materials gathered there. The Sojo Park offers an extraordinary opportunity for visitors who wish to experience an intimate and touching relationship with nature. It is possible to literally fall in love with its beautiful surroundings: fields, hornbeams, cornelian cherry trees, oak forests… All of these natural elements emphasize the importance of respect and environmental protection. The Park forms part of the Lusiana municipality Ecomuseum project. It consists of the following areas and attractions: THE TRADITIONS MUSEUM - THE MOUNT CORGNON PRE HISTORIC VILLAGE - A DIDACTIC AREA DEDICATED TO TYPICAL WOODCUTTERS’ ACTIVITIES - THE ALPINE BOTANIC GARDEN - THE MILLS VALLEY. |
| Parco del Sojo itinerariesThe itinerary leads you for about 3 kilometres through meadows, along paths and through woods. It takes about 2 hours to see all the works (there are about 60 installations) and the route is of average difficulty. |
OTHER TOURIST ATTRACTIONSENVIRONMENT AND TRADITION” ECOMUSEUM – LUSIANA Lusiana has created an ecomuseum, which consists of various different areas distributed in the local territory The PALAZZON MUSEUM, in the centre of Lusiana, is a local traditions museum. It exhibits a variety of original objects and faithfully reconstructed traditional settings, with details of the various activities performed there. There are, for instance, the courtyard, the kitchen, the cellar, the so called casara (dairy). With a short uphill stroll from the centre of Lusiana, it is possible to visit the MOUNT CORGNON. This mountain was inhabited since the Neolithic age, and a prehistoric village has been reconstructed in its original location. Each single area shows a reconstruction of the activities which were originally performed in it: from the ceramist’s hut, with the turning lathe, to the weaver’s hut, with the loom, and so on. From Monte Corgnon it is possible to enjoy a wide, evocative view of the surrounding woods and the First World War trenches. The MILLS VALLEY is located in the southern part of Lusiana, near Covolo, Valle di sopra and Valle di sotto. A stream called Chiavone Bianco crosses the valley, and all along its course there is a variety of hydraulic machines: from wheat mills to iron hammers, from barley grinding machines to a sawmill… The LABIOLI area is located in a clearing, 5 miles away from Lusiana. In this area there are several reconstructions: the traditional lime kiln, the charcoal kilns, the woodcutter’s chalet and the coalman’s shelter. Shows of the traditional activities of the charcoal kilns and of the lime kiln are performed regularly. The ALPINE BOTANIC GARDEN is situated on Mount Corno (1350 m. above sea level). It contains over 500 botanic wildlife species. In the surroundings of the garden it is possible to visit a traditional alpine house, the marble caves and the so called “rock cities”: typical local rock formations. |
| Open-air theatre for performances, games and demonstrationsGuided tours for groups and school parties by appointment only. Teaching workshops for schools. A whole-day visit gives time for a visit to the Mulini Valley below, passed through by a stream, the Chiavone. A guided tour offers the opportunity of entering the old Garzotto Mill, the forge, the partnership dairy farm of Valle di Sotto (perhaps with a cheese-making demonstration), the Rigine grinder (where visitors can try their hand at polishing the barley) and the Sola mill. Access to the buildings is by reservation only, and the same applies to guided tours of the valley. An alternative is a visit to the Palazzon Museum, “Traditions of the people of Lusiana”, the Labiolo forest activities demonstration area and the prehistoric village of Mount Corgnon. |
How to get to the ParkWith your own means of transport: from Vicenza to Dueville, Breganze, Fara Vicentino, Mare, Valle di Sopra and then take Via Covolo; from Breganze go up through San Giorgio di Perlena, Salcedo and Velo, turn off through Valle dei Mulini at the hairpin bend and take Via Covolo; from Bassano del Grappa to Marostica, Crosara, Lusiana and Velo, turn off through Valle dei Mulini at the hairpin bend and take Via Covolo. Where to eatMaddalena Callegari’s Alla Rosa Restaurant and Pizzeria with accommodation- Agnese and Francesco’s Valle dei Mulini Restaurant |
Parco del Sojo Arte e Natura
Via Covolo - 36046 Lusiana (VI)
Comune di Lusiana
Piazza IV Novembre - 36046 Lusiana (VI)
Tel. 0424.406009 - fax 0424 407349
Museo di Lusiana
www.museodilusiana.it
The creator of the park:
Arch. Diego Morlin
via Strada Marchesane 12
36061 Bassano del Grappa (VI)
tel. 0424 503173
cell.3393124946