If you are staying at The Court of Marga and you fancy dedicating half a day to discovering a magical village, Refrontolo It’s the ideal stopover. Located just a 15-minute drive away, this small town nestled between the UNESCO Prosecco Hills holds stories of ancient lords, historic villas, hidden mines, and a food and wine heritage unique in the world.

Here is our guide on what to see and do in Refrontolo during your holiday.

Il Molinetto della Croda: a step back into the 17th century

It is without doubt the symbol of Refrontolo and one of the most photographed spots in the Veneto region. The Molinetto della Croda, located in the picturesque Lierza stream valley, is a very rare example of 17th-century rural architecture literally built into the living rock (the “croda”).

Once the pulsating heart of the local milling activity (also known as “Girl from the town”Today the mill has been beautifully restored. Inside, as well as being able to admire the old functioning millstone, it hosts art exhibitions, sculptures and, during the Christmas period (from 15 December to the end of January), a celebrated Nativity Scene Exhibition which attracts visitors from all over the region.

Stroll through the Hamlet: Venetian Villas and Breathtaking Views

The centre of Refrontolo, situated at an altitude of 216 metres, enjoys a healthy climate and spectacular views.

• The Parish Churchyard: Dedicated to Saint Margaret, the church houses valuable works of art (including an altarpiece attributed to Paris Bordone's pupils). The real spectacle, however, is on the external piazza: from here, the view stretches from Quartier del Piave to Montello, Monte Grappa, and the Prealps.
• Historic Villas Walking through the village, you'll come across splendid manor houses, such as the 16th-century one Villa Capretta Uberti (the oldest), Villa Meneghetti e Villa Ciardi Pasinetti.
• Villa Spada and great literature This splendid residence has a dramatic history: it was the headquarters of the Austro-Hungarian command during the First World War (in the famous Battle of the Piave River in 1918). If you love reading, you'll be pleased to know that the events of that historical period within the villa are masterfully recounted in the famous novel “Not all bastards are from Vienna” by Andrea Molesini, winner of the Campiello Prize in 2011.

An interesting historical fact: the Lignite Mines

Between 1915 and 1947, the territory between Refrontolo and Rolle (in the San Zuanet area) was an important centre for lignite extraction. Today, the tunnels of those ancient mines are still visible along the road and bear witness to the industrial and heroic past of this community before the great development of viticulture.

Refrontolo Passito DOC: the wine loved by Mozart

You cannot say you've visited Refrontolo without having tasted its most precious product: the Refrontolo Passito DOC. This is a sweet red "passito" wine for meditation, made from Marzemino grapes left to dry on racks.

Its excellence is historic: think that even Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart he was a great admirer, so much so that he explicitly quoted him in his famous work Don Giovanni, when the protagonist exclaims at the table: “Pour the wine! Excellent Marzemino!”.

A gourmet stop: Ristorante Da Brun

After feasting your eyes on the beauties of Molinetto and your mind on the great literature of Villa Spada, it's time to think about your palate. In Refrontolo, the must-visit culinary stop for guests of La Corte di Marga is the Restaurant Da Brun.

A true benchmark for the region's gastronomy, Da Brun embodies the quintessence of authentic Trevigian cuisine. In a warm and refined atmosphere, you can savour the historic traditional dishes interpreted with mastery: from fresh homemade pasta to excellent meat secondi, right through to artisanal desserts. The menu strictly follows the rhythm of the seasons, bringing seasonal produce such as wild mushrooms, wild herbs, or Treviso radicchio to the table, always accompanied by an impeccable local wine list.

• The Court's advice: It's the ideal place for a refreshing lunch during your trip or for a romantic dinner before returning to your apartment. Booking is highly recommended!

Events and Festivals not to be missed

If you want to experience Refrontolo like a true local, here are the annual events that take place:

• Il Panevin (5 January): The traditional bonfire to mark the start of the year, wishing a good harvest.
• Prosecco and Refrontolo Passito Wine Exhibition (late April – early May): The perfect opportunity to sample the best glasses from the area.
• Summer Festival at Molinetto (August): Cool events and evenings in the Lierza Valley.
• The Mill and its Time (mid-October): A splendid historical reenactment in period costume of the peasant traditions of the early 20th century.

💡“After a day spent exploring the trails of Molinetto della Croda and savouring a glass of excellent Marzemino, there's nothing better than returning to relax in the silence of the hills. Discover our Apartments in Miane for your relaxing stay.”