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BaitoneAlpino Suggests: Isola della Scala

Isola della Scala is a municipality located in the lush Po Valley, south of Verona. Dominating the landscape is the Scaliger Tower, which has stood watch for centuries over the ancient passage between the Veronese territory—ruled by the Scaliger family—and the Mantuan lands held by the Gonzaga family. Commissioned by Mastino II della Scala in 1136, the tower was part of a much larger defensive complex known as the *Serraglio*, built to protect the southern reaches of the Veronese domain. Meanwhile, the splendid villas of Pindemonte, Bra, Pellegrini, and Zenobio bear witness to the influence of the *Serenissima* (the Republic of Venice) and the many Venetian families who also commissioned hydraulic engineering projects in the area. Visitors to Isola della Scala can also explore religious sites such as the Parish Church (dedicated to Saints Stephen and James), which houses a fine painting by Nicolò Giolfino; the Church of Santa Maria Maddalena (known locally as the "Frati" church); and the Sanctuary of Madonna della Bastia, a significant destination for local Marian devotion. Renowned above all for its rice fields, Isola della Scala celebrates its *Nano Vialone Veronese* PGI (Protected Geographical Indication) rice during the harvest season with the traditional Rice Fair. A major gastronomic draw for tourists, the fair delights visitors with dozens of recipes, though *Risotto all'isolana* remains the undisputed star. November brings another culinary highlight: the *Bollito con Pearà* Festival, celebrating a classic dish of Veronese cuisine featuring boiled meats served with *pearà* sauce, a traditional Veronese dish made with bread, broth, and marrow.