San Giorgio di Valpolicella is one of Italy’s most beautiful little hamlets. A hilltop gem with stone houses, Michelin restaurants, and epic views.

The stone hamlet is located on top of a hill, giving sweeping views of Garda Lake. On a clear day, you can see all the way to the Appennini Tosco-Emiliani.

At the heart of this beautiful stone hamlet, sits an unusual white limestone church, the Pieve di San Giorgio di Valpolicella.

Beside that church stands today’s Italy Pic of the Day. One of the most surprising Italian cloisters I’ve seen.

The Pieve di San Giorgio di Valpolicella Cloister

Built in the 12th century, the cloister beside The Pieve di San Giorgio di Valpolicella is a petite charmer. Its small stature and lack of a fourth wall makes you feel like you’ve snuck up on it. Surprise, it’s a cloister!

Each column is slightly different in shape with delicate variations of animal and plant designs. Along two walls, safely tucked under the shade of the cloister hangs prehistoric, artistic and traditional antiques excavated from the surrounding area.

Stumbling on historic artifacts made exploring the cloister feel a bit like doing research for the next Indiana Jones movie. Only this time, Indi is rescuing artifacts in Italy. The country with more World Heritage sites than any other country in the world.

Join me tomorrow for final Italy Pic of the Day from the Pieve di San Giorgio di Valpolicella only this time, there will be wine!