Sandrigo
Sandrigo lies in the Vicenza plain, a few kilometres north of the provincial capital, and is known throughout Italy as the capital...
Updated 11 July 2026
The story
The story of Sandrigo
History and origins
Sandrigo is a town with a long agricultural tradition on the Vicenza plain, whose historical development is linked to the noble families who built their country residences here from the 16th century onward. It was during this period that Villa Sesso arose, the only Palladian-school villa in the town, while eight other Venetian villas from later periods dot the municipal territory. The most recent turning point in its identity, however, dates to 1987, when a group of enthusiasts led by lawyer Michele Benetazzo founded the Confraternity of Bacalà alla Vicentina, giving Sandrigo a nationally recognised role for this dish of Venetian tradition.
What to see
Among the historic buildings, Villa Sesso stands out, also known as Villa Sesso Schiavo, a well-preserved 16th-century residence of Palladian school, which has also served as a backdrop for rural-themed television productions. The municipal territory counts nine Venetian villas in total, some open to visitors by appointment, evidence of an agricultural landscape once organised around large land estates. In the town centre, the seat of the Confraternity of Bacalà houses documents, images and memorabilia related to the history of the dish and the founding of the association.
Nature and surroundings
The landscape around Sandrigo is typical of the central Vicenza plain, made up of cultivated fields, tree rows and small watercourses that feed local agriculture. Not far away flow the streams descending from the foothills toward the Bacchiglione river, and the flat terrain makes the territory suitable for walks and cycling routes among the town's hamlets, in a rural setting still well preserved despite the proximity to Vicenza and the province's main production hubs.
Food, wine and local products
Baccalà alla vicentina is the undisputed star of Sandrigo's table: made with dried stockfish, milk, oil, grana cheese and anchovies, slow-cooked for hours, it is traditionally served with polenta. The Confraternity preserves the official recipe and certifies restaurants that commit to serving it year-round according to the traditional standards. Alongside this signature dish, the local cuisine offers the typical products of the Vicenza plain, from cheeses to cured meats, in a food offering that is simple yet coherent with the territory's agricultural identity.
Events and traditions
The most important event of the year is the Festa del Baccalà, held on the last Saturday and Sunday of September in the town's squares: an event combining tastings, performances and the traditional knighting of new members of the Confraternity, with around fifteen thousand portions of baccalà prepared and served to visitors. The now historic event has helped make Sandrigo a gastronomic landmark recognised well beyond regional borders, drawing thousands of people every year.
Experiences not to miss
- Assaggiare il baccalà alla vicentina in uno dei ristoranti certificati dalla Confraternita
- Taste baccalà alla vicentina in one of the restaurants certified by the Confraternity
To see
What to see in Sandrigo
Routes · Trovido Route
