Villanova di San Bonifacio is situated 24 Kms. from Verona and 30 Kms. from Vicenza, along state road no.11 (the ancient consolar roman road “Postumia”), in the province of Verona and the diocese of Vicenza. It is famous for its ancient Benedictine abbey dedicated to St. Peter and would appear to have been founded in 763 a.d. by St. Anselmo of Friuli.
In 1117 a violent earthquake damaged the church and belltower which were rebuilt by the Abbot Uberto of the Counts of San Bonifacio, in romanic style, between 1131 and 1138. Later, from 1390 to 1410, the Abbot Guglielmo of Modena restored the building in gothic style and built the belltower cell. The Olivetan monks (who served in the abbey from 1562 to 1771) made remarkable modifications in baroque style. In 1771 the Veneto Senate suppressed the monastry of St. Peter in Villanova so that, after 1008 years of monastic life (excepting just over a century from 1450 to 1562 in which monks were absent) it was included among the parish churches of the diocese of Vicenza. On 23rd April 1949, with a concistorial decree, Pope Pio XII restored the title of “abbey” to St. Peter of Villanova.

Verona:
Verona, is one of Italy's loveliest towns. A thriving town in its own right, it's also an appealing tourist destination for weekend breaks. It's rich in archeological sites and has a beautiful medieval centre. The Roman Arena, where concerts and operas are performed in the summer, is the city's grandest sight (original capacity 20,000), but the so-called 'Juliet's balcony' is also a principal port on the Shakespearian tourist trail. If you're planning a longer stay, or want to see more of Italy, Verona is usefully located for Venice or for the lovely Lake Garda. It's easy to travel by public transport from the lake to Verona (bus or train), so combining the two destinations makes an interestingly varied holiday.