La Cucchetta o Corte grande

The history, economy, and social life of Veronella, Miega, and San Gregorio have been strongly influenced by two noble families: the counts Marassi of Serego and the Lavagnoli family. The remaining villas testify to the splendor and wealth of an aristocracy that for centuries acted as the driving force of the peasant society.

When the castle of Cucca was built is still uncertain. Around the year 1000, a small fortress may have been erected, which expanded over the following centuries to incorporate a mighty structure, complete with crenellated towers, walls, and a garden, including the oratory. The entire complex has gone down in history under the name of "Corte grande" or "Cucchetta." When the counts Serego arrived in 1382, it was transformed into an agricultural center where the harvests of the surrounding countryside converged.

Nobles and lords were hosted here as they went hunting with falcons or spent their leisure time indulging in feasts and delicious dishes (quails, game, asparagus, etc.).

Here, Emperor Charles V was welcomed with great honors on November 4-5, 1532, while traveling to Mantua-Bologna to meet the Pope.

In the 16th century, the court underwent a transformation with the construction of the barchesse, designed by Andrea Palladio, who is also credited with the construction of the “Botte Zerpana,” a brick structure to divert the Sarega ditch beneath the Alpone riverbed.

In 1775, the part of the castle facing the main road was transformed into a palace, and the last tower disappeared.

Today, this very important monument, to which the origin of the village is linked, has long been abandoned, awaiting radical restoration.