Platano dei Cento Bersaglieri

The Platano dei Cento Bersaglieri is an Oriental plane tree in Caprino Veronese standing roughly 18 meters tall with a trunk circumference of about 10.5 meters, making it Italy's second-largest plane tree. The massive trunk supports dense foliage that spreads widely, and the tree stands in the Platano district near a small stream.

The tree dates back to 1379, making it one of the region's oldest living monuments. During World War II, German troops reduced its foliage in 1944 to prevent partisans from using it as a hiding place.

The tree earned its name in 1937 when a hundred Bersaglieri soldiers sheltered within its branches during military exercises in the area. This story ties the location to Italian military heritage and transforms it into a living monument of that moment.

The tree sits in a rural setting and is marked by an information sign to help visitors locate it. Wearing comfortable shoes is a good idea, and visiting during daytime makes it easier to appreciate the impressive size of the trunk in natural light.

The tree grows beside a stream that has contributed to its extraordinary growth over the centuries. This favorable position next to a water source allowed it to thrive continuously and reach its remarkable size.