The Piave cycle path: from the Dolomites to the sea in 220 km

A number of places of interest wind along the Piave cycle path.

Already the Piave River is in itself rich in meaning, as a symbol of an important part of Italian history: considered the Sacred River of the Homeland, it was the scene of great wars and the success of Venice in the 15th and 16th centuries.

The Piave River represents the link between the northern and southern lands, marking the transition from the Arctic to the Mediterranean microclimate. It represents the union of Alpine and lagoon biodiversity, which, despite their diversity, are generated by the same phenomenon: in fact, the Dolomites derive from the interaction between the sea and the land in exactly the same way as the lagoon, which was born from sediments from the Alpine basin, modelled over time by sea currents.

The places of interest encountered along the cycle path are also rich in cultural and historical significance, as well as nature. Starting with those in the province of Belluno, which offer breathtaking views of the Dolomites, the main ones are:

• Church of the Holy Cross ( fraction Pialdier, Trichiana)
  In the side chapel, the church houses a very valuable fresco, dating back to the 16th century and created by the painter Paris Bordon. He was a pupil of the well-known Tiziano Vecellio, a Renaissance painter from Pieve di Cadore.
• Archpriest’s Church of Santa Maria Assunta (Lentiai)
  Declared a National Monument in 1880, the church contains important artistic testimonies. These include works by Cesare Vecellio (uncle of the aforementioned Titian), whose frescoes even adorn the wooden coffered ceiling, giving it an incredible charm.
• San Girolamo Castle (Quero)
  Also called Castelnuovo, the fortified complex dates back to the 14th century. Touched by the destruction of the Great War, it was bombed in 1917 and later renovated. The structure, completely in stone, preserves a large arch in the central body. At one time it was closed by two gates and two drawbridges, today it is still flanked by two massive towers of different heights.

Continuing with the second route, the main places of interest in the province of Treviso are:

• Prosecco route (Valdobbiadene and Conegliano)
  The Piave cycle path intercepts this naturalistic and very characteristic route in the Veneto region. These are the vineyards from which Prosecco originates, winding through green hills, small villages, cottages and wine cellars.
• Benedictine Abbey of Santa Bona (Vidor)
  The Benedictine abbey has medieval origins and is a historical landmark in the area. It is nestled in the green countryside: a natural area called Palù, which is an important biodiversity reserve of flora and fauna. Its preservation to this day is due to the reclamation works of the then Benedictine monks.
• The Island of the Dead (Moriago della Battaglia)
  Here is one of the places inextricably linked to the Great War: the last days of October (1918) saw the battle that led to its end. The place was named after those days: bodies of soldiers who had fallen in battle covered the entire surface of what is now a beautiful garden.
• Fontane Bianche Oasis (Fontigo, Sernaglia della Battaglia)
  The nature area owes its name to the water that gushes from numerous resurgences meeting the white stones of the Piave River area. The local flora includes orchids, thorny olive trees and white willows, while the fauna is characterised by migratory birds such as kingfishers, mallards and grey herons An all-natural spectacle, one of the most beautiful in the middle Piave!
• Sanctuary of Saints Vittore and Corona (Anzù, Feltre)
  The architectural complex is located at an altitude of 344m, nestled in the mountains in the background, and is part of the Italian National Monuments. The basilica is an authentic Romanesque jewel and bears clear signs of Armenian and oriental influences. The interior is completely frescoed (12th-15th century) with works from the Ottonian period, the Giotto school and students of Tommaso da Modena.
• Collalto and San Salvatore Castles (Susegana).
  Collalto Castle, a place of historical legends, preserves among the trees and hills the remains of the tower, parts of the walls and the main gate. The castle of San Salvatore rises imposingly above the town of Susegana and stands as one of the largest in the late medieval period.
• Jonathan Collection Museum – Famous Historic Airplanes – O.N.L.U.S. (Nervesa della Battaglia)

This is a unique historical aviation museum: it is housed in a hangar dating back to the Great War and contains original vintage aircraft. It is possible to watch some air shows that revive the atmosphere of the early 1900s.

Finally, there is the third and last section, in the province of Venice, dominated by reclaimed areas that have made the area habitable and visitable.
In this stretch you can admire:

• San Mauro Martyr Church (Noventa di Piave)
  Also surviving the bombing of the Great War, it preserves many works of great value. Among them is the Astile Cross, dating back to the late 14th century and considered one of the most valuable art treasures in the Veneto region. It is complemented by frescoes, paintings and sacred works in all their value.
• Piave Monument (Musile di Piave)
  A few metres from the bridge over the Piave River, hidden by lush vegetation, are two memorials to the battles fought there during the Great War. They are blocks of Istrian stone about 5 metres high and 80 cm thick, dating from 1934.

River Park (Fossalta di Piave)
Wild flowers, squirrels and shady trees surround the river. Peaceful nature bathes the banks of the Piave River and allows for some relaxation.