Bicicletta

Padua and its provinceby bicycle:excursions and itineraries.

icicletta.

Padua province is a casket of extraordinary richness: cities of art, hills, lakes, lagoons, medieval castles, villages and thermal areas, linked by a thick network of waterways.

The only true access key to discover this treasure is by bike. No other means of transport, in fact, gives the voyager the ideal speed to catch the manifold beauty of the landscapes, the freedom of movement and the same physical satisfaction coming from a pleasant two-wheeled trip.

Through this new issue, the Province of Padova and Turismo Padova Terme Euganee invite everyone, ranging from the most skilled cyclists to families with children, to discover the

nicest cycle tracks in Padua and its surroundings. A wide range of ideas and suggestions which are about to turn into proper cycle paths, which are ideal to cycle slowly, and enjoy the mild dimension of cycle tourism and smooth-running bike on flat surfaces, avoiding busy roads, with the possibility of meeting people, crossing towns, discovering landscapes and stopping over to taste gastronomic specialities. The routes described in this guide, in fact, mostly follow the banks of rivers and canals which flow through our province. This enables the tourist to get to Padua moving from the main tourist destinations in the Paduan area and in the Veneto region by cycling through panoramic and flat routes.

Thanks to cycle tourism, the Province of Padova means to enhance the use of waterways, giving them a specific and brand new environmental and recreational sense. Among the

new paths, the one which is going to link Padua to Treviso will be a notable exception, since it will be partly carried out on an abandoned railway, the old Treviso-Ostiglia. In this case, it will be also possible to save a piece of history of our territory in order to turn it into one of the finest cycle paths in Italy.

The five excursions suggested and the five itineraries marked on the following maps are already in use and in some cases are being enhanced in terms of safety, road surface

and signs. Itineraries, where possible, have been created mostly on cycle paths, or in other cases on minor streets with little traffic. By accepting our invitation to visit Padua province, you will have the chance to take a holiday of discovery, fun and wellness.

Cyclewaysin Padua province.

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Cycling in Padua,enjoy the freedom of a cycling holiday.

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Padua and bike: a dual concept getting stronger with time. Thanks

to its 150 km of urban cycle paths, Padua is turning into a cycling city, as well as its province, which thanks to the many tourist routes is standing as a candidate to be the very crossroads of cycle tourism in the Veneto region and in Northern Italy. Padua and its province are an ideal destination for those who really want to have a taste of the most genuine Veneto region: cities of art and science, hills and sea, spas and rural villages, waterways and faith trails, manifold landscapes and a rich gastronomic heritage. 2

Already existing cycle paths: 109 km

Cycle pathsat planning stage: 122 km

Cycle paths under construction: 65 km

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PaduaCycling into town along its ancient waterways is the best way to get to Padua, while the best access to the historic centre are the monumental gates of the Renaissance walls. Fol-lowing these routes, you will avoid the most traffic and you will have a pre-cious chance to catch the true spirit of this ancient town which was founded over 3,000 years ago on the banks of the River Medoacus (today named Brenta) by the ancient Veneti people. After getting to the town centre, it is not necessary to follow a specific way: all the streets, in fact, lead to the very heart of the old town, which is characterized by a complex system of squares surrounded by elegant and historic buildings, porticoes and im-pressive monuments. The high towers of the medieval palaces stand out majestically, as well as the bell towers and the domes of the churches which keep the relics of famous Saints, such as St. Anthony and St. Luke. Don’t miss splendid art masterpieces such as the world-famous Scrovegni Chapel by Giotto.

The Euganean HillsFew kilometres from Padua, across the plain between the Rivers Adige and Bacchiglione, steep hills appear on the horizon with unmistakable lines, their pointed apexes resting on

calcareous bases, unequivocal evi-dence of ancient volcanic events. The Regional Park of the Euganean Hills (Colli Euganei) was instituted to safe-guard the peculiar features of these hills and preserve their extraordinary biodiversity and vast artistic heritage. A fertile ground and a mild weather have encouraged a developed agriculture, whose typical products have reached a real excellence thanks to skilled farmers’ experience. The hills are also an ideal destination for slow tourism and active holidays, thanks to the thick network of equipped paths, where bike lovers can find both challenging routes for mountain bikes and easy cycling excursions towards walled towns, villas and charming villages.

Terme Euganee Spas, bike and wellnessAt the foot of the Euganean Hills, on the way to Padua, you will find one of the most ancient and well-known spa basins in Europe: Abano, Montegrotto and Galzignano Baths. From the mix of hot springs and bike tours, a proposal of tailor-made holiday which combines wellness and fun has been created. Hotels in this area offer a free service of bike hire and suggest easy outings to do on your own or in a group to discover this wonderful territory.

A province of watersThe province of Padua is also a land of waters. Not so many areas can boast such a large number of navigable waterways and a rich net of natural and artificial water flows. In the North you meet the River Brenta coming down from the Dolomites and crossing the fertile plain among rice-fields, wheat-fields and grasslands. On the border between Padua and Treviso provinces, the resurgence Rivers Tergola, Sile and Muson dei Sassi flow through the ancient Roman Grating centurial plain. The River Bacchiglione links Padua with Vicenza on one side, and with the Venetian Lagoon on the other side. In the South, the River Adige marks the border to the Polesine. Also, you can find a lot of canals some of which (e.g. the Brenta Canal, the Piovego Canal and the Brentella Canal) are among the most ancient waterways in Europe, since they were built over 800 years ago for commercial, hydraulic and defensive aims.

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1) Padua, Prato della Valle.2) Padua, along the River Ring.3) Euganean Hills, Mount Fasolo.4) Abano Terme, monumental entrance

to the Montirone.

www.turismopadova.it www.padovainbici.it www.amici-della-bicicletta-pd.it

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Cycle tourismin Padua province.

PROVINCIAL PLAN FOR CYCLE PATHS

EXCURSIONS

ITINERARIES

MOTORWAY

RAILWAY

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Excursions1 RiverRing. Padua.2 EuganeanHillsRing. Padua, Este, Euganean Spas.3 WayofStAnthony. Muson dei Sassi.4 Tourofthewalledtowns. Monselice, Este, Montagnana.5 AlongtheRiverBacchiglione. Rural Padua.

Itineraries6 FromtheBacchiglionetotheBrenta. Vicenza, Padua, Venice.7 ThaSaltandSugarWay. Padua, Chioggia.8 TowardstheOstiglia. Padua, Treviso.9 TheBrentaWay. Trento, Bassano del Grappa, Padua.10 TheEsteFamilyWay. Padua, Rovigo, Ferrara.

Trip and holiday proposalsFor cycle tourists bicycle is both the reason and means for their trip. There are those who use their bike to stop over and visit a town, those who like to enrich their holiday with an easy and short outing, those who like to spend the whole day outdoor and those who organize long journeys by stages. The Province of Padua has been thinking of each of them when planning to issue this cycle routes guidebook. Each excursion is proposed in the form of a ring ca. 50 km long designed to let the tourist spend a day of relax and recreation. Each itinerary is a linear route linking Padua to the main tourist destinations surrounding it. Each single route can be either a stage of a longer journey by bike or just an easy day trip. The single routes can be combined in order to plan specific weekends by bike.

Services and utilities.The Province of Padua and Turismo Padua Terme Euganee put at the cycle tourist’s disposal a wide range of info services through a specific website for bike lovers, some cycle tourist maps, and a road-book with a detailed description of trip proposals. For technology lovers, through the website www.turismopadova.it it is possible to download eithergpxorkml with each single route’s highlights.

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This easy excursion starts from the Contarine Gates (Porte Contarine), the ancient fluvial access point to the town, and gets to the Scrovegni Chapel, an art jewel which keeps Giotto’s world-famous frescoes. The first waterway you come across is the Piovego Canal, an 11-km long artificial artery which has been linking Padua to Venice since the 12th

century by the Brenta Canal. This is historically the busiest and most important waterway in the Paduan area. In its first stretch, the route runs along the imposing Venetian walls, and near the university area it meets the elegant Ognissanti Gate. This is a triumphal arch with an interesting marble staircase which still allows the boats to dock. Having left behind the 16th century walls, you continue in the contrary direction to the water

flow, firstly following San Gregorio Canal banks, and then going beyond the Voltabarozzo navigation lock, on the Scaricatore Canal, where the Paduans love to practice sports. Reaching the Bassanello area, it is interesting to observe the water flow: part of it enters into the town along the Tronco Maestro Canal, and a part flows in a southerly direction along the Battaglia Canal. The route proceeds along the left

Length: 54 km

The River Ring.Padua.

Rivers, canals and waterways have always been, in Padua’s

history, important communication routes, natural defensive systems and decisive supplying sources of water and energy. Today these waterways have turned into beautiful cycle paths from where you can look at the vital everyday life of the town.

Signposts: present.

Start and arrival: Padua, Porte Contarine. The place is near Padua railway station, at the beginning of Via Giotto.1

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RIVER RING

Tourist info

PaduaIAT Railway StationTel. +39 049 8752077

IAT Piazza del SantoTel. +39 049 8753087(open April-October)

[email protected]

Bike info

Attended parkPadua railway station forecourtTel. +39 049 8759608

Bike hire and repairPadua, Limena, Noventa Padovana.Bikeservice list on:www.turismopadova.it

Train+Bike Padua and Ponte di Brenta railway stations

Webwww.padovainbici.itwww.turismopadova.it

River Ring detour

By following the inner canals, you can ride along an urban detour. When you get to the Bassanello area, follow the signs to the historical city centre cycling on the banks of the Tronco Maestro Canal; in this way you can admire the Medieval and Renaissance walls, the ancient castle and town riviere. For this route a detailed map is available.

bank of the River Bacchiglione, then continues along the Brentella Canal, onto Limena, a little town where you can admire some charming villas and the ancient hydraulic manufactures of the Colmelloni. Here the route crosses the River Brenta, in a natural setting of enchanting beauty. In the neighbourhood of an ancient oak, take a country road leading to the entrance of the ancient Vigodarzere Charterhouse, a large 16th-century monastic complex. Going on, the course of the river turns straight and less captivating, but after a few kilometres you reach Stra, a riverside town where celebrated

Venetian villas are concentrated, like the beautiful Villa Pisani, a national monument. In the last stretch, from Noventa to Padua, you will cycle on the Piovego Canal again, along which you meet Villa Giovannelli, the last leg before re-entering the town.

Notes: GPS track and cycle tourist map available.

Route features:mostly greenway cycle paths.

3 41) Padua, Ognissanti Gate.2) Padua, Scaricatore embankment.3) Padua, Scrovegni Chapel.4) Noventa Padovana, Villa Giovannelli.

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From Padua the Euganean Hills (Colli Euganei) appear isolated on the horizon, with undulating lines and a surprising variety of shapes: conical outlines that overlook soft-lined relieves. The result is a dramatic scenery. In order to exploit and preserve this unique landscape and its rich biodiversity, in 1989 the Euganean Hills Regional Park was established. Along the route we come across numerous tourist destinations:

the southern stretch of the hills: on the background, the highest peak, Mount Venda (601 m), recognisable from the high TV relay station on it, and towards the west you can discern the towers of Este Castle. After crossing the beautiful historic centre of Este, you will follow again the Bisatto Canal, which flows alongside an ancient brickworks, in the locality of Bomba, that hosts the Euganean

the series of Venetian villas starts at the gate of Padua with Villa Molin, continues to Battaglia Terme with the Catajo, the imposing residence of the Obizzi Family, with Villa Selvatico-Sartori, and a little farther on with Villa Emo and its well-known typical Italian garden. When you reach Monselice, visit the main square, the castle, and the nearby walkway of the Jubilee Sanctuary of the Seven Churches, which ends with Villa Duodo on the Rocca mount on the top of which is a medieval stronghold. Going south, you will cross wide areas of reclaimed land where you will find the Buzzacarini-Benetti complex and Villa Barbaro. From this spot you will admire

Euganean Hills Ring.Padua, Este, Euganean Spas.

This excursion that allows for the completion of the whole tour

around the system of the Euganean hills is extraordinarily rich in historical, hydraulic, architectural and natural points of interest. To fully enjoy the many beauties of this route, we suggest you to make a 2-day tour.

Signposts: under construction (available by end 2011).

Start: Padua IAT Pedrocchi;IAT Montegrotto Terme; Este,head office of the Euganean Hills Regional Park .

Length: 75 km starting from Padua; 65 km starting fromMontegrottto Terme.2

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EUGANEAN HILLS RING

Hills Geo-Palaeontological Museum which is worth a visit for fossil and mineral lovers. The route goes on towards Mount Lozzo, at the foot of which you will find the 13th-century perfectly preserved Valbona Castle, and finishes at Vo’ Vecchio in a past times atmosphere. The village develops around the 17th-century Villa Contarini-Venier, and it has an original porticoed square. In Bastia di Rovolon, you pass close by a magnificent dovecote tower and you will soon plunge into the lovely vineyards where the famous red wines and the well-known fragrant Moscato Fior d’Arancio wine are produced.At the end of the country road you will find an easy climb, to then descend towards Montemerlo.On the extreme north-eastern border of the hills, you’ll find the Praglia Abbey, an authentic Renaissance jewel and a remarkable Benedictine centre for spirituality.The last stretch towards Padua passes through the spa towns of Abano and Montegrotto Terme, European capitals of health and wellness.

Tourist info

IAT PaduaTel. +39 049 8767911Tel. +39 049 [email protected]

IAT Abano TermeTel. +39 049 [email protected]

IAT Montegrotto TermeTel. +39 049 [email protected]

Bike info

Bike hire and repair Padua, Terme Euganee, BattagliaTerme, Monselice, Este, Bastiadi Rovolon.Bikeservice list onwww.turismopadova.it

Train+BikePadua, Abano Terme, Terme Euganee, Battaglia Terme, Monselice, Este railway stations.

Webwww.padovainbici.itwww.turismopadova.itwww.thermaesport.it

Detour to the historic towns of the Euganean Hills

From the Euganean Hills Ring you can reach the villages of the Euganean hills by cycling along paths or minor roads with little traffic. From Battaglia Terme you can turn to Galzignano Terme and Valsanzibio (don’t miss Villa Barbarigo historical garden). Arquà Petrarca can be reached from Monselice. A cycle path links Este to Baone, while from Bresseo di Teolo you can reach Luvigliano (Villa Dei Vescovi) and the centre of Torreglia.

Notes: GPS track and cycle touristmap available.

Route features: mostly asphalted cycle paths. The terrain is mostly level, with an easy climb in Rovolon.

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1) Western slopes of the Euganean Hills.2) Praglia Abbey.3) Baone, Lake Azzurro.

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This route, equipped with signposting and road layouts, takes place along the banks of the River Muson dei Sassi. This water course has its source to the north of Asolo and after 48 km joins into the River Brenta; it has a straight flow, which is the evidence of a hydraulic arrangements made by the Republic of Venice in the 17th century. The starting point of this excursion is the Basilica of

The present cycle tourist route owes its name and its origin to

the last journey made by the Saint, at the time dying, from Camposampiero to Padua. In order to enrich the excursion, we suggest you to come back following the cycle path along the banks of the River Tergola.

St. Anthony in Padua. The great church keeps the Saint’s grave, and there you can also admire a large number of works of art with a strong religious meaning. In the first stretch the route crosses the historic centre along narrow and porticoed streets, then it follows cycle paths across the northern quarters of Padua, until you meet St. Antonino’s Sanctuary in Arcella. The Neo-Gothic building dating back to the end of the 19th century is recognizable by a big dome covered with copper plates and by its 75-m-high monumental bell tower. The temple keeps the so called “transit cell”, which is the only evidence of the original medieval monastery (destroyed in the 16th century) where the Saint died on June 13, 1231.In Pontevigodarzere the Muson dei Sassi flows into the River Brenta and the cycle path leading to Loreggia starts there. On the way

to Camposampiero you will cycle through the ancient Roman Grid Plan, one of Italy’s best preserved examples of archaeological Roman grid planned areas.During the I century BC, the Romans

The Way of St. Anthony.Muson dei Sassi.

Signposts: present.

Start: Padua - Basilicaof St. Anthony.Arrival: Loreggia.

Length:Padua - Loreggia30 km one way.3

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medieval high tower built by the da Camposampiero Family stands out, you will meet the Walnut-tree Sanctuary (Santuario del Noce). According to tradition, in this place Baby Jesus appeared to the Saint, and that episode originated the popular Antonian iconography. In the last stretch of the route, you will ride through the former Treviso-Ostiglia railway, along which another new and interesting green route across the Veneto plain is being carried out.

THE WAY OF ST ANTHONY

carried to completion a project to arrange the territory with agricultural techniques, civil engineering works and legislative measures that was directed at favouring the settlement of local communities, the practice of agriculture and political and military control. Seen from above, this area still looks like a large chessboard where the fields and the road network faithfully follow the original arrangement of the territory. In Camposampiero, a detour leads to the sanctuaries dedicated to St. Anthony and kept by the Conventual Franciscan Friars. A short distance from the main square where the

Tourist infoIAT PaduaTel. +39 049 8767911Tel. +39 049 [email protected]

Bike infoGuarded parkPadua railway station forecourttel. +39 049 8759608

Bike hire and repairPadua, Cadoneghe, Vigodarzere,Campodarsego, CamposampieroBikeservice list on:www.turismopadova.it

Train+BikePadua, Campodarsego,Camposampiero railway stations

Webwww.padovainbici.itwww.turismopadova.itwww.ilcamminodisantantonio.org

Detour alongthe River TergolaNear Borgoricco an ancient canal bridge lets the River Muson dei Sassi flow above the River Tergola. From that spot it is possible to return to Padua by following the greenway path along the River Tergola bank. Arriving in Vigonza, we suggest you to get to the River Brenta bank and follow it to go back to town after few kilometres.

Notes: GPS track and cycle touristmap available.

Route features:flat route on asphalted cycle paths in town, and greenways along the River Muson dei Sassi.

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1) Padua, Prato della Valle and Basilica of St. Anthony.2) Padua, St. Antonino’s Sanctuary in Arcella.3) Camposampiero, Walnut-tree Sanctuary.

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Tour of the walled towns.Monselice, Este, Montagnana.

The first walled town you come across is Monselice, which in the past was a Roman “vicus” (=Roman smallest administrative unit, village), then a Byzantine “castrum” (= a fortified area where a stable military unit used to live, e.g. a legion) , and a remarkable urban centre during the Longobard rule. The building of the walls began in the 12th century and they were later enhanced by Frederick II of Swabia

This route crosses the Southern part of the province of Padua,

between the Euganean Hills and the Scodosia area. Along the route you will meet numerous Medieval buildings: strongholds, castles, isolated towers, walled towns. At the start you follow the course of the Bisatto Canal and the River Frassine; on the way back, you can either take a train using bicycle transportation service, or follow little paths along the Rivers Fratta and Frassine banks.

with the construction of the donjon, the civic tower and the castle. In the 14th century the town was conquered by the Da Carrara Family, lords of Padua, who improved the defensive system with five encircling walls. After the decline of its military role, the town started to change its face until it assumed a similar aspect to that of today: villas and palaces were built (Villa Nani-Mocenigo, Villa Pisani and Villa Duodo), some important religious buildings and institutions were established (the Jubilee trail of the Seven Churches, St. George’s Oratory and St James Monastery) and the stone industry started to become an important economic activity. In the “Retratto di Monselice”, a great reclamation project of the Venetian Republic of this area, you will meet the Virgin

of Ave’s Oratory; this building has incorporated an ancient wall, which was a vestige of Mount Buso old fortification. Soon you reach Este, passing in front of Ca’ Mori, which is the Euganean Hills Regional Park

Signposts: absent.

Start: Monselice, IAT Tourist Office Via del Santuario 6.Arrival: Montagnana,IAT Tourist Office St. Zeno’s Castle.

Length: Monselice-Montagnana 30 km4

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TOUR OF THE WALLED TOWNS

headquarter, and across the ordinary roads you get to the centre of the town where you find the large Piazza Maggiore (main square). There’s a number of views which are worth some photo shots: the civic tower with its clock, the mansions, the churches and the Carrarese Castle. After a look at the Cathedral (with its original elliptical shape) and the Este National Museum with a number of precious archaeological finds, take the bank path along the Bisatto Canal again, until you get to the hydraulic junction at Sostegno, from where you go on cycling along the River Frassine. From the top of the embankment, the view stretches from the Euganean

Hills to the east, the Berici Hills of Vicenza towards the west, and Montagnana to the south, this last town is the final destination of our excursion. The walled city developed in the 14th century taking on the new imprint that we can still admire today. In that period the Carrarese Family completed the defensive system with

the Rocca degli Alberi stronghold in 1362. The walls have 24 17-m-high towers. The highest one (with its 38 m) belongs to the most ancient military building of the town: St. Zeno’s Castle. The visit to the inner city allows you to admire noble charming mansions, including Villa Pisani by Palladio, and the Cathedral, which style harmonizes the Gothic elements with those of the Renaissance.

Tourist info

IAT MonseliceTel. +39 0429 [email protected]

IAT EsteTel. +39 0429 [email protected]

IAT MontagnanaTel. +39 0429 [email protected]

Bike info

Bike hire and repairMonselice - Este - MontagnanaBikeservice list onwww.turismopadova.it

Train+BikeMonselice,Este, Ospedaletto, Saletto,Montagnana railway stations

Webwww.padovainbici.itwww.turismopadova.itwww.thermaesport.it

Detour along the Rivers Fratta and Frassine

As an alternative route to return to town, from Montagnana along the ordinary roads, you can get to the ancient village of San Salvaro, hamlet of Urbana. From there you can start riding along the right bank path of the River Fratta-Gorzone. When you get to the old Ponte delle Tre Canne in Vighizzolo d’Este, leave the River Fratta and follow the River Frassine-Santa Caterina up to Este. When you get to Carceri, we suggest you to turn off and stop over for a visit to the imposing old Camaldolite abbey.

Route features: flat route on both asphalted and greenway paths along river banks.

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Notes: cycle tourist map available.

1) Montagnana.2) Monselice, Mazzini Square.3) Este.

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Along the River Bacchiglione.Rural Padua.

Padua sinks its roots deep into the countryside. This strong link between town and country is still revealed in those villages of the province which maintain a strong rural identity.The start of this route is the Bassanello hydraulic junction, where the River Bacchiglione gives origin to three canals: the Tronco Maestro, the Battaglia Canal and the Scaricatore Canal. The latter in

Leaving the urban outskirts, one penetrates rural surroundings

with historical villages, interesting landscapes, and delicious food-and-wine opportunities. The route utilises the embankments of some canals fed by the same river: the Bacchiglione.

the vicinity of Voltabarozzo takes the name of Roncaiette Canal; following its course, we cross the village of Ponte San Nicolò. Make a stop in the neighbourhood of Isola dell’Abbà, a striking rural hamlet which name reminds of the ancient reclamation work made in that area by the monks of the Basilica of St. Giustina in Padua. The canal separates the ancient churches of St. Fidenzio’s in Roncaiette and St. Leonard’s in Isola dell’Abbà. From that spot you can admire the beautiful Villa Rezzonico, on which walls is a nice statue of the Virgin made of Istria stone. Going on in the direction of Polverara, a celebrated community for the characteristic hen of the same name, the countryside becomes delightful: in the fields

arranged in a traditional Paduan manner the vegetable crops mix with cereals, and the old typical rural houses alternate with large farms, locally called “boarie”. Many architectural features attract our attention: the chimneys, jutting out from the walling, the wooden window shutters, the variety of chimneypots, the large porticoed stables, and the barnyards paved with the Euganean Hills stone. An original and ancient dovecote tower stands out of one

Signposts: absent.Start and arrival: Padua, Bassanello.Length: 48 km5

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ALONG THE RIVER BACCHIGLIONE

of the farms. Further on, near Bovolenta, the Bacchiglione waters mix up with those of other canals and create a complex hydraulic network. The strong embankment encircling the village centre are impressive. Here you can admire the Cathedral dating back to the 11th century, Villa Martinengo and the Accademia dei Concordi Palace. After leaving the Roncaiette Canal, you cycle up the Vigenzone Canal, staying on the left side of it. From that point on, you will meet three 16th-century villas: Villa Mocenigo-Randi in Gorgo, Villa Malipiero-Gosetti in Cagnola and Villa Grimani-Fortini in Pontemanco. This

last village rose during the Middle Ages near two old mills which went on working until the second half of the 20th century.Taking again to the embankment in the vicinity of the ancient Ponte di Riva Bridge, observe the bell tower of the former Abbey of St. Stefano in Due Carrare with the enchanting profile of the Euganean Hills on the background. In short time, you will get to Battaglia

Terme where you can visit the River Navigation Museum. The town was built on the banks of an old waterway (1189-1201), and it has many original hydraulic features, and some interesting historical and architectural attractions, that you can admire in the last stretch of the route, on the way back to Padua.

Tourist info


IAT Battaglia TermeTel. +39 049 [email protected](open May - Spetember)

Bike info

Bike hire and repairPadua, Ponte San Nicolò,Battaglia Terme, Abano Terme, Montegrotto TermeBikeservice list onwww.turismopadova.it

Train+BikePadua, Terme Euganee,Battaglia Terme railway stations.


Detour towards Candiana

Candiana, little village south of Bovolenta, still keeps a notable art heritage. St. Michael Archangel’s Cathedral was built in 1502, and it is the most important vestige of the former Augustinian monastery. In Pontecasale you can admire the 16th-century Villa Garzoni by Sansovino. In this area, the gourmet speciality is the famous Friularo wine.

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Route features: flat route on both mostly asphalted cycle paths and streets with little traffic.

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1) Due Carrare, typical farmhouse.2) Battaglia Terme, the Catajo Palace.3) Polverara hen.

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From the Bacchiglione to the Brenta.Vicenza, Padua, Venice.

From the centre of Vicenza, a town which strictly links its name to the world-famous architect Palladio, take the cycle path which follows the old railway running along the Berican Riviera. After few kilometres you will meet the wonderful Villa Capra Valmarana, named “La Rotonda”, which is considered the symbol of all Veneto villas. In Longare leave the cycle path and cycle along the country

Padua lies half way between Vicenza and Venice. These three

cities of art are must-see stops for those who want to cross the Veneto region by bike. The following itinerary crosses fascinating landscapes such as those of the embankments of the River Bacchiglione and the Brenta Riviera.

roads leading to Montegalda, from where you will see the Villa Grimani Sorlini towering on the very top of the hill. It was built on the ruins of a Medieval castle. After a few yards, take the left bank of the river and enter the province of Padua. During the route, you will pass by three nice villages: Santa Maria di Veggiano, where you will see a number of typical farmhouses in a poetic rural landscape; Cervarese Santa Croce, where in the vicinity of an old mill, a foot-bridge will let you cross the river and get to the St. Martino della Vaneza Castle, inside of which you can visit the interesting River Bacchiglione Archaeology Museum; and finally Creola, surprisingly keeping important historical monuments, such as Sansovino’s Arch, the Barchessa Pisani and

the little Santa Maria del Carmine’s Church. The route goes on in a green landscape along the river until the edge of the town.Near the Bassanello hydraulic junction you can either enter the town cycling along the urban cycle paths, or go on in the direction of Venice by following the Piovego Canal and the Brenta Canal. These two waterways were carried out during the Middle Ages to allow river navigation from the Venetian lagoon up to the Paduan hinterland.

Signposts: absent.

Start and arrival: Vicenza, IAT Piazza dei Signori 8; Padua, IAT Galleria Pedrocchi; Venice, IAT Piazzale Roma.

Length:Vicenza-Padua: 40 kmPadua-Venice: 40 km6

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In the first stretch along the Piovego, you will ride along a greenway but comfortable cycle path. As you get to Stra, you will leave the canal and start following the right bank of the Brenta Canal. The route goes on along secondary roads and crosses the famous Brenta Riviera. This is indeed one of Italy’s most famous river landscapes, due to the number of villas and river villages: Stra, Fiesso d’Artico, Dolo and Mira. When you finally get to Mira, the Riviera ends triumphantly with the world-famous Villa Foscari named “la Malcontenta”, climax of the Palladian architecture. Further on, near Marghera, the landscape is less interesting since there are plenty of factories all

Tourist info

IAT Vicenza tel +39 0444 [email protected]

IAT Padua tel. +39 049 [email protected]

IAT Venice tel +39 041 [email protected]

Bike info

Guarded parkingPadua railway Station forecourttel. +39 049 8759608

Bike hire and repairPaduaBikeservice list on:www.turismopadova.it


FROM THE BACCHIGLIONE TO THE BRENTA

Route features: asphalted cycle paths, greenway paths, and some busy secondary streets.

around, and roads are busy. When you get to Mestre, we suggest you to leave your bike at the guarded parking of the railway station and take a train to Venice. One of the features making Venice unique in the world is that bikes are not allowed among its calli and campielli.

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Planning a cycle path along the Bacchiglione

In order to complete the provincial project of cycle paths, the Province of Padua has planned a cycle path along the River Bacchiglione. From Cervarese Santa Croce to Padua, bank paths will be improved, street crossings will be secured and the proper tourist signposts will be put along the way.

1) Cervarese S. Croce, St. Martino della Vanezza Castle.2) Vicenza, Villa Capra Valmarana named “La Rotonda”.3) Strà, Villa Pisani.

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The Salt and Sugar Route.Padua, Chioggia.

You can get from Padua to Chioggia and the Venetian lagoon by following an unforgettable route. For the first stretch, from Padua to Bovolenta, you can choose either of the following routes: the first one borders the Euganean Hills and turns towards the sea starting from Battaglia Terme; the second one follows the course of the Roncajette Canal. If you choose the first option, in Battaglia Terme

This itinerary, that links Padua and the Euganean Hills to the Venetian

lagoon, follows an old waterway which in the past was used by typical local wooden boats, called “burci”, for the transport of local products, such as the trachyte stone from the Euganean Hills, the salt from Chioggia and the sugar from Pontelongo.

you will leave the Hills behind you and go eastwards, following the winding course of the Vigenzone Canal. Over the course of the bike ride you will meet white numbered stones hammered into the ground, brick bridges, stone posts and elegant villas. They are all evidence of the existence of an ancient important waterway for the river navigation. The names of the villages of the area are another evidence of the waters’ civilization: Gorgo (=little water vortex), and Bovolenta (=water whirlpool). The next village, which name, Pontelongo (=long bridge), is self-explanatory, owes its own development to the presence of a large sugar refinery built

in the 19th century and still working. The Town Hall is the beautiful Villa Foscarini Erizzo, recently restored. After the sugar village, you will meet Correzzola, famous village with an imposing Benedictine court, built by the monks in the 16th century. A metal foot-bridge allows you to reach both the Benedectine court and St. Leonard’s Church. On these lands monks have been working hard over the centuries to carry out important

Signposts: absent.

Start: Padua,IAT Tourist Office Railway Station. Arrival: Chioggia,IAT TouristOffice Sottomarina Lido.

Length:Padua-Battaglia T.-Chioggia: 63 kmPadua-Bovolenta-Chioggia: 54 km7

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THE SALT AND SUGAR WAY

reclamation works, and when the reclamation was concluded they built characteristic rural houses with a stalls, haylofts and granaries in order to spread agriculture. Today, at least 60 of these remain and still keep the name of the saint to which they were dedicated. Taking the route on top of the left embankment, after a few kilometres a tourist notice informs you that you are in the neighbourhood of Castelcaro. On the place where today is an oratory, the Carrarese Family had built a military outpost in the 14th century, in order to defend their salt way. Chioggia, that was by the time a few kilometres away, had one of the most important salt-works in the Mediterranean. Along the last stretch the landscape changes noticeably, the thick net of canals gives way to the brightening expanses of the Venetian lagoon, from which appears the historic centre of Chioggia, final destination of our itinerary.

Tourist info


IAT Battaglia TermeTel. +39 049 9115996(open May-September)[email protected]

IAT Sottomarina-Chioggia Tel. +39 041 [email protected]

Bike info

Bike hire and repairPadua, Battaglia Terme, ChioggiaBikeservice list on:www.turismopadova.it


Detour towards the Millecampi Valley and the Saccisica

The Saccisica is the most Eastern part of Padua province and originates its name from the town Piove di Sacco. This area still keeps some original features, such as the Millecampi Valley (a natural area inside the Venetian Lagoon) and its last “casoni”, that is, the old traditional cane roof houses. To explore this area, you will leave the River Bacchiglione near Codevigo, and follow the course of the Brenta up to Corte di Piove di Sacco.

Route features: mostly asphalted bank paths, excepting a little greenway stretch.Some stretches of the route may be busy.


31) Saccisica, river landscape.2) Pontelongo, Procession of Vow.3) Chioggia.

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Towards the Ostiglia.Padua, Treviso.

After leaving Padua you will cross an ancient Roman grid planned area. The regular scansion of the grounds, the orthogonal crossing of ditches and streets, makes this territory a proper archaeological rural area. Throughout the fertile

By 2012 Padua and Treviso will be linked by a very suggestive

cycle tourist route which develops along the already existing cycle path of the river Muson dei Sassi and the under-construction path along the former Treviso-Ostiglia railway line. There is a number of tourist attractions along this route: the religious fascination of the Way of St. Anthony, the historic charm evoked by the ancient railway, the relaxing rural landscapes and the views of the River Sile Natural Park.

country, you will meet double-faced villages: the dynamic and modern face of the industrial districts, and the suggestive one of historic centres. In Camposampiero, you will leave the path which runs along the river Muson dei Sassi and take the under-construction cycle path of the former Treviso-Ostiglia railway. The railway was built in 1930 for military aims, but it was abandoned during World War II due to the big damages provoked by the bombings. The tracks were never restored, so that the soil has turned into a natural green way linking the River Po to Treviso, through the Veneto country. The route is 100 km long, 30 of which are in Padua province. As for voyagers

during the last centuries, you will pass by some old stations which are being improved at the present time. In Piombino Dese, we suggest you to make a detour for a visit to two splendid villas: Villa Cornaro by Palladio, and Villa Marcello, a very elegant 17th-century complex still inhabited by the heirs to that noble family. Not far from Levada, in the Fontanassi Wood, you can admire the resurgent springs of the River Sile.

Signposts: present from Padua to Camposampiero only.

Start: Padua, IAT TouristOffice Railway Station.Arrival: IAT Tourist Office Treviso.

Length: Padua-Campo-sampiero 20 km;Padua-Treviso 55 km8

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TOWARDS THE OSTIGLIA

The historical and natural features of this area are protected by the River Sile Natural Park, and they can be discovered thanks to the cycle route named “GiraSile”, which links the sources of the river to the historic centre of Treviso. Near the village of Badoere the route crosses an original square, two white porticoed semicircles facing each-other have been protecting the craftsmen’s houses and workshops for more than 300 years. From Badoere, you go on cycling towards Treviso, with a must-see stop at the Cervara Nature Reserve where you will be welcomed in a modern Visitor Centre carried out inside an old mill. Following the Sile’s limpid waters, you will get to Treviso which centre you can cross from Santi Quaranta Gate to Garibaldi Gate, by following a part of the ancient wall perimeter.

Tourist info

IAT Padua Raiway StationTel. +39 049 [email protected]

IAT TrevisoVia Sant’Andrea 3Tel. +39 0422 547632 [email protected]

Bike info

Bike hire and repairPadua, Camposampiero,Piombino Dese, TrevisoBikeservice list on:www.turismopadova.it

Webwww.padovainbici.itwww.turismopadova.ithttp://turismo.provincia.treviso.it

Planning the “Treviso-Ostiglia”cycle path

The project of a Treviso-Ostiglia cycle path is being developed and it is involving the provinces of Mantova, Verona, Vicenza, Padua and Treviso. It is foreseen that the total length of the route will be 118 km and it will cross the Po Valley from the River Po to Treviso.

Route features: the first stretch follows the Muson dei Sassi river; the second stretch follows secondary roads which are being substituted by the new under- construction cycle path along the former Treviso-Ostiglia railway.

TREVISO

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Notes: from Padua to Camposampiero GPS track and cycle tourist map available.

1) Historical train.2) Levada di Piombino Dese, Ca’ Marcello.3) River Sile Natural Park.

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The River Brenta originates from the Levico and Caldonazzo Lakes, and, after crossing the Valsugana Valley, it flows throughout the Northern areas of the Paduan plain. In its last stretch, between Padua and Chioggia, its waters flow through large embankments until they flow into the Adriatic south of the Venetian lagoon. This route, along the Brenta’s waters, starts in a charming mountain setting,

Apart from being one of the most important rivers of the Alps,

the River Brenta is also an essential cycle route between the Trentino-Alto Adige cycleways and the Veneto ones. The Province of Padua is developing a cycle route that will allow cycle tourists to get to Padua passing through dramatic nature landscapes and beautiful historic villages.

with an alpine lake surrounded by high mountains with bright rocky faces, and lines of orchards on the bottom of the valley, mixed up with historic villages with fortresses and castles. In the first stretch, between Levico and Valstagna, you will cycle along one of the nicest and best equipped cycle paths in Trentino. At the end of this first stretch you will use some ordinary roads (with no traffic) to get to Bassano del

Grappa, a picturesque historic town which links its fame to the world-famous Bridge by Palladio, and to the production of its excellent grappa liqueur. After crossing the historic centre, the landscape changes its face: the mountains are substituted by a lush country crossed by many resurgences, canals and irrigation ditches with limpid waters. These are the main features of the Northern Paduan plain, which originated by the

Signposts: present from Levicoto Bassano only.

Start: Trento Railway Station.Arrival: Padua Railway Station.

Length:Trento-Padua: 140 kmBassano-Padua: 50 km

The Brenta Way.Trento, Bassano del Grappa, Padua.

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sediments transported downhill by the river over the past geological ages. In Padua province the cycle path is designed to run along the course of the river in an enchanting river landscape, where stable grasslands alternate to alder woods, poplar woods and willow woods. Along the route, you can also visit important historical buildings, as the famous Villa Contarini - G. E. Ghirardi Foundation in Piazzola sul Brenta: a wonderful palace surrounded by a huge historic garden immersed in a large estate and introduced by an elegant porticoed square.After this detour, you will go back and cycle near the river; from Limena to Padua you can already use an equipped cycle path. In this area you will admire some typical venetian villas.When you get to Pontevigodarzere, you will leave the Brenta banks and enter the town by using its urban cycle paths.

Tourist info

IAT Trento Via Manci, 2 Tel. +39 0461 216000

IAT Bassano del Grappa L. Corona d’Italia, 35 Tel.+39 0424 524351

IAT Padua Railway station Tel. +39 049 [email protected]

Bike info

Bike hire and repairPadua, Piazzola sul BrentaBikeservice list on:www.turismopadova.it

Train+BikeTrento, Bassano del Grappa,Padua railway stations.

Webwww.ciclabili.provincia.tn.itwww.padovainbici.it

Planning the Brenta cycle path

The project of a long cycle path is being developed by the Province of Padua in order to make the River Brenta and its territory more valuable. The project is under construction and it will end in 2012. This cycle path will be 38 km long and it will cross areas of great natural value, such as stable grasslands, plain woods and artificial lakes.

Route features: along the Valsugana Road the route is on cycle paths;in Vicenza province the route is on some secondary, sometimes busy streets;in Padua province the route is on bank paths and country roads.

31) Piazzola sul Brenta: the Brenta nature area.2) Bassano del Grappa.3) Piazzola sul Brenta, villa Contarini - G.E. Ghirardi Foundation.

THE BRENTA WAY

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The Este Family Way.Padua, Rovigo, Ferrara.

From Padua, in the Bassanello area take the cycle path along the Battaglia Canal: it is a linear route, higher than the ground level, and this will enable you to take a look at some interesting villas on the background, until you get to the walled town of Monselice. In the first stretch, the landscape is dominated by the profiles of the Euganean Hills.In Este, interesting town on the

This last route starts in Padua, borders the Euganean Hills, goes

through the Polesine area, crosses the River Po and gets to Ferrara. The fascination of this itinerary derives from the historical events of the noble Este Family which left the town of Este in the 13th century to move to Ferrara, where they created one of the most refined and cultured courts of the Renaissance.

historical and archaeological viewpoint, which gave its name to the noble family of the Estensi, you will leave the Bisatto Canal bank and follow the course of the River Frassine. In Ponte della Torre Place, you will run along a perfectly preserved 14th century stronghold, and you will go on cycling across the country, among cereal fields.

After few km, we suggest you to make a detour and visit the impressing Carceri Camaldolite Abbey, also known as “the Montecassino of Northern italy”, due to its imposing architectural structures. In Sant’Urbano you will go up the River Adige bank and follow it until Boara Pisani. In a short time you will get to Rovigo, the Polesine capital, which was ruled by

Signposts: absent.Start: IAT Tourist Office Padua,Arrival: IAT Rovigo or IAT Ferrara.

Length:Padua-Este: 30 kmPadua-Rovigo: 65 kmPadua-Ferrara: 100 km10

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THE ESTE FAMILY WAY

the Este Family from the 13th to the 15th century. Evidences of that glorious period are the ruins of the castle and the 66-m high Donà Tower, one of the highest Medieval towers in Italy. During the following Venetian rule, the Cathedral and many more palaces were also built. Going south, you will take the cycle path leading to Guarda Veneta. When you get to the River Po, you will go up its course on the left bank, and pass on the Ferrara side of it, near Polesella,

where some well equipped cycle paths will easily lead you to Ferrara. From the late Middle Ages to the Renaissance, the town lived a period of splendour under the Este Family rule; they revolutionized the urban features of the town, and made it one of Europe’s most important cultural centres. In 1995 Ferrara was awarded of the UNESCO World Heritage Site title as a Renaissance town.

Tourist info

IAT Padua Raiway Station Tel. +39 049 [email protected]

IAT Rovigo Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II, 20 Tel. +39 0425 386290 [email protected]

IAT Ferrara Castello Estense Tel. +39 0532 [email protected]

Bike info

Bike hire and repairPadua, Monselice, Este.Bikeservice list on:www.turismopadova.it

Train+BikePadua, Monselice,Rovigo, Ferrara railway stations

Webwww.padovainbici.itwww.provincia.rovigo.itwww.ferrarabike.com

Detour in the Adige lands

The southern part of the province of Padua, crossed by the River Adige, is an ideal area for cycle tourism: quiet country roads, well preserved rural landscapes, a silent environment, and some historic rural villages. Going up the river, you will meet the villages of Piacenza d’Adige, Merlara, Castelbaldo, Masi; in the other direction, on the way to Anguillara Veneta, you will get to the lands of the Arca del Santo (once properties of the Basilica of st. Anthony in Padua).

MONSELICE

Route features: from Padua to Este, Battaglia Canal and Bisatto Canal bank paths. From Este to Rovigo, Brancaglia - Santa Caterina Canal and River Adige bank paths. From Rovigo to Ferrara, asphalted cycle paths.

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Notes: GPS tracks available.

1) Este, the Castle walls.2) Baone, Blue Lake and Euganean Hills.3) Rovigo.

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PaduaRailway StationAt the Railway Station- 35131 Padova Tel. +39 049 8752077 - Fax +39 049 [email protected]: Monday-Saturday 9.15-19.00Sunday 9.00-12.00

Piazza del SantoPiazza del Santo - 35123 Padova Tel. +39 049 [email protected] from April to October

Abano TermeVia Pietro D’Abano 18 - 35031 Abano Terme (PD) Tel. +39 049 8669055 - Fax +39 049 [email protected]: Monday-Saturday 8.30-13.00 / 14.30-19.00Sunday 10.00-13-00 15.00-18.00(Sunday and feastdays opening only during the High Season)

Montegrotto TermeViale Stazione 60 - 35036 Montegrotto Terme (PD) Tel. +39 049 8928311 - Fax +39 049 [email protected]: Monday-Saturday 8.30-13.00 / 14.30-19.00 2nd Sunday of the month 10.00-13-00 15.00-18.00

Bacino Turistico della SaccisicaPiove di SaccoPiazza Matteotti 4 - Tel. e Fax +39 049 [email protected]@turismosaccisica.it

Battaglia TermeVia Maggiore 2 - Tel. e Fax +39 049 [email protected] from May to October

CittadellaPorte Bassanesi 2Tel. +39 049 9404485 - Fax +39 049 5972754 [email protected]

EsteVia G. Negri 9Tel. +39 0429 600462 - Fax +39 0429 [email protected]

MonseliceVia del Santuario 6 - Tel. e Fax +39 0429 [email protected]

MontagnanaCastel S. Zeno - Tel. e Fax +39 0429 [email protected]

Created with the help of:Tel. +39 049 8767911Fax +39 049 [email protected]

©Photos: Archivio Turismo Padova Terme Euganee/Matteo Danesin, Luigi Zilli, Luciano Tommasin. Archivio Ca’ Marcello. Archivio Renato Tuzza, Este. Archivio Comune di Padova - Gabinetto Fotografico. Archivio Consorzio di Promozione Turistica di Padova. Archivio Consorzio di Promozione Turistica Vicenzaè. Archivio Provincia di Padova. Archivio Associazione Veneta Treni Storici/Hans Rosenberger.

Dial the following free number from your handphone and you will receive an sms with instructions to obtain further information on Padua and its province by bicycle.

029 296 61 60

www.turismopadova.it

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