The best running trails around Silea

Along the Restera, the picturesque cycle-pedestrian path that runs along the Sile river between Silea and Casier, lies one of the most fascinating industrial archaeological sites in the Veneto region: the Cimitero dei Burci (Ship Graveyard). In this stretch of water lie the wrecks of nineteen large historic wooden transport vessels, precisely called "burci". Used for centuries to transport goods from Treviso to Venice, these ships were deliberately sunk by their boatmen between 1974 and 1975 as a form of protest against the advent of road transport, which was marking the end of their era. Today, a system of wooden walkways suspended over the water allows you to walk right over the wrecks, which have been partially submerged and colonized by river flora and fauna, creating a unique and poetic blend of history and nature.

The Cimitero dei burci is located at the confluence between the new cut of the Sile and the branch of the Sil morto, in a sheltered bend of the Sile river. Its area is about 15,000 square meters.

Villa Toso (and the associated historic Molino Toso) is located in the municipality of Casier, a short distance from the center of Treviso, along the banks of the Sile river. The complex is a place of great historical significance for the area

Located close to the walls of Treviso, the 17th-century Mulini Mandelli complex represents one of the most fascinating examples of Venetian industrial archaeology. Built at the confluence of the Sile and Storga rivers, for centuries it dictated the rhythm of the city's economic life thanks to the power of water. Today, the area is the protagonist of a profound urban regeneration signed by the Matteo Thun studio, which aims to transform the ancient structures into an eco-sustainable residential village by 2027. The project blends historical preservation and modernity, planning public green spaces and cycle-pedestrian paths that will return this iconic place to the community, celebrating the indissoluble link between water and the city's architecture.

The junction point located on Villapendola Island is locally known as the Villapendola Crossroads, an essential geographical reference for those traversing the Restera del Sile. At this exact juncture, the traveler faces a clear scenic choice. Towards Casier, the route becomes evocative thanks to the iconic swing bridge and suspended walkways that overlook the Cimitero dei Burci (Ship Cemetery), allowing one to walk in close proximity to the water. In the opposite direction, the path proceeds towards Lago Verde, skirting the embankment in a more natural and sheltered setting. Although it does not have a formal name on maps, it remains the island's beating heart, crucial for navigating between the park's diverse ecosystems and historical structures.

A few kilometers were enough for the route to begin to tell its story. The creaking wood of a long bridge accompanied us towards one of the most silent and memory-laden places: the cemetery of the Burci. Amidst the still water and the vegetation that now reclaims every space, the wrecks of old boats emerge like forgotten thoughts, suspended between past and present. There time seems to slow down, almost to stop, and we too, for a moment, truly stop pedaling...

The stone bridge of Villapendola represents the natural completion of the ring path that crosses the islet of the same name. This masonry structure retains a rustic and historical charm, integrating perfectly with the surrounding river landscape. Located at the eastern end of the island, the bridge spans the secondary canal, allowing visitors to rejoin the Alzaia path and the main flow of the Restera. It is a privileged observation point for admiring the riparian flora and wildlife, such as turtles and aquatic birds, that inhabit the calm waters of the dead branch of the Sile. This passage transforms a simple walk into an immersive experience, suspended between the tranquility of the island and the liveliness of the most beloved cycle-pedestrian path by the people of Treviso. Hand-cranked.

La Restera is the historic embankment road that runs along the Sile, once used by oxen to pull barges. Today it is a natural paradise connecting Treviso to the lagoon, ideal for walks and cycle tourism. The route crosses picturesque villages and iconic sites such as the Cimitero dei Burci, where the wrecks of ancient transport boats lie. Immersed in greenery between willows and swans, it offers a slow mobility experience between industrial archaeology, Venetian villas and typical osterias.