The best cycling routes in Treviso

Porta San Tommaso is the most imposing of Treviso's gates.

Considered the "little sister" of the contemporary porta San Tomaso, it is located at the end of Borgo Cavour. It presents itself with its Istrian stone facade with three arches. On the external facade, the representation that stands out above all is the winged lion, symbol of Venice's power over the mainland. It takes its name from the nearby church dedicated to the Forty Martyrs of Sebaste. It was built in 1516, perhaps on a design by Alessandro Leopardi,

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.

Built in 1517 under the direction of the podestà Bartolomeo d'Alviano, Porta Santi Quaranta represents the monumental entrance to Treviso for those coming from the west (Padua or Vicenza). Together with Porta San Tommaso, it is one of the symbols of the defensive rebirth of the city carried out by the Republic of Venice in the 16th century. The name pays homage to the forty Christian soldiers martyred in Armenia, but during the period of Austrian rule it was renamed Porta Vendramin. The external facade, made of Istrian stone, follows a sober and elegant Renaissance style, with three arches, the central one intended for carts and the two side ones for pedestrians. Above the main arch stands the winged lion of Saint Mark, a symbol of Venetian power. A significant historical detail is the inscription celebrating the Serenissima's right to defend its borders. Today it marks the entrance to the Borgo Cavour district and is an integral part of the panoramic walk along the 16th-century walls.

Il Bastione San Paolo constitutes a fundamental part of Treviso's 16th-century city walls, located in the north-eastern sector of the city. Designed as part of the defensive enhancement desired by the Serenissima, it presents itself as a massive earth and brick structure, engineered to withstand the modern artillery systems of the time. Currently, the area has lost its military function to become one of the most evocative green areas in the historic center. Its tree-lined avenues offer an elevated panoramic walk overlooking the canals below, once defensive moats. It is a perfect example of urban regeneration, where Renaissance engineering blends with the tranquility of the city's river landscape.

Built in 1518 under the direction of the podestà Paolo Nani, Porta San Tommaso is the most imposing of Treviso's three 16th-century gates. Probably designed by Fra’ Giovanni Giocondo, it is distinguished by its lavish Istrian stone facade, conceived more as a Renaissance triumphal arch than a simple military structure. The external facade is richly decorated with trophies, coats of arms, and the monumental Lion of Saint Mark, a symbol of Venetian rule. A curious detail concerns the statue placed on top: it depicts Saint Paul, a tribute to the podestà Nani (Paolo), although the gate takes its name from the nearby church dedicated to Saint Thomas Becket. Inside, the structure preserves the large arches that once housed the guardrooms and drawbridge mechanisms, still representing today the main access point for those coming from the north.

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 "La Tradotta" cycle path is a charming 20-kilometer cycle-pedestrian route that follows the path of the old Montebelluna-Susegana military railway. Inaugurated during the Great War to transport troops and supplies to the Piave front, it is now a green corridor that crosses the municipalities of Montebelluna, Volpago del Montello, Nervesa della Battaglia, and Arcade. The route is characterized by a flat and safe surface, ideal for families, and winds at the foot of the southern slope of Montello. Along the way, you can admire the former railway stations that have been converted and numerous monuments that celebrate the historical memory of the territory. Immersed in a relaxing rural landscape, the path offers several shaded rest stops, strategically connecting to other nature trails in the Treviso area.