The best road cycling routes in Venezia

The course of the Cavetta Canal which flows into the Piave river.

The Cortellazzo Bridge, located in the homonymous fishing village in Jesolo, is a characteristic mobile structure that crosses the artificial Cavetta canal, a vital waterway connecting the Sile and Piave rivers. This bridge plays a crucial role for both road traffic in the area and inland navigation, allowing the passage of recreational and commercial vessels. The structure opens exclusively by telephone reservation during dedicated time slots, which differ between the summer and winter seasons, thus ensuring a balance between road and river traffic. Beyond its practical function, the bridge represents a historical symbol of Cortellazzo's identity, linked to the tradition of fishermen and the historical land reclamation works of the Veneto region.

The Duomo di Santa Maria delle Grazie (also commonly called the cathedral) is the main church and the historical symbol of San Donà di Piave. It is located in the heart of the city center and belongs to the diocese of Treviso. Origins: The first religious structure was built in the second half of the 15th century. The building was later rebuilt in neoclassical style in the 19th century by the Venetian architect Gian Battista Meduna. Destruction: During World War I, being on the Piave front line, the church was completely razed to the ground by bombing. In 1917, the retreating Italian army also blew up the bell tower so as not to leave it as an observation point for the enemy. Rebirth: The current building was reconstructed between 1919 and 1923 based on a design by architect Giuseppe Torres. It was solemnly consecrated on September 19, 1925, by the Bishop of Treviso. Style: Torres decided to maintain the strong neoclassical imprint of the previous 19th-century structure, explicitly drawing inspiration from the famous Church of the Redeemer in Venice. It features a single, large central nave topped by a solemn barrel vault. Six communicating chapels open up on the sides. Behind the main altar, precious Carrara marble sculptures stand out. The bell tower: At its top stands a bronze statue of an angel with a sword. The current one replaces the original statue by Torres, which was destroyed by lightning in 1966.

from here you can apparently continue with the boat taxi!

Huge concrete blocks protect against the big waves here

The Belvedere Trabucco is a panoramic viewpoint located in Grado, precisely along the dam that borders the historic center and overlooks the Adriatic Sea. This place takes its name from the "trabucchi", the ancient and ingenious wooden fishing machines typical of the Adriatic coasts, characterized by long arms that support a balance net. Although trabucchi are more famous in Gargano or on the Abruzzo coast, even in Grado these structures have marked the history of lagoon fishing. The belvedere offers a breathtaking view that ranges from the Friulian coasts to the profile of Trieste and Istria on clearer days. It is an unmissable stop for those walking along the seafront promenade, transforming into a magical place at sunset, when the wooden structure of the trabucco stands out like a dark shadow against the bright colors of the sky and water.

The Pordelio Canal is the beating heart of the northern lagoon in Cavallino-Treporti, a stretch of water that enchants with its balance between nature and human ingenuity. Its main attraction is the famous cantilevered cycle-pedestrian path, known as Via del Respiro, which allows you to cycle suspended over the lagoon's surface, enjoying spectacular sunsets. Beyond cycle tourism, the canal is a vital communication route for boats moving towards the historic villages of Treporti and Lio Piccolo. Navigating or strolling along its banks, you discover a landscape made up of fishing valleys, traditional gardens, and ancient fortifications, which make this area a unique example of Venetian biodiversity and history.

The ride itself is very relaxing on a racing bike, given the time of year. The return route is much better, with much less traffic and secondary roads along the river. Next time, I'll always ride the same way there and back. Happy TOUR, everyone! 💪