Da Ponte A Ponte is an itinerary connecting Vidor to Susegana, a trail between two bridges over the Piave: Vidor and Ponte della Priula. Opened in October 2014 for the centenary of the WWI, it stretches along the entire Austro-Hungarian front line nearby the river Piave banks. A project carried out by GruppoCasaPiave available now to anyone passionate about WWI history as well as nature.
Starting from Vidor visit Col Castello, where once there was a castle belonged to the Ezzelinos family, completely destroyed during the sixteenth century. Now there’s a memorial dedicated to the fallen of the WWI. Surrounded by the vegetation it appears from time to time the a trench well marked by descriptive signs. Take few steps through small picturesque paths and reach Col Marcon. An excellent observation point to control the Italian enemies. The view stretches from the Bridge of Vidor till the Monte Grappa, over the rolling hills interrupted from time to time from the riverbed.
Coming down from Col Marcon you face the outstanding Benedictine Abbey of Santa Bona. Founded in the twelfth century it suffered major damage during World War I. What remains of the original building are the church and the cloister. Being private, it is difficult to visit it, so if you have the chance to get in, do not miss it.
On a sleepy Sunday morning a dirty road seems to get lost in the countryside by lapping fields almost ready for the spring cultivation. We bump into a mulberry tree, which must have seen the bloody battles of 100 years ago. The road led us to the right bank of the Piave, whose waters follow us till the Isola dei Morti – Island of the Dead – in Moriago. An oasis of peace and tranquility, where started the offensive of the Battle of the Solstice, which costed the lives of thousands of young guys.
The small town of Fontigo houses a collection of war finds, donated by the locals and well preserved at the Museum of the WWI. Open by appointment – tel. +39 0438 966356 – Free admission.
In few minutes walk we reach Fontane Bianche – White Springs. Spring waters separated from the flow of the river Piave. Crystal clear waters that flow between the abundant vegetation of this area. Little bridges and small wooden steps make this corner even more a piece of paradise. A tangle of vegetation and springs that turn into an ideal environment for the local fauna and the right place to relax.
As slowly as the flow of water you get to Falzè di Piave, where to admire two natural caves and the memorial in the main square “Tre Arditi all’Assalto” by Giovanni Possamai dated 1921. An unconventional memorial at that time, where the sculptor focused on the movement of the soldiers. A totally different concept if compared to Fascist’s ideas and because of his thought he will have several problems.
The full route covers mainly dirty roads for a total of 25-30 km, which continues till Susegana. It can be divided into shorter routes in case it is too challenging for you. Bare in mind that there are no ring paths, so either you walk back on the same road, or if you are in a group of friends, leave a car at the point till you intend to walk and then you can drive back effortlessly. I’m pretty sure I’ll do it again during the warm season. The scents of spring must be spectacular and maybe I’ll learn a few more anecdotes about the WWI.
