The best traffic-free bike rides around Zero Branco

Located in Scorzè, along the banks of the Dese river, the Mulino Michieletto represents one of the most fascinating testimonies of Venetian hydraulic civilization. An integral part of the charming Percorso dei Quattro Mulini, this historic structure evokes a past when the local economy revolved around the power of water. Although no longer operational, the building retains its architectural charm intact, with visible signs of the ancient water wheels that once ground the area's cereals. Immersed in a valuable natural setting, a short distance from the Oasi Todori, the mill is today a privileged destination for those who enjoy cycle touring or slow walks, offering an authentic and silent glimpse into the symbiosis between man and the riverine territory.

Villa Corò, historically known as Villa Albuzio, is one of Zero Branco's architectural gems. Dating back to the 18th century, the residence perfectly embodies the style of Venetian villas, characterized by an elegant and harmonious central structure. Once the hub of vast agricultural estates bordered by the Zero river, the villa still retains the charm of noble country residences, with a large park in front and a monumental gate adorned with classical statues. The current name is linked to the Corò family, who in the second half of the 20th century recovered the complex, transforming it into a prestigious venue dedicated to high-end furnishings. This blend of history and design has ensured the building's preservation, making it a successful example of functional reuse that keeps its original artistic identity intact, integrating 18th-century refinement with the excellence of contemporary craftsmanship.

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

The former Badoere-Levada station is a fundamental stop on the Ostiglia-Treviso Cycle Route, located at a point where railway history meets one of the most unique architectures in the Veneto region. The structure reflects the typical style of the stations on the line, originally designed for strategic and commercial purposes, and today converted to welcome the flow of cycle tourists crossing the plain. A short distance from the route lies the famous Rotonda di Badoere, one of the most spectacular barchesse (rural mansions) in the region, which with its circular shape embraces the public space. The proximity between the former railway line and this eighteenth-century masterpiece makes the Badoere-Levada stop a perfect blend of the recovery of twentieth-century infrastructure and the enhancement of rural historical heritage.

The old Badoere railway station on the Treviso-Ostiglia cycle path.

The first section of the Treviso-Ostiglia cycle path entering the province of Padua.

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.

The Treviso-Ostiglia cycle path is an exceptional example of railway reconversion, born on the route of a 20th-century military line. With its approximately 118 kilometers, it crosses the Veneto region up to Lombardy, offering a flat path immersed in greenery. The route allows you to cycle in complete safety away from cars, passing from the Sile Park to the vast expanses of the Po Valley. The charm of the journey is enhanced by the old stations and railway houses that dot the way, witnesses of an industrial past perfectly integrated into nature. Thanks to its well-maintained surface, it is an ideal destination for families and cycle tourists who wish to discover historic villages and river oases, concluding the itinerary at the gates of Mantua, on the banks of the Po River.