The best traffic-free bike rides around Pozzaglio Ed Uniti

Pontevico is an Italian municipality of about 7,150 inhabitants located at the southern end of the province of Brescia, in Lombardy. The village stands in a historically strategic position along the Oglio river, which marks the natural border with the province of Cremona. The name derives from the Latin Pons Vici, which literally means "bridge of the village". The municipal territory is predominantly flat and includes the hamlets of Bettegno, Campazzo, Chiesuola and Toro. Local economy is historically divided between a strong agricultural vocation and an industrial textile development linked to the Bassa Bresciana district. The center is about 32 kilometers from the provincial capital Brescia and is easily reachable by car via the A21 motorway or by the Brescia-Cremona railway line.

Pure Gravel ride. With mixed stretches on asphalt to relax a bit. Alternating shade and sun, but I think mid-season is preferable. The stretch of Verolavecchia and Verolanuova is beautiful, with its architectural features. There are fun climbs and descents, for which, however, it's better to have good brakes (as always).

Worth seeing with a guided tour offered by the tourist office

The building was erected in the thirteenth century outside the ancient Roman city and, together with the church of Sant'Agata, formed the core of the new urban expansion in the Middle Ages, desired by the "civic" faction, as opposed to the "Notables", who had their center in Piazza del Comune. In the new palace, the "Società del Popolo" held its assemblies, elected its consuls, and conducted its business. Inspired by the architecture of the Palazzo Comunale, it stands in the square with a two-story facade: the lower floor consists of a portico with Gothic arches, and the upper floor is in brick and crowned with battlements, with four triple lancet windows illuminating a single large room. In 1410, the building became the seat of the university or Paratico dei mercanti dell'arte del pignolato (Guild of merchants of the art of Pignolato). https://www.turismocremona.it/en/palazzo-cittanova

A visit to this unusual museum is definitely worthwhile. Current prices, opening hours, and restrictions can be found here: https://museoverticale.it/

The historic city of Cremona in Lombardy is dominated by a monumental bell tower, the Torrazzo. At 112 meters tall, it is the tallest brick bell tower in Europe and one of the most impressive medieval structures in Italy. The Torrazzo was built gradually between the 13th and 14th centuries as part of the cathedral complex. Its brick construction testifies to both the technical ingenuity of medieval builders and the city's ambition to express its power and importance. In 1583, a unique astronomical clock was added to the tower, which still fascinates with its accuracy. Climbing the Torrazzo is a spiritual journey from earth to heaven, and it is not difficult to ascend the 502 steps that lead to the final terrace to enjoy a breathtaking 360° panorama. The visit includes a stop in the rooms dedicated to the study of time and astronomy in the new Vertical Museum, which was inaugurated in November 2018. https://www.cattedraledicremona.it/torrazzo-interno/?lang=de

Pizzighettone boasts one of the best-preserved city walls in Lombardy. Built in the Middle Ages and then reinforced during the Spanish era, they still surround a large portion of the historic center along the banks of the Adda River. The casemates and internal walkways allow you to imagine military life in the past, when the village was a strategic garrison between Milan and Cremona. Strolling around the walls, you can admire towers, bastions, and perfectly restored sections.

A splendid Renaissance square dominated by the three figures of the Cathedral, the Baptistery, and the Torrazzo, which offers a panoramic view of the entire Po Valley.