Villanova between the Piave Landscape and History

Villanova can be experienced through the Piave landscape, its economic development and a history shaped by the Vajont disaster. The large alluvial plain between Castellavazzo and Villanova includes the Longarone exhibition grounds as well as schools and municipal sports facilities protected by a river embankment.

Piave River Embankment and Cycle Path

The “La lunga via delle Dolomiti” cycle path runs along the Piave river embankment beside Longarone’s public and sports facilities. The area in question can be reached via a municipal side road that runs parallel to the Piave embankment and leads from the extensive Villanova di Longarone industrial zone. For orientation along the river, the municipal side road and the embankment serve as the spatial reference points.

Economic Development

The Villanova di Longarone industrial zone is considered one of the major production centers in the province of Belluno. Villanova developed into an extensive area that became an important economic focal point for the province. As part of the reconstruction following the Vajont disaster, industrial companies were to be established in Villanova. The establishment of industrial companies after the disaster stands alongside the memory of the destruction of the town center.

Vajont History and Historical References

The town center of Villanova was destroyed in the Vajont disaster. Along the Piave Valley, between the center of Longarone and the nearby hamlets of Rivalta, Pirago, Faè and Villanova, 1,450 fatalities were recorded in the Vajont disaster. The Museo Longarone Vajont – Attimi di Storia presents the history of the Vajont event chronologically through photographs, artifacts and multimedia panels.

In his diary entry of November 9, 1917, Erwin Rommel describes Villanova, together with Longarone, Dogna, Rivalta, Pirago, the Torrente Maè and the Faè estate, as one of the locations of his operation to block the retreat of Italian troops from the Dolomites and northwestern Friuli.

Mountains and Landscape in the Surrounding Area

The summit of Cima Mora and Monte Cimon are located in the immediate vicinity of Villanova. Col della Sparlonga and Cima dell'Albero are located in the area around Villanova. The Villanova-Faè plain is also part of the town's history: it was drained and later given the name “campagna Protti.” For observing the landscape, the mountains and this drained plain stand side by side around Villanova as distinct landscape areas.

Cultural Attractions in the Surrounding Area

The Palazzo del Capitano, Palazzo dei Rettori and Museo Civico Belluno are located in the area around Villanova. The ancient site of Roggia dei Mulini is also located in the wider regional area around Villanova. For those interested in culture, the regional area around Villanova offers historic palaces, museums and an ancient site.

More Destinations

More destinations for planning your trip to Italy: Borca Di Cadore, Misurina, Cencenighe Agordino, Salce, Agordo, Seren del Grappa, Longarone, Pescul.

For the higher-level travel overview: Belluno.