The best cycling routes around Istrana

Mulino Michieletto (formerly Pamio), the “middle mill”, the smallest of the Scorzè mills. Of sixteenth-century origin, it passed through various owners and was managed by the millers of the Pamio family who took care of its operation and productive activity. Today it is a private property with horse breeding; in addition to the two barns (haylofts) for sheltering vehicles, the two entry holes for the spindles (pins) have been preserved on the south wall. From here, without a doubt, begins the most interesting area from a landscape point of view of the Quattro Mulini Cycle-Pedestrian Path. Leaving the urban area, you immerse yourself completely in the countryside. The path, bordered by a wooden fence, follows the sinuous course of the river and its many bends up to the Mulino Todori, between the localities of Contea and Canove.

The Cosma Mill (formerly Pavanetto) is one of the four currently present in the municipal area, silent witnesses of a time when water was a precious resource and marked daily life. Dating back to the 15th century, as per a document that sets its construction date to 1470, and belonging to the noble families Donà, Contarini, and Zen, it remained active until 1995. It marks the initial/final stage of the Four Mills cycle path completed in 2019.

The Il Mulino Todori (formerly Pamio) stands between the localities of Contea and Canove. The existence of a mill in this area has been known since 1455. Run by as many as three families, all belonging to the Todori branch of the Pamio family, it had three millstones: for maize, for wheat, and for the waste of corn and cobs. The mill was subsequently rebuilt by the noble Soranzo family, who created the adjoining manor house with the architectural characteristics typical of Venetian villas, of which the central trifora can still be identified. The milling activity definitively ceased in the early 1960s. The mill, today privately owned, is located within the Oasi Todori, a municipal green area inaugurated in 201. Characterized by high biodiversity, it currently occupies an area of 2.5 hectares as a refuge and protection area for various species of flora and fauna, including woodpecker, swallow, robin, blackbird, sparrow, finch, water rail. Among the tree species are field maple, hornbeam, poplar, willow, elder, and dogwood.

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.

Where does the Canale della Vittoria begin, which after 15 km passes in front of my house

L'Osteria ai Pioppi represents a unique case in the world where artisanal ingenuity meets Venetian culinary tradition. Located in the evocative setting of Montello, the establishment is most famous for its incredible amusement park built entirely by hand by Bruno Ferrin. Every single ride, from roller coasters to complex slides, operates exclusively thanks to the force of gravity and the energy of visitors, without the aid of any electric motor. The gastronomic experience reflects this rustic and genuine spirit through a self-service system that offers local cuisine classics, such as grilled meats, polenta, and typical cheeses. Eating in the shade of the dense poplar forest offers a convivial and timeless atmosphere, capable of uniting the charm of metal carpentry with the straightforwardness of flavors from an old-fashioned osteria.

A few kilometers were enough for the route to begin to tell its story. The creaking wood of a long bridge accompanied us towards one of the most silent and memory-laden places: the cemetery of the Burci. Amidst the still water and the vegetation that now reclaims every space, the wrecks of old boats emerge like forgotten thoughts, suspended between past and present. There time seems to slow down, almost to stop, and we too, for a moment, truly stop pedaling...

Il Mulino Cosma, in Martellago, is a symbol of the milling evolution along the Dese. Founded in the 19th century, it distinguishes itself from neighboring mills by transforming tradition into a cutting-edge industrial activity, specializing in flour and animal feed. Located within the river park, it represents a perfect blend of productive archaeology and natural landscape. It is a fundamental stop for those exploring the cycle-pedestrian routes to discover Venetian roots.