Previously: Nervesa of the Battle [#6]
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We've already cycled quite a bit and explored a ton of the area's history, WW1 and beyond. Today we'll arrive at our final destination: The Nervesa della Battaglia train station.
Stop #7: The Nervesa della Battaglia train station
Starting at the fountain, we take the scenic route through the village, over Via Rimembranza (meaning Remembrance), continuing southwest and crossing the canal. Here, you'll notice the road is crossed by an old, overgrown railroad and a path. Spoiler alert: the train station is no longer in use.
Nervesa della Battaglia was once part of a short, double-track train line connecting Montebelluna, Volpago del Montello, Giavera del Montello. Nervesa della Battaglia and finally Ponte della Priula across the Piave river. There's one photo of this train line on the bridge, but you'll have to squint a bit.
The rail was opened in 1916 as part of the supply chain to get food, gear and weaponry to the front. However, when the Austro-Hungarians pushed for Nervesa, it became part of the front. Bitter fighting happened at the Nervesa train station and the Austro-Hungarians did end up capturing it.
In 1920, the line was restored as a single-track route, upgraded to double track 5 years later and then downgraded back to single track another 15 years later. It was primarily in use for passenger service during this time, which was shut down in 1966. The section between Giavera and Ponte della Priula remained in use for an army depot until 1980.
Most of the line has been dismantled, though some rail remains around the Nervesa train station. Instead of building over it, the former railway has been transformed into a ~16km historical walking trail "La Tradotta" from Montebelluna until past Nervesa.
Under a bridge along the routeYou're allowed to cycle on the trail, so we join in at route marker #24 heading east. This section is mostly overgrown aside from the path itself, though the old rails and signs are still visible.
As we near route marker #25, we arrive at our final destination. Hidden behind the greenery on our left, there's an old abandoned building. Unmaintained, overgrown, slowly falling apart. You guessed it: it's the Nervesa train station.
The station as seen on Google Maps.This very building is the site of so many last stands on Montello. However, we should mention that some changes have been made to make the map more enjoyable. Compared to the old reference photos, there are extra doors on the sides of the building and you may notice that we're on the tracks and are looking towards the station, while in game the station is south of the tracks. Having the rails and wagons in front of the station makes a more interesting final objective than behind the station, where it would only block the Italians from getting back to the fighting.
Note that the historical photo has been flipped horizontally. The side you see is the other side of the station in game. Soldiers are facing north.
Well... that's it! We have arrived at the final stop of the tour, the last objective of Montello. From the Second Battle of Piave to ancient history and the surprising cultural impact this region had on not just Italy, but even Europe, we told a lot of stories in the past few weeks. We really hope you've enjoyed it and learned something as well – we sure did.
Up next?
While we assume you've read all Montello Tour blogs already (right?), we'll have a recap of all the stops next week, plus maybe a quick look at something some of you have requested us to check out. It involves aviation. See you then!
Visit Montello!
The Montello Cycling Tour is a collaboration with local organizations. We'd like to thank them for helping us out with information about the region, the history and photos they provided. If you're interested in visiting the area, please check them out and tell them we sent you!
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For bike renting and a historic tour with possibility for a meal.Bike Rental Montellohttps://aglizattieri.com/ |
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Looking for your next holiday destination?Visit Prosecco Hillshttps://visitproseccohills.it/en |
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Want to learn more about WW1 and the history of the area?Museo della Battaglia di Vittorio VenetoLocation on Google Maps |
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