Villanova: History, Landscape and Cycling

Reconstruction and economic development

The town centre of Villanova was destroyed in the Vajont disaster. As part of the reconstruction, plans were made to establish industrial businesses in Villanova. In the period after the disaster, Villanova developed into an extensive area and an important economic hub for the province. The Zona Industriale Villanova di Longarone is considered one of the major production centres in the province of Belluno. The town’s development therefore encompasses several distinct stages: the profound upheaval, reconstruction planning and the economic importance Villanova subsequently gained. Planning and later development are two separate aspects of its history.

The history of Vajont and other historical connections

The Vajont disaster claimed 1,450 lives along the Piave Valley. The geographical area extends between the centre of Longarone and the nearby hamlets of Rivalta, Pirago, Faè and Villanova. Erwin Rommel’s diary entry of 9 November 1917 offers a different historical perspective. In it, Rommel describes Villanova, together with Longarone, Dogna, Rivalta, Pirago, the Torrente Maè and the Faè estate, as one of the locations involved in his operation to block the retreat of Italian troops from the Dolomites and north-western Friuli. The 1917 military operation and the Vajont disaster are distinct historical connections to the area.

The Museo Longarone Vajont – Attimi di Storia is also a point of reference for the history of the Vajont disaster. The presentation described in 2023 arranged the events chronologically and used photographs, artefacts and multimedia panels. Its chronological structure and varied media offered a distinct way to explore the history of the disaster.

Landscape and cycling

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. The Villanova-Faè plain is a separate area: it was drained and later named “campagna Protti”. The facilities on the large plain and the history of the drainage are therefore both part of the area’s landscape connections.

For cyclists, the “La lunga via delle Dolomiti” cycling route is another specific connection to the Piave. It runs along the Piave river embankment, beside Longarone’s public and sports facilities. A municipal side road also provides access to the area in question. It runs parallel to the embankment and leads from the extensive Zona Industriale Villanova di Longarone. The embankment route and access via the side road can thus be considered separate points of reference when choosing a location. For travel planning, the locations are distinct: the historical connections concern Villanova, while the cycling route runs along the Piave embankment near Longarone.

Discover more destinations: Rocca Pietore, Soverzene, Colderù, Padola, Santa Giustina, Vodo Cadore, Pian del Cansiglio, Pascoli.

For the broader travel overview: Belluno.