Rural architecture: paths through the landscapes and architecture of Valbelluna.
The rural architecture and the traditional agricultural landscape of Val Belluna showcase unique characteristics that are still perceivable in all their original beauty, if we know where to find them and how to understand them.
They speak to us of constructions with local materials, of crops suitable to the area, of social organization, of ancient and resilient knowledge; in short, they tell us about living in the mountains. The visitor who wishes to understand how humans have lived in these territories for centuries, to grasp their most authentic characteristics, and to be moved by the spirit of places far from the more well-known circuits, will find along this itinerary the most symbolic and interesting towns.
Although the rural architecture of Val Belluna displays some common traits, it is also very interesting to highlight the differences and variations developed by the different local communities, due to altitude, available materials, predominant crops, local knowledge, etc.
In this journey to discover some rural architectures of Belluno and the surrounding landscape, which are in a close interdependent relationship, we propose six towns chosen for their peculiar characteristics:
- Solivi di Fastro (Arsiè): the ‘Feltrino house’
- Val di Seren (Seren del Grappa): the fojaròi with green roofs
- Montagne (Cesiomaggiore): the mid-mountain settlement
- Meano (Santa Giustina): the common courtyards
- Col (Borgo Valbelluna): the linear settlement
- Frontin (Borgo Valbelluna): the ‘Belluno house’
The cycling-tourism route through the six towns can be navigated in a loop (about 120 Km) or in stages of interest; secondary roads with little traffic and great scenic value have been chosen, or, where available, bike paths. From a technical point of view, there are no particular difficulties, despite some elevation changes that are to be expected, considering it is an itinerary in the landscape of the mid-mountain!
