Discover what to do in Mira: the Brenta canals, Villa Contarini Pisani and its centenary park, Parco Valmanara, the Parco del Donatore. First of all…
Where is Mira located?
The municipality of Mira borders to the north with Spinea, to the northeast with Venezia, to the northwest with Mirano, to the south with Campagna Lupia, to the west with Mirano, Pianiga and Dolo.
Cycling in Mira: between history and nature
The recommended cycling route starts at the bright white church of San Giovanni Battista in the hamlet of Gambarare, in Via della Chiesa, 30034 Piazza Vecchia (VE).
The Church of San Giovanni Battista in Gambarare
Accessible through an elegant porch culminating in a triangular tympanum, the church has a double-pitched facade rhythmically marked by superimposed pilasters connected by pairs of blind arches that follow the dentilled profile of the cornice.
Externally devoid of painted decorations, the place of worship stands out for the suggestive chiaroscuro effects generated by the complex geometries of the architectural ornaments.
Another prominent feature is the soaring bell tower in exposed brick with a square base topped by an octagonal spire.
The cycling path along the Brenta
Leave the church facade behind. Turn left into Via Chiesa Gambarare and continue along Via dei Campi, immersing yourself in the vast agricultural landscape that stretches as far as the eye can see in the Venetian hinterland, interspersed with tall, lush hedges.
Follow the main road to the intersection with Via Porto Menai. Turn right and continue through the natural landscape dotted with pleasant wooded areas and fascinating examples of rural architecture. At the roundabout, take the second exit and continue along Via Porto Menai until you reach the Brenta embankment. Before the bridge, turn right into Via Argine Sinistro Novissimo.
Villa Contarini dei Leoni
Follow the course of the Brenta for about 2 km to the intersection of Via Guglielmo Marconi and Riviera Giacomo Matteotti. Turn right into Riviera Giacomo Matteotti, then cross the bridge over the canal and turn right into Via Nazionale.
From Via Nazionale, keep right and take Riviera S. Trentin. Follow the Riviera in the shade of tall linden trees until you find Villa Contarini dei Leoni on your left.
Raised over two floors and a mezzanine, the noble residence is accessible via a staircase adorned with sculptures of two lions holding a shield.
The park of Villa Valmanara and the Church of San Nicolò
Built in 1558 (the year visible in Roman letters on the architrave above the door “MDLVIII”). Elements of particular value are the balcony with parapet on the main floor and the four soaring dormers that complete the vertical development of the structure.
A visit is recommended to the splendid centenary park dedicated to the local painter Beppi Spolaor. Continue along the tree-lined road that follows the sinuous course of the canal, passing by the majestic bulk of the Church of San Nicolò.
Walking in Parco Valmarana
Continue until you reach the picturesque square in Via delle Porte where the tavern ae porte is located. Continue along Via Don G. Minzoni for 600 meters, then cross the bridge to your right and enter the fairy-tale atmosphere of the vast Parco Valmarana, ideal for quiet walks in unspoiled nature away from traffic noise (on this page you will find the opening hours of the park of Villa Valmanara).
The Parco del Donatore
After the visit, go back, cross the bridge again, turn right and enter Via Nazionale. At Villa Widmann, turn right into Via Riscossa and follow the course of the Brenta until you rejoin Via Nazionale. Continue along Via Venezia, at the roundabout take the first exit and continue for 350 meters, then cross the bridge to your right and turn left.
Continue along the riviera from which you can enjoy a wonderful view of the Brenta, the tree-lined street lit by vintage lampposts, and the fascinating urban panorama of Mira. Cross the bridge in Via Sabbiona, turn right into Via Venezia and continue for 350 meters.
A last green stop: Cà Ballo and Via Bastiette
Turn left into Via Romagna and continue along Via Cadore until you reach the entrance of the Parco del Donatore, an ideal place for outdoor physical activity thanks to the equipment for free body sports, for walking or using tables and benches in the shade of the canopies of tall trees.
After resting in the vast green area, go back retracing Via Cadore and Via Romagna. At the intersection with Via Venezia, turn right and continue to the bridge in Via Sabbiona. Cross the bridge again and continue along Via Sabbioni for 2.2 km, then keep left in Via Sabbiona (passing by the oratory of the Beata Vergine del Caravaggio) and continue along the road from which you can admire lush willows and vast cultivated expanses bordered by hedges.
At the roundabout take the second exit onto Via Cà Balletto. At the fork, turn right onto Cà Ballo and follow the course of the canal surrounded by willows, poplars and shady wooded areas. Continue along Cà Ballo for 1.7 km to the intersection with Via Bastiette.
Return to the starting point
Turn right and go along Via Bastiette to the intersection with Via 25 Aprile and turn left. Continue for 600 meters, turn right into Via della Chiesa and continue to the intersection of Via dei Campi and Via Chiesa Gambarare. Turn right into Via Chiesa Gambarare to reach the starting point.
Exploring Mira between history, nature and art
Mira offers a fascinating mix of tradition and modernity, with opportunities for outdoor fitness, immersing yourself in local culture, and enjoying the natural wonders of the surrounding landscape. The beauty and fairy-tale atmosphere of Mira are an irresistible lure for lovers of history, art, and nature, turning this cycling itinerary into a truly unforgettable experience.
