Santa Giustina: Cycling Route, River Trail and Local History

Santa Giustina appeals to travelers who want to combine a cycling trip through the Valbelluna with riverside scenery and cultural and historical attractions. Two distinct perspectives can help you find your bearings: the Anello della Valbelluna cycling route runs through Santa Giustina between Belluno and Feltre; La via dell'acqua follows the Veses through fields, forests, paths and footbridges. There are also the Chiesa Arcipretale and the Mulino di Santa Libera, both with specific historical connections.

Cycling through the Valbelluna

The Anello della Valbelluna is an approximately 80-kilometer loop along cycle paths and country roads. It has no particular difficulties and is also suitable for less experienced cyclists, families and e-bikes. Its length, route type and difficulty rating give you concrete points of reference to help you decide whether the loop matches your idea of a cycling trip. The Anello reaches Santa Giustina as part of its cycling route between Belluno and Feltre.

You can also factor your arrival into your decision: the Anello lets you combine train travel and cycling via Santa Giustina station. So if you are planning a cycling trip, this transport connection is another relevant consideration alongside the route itself.

Follow the Veses and its paths

La via dell'acqua offers a different way to explore the area. The trail follows the Veses through fields, forests, paths and over footbridges. If you want to focus on a river route and varied landscape features when planning your trip, it offers a distinct alternative to the cycling route.

One section of La via dell'acqua runs through Parco Nazionale Dolomiti Bellunesi and connects with the Chiesette pedemontane trail. For orientation, it is helpful to note the exact connection: the link to the park applies to one section of the trail. Its connection with Chiesette pedemontane provides another point of reference if you are exploring the area's named trails.

Architecture and art in Santa Giustina

The present-day Chiesa Arcipretale di Santa Giustina was built by Antonio De Boni between 1782 and 1791 and consecrated in 1832. The church houses a Madonna by Francesco Frigimelico, a Saint Francis by Antonio Crico and a statue of the Addolorata by Valentino Panciera Besarel. Its architectural history and the artworks mentioned offer different points of interest for visitors interested in cultural history.

In 1998, the remains of the 5th- to 6th-century mother church and an ancient basilica dating from 1150 were discovered at the church. These historical points of reference therefore predate the construction of the present-day church.

The Mulino di Santa Libera is another historical point of interest. Its wheels were already in operation in 1526. In 2004, the mill was restored with support from the municipality of Santa Giustina and reopened to the public. The two dates mark different aspects of its history: the early operation of the wheels and the later restoration. Together with the church, the mill offers another cultural and historical perspective on Santa Giustina.

For further trip planning, you can also visit these destinations: Zoldo Alto, Trichiana, Spert, Pascoli, Pian del Cansiglio, Cesiomaggiore, Pieve D'alpago and Lamon.

For the broader travel overview: Belluno.