- Distance and Time required: 4,6 | 2 h
- Elevation gain: flat
- Difficulty: Facile
- Starting Point: Parking in Piazza Vittoria
- Short description: Starting from the center of Riese Pio X, we’ll discover the Birthplace of Pope Pius X and his museum. After the visit, walking in the Pope’s footsteps, we will head towards the Cendrole Sanctuary along the Curiotto Path. On the way back to the car, we’ll take a moment to explore the charming Poetry Park (Parco della Poesia)
- Stroller/Wheelchair accessible: Yes
The Walk
Looking at Riese Pio X from a satellite view, you can see a large road arch encircling the town center—something that immediately caught Samuele’s eye. "Why is there an arch around the town?" he asked. So, I promised him we’d walk right through it!
The sun is playing hide-and-seek this morning, but the temperature is lovely. During the winter season, what’s better than a nice flat itinerary where there's so much to discover? We hop out of the car and head toward the war memorial, then turn right.
A large photo of Giuseppe Sarto (Pope Pius X), who was born right here, appears in a shop window. Walking under the porticoes (Via Sarto), we almost immediately reach his birthplace. It’s incredible to think that such a great story began within these simple, humble walls.
Papa Pio X Giuseppe Sarto
To the birthplace of Pope Piux XWe decide to visit. Admission is free, and Jessica, a volunteer, guides us through the rooms, telling us what life was like back then. Two things left us speechless: first, the bedrooms had no wardrobes. In those days, a simple chest was enough because you only owned two outfits: one for work and one for Sunday best. Nothing else.
Evelina, looking at the kitchen, felt like she had stepped back in time: it reminded her of her childhood in the Albanian Alps, where the kitchen hearth was the only truly warm spot in the house and the heart of everything.
But what surprised Marco Albino and Samuele the most was the lack of a bathroom. Marco Albino, unconvinced, checked every single corner of the house—but nothing! That’s when Jessica pulled an ace out of her sleeve: back then, the toilet was outside, but in the future Pope’s room, there is still a nightstand that, when opened, became a sort of portable toilet. A luxury for the time, even if someone still had to carry everything outside by hand.
After signing the guestbook and giving in to buying some 'Pope’s bracelets,' we thank Jessica for her great patience (it took the kids quite a while to pick their favorites!) and for the wonderful discovery. Right next to the house is the Pope's Museum, but we decide to get back on the trail.
Casa natale del Papa
The kitchenWe turn left, pass the bust of the Pontiff and, walking along the sidewalk (Via Callalta), head towards the Cendrole Sanctuary. Along the way, I point out the Water Tower to Samuele and ask him if he knows what it is. Always ready with an answer, he catches me off guard: "It’s the town’s chandelier! At night, it lights up all the houses and streets."
While I smile at his imagination, Marco Albino doesn't miss the chance to test his balance on some low stone walls. Along our path, there are numerous panels featuring quotes and thoughts from the Pope of Riese. We stop to read a few, trying to understand the mind of this Pontiff, whom we actually know very little about.
The Aqueduct of Riese Pio X
Quotes and Thoughts of the PopeWe go straight through the bypass roundabout and, in no time at all, we cross the road to join the Curiotto Path. We leave the main road behind for this little country lane: here, the view opens up freely toward the Prealps, while a few birds hop among the bare fields in search of seeds.
The "troop" can run free here without any danger. We even encounter some chickens perched on the edge of the path; as soon as they see us, they scurry back toward the farmyard. In a short time, we reach the Cendrole Sanctuary. We take a little break, sitting on the outdoor benches, and then head inside to visit the church: a well-deserved pause, even just to say thanks for this beautiful day spent together.
Curiotto Path
Cendrole SanctuaryFor the way back, we retrace our steps to the roundabout, where I take the opportunity for a quick orienteering lesson: I point out to Samuele that we are walking right along that famous arch that had intrigued him so much on the computer.
At the roundabout, we take the first exit on the left (Provinciale 6) and follow the pedestrian and cycle path that runs alongside this fairly busy road. In front of us, large white clouds hide the peaks of the Treviso mountain range. Shortly, we arrive at another roundabout where a bronze statue of Giuseppe Sarto stands tall, meticulously studied up close by our little explorers.
The road arc around Riese Pio X
Bronze statue of the PopeNow we need to pay a bit of attention: we take Via Monte Grappa toward the center and, after passing the Riese town sign, we turn into the small lane on the left. Walking among the houses, we reach Quartiere Longhin, then continue to the right until we turn onto Via Don Gnocchi.
On the horizon, something appears that looks like a miracle to the kids! A large green meadow with amazing playground equipment—some of it very tall and inviting. We are still on the sidewalk, and I have to work hard to hold everyone back: they want to run full tilt toward the Poetry Park, but we still have to watch out for the last few passing cars before enjoying our well-deserved final reward.
Some steps to reach the Park
Parco della PoesiaEvelina and I catch up, we cross the street and finally... we break ranks! While we parents sit comfortably on a bench to enjoy a bit of sunshine, the kids start running, playing, and making new friends among the park’s playground structures.
After a good half hour, it’s time to head back to the car. We take the internal path through the park toward the Villa, continue to the right alongside the "barchessa" (the historic manor outbuilding), and in an instant, we are back at the parking lot.
Photo Gallery
Problemi di mal di schiena cronico e cervicali a Treviso?
Studio Perissinotto
Rieducazione funzionale e percettiva tra i sensori del corpo e il cervello per risolvere il mal di schiena cronico e le cervicalgie.
Via Cadorna n. 57 a Carbonera - Tel. 351 855 3090
Track Gps
What to see
Birthplace and Museum of Pope Pius X: the humble home where Giuseppe Sarto was born, preserved in its original simplicity. Next to the house is the museum, housed in what was once the family stable, which today displays personal mementos and objects that belonged to the Pontiff.
Cendrole Sanctuary: cProbably the oldest Christian building in the area, but its roots go even deeper: it stands on an ancient pagan site dedicated to the goddess Reitia. A corner of peace where thousands of years of history can be felt in every stone.
Curiotto Path: the natural heart of the walk. This ancient country lane has been transformed into a protected pedestrian and cycle path. It was along this very route that young Giuseppe Sarto would walk to the Cendrole Sanctuary for prayer and meditation.
Problemi di mal di schiena cronico e cervicali a Treviso?
Studio Perissinotto
Rieducazione funzionale e percettiva tra i sensori del corpo e il cervello per risolvere il mal di schiena cronico e le cervicalgie.
Via Cadorna n. 57 a Carbonera - Tel. 351 855 3090
Refreshment Points
Local cafes and restaurants in Riese Pio X
Curiosities
Legend has it that the Cendrole Sanctuary was born after the Virgin Mary appeared to a young shepherdess, miraculously saving her from a wolf attack in the middle of a burnt forest. It was the Virgin herself who drew the perimeter of the future church, tracing its boundaries on the ground using the ashes from the fire.