Villanova De' Beretti: Discover Roman Traces and Cycling Routes

Villanova De' Beretti combines traces of Roman landscape planning with an independent rural municipal history and various cycling opportunities. Additional traces in the landscape around Villanova De' Beretti provide evidence of the remains of a Roman centuriation system. For you, this offers a tangible way to approach a place whose past can be understood not only through dates, but also through lines in the terrain.

Roman Order in the Landscape

The centuriation in this area probably dates from the 1st century BC. A centuriation axis running through Villanova De' Beretti lies approximately 710 metres south of the second decumanus. A third straight axis of the Roman centuriation system also runs through Villanova De' Beretti. The centuriation system also includes cardines running perpendicular to these axes, which are less well preserved.

History Between the Municipality and the Certosa

From the 14th century until 1757, Villanova De' Beretti was an independent rural municipality. In 1751, the village was held in fief by the Certosa monastery. These two historical milestones provide the local history with a clear chronological framework and make the connection to the Certosa di Pavia an important cultural reference point.

Landscape, Paths and Historical Orientation

In the Giussago area, Benedictine monks drained stagnant waters with the help of an elaborate network of canals and the use of fontanili. In the village of Villanova De' Beretti, Via Giuseppe Di Vittorio runs along the provincial road SP27. The former horse-drawn tramway once connected the railway station with the monumental complex of the Certosa. In this way, landscape history, local orientation and a historic transport route come together in the same regional narrative.

Cycling Routes for Different Day Plans

On 18 June 2023, the historic cycling event “L'Ambrosiana” passed through Villanova De' Beretti as well as Carpignago, Guinzano, Liconasco and Turago Bordone. The “Bend of the Naviglio Pavese – Certosa di Pavia loop from Villanova De' Beretti” mountain-bike loop is rated moderate, is 45.8 kilometres long and has an indicated duration of 2 hours 25 minutes. The different route formats give you a practical basis for planning active days according to length and difficulty.

Guided loop routes are connected with Carpignago, Certosa di Pavia and Villanova De' Beretti. One guided loop followed the old Roman road “Mediolanum-Ticinum”. On one guided loop, the route ended in Villanova De' Beretti with refreshments. The route “ITINERARIO N. I - GRAVEL NELLE CAMPAGNE DEL PAVESE” is connected with Basilica Bologna, Giussago and Villanova De' Beretti as well as with the Certosa di Pavia.

Choose the Holiday Apartment That Matches Your Travel Interests

If you are looking for a holiday apartment in Villanova De' Beretti, you can base your choice of location on the themes you want to shape your trip. The Roman axes and additional landscape traces are suited to cultural discoveries; the various loop routes and the gravel route offer a different focus. The historic connection to the Certosa di Pavia may also play a role in your planning.

Discover More Places

For your further choice of destination, you can also discover Borgarello, Calvignano, Brallo Di Pregola, Menconico, Gambolò, Dorno, Castello D'agogna and Carbonara al Ticino.

To the higher-level travel overview: Pavia.