The Pineta: A Sea of Treasures

by Manuel Pavanello

Our September bicycle journey begins in the Pineta. Leaving behind via Dragan Cigan, we turn left travelling along Via Oriente, passing by the verdant area that constitutes the city’s ‘green lung.’ Unfortunately, the various areas are within fenced private areas, therefore not accessible to the public. Upon reaching the tallest skyscraper in the area, Merville, on the other side of the road there is, since 2011, a sculpture made from Corten steel and glass called ‘The Eye of Polyphemus’: it’s located right at the entrance of Pineta Park. Inaugurated on the 21st of June 2011, it is a combination of wood, metal, and natural materials designed by the Portuguese landscapist João Ferreira Nunes. Now, continuing along Via Oriente to Piazza Rivoalto, some ‘Venice’ themed sculptures can be admired that were created from 2002 to 2021.  At this point, turn right onto Viale Cigno Bianco, and on both sides, you’ll find very characteristic local attractions. On the right, the Mariano route unfolds, a series of 20 wooden panels with religious themes created from 2013 to 2016, leading to the evocative Church of Santa Teresa. This place of worship is an octagonal building on brick pillars, built in 1962 as an appendix to the parish of Cortellazzo. Returning to Viale Cigno Bianco, on the left, the Muri d’Arte path spreads like an oil stain, a series of murals that have enriched the area since 1997 with secular-themed depictions (almost all scenes of traditional life and work with descriptive plaques). Make sure to admire them all, then explore all the various artworks. You will surely be delighted!