Alon the Noncello river - Pordenone with love
SPORT / Ciclying & MTB

Alon the Noncello river

The Noncello River deserves the cycle path that had been spoken about for years to no avail, given its beauty and clear water. Likewise the elegant evolution of the riverbed, almost always hidden by the wooded banks that defend its intimacy even in the sections besieged by inhabited areas. So our route, which is nevertheless gratifying, more than following, pursues the river from one bridge to another, through several parks, running alongside short sections and taking advantage of the most suitable and quiet roads.

Located along the strip of resurgences, Cordenons and Pordenone owe their origin and development to the presence of water. Among the ditches and canals, the Noncello River, which starts from the resurgences of Cordenons (the ancient name being Curtis Naonis), became very important. It crosses Pordenone (the ancient name being Portus Naonis), just touches Vallenoncello (where the old Customs is) and flows into the Meduna near Visinale di Prata. Although it is a short stretch, it continues into the Meduna and Livenza, becoming an important trading route for spices and various other goods from Venice and timber from Valcellina and the surrounding territories. Then, with the decline of river traffic, the activity of water mills, forges, paper and spinning mills started to expand, taking advantage of the availability of water, giving way to the great industrial development of the Pordenone area.

This route starts from the town hall in Piazza della Vittoria, in the centre of CORDENONS (km 0.0). Take via Cortina and, upon reaching via Creta (to the left), take a short detour. After about 80 m a trickle of water can be seen, which is the first sign of the Noncello River. Turn back, continue and after about 200 m at the beginning of a parking lot on the left, the trickle of water can again be seen. This is the second trace of the Noncello. Continue along via Cortina (uncultivated area with springs to the left and a short cycle track to the right) and, approaching the cemetery, cross the first bridge of the water course, which has now become several meters wide. Proceed to the right into via S. Michele, cross over a second bridge (then a bridge over the tributary) and turn left at the junction into via Molini, follow this road until reaching via Ponte del Vado. (1.8 km up to this point).

Go towards the left and just before the bridge take the trail to the right that crosses a small Park bordered by the Noncello, which is now full of spring water that it has accumulated during its short journey. Coming out of via dei Frassini, continue straight alongside the Noncello into via Garibaldi, (with a glimpse of the old Cantoni cotton mill in front). Go to the left, over a third bridge and the small waterworks, which is now in ruins and turn right at the crossroads. This is via Bellasio, which initially runs alongside the Noncello (views) and continues for a distance ignoring the side roads. Proceed after the roundabout (crossroads with via Foenis); the Noncello will be to the right as well as a part of the old Venetian cotton mill, until reaching the junction (4.5 km).

On the right is a hydroelectric power plant that is still in operation today (and further ahead the remains of Roman baths). Turn left into via Vittorio Veneto, which is surrounded by a high wall (the body of the old Venetian cotton mill lies behind it) and upon reaching via Eritrea, go through a gate to the right and take the dirt track. This is the Parco del Seminario. Cross the bridge over the artificial canal deriving from the Noncello River (with waterworks), continue along a straight line alongside the Noncello (rather narrow), passing under trunk road SS 13 and again go straight (the Seminario and the old Amman cotton mill can be seen at a distance) coming out on the paved road of via del Seminario to the right. Cross the bridge (the two branches of the Noncello come together), go straight and proceed along via S. Martiri Concordiesi, following the cycle track, which rises to the right and immediately after cross the road on the pedestrian crossing to approach two roundabouts.

Go to the right, round the roundabout on the pedestrian crossing and take the red cycle track of viale Riviera del Pordenone that flanks the Noncello. This is the centre of PORDENONE. After about 450 metres (traffic lights) turn left towards the pedestrian bridge of Adamo e Eva (7.5 km). This is the river park of the Noncello and half-way through the route. Cross the bridge; the Chiesa della Santissima Trinità (Church of the Holy Trinity) lies right in front. Take the road to the right (watch for traffic). Cross a roundabout, under the railway and immediately go up to the right on the flyover to access the Fiera Campionaria (Fairgrounds). After a short one-way stretch of road, the cycle track starts, running alongside the large roundabout. Turn right into via Della Dogana, where the trail continues on the opposite side.

Follow the cycle track, under the highway and after about 500 metres is via Cargnel to the right (9.6 km) that leads to the banks of the Noncello River (This is where the boats that stopped at the Customs of Vallenoncello used to moor. The building was inexplicably knocked down a few years ago). Having turned back, take the cycle track again (comfortable, but with two inconvenient restrictions) that end at the Piscina Comunale (Public swimming pool). Cross the towns of NONCELLO and VALLENONCELLO and once the roundabout in the square of VALLE has been reached (12.3 km) turn right. Follow the bend and then again to the right into a small road that runs alongside a beautiful rural landscape.

The paved road finishes and the trail continues along a gravelly road to reach a small bridge with guard-rail, on the verge of a bend of the Noncello (view). Soon after, when the road ends and comes out onto the provincial road, take a grassy cart track on the right (14.8 km) and continue along it (ignoring another small road that comes out onto the provincial road) until reaching the end of a cultivated area bordered by hedges and a large tree. Behind this the Noncello River ends its course and flows into the Meduna river. Approach the river bank to take a look, but be careful as the terrain is rough. The route ends here. From piazza della Vittoria in Cordenons the distance covered is 15.7 km. To return, it is worth going back along the same trail or, to avoid the dirt roads, if traffic is not a problem, use the section of provincial road up to Valle.

END