Piave / Grave di Ciano
When the river Piave finally reaches the plain, just past Vidor bridge, it spreads widely across the area named ‘Grave di Ciano’ (Ciano Riverbeds), which comprises about 940 hectares of river ecosystems and represents a still intact biodiversity oasis of stunning beauty. Thanks to the rare species and habitats it hosts, the site is included in the 2000 Nature Network as a Zone of Special Protection (Council Directive 79/409/EEC ) and as a Zone of Special Conservation (Council Directive Habitat 92/43/EEC). In 2018, thanks to its undeniable wilderness characteristics, ‘Grave di Ciano’ was also officially recognized as a “Wilderness Area” by the Italian Wilderness Society.
Among the white glittering river bed gravels nest many protected species. Regarding habitats, the area is dominated by large xerophytic fields belonging to different evolutionary stages and which have an extremely high conservation value. ‘Grave di Ciano’ hosts 194.3 hectares of dry grassland, highly valued by the E.U. and priority habitats for their wonderful orchid bloom, particularly for the orchids included in the Red List and regulated by CITES. Above all, this area represents an ecosystem that supports ecosystem services now considered highly essential, such as the natural water optimization regime, aquifer refilling, and pollination.
Here, our gaze can freely sweep the horizon from the Unesco hills and the Prealps to the north and the Montello Wood to the south, enjoying vast, breathtaking landscapes. This area also boasts a high historic value. Its ancient history, characterized by the close bond with the river Piave, is deeply embedded in the hamlets dotting the right side along the Piave levee. The first settlements in the wider area, known today as the municipality of Crocetta del Montello, all faced the river, the main communication route and an essential life resource for the population. In later years, the river Piave, which had always meant ‘life’ for the local communities, was destined to experience tragic events when, in 1917, it became the last World War I frontline.
Grave di Ciano are now facing great danger.
