San Dona di Piave: The city of a brave pilot and a friendship pact

San Dona di Piave is one of the significant towns in eastern Veneto. It has over 40,000 inhabitants. After the First World War, almost the entire town had to be rebuilt because it was significantly damaged by battles in the Piave River area. Today, it represents an important transport hub in the region. It lies on the railway line between Venice and Trieste and is connected to major road routes, making it a key centre for residents of the wider area. Outside the tourist season, residents from seaside resorts often commute here for work, shopping, or administrative matters. The town maintains a quieter atmosphere, away from busy resorts, and offers year-round services and a pleasant living environment.

Geography

San Dona di Piave is located on the Piave River, about 34 km from Venice, 26 km from Treviso, and 26 km from Pordenone. The area is known for frequent autumn and winter fogs. The town forms a natural agglomeration with the municipalities of Noventa di Piave, Musile di Piave, and Fossalta di Piave, known as Città del Piave. It also borders the territories of Jesolo, Eraclea, Ceggia, Torre di Mosto, Cessalto, and Salgareda.

History

The area was inhabited since prehistoric times and during the Roman era. In the Middle Ages, the villages of San Donato and Mussetta were established here. In the 13th–14th centuries, the area was plagued by wars and floods, which changed the course of the Piave River and led to the creation of the famous “friendship pact” between San Donà and Musile di Piave.

In the 19th century, the town prospered thanks to reclamation projects and infrastructure development. After the First World War, it was completely rebuilt. Today, San Donà is an important transport and economic hub between Treviso and coastal resorts.

Culture — Friendship Pact

The famous “friendship pact” between San Donà and Musile di Piave commemorates events from the 13th–14th centuries when the Piave River changed its course. The Church of San Donato then found itself on Musile’s territory, and therefore San Donà symbolically hands over two capons to Musile every year on August 7th as a gesture of friendship. This tradition is still ceremoniously maintained today.

Giannino Ancillotto — Aviation Hero from San Donà di Piave

San Donà di Piave is the birthplace of the notable Italian aviator Giannino Ancillotto (1897–1924), one of the most daring pilots of the First World War. He became famous for shooting down a German Zeppelin airship during a night flight, which was exceptional at the time. For his bravery, he received the Gold Medal for Military Valor.

After the war, he became a promoter of aviation in Italy. Today, the town proudly remembers its native son — his name is borne by Villa Ancillotto Park and on the main square, Piazza Indipendenza, stands the monumental memorial to Giannino Ancillotto from 1931 in the shape of a stylised aeroplane. The memorial, which underwent renovation in 2020, is one of the key symbols of the town’s historical memory and commemorates not only the aviator’s courage but also the tragic period of the First World War.

Landmarks

Cathedral of Our Lady (Duomo di San Donà di Piave) — a monumental neo-Renaissance church built in the 19th century and rebuilt after the First World War. In May 2021, a remarkable cycle of mosaics was installed in the chapel of the Eucharistic reserve inside the cathedral, created by Slovenian Jesuit and artist Marko Ivan Rupnik along with the Aletti Centre. This set of mosaics is located in the chapel to the right of the main altar. The mosaics stand out for their modern spiritual style, combining traditional Byzantine elements with current themes. According to some sources, the cycle may include a mosaic depicting healthcare workers as a tribute to their efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic. For details on specific motifs, it is recommended to contact the parish directly or view the mosaics in person.

Giannino Ancillotto Memorial — a monumental memorial in the shape of a stylised aeroplane on Piazza Indipendenza, unveiled in 1931. It commemorates the famous local pilot and his heroism during the First World War.

Church of St. Charles in Chiesanuova — the original church was built in 1696 but was destroyed during the First World War. The current church was built in the 1920s in a neo-Romanesque style according to the design of architect Giuseppe Torres.

Villa Ancillotto with a historic park (18th–20th century) — a historic villa surrounded by a sprawling park covering 5 hectares. It originally served as the residence of the Ancillotto count family and was later associated with the Orfei family. Currently, the villa is in a neglected state, with a damaged roof and deteriorating interior. There are plans for its restoration and transformation into a resort that would preserve the historical architecture while offering modern accommodation and services.

Museums

• Museo della Bonifica (Reclamation Museum)
• Galleria Civica d’Arte Moderna e Contemporanea (Gallery of Modern and Contemporary Art)
• Parco della Scultura in Architettura (Sculpture in Architecture Park)

Transport

The town has a railway station San Donà di Piave–Jesolo, with good connections to Venice, Treviso, and the coast.

Since January 2025, a beautiful new modern ATVO bus terminal has been in operation on Via Ereditari. This spacious terminal offers a comfortable waiting room, pharmacy, refreshments, and barrier-free facilities. Emphasis is also placed on sustainability, with 10 charging stations for electric buses and space for further expansion. All regional bus lines now depart from here. The terminal is also connected to train services, and city shuttle transport facilitates transfers between different modes of transport.

Current timetables and connections can be easily tracked in the updated ATVO mobile app: www.atvo.it/it-it/app-atvo.aspx.

Twin Town

• Villeneuve-sur-Lot, France

Interesting Places Nearby

San Donà di Piave is an excellent starting point for exploring eastern Veneto and the nearby Adriatic coast.

Nearby, you can find:

• Jesolo — a well-known seaside resort with long beaches and a bustling nightlife (about 20 min by car)
• Cavallino-Treporti — natural lagoons, beaches, and great cycling tourism
• Caorle — a historic fishing town with a beautiful centre and coastal promenade
• Venice — the most famous Italian city on the lagoon (about 40 min by car or train)
• Treviso — an elegant historic city with water canals and excellent restaurants (about 30 min)
• Noventa di Piave Designer Outlet — one of the largest in the area, another is located near the town of Palmanova.