“We went there almost by accident, not quite sure what to expect. The surprise was great, in finding an oasis so large and so well organized, with many paths all well indicated. Unfortunately, due to the recent flood, the access bridge to the oasis has been temporarily removed, and will have to be replaced. Most of the paths are accessible by wheelchair, with wooden walkways in rough spots.”
How better to start a post about a natural oasis than by using my review?
Fontane Bianche, this is the name of the oasis, is a place that has a “special place” in my stories, in my lists, and in my projects.
- There, I took the photo that became the cover image of my video and application for Connect live 2019: Accessible life
- Fontane Bianche is part of my Accessible pathway and beaches list
- Fontane Bianche also in my Nature & history - Alps of North East list
- You can find the place mentioned on How many ways to contribute? Nature & history - Alps of North East. There, I promised to complete the sequence of posts in Connect about the places mentioned in the list, and so, here we are.
Fontane Bianche (White Fountains) is a Natural oasis along the Piave river. The oasis is rich in small streams, created by the river itself, and which appear as small springs (fountains), or as branches of the river itself. The particular microclimate makes the area particularly interesting from the faunal point of view, but this is not the only element of interest of the oasis.
The area is also extremely interesting from a historical point of view, as it is one of the most important theaters of the First World War.
In 1918, the oasis was part of the Austro-Hungaric Empire, and the river itself was the border between Italy and Austria.
I wrote a lot in the past about WW1 (in a war, nobody wins - we are all losers), and I will write more in the future, so actually let just talk about Nature.
I visited the area several times, but the colours of the Autumn makes this place very special.
That’s why I wanted to write the post now. The colours in this season are hot, with a lot of red and brown on a background of green, always present.
The soft, golden light produces subtle shadows, and is perfect for creating soft, subdued images
The sound of flowing water is always present, in the dozens of streams and ponds of which the oasis is rich.
As you cross it, you will come across numerous wooden bridges, which make the route accessible even in a wheelchair.
To visit the oasis you need to practice patience and silence, in order to observe the numerous species of animals and insects that populate the area.
A large series of signs guides us along the way, telling us where to go, what we will meet, and also what we need to pay attention to.
The route is easy, suitable and recommended for children, but it is still necessary to have adequate clothing, and not to leave children alone.
The place was fully accessible till November 2018, when (as you can see on the 360° photos) the access bridge to the oasis was torn away by the strongest storm that hit the North East of Italy in the last 60 years.
But, as the oasis have several other access, the place still be fully accessible, even if using some workaround.
That’s why Fontane Bianche will be inserted soon on the “Accessible Life Project”
What is Accessible Life? It is a project I created to help all people explore nature and public places no matter their mobility with the ability to share these accessible places on Google Earth.
Do you want to help and contribute to Accessible Life? If so, respond to this post and tag me. I will be happy to collaborate for making the world more accessible
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