Lonato’s Viale Roma Revitalization: Urban Renewal and Tree Replacement
The Viale Roma: a symbol of Lonato and a rehabilitation project
It is one of the symbols of Lonato, alongside the Rocca, the basilica of San Giovanni Battista, and the former factory chimney. We are talking about Viale Roma, the beautiful tree-lined avenue that extends just outside the center, towards Brescia. The wide avenue, it is now certain, will soon be refurbished.
Even the Giunta dell’Ulivo, like previous administrations, wants to undertake this project. However, the works will not only concern the horse chestnuts, which have been under care for some time; the project also includes new urban furniture. In short, a new image for the centuries-old avenue.
Objectives and interventions on the avenue
The goal is to restore it to what it was in past decades, before the explosion of vehicle traffic and the opening of the ironworks, which made it a place for strolling, meeting, and socializing for the residents of Lonato. “The works include the renovation of the sidewalks, the creation of bike lanes, the installation of benches, etc.”
It is about enhancing – explains the Public Works Councilor Emilio Baresi – this route that is very beloved by the residents of Lonato as well as, of course, by tourists passing through our town. The works for this initial phase have already been contracted… So I think about completing them in the near future.” On the other hand, the intervention related to the horse chestnuts presents a greater challenge:
“The idea is to envisage a gradual replacement of the trees, not all at once, but depending on their health status. Naturally, the repositioning – continues Baresi – will be done differently, for example at a greater distance, also considering the current urban situation, especially driveways. The entrances and exits of private properties along the avenue need to be properly preserved.”
Timelines and historical studies
Thus, to achieve the new, definitive tree canopy, work will proceed in stages, and several years will be required. The sick horse chestnuts will be cut down and replaced. This will ensure the visual impact for those who exit corso Garibaldi towards Brescia.
Concerning the future of this avenue, as well as other green areas within Lonato, a study was also conducted by students of the agricultural school, who at the end of the school year submitted their research to the Municipal Council.
Finally, we cannot overlook the historical description of this avenue, which was made by Emilio Facchini in his book dedicated to Lonato, published back in 1928 by the Ferrari printing press. “The trees facing the avenue, which was straight up to the Mulini, arranged in double rows on both sides and planted in 1831, were felled in 1859 by the Austrians to clear the road and form an obstacle for the advancing Italian army:
the old ones remained and still exist today, those at the roundabout, and a few others on the right as you exit the village (left to serve as lookouts); in 1860, they were replaced, but only in one row per side, alongside the sidewalk, where intermittent benches invite rest…”
