Venzone (230 slm.) [Beginning of page]

The medieval village of Venzone, in which the walls, buildings and houses, largely destroyed in 1976, have been rebuilt using the original stones recovered and replacing those lost, is without a doubt the most attractive urban environment. The name Venzone was quoted for the first time in 923 D.C. as "Clausas de Avenzone" by the patriarch Giovanni IV of Aquileia. This place name, having undergone various changes Albiciones, Aventione, Avenzone, Venzone, clearly originates from "av-au", "flusslauf" (spring, waterway) and therefore the Venzonassa stream. Monuments within the area, bound by the Italian State, include the Dome and Town Hall as well as the high walls, noble palaces and country houses rebuilt stone by stone.

Invitation to visit

The fourteenth century Dome, built with local stone on the existing remains, consecrated in 1338 by the Patriarch Bertrando, is Latin cross shaped with a vast transept and single nave ending in three apses from the vault. The Baptistry is situated in front of the Dome and contains the mummies that have made Venzone famous throughout the world. The imposing circle of walls, extending around 1300 metres and beautiful Venetian Gothic town hall, built between 1390 and 1410 and then extended and modified, have also been rebuilt. Sacred buildings include the churches of Saints Giacomo and Anna, and S.Antonio, S.Caterina and S.Lucia.

Moggio Udinese (340 slm.) [Beginning of page]

Moggio’s history throughout this millennium has followed that of its famous Abbey consecrated in 1119. The then Patriarch Voldarico I dedicated the monastery to Saint Gallo, just like the more famous one in Switzerland, of which he had been the Abbot. The Abbey is currently a place of work and prayer for the Clarisse Sisters, that look after and maintain this sacred and historic place. The initial heart of the village probably developed around the abbey subsequently extending at the foot of the hill until surrounding it completely. With over 2000 inhabitants, Moggio is now the most active and dynamic centre of the Ferro Canal.

Invitation to visit

The Abbey complex of San Gallo with its Church, the sixteenth Century Benedictine cloister: inside the huge, well made Baroque main altar (1717) and four side altars. Moreover, of particular interest, the gigantic painted oak Crucifix, dated 1466, the Medieval Tower now equipped as an exhibition area, the Library that contains liturgical books and some ancient codes. The Aupa valley with its numerous inhabited villages amongst which Dordolla maintains a particular architectural charm. The Alba valley, covered with thick beech woods facing the Çuc del Bôr. The Aip valley, enchanting pasture high up in the mountains.

Resiutta (316 slm.) [Beginning of page]

Traditional stop for those travelling along the Ferro Canal, Resiutta is situated where the Resia stream meets the Fella. Since ancient times the centre has played an important role in the traffic and assistance of those travelling along the commercial route of the Ferro Canal, as demonstrated by the bronze objects, coins and inscriptions found proving its Roman origin. However the first vital sign was the San Martino parish church firstly built in 1199 by the Benedictine monks and then the priests appointed by the Moggio abbot it depended on.

Invitation to visit

The Rio Resartico Valley, characterised by a severe and charming environment, offers interesting discoveries from a geological point of view and a visit to the structures of the ancient mine. You can enjoy the view of the entire Resia valley and Mount Canin from the 530 metres of altitude of Borgo Cros, small group of country houses that escaped the earthquake. A visit to the Calvary Church overlooking the village may also be of interest.

Resia (492 slm.) [Beginning of page]

The origins of Resia are linked to the settlement of its population within the valley that dates back to the VII century. The inhabitants of Resia are descendants of those Slav populations that reached Italy following the Avari and Longobards and that, abandoning nomadism soon took up residence. Once isolated between the Musi Mountains to the south and the imposing Canin Massif to the east and north, Resia represents for the culture a linguistic island with extremely important traditions. Here they speak a special language, subject of many studies, maintaining and passing down traditions (customs, songs, dances, ceremonies) that are of great interest even to those that are not experts on the subject. Nowadays the community of Resia is mainly grouped within the districts of Prato, San Giorgio, Oseacco, Gniva, Lischiazze, Stolvizza and Uccea. From an historical point of view, being subject to the jurisdiction of the Maggio Abbey, it followed the events that occurred throughout the centuries. It took on a certain importance under Venetian rule defending the Carnizza and Guarda Selle that allow access to the valley from Isonzo in Slovenia. Therefore there was a military garrison with fortifications in Stolvizza and San Giorgio. The most important aspect of the valley, as well as its indisputable linguistic-cultural importance is its naturalistic profile. Set as it is within a green valley watched over by the Canin peaks, covered with snow for most of the year, it merits a visit both for direct contact with the population and pleasant excursions in one of the most suggestive alpine valleys.

Invitation to visit

Pieve di Santa Maria Assunta. Stavoli Ruschis, Gnivizza and Jama, three of the numerous rural villages, testimony of the ancient and now abandoned pastoral activity. Pusti Gost, Zaslatina, Berdo and Provalo, enchanting alpine areas once devoted to sheep farming, now reserve the visitor moments of peace and tranquillity. Moreover there is a cultural centre with a small ethnographic museum.

Chiusaforte (390 slm.) [Beginning of page]

Chiusaforte is situated above a natural narrowing created by the Fella between the Carniche Alps and Giulie SubAlps. It was this strategic position that made this village important. The Patriarch of Aquileia had a fort built ("La Chiusa" thus the name Chiusaforte) with which he imposed payment of a tax for those transiting. Della Chiusa, erected before 1100 and subsequently extended more than once, now there are only a few traces near the Ferro Railway Bridge. The Raccolana Valley is part of the Commune that, extending 18 km, includes numerous beautiful locations amongst which the tourist centre of Sella Nevea. SELLA NEVEA, situated in a unique natural context, facing the Canin and Montasio mountain ranges, it is a renowned tourist resort particularly equipped for alpine skiing.

Invitation to visit

The Venetian style Parish Church of S. Bartolomeo and seventh century church of S.Antonio in Casasola with Austrian style wooden altars and Nicola Grassi Altar Piece. The villages of the Raccolana valley, having overcome the earthquake test, still maintain a particular architectural charm. The green pastures of the Montasio plateau and twisted Karst Canin passes. Rich wild fauna hidden by firs and larches, snow-fields and glaciers at unusually low levels.

Lusevera (480 slm.) [Beginning of page]

The municipal territory of Lusevera lies between the high Torre valley and its capital is Vedronza. The history of this area’s settlements and populations regard the passage of Venetians, Celts, Romans and Longobards. The valley belonged to Venice and then Austria just like the rest of Friuli; it became part of Italy in 1866 and the commune was erected in 1971. The territory of Lusevera, like the rest of the Torre valleys, depends on Tarcento, pleasant village situated at the opening of the valley.

Invitation to visit

Lift systems and a cross-country track have been built at the Tanamea Pass (m.846) during recent years so as to develop tourism, moreover there is a small museum of antique objects. In addition to the particular nature of the landscape, the greatest attraction are the Villanova Caves that form two systems of caverns: the Devizza Cave or old cave, made up of two channels that join and continue for 2491 metres, the New cave, discovered in 1925 and not yet completely explored, that extends 3665 metres. Of interest are the sections called Grotta del Paradiso, Torre di Pisa, Angolo della Corona, Cripta Indiana and Sala Margherita. Entry to this natural monument is facilitated by guided visits: Cave Terminal: +39 0432 787020