VALLI
DEL NATISONE
The Natisone river valleys, one of the wildest and most spectacular areas
in the region, afford a rewarding detour just outside Cividale. The dense
woodland is dominated by the peak of Matajur, the small hamlets have their
own distinctive architecture and there are art treasures waiting to be
discovered, such as the sanctuary at Castelmonte or the cave church of
San Giovanni d’Antro. The valleys have been inhabited since the
seventh century by a Slav community that has jealously preserved its traditions,
language and cultural heritage. The local food traditions are equally
interesting and unusual. Visitors can sample the fare at the A Tavola
nelle Valli del Natisone fair in autumn, when restaurants, trattorias
and other eateries offer characteristic seasonal menus.
Places to visit include Castelmonte, an ancient place of religious significance
mentioned as early as the twelfth century. Located on a hilltop, the fortified
mediaeval settlement has a monastery and a sanctuary dedicated to the
Virgin. At San Pietro al Natisone, the Gothic church of San Quirino deserves
a visit (1493). There are many ancient chapels and rural buildings in
the local architectural style in the area. At Antro, the church of San
Giovanni (fifteenth century) is especially interesting as it is built
partly inside a cave
Local products
Gubana cake
Nature
Forra del Natisone da San Quirino ravine at San Pietro
Monte Matajur
Colli di Tribil di Sotto hills at Stregna
Fairs and events
Carnival - February-March
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PREPOTTO
Prepotto is a small village, nestling among the vineyards, that is noted
for its wineries.
Wineries
La Viarte
Marinig
Rieppi
Ronco dei Pini
Colli di Poianis
Festivals and events
Festa dello Schiopettino wine festival c/o Trattoria Da Mario - May
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SPESSA
A quiet village in verdant countryside.
Wineries
Centa Sant'Anna
Rodaro Paolo
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IPPLIS
Vineyards and woodlands as far as the eye can see. Nearby is the mediaeval
castle of Rocca Bernarda. The cylindrical corner towers still stand but
the castle was converted into a residence in 1567, and today is the home
of the Rocca Bernarda winery.
Wineries
Ermacora
Rocca Bernarda
Scubla Roberto
Festivals and events
Festa del Vino wine festival - May
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PREMARIACCO
A tranquil rural village between the flatlands and the hill country. Visit
the church of San Silvestro (thirteenth-sixteenth centuries).
Wineries
Fiore dei Liberi
La Tunella
Vigne Fantin Noda'r (Orsaria)
Nature
Ravine and riverside beach on river Natisone (Firmano)
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BUTTRIO
Buttrio is noted for its leading furniture and steel industry companies
but its hillslopes are also graced by a number of villas. Places to visit
include the church of Santo Stefano (fourteenth century) and the church
of Santi Gervasio e Protasio (thirteenth and nineteenth centuries). Noteworthy
residences are Villa Tomasoni Todone (nineteenth century) and Villa d'Attimis
Maniago (thirteenth and seventeenth centuries). Other residences are Villa
di Toppo Florio at nearby Monte di Buttrio and, at Camino, Casa Linussio
(sixteenth century).
Wineries
Conte d'Attimis-Maniago
Girolamo Dorigo
Petrucco
Valle Luigi
Marina Danieli
Festivals and events
Regional wine festival - May
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MANZANO
The world capital of chair manufacture, Manzano is also noted for its
wines.
Wineries
Cencig Nicola & Mauro
Colutta Giorgio - Az. Agr. Bandut
Midolini
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ROSAZZO
A delightful village located in a splendid position. The area boasts a
wealth of vineyards that extend from Manzano to Corno di Rosazzo, and
the premium-quality grapes grown here include the legendary Picolit.
The Benedictine abbey is a must-see visit. Since ancient times, it has
had a fundamental role in the conservation of the viticultural heritage
and today is the home of a winery. It takes its name from the wild roses
that have graced it since time immemorial. What remains of the vast mediaeval monastic complex that was home first to the Augustinians and then to the
Benedictines huddles today around the church and its cloister, dedicated
to Saint Peter (sixteenth century) and decorated with remarkable frescoes.
Wineries
Livio Felluga (vineyards only)
Le Vigne di Zamò
Ronco delle Betulle
Filiputti Walter
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SAN GIOVANNI AL NATISONE
Together with the neighbouring towns of Manzano and Corno di Rosazzo,
San Giovanni al Natisone forms the so-called “triangle of the chair”,
which turns out more than half of all the world’s chairs. Vines
are grown on the hillslopes. In the village, the sixteenth-century church
of San Giusto with its wooden altarpiece, contemporary with the church
itself, is worth a visit. At nearby Dolegnano, Villa Trento is an interesting
eighteenth-century noble residence.
Wineries
Cantarutti Alfieri
La Lozeta
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CORNO DI ROSAZZO
Corno di Rosazzo is the town with the largest number of wineries in the
Colli Orientali DOC zone. The streets, named after the world’s leading
grape varieties, testify to the town’s vocation. The sanctuary of
the Madonna d’Aiuto (eighteenth century) is worth visiting. At nearby
Noax is the church of San Giacomo Apostolo (fourteenth-century frescoes),
and at Borgo Gallo is the church of San Michele Arcangelo (fourteenth,
sixteenth and twentieth centuries).
Wineries
Alberice
Ca di Bon
Collavini Eugenio
Gigante
Perusini
Valentino Butussi
Ronco di Gramogliano
Le Due Torri
Nature
Bosco Romagno park
Fairs and events
Fiera dei Vini dei Colli Orientali wine fair - May
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