I1 - The Livenza Gardens

An easy, flat route in the green, gently as the rivers along which it winds, it is ideal for a bike ride, and for all of those who seek peace and relaxation. In this area where the rivers Sile, Meduna and Livenza flow, obscured by pastures, we discover a more intensive green, a profile of a villa, a park along the riverbank or a sudden flight of seagulls. Beautiful natural parks can be found here: the Sile river park, villa Varda and S.Floriano; small towns on the Livenza river such as Polcinigo, where the river gushes out of the Gorgazzo spring, with the enchanting beauty of its houses and the artistic importance of its churches; Sacile, the little Venice, a gem with its palazzos, bridges and arcades; Portobuffolè with its magnificent middle-age area.

I2 - Visiting Castles

About forty castles were built in western Friuli around the 11th century, some of which on previous (even roman) structures. Today a great part of which are only ruins. The following castles, however, can still be admired: Porcia, a small town with a lovely historical centre. Here is where the castle is located, formed by buildings of different ages surrounding the tower, probably of roman origin. On the same route we reach Pordenone, a city with an interesting castle of the 13th century in the historical centre, now a prison, the tower castle near an archaeological site, as well as many buildings of considerable historical and architectural importance. In Zoppola exists a castle of the 15th century. Regrettably it is slightly visible because of a thick vegetation which surrounds the whole site. However, it is possible to admire the parish church with beautiful renaissance and baroque altars. There are only a few traces of the Castions’ castle. In Valvasone, you can visit the castle where Napoleon settled during the Tagliamento battle of 1797 and that was also involved in other two battles in 1806 and 1809. Our last stop is in Spilimbergo, where we can admire a lot of interesting buildings including the Palazzo Dipinto. The town is renowned worldwide for its mosaics: a proud for our region.

I3 - Valleys, Mountains and Lakes

The itinerary includes the Colvera, Tramontina and Cellina Valleys, full of beautiful sites mostly related to water: the most fascinating element of nature. Among lakes, sources and torrents, starting from Maniago (the city of knives) you reach Navarrons and along the new tourist route Poffabro and Friasnco, charming villages with their original houses, all closely grouped. Returning to Navarrons and passing through the Tramontina Valley, you will admire the Redona Lake. From here you can reach the Selva and Zul Lakes in Tramonti and the rest mount with its breathless panorama. From Maniago you can otherwise visit the Cellina Vally and reach in only few minutes the artificial lake of Barcis, renowned for aquatic sports.

I4 - The Art Route

In artistic terms, this is an extremely interesting itinerary; considering the fact that this area contains most of the artistic wealth of the whole province and region. Discovering some of these works of art is not easy: if you wish to visit some minor churches, you need to find someone willing to open the door. This isn’t always easy. However, if you succeed in doing so, it will most certainly be worthwhile. Starting off from Azzanello, you will reach Savorgnano, where in the parish church you can admire works of A.Bellunello, while the small church of S.Petronilla contains anonymous frescoes of 1566. Sesto al Reghena concentrates probably the highest architectural level of buildings: the abbey of S. Maria in Silvis, established by the Longobards for the Benedictine monks in the 8th century; its chancery, now a nursery school; the bell tower (1050); the residence of the abbots (now town hall) and the basilica (10th-12th century). Our next stops are: Cordovado with its suggestive palazzos and the lovely cathedral containing frescoes from the 15th century; S. Vito al Tagliamento with the interesting seat of the artistic archive of Friuli, the museum of rural civilization, the archaeological museum and, last but not least, Casarsa where in the hamlet of S. Giovanni, the parish church contains an altar-piece by P. Amalteo (1577) and one by G. Moretto (1592).