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Typical dishes Itinerary: Valli del Natisone - Prepotto - Spessa - Ipplis - Premariacco - Buttrio - Manzano - Rosazzo - San Giovanni al Natisone - Corno di Rosazzo VALLI DEL NATISONEThe 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 Nature Fairs and events PREPOTTOPrepotto is a small village, nestling among the vineyards, that is noted for its wineries. Wineries Festivals and events SPESSAA quiet village in verdant countryside. Wineries
PREMARIACCOA tranquil rural village between the flatlands and the hill country. Visit the church of San Silvestro (thirteenth-sixteenth centuries). Wineries Nature BUTTRIOButtrio 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 Festivals and events MANZANOThe world capital of chair manufacture, Manzano is also noted for its wines. Wineries ROSAZZOA 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 SAN GIOVANNI AL NATISONETogether 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. WineriesCORNO DI ROSAZZOCorno 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). Courtesy of Movimento Turismo del Vino - Friuli Venezia Giulia
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