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CULTURAL INFORMATIONS

TARCENTO HISTORICAL , before the terrible earthquake 1976, was called “The Friul Pearl” not only for its location, so nice that lot of citizens from had there their vacation houses, but also for an interesting historical-architectural heritage, with several palaces and villas built in liberty or venetian style. The earthquakes in the year 1976 (on May and September) made big damages to this area and radically changed the original urbanistic structure of the old town. The reconstruction program, except for a little part of the center, couldn't respect the same structure than before. photo: ge The oldest documents that mentioned Tarcento during the XII century, but experts discovered traces of human settlements even in paleolithic era and then in prethistoric time, until Romans.

Almost from the year 1356, the community was managed autonomously by the Assembly of head of families and it was called "Vicinia"; it had communitary rules approved by the jurisdiction of responsible Frangipane and from Venice; during the XVII century "Vicinia" was changed with "Council of Credenza" which started with 12 members, later 30. (source: www..tarcento.ud.it) photo: ge PALACES “The Palazat” acutally “Pontoni Villa” is an elegant building and it was palace of Frangipane family after they left the Cola castle. There were lot of frescoes and decorations indoor which were destroyed by the earthquakes 1976.

photo: ge “Frangipane Palace”, it is also called “della Rotonda”, actually it is the official seat of the Municipality Council; its actual look dates back to the XVII century and it was built over another palace from XV century. The fountain, called “fountain of love” is in the middle of the square court.

photo: ge “De Rubeis Florit Villa” is at the base of the Coia hill: it dates back to the XIV century, but it was modified several times during the past. The rooms of the piano nobile have stucco walls, decorated doors of 1700.

photo: ge The Church of Apostle St. Peter: the parish was established between IV and VI centuries, near the Centa village, the oldest part of Tarcento. The present Church was built in the XV century (the façade with gothic portal is from 1424) also if some its parts was modified and it was enlarged. The bell massive tower was built from 1730 till 1741. Inside there are precious sculptures and painters. It is also interesting the big organ situated over the main entry. It is very valuable, built by Malvestito from Padova in the 1906 year and has 2000 pipes. It is the only so big mechanic organ in whole Region.

photo: ge

AQUILEIA By virtue of the fact that most of ancient , one of the largest and most wealthy cities of the early Roman Empire, survives intact and unexcavated, it is the most complete example of an early Roman city in the Mediterranean world. The Patriarchal Basilican Complex in Aquileia played a decisive role in the spread of Christianity into central Europe in the early Middle Ages. Aquileia was founded by the Romans as a Latin colony in 181 BC in the north- eastern corner of the plain of the Po as an outpost against Gallic and Istrian barbarians. It quickly became a major trading centre, linking central Europe with the photo: ge Mediterranean. By 90 BC it had been elevated to the status of municipium and its citizens were accorded full rights of Roman citizenship. Its wealth resulted in the town being endowed with many magnificent public buildings, and the private residences of its rich merchants were opulently decorated. During the 4th century imperial residences were built in Aquileia, and it was the seat of the Imperial Mint between AD 284 and AD 425. Of particular importance was the construction in the second decade of the 4th century of a basilica, following the sanctioning of public worship by the Edict of Milan in 313. All this was to come to a violent end in 452, when Aquileia was sacked by the Huns led by Attila. Its mercantile role was assumed later by Venice. However, Aquileia retained its spiritual significance, becoming the seat of a patriarchate which survived until 1751, and played a key role photo: ge in the evangelization of this region. Excavations have revealed part of the forum and its Roman basilica, the Republican macellum , one of the sets of baths, and two luxurious residential complexes. Outside the late city walls, a cemetery with some impressive funerary monuments, the amphitheatre and the circus have been revealed. The most striking remains of the Roman city are those of the port installations, a row of warehouses and quays that stretch a long distance along the bank of the river. The dominant feature of Aquileia is the basilica. Bishop Theodorus constructed a horseshoe-shaped complex of three main halls, but this proved inadequate to house the worshippers and pilgrims and so in 345 a vast structure replaced the northern photo: ge arm. This was destroyed by the Huns, along with the entire complex, and never rebuilt. When the survivors returned they concentrated on the ruins of the southern hall, which was restored.

After a period of neglect, work was begun in the 9th century by Bishop Maxentius, with financial support from Charlemagne. Despite severe damage during the 10th-century Magyar invasions and an earthquake in 988, the work was completed in 1031. The basilica is essentially Romanesque, although there are some Gothic features resulting from reconstruction after an earthquake in 1348. The most striking feature of the interior is the huge mosaic in the southern hall of the 4th-century structure, not revealed until the 11th-century clay floor was removed in 1909. The subjects depicted include symbolic subjects, portraits of donors, scenes from the Gospels and dedicatory inscriptions. At the eastern end is a sea scene with twelve fishermen, representing the Apostles, along with the story of the prophet Jonah. At the east end the crypt of the frescoes, dating from the 6th or 7th centuries, was constructed to house relics of martyrs. A door at the east end of the basilica gives access to the Crypt of the Excavations, revealed during the early decades of the 20th century. Here are preserved mosaics from the 1st-century suburban villa selected as the site of the basilica in the 4th century, and the foundations of the transverse and north halls of the complex not rebuilt after destruction by Attila. The mosaics are enigmatic in subject matter, full of references to esoteric cults. The west entrance to the basilica is sheltered by a portico built in the early 9th century, which gives access to the contemporary baptistry. This is typically octagonal in plan and encloses a hexagonal baptismal pool, reproducing the Chi-Rho monogram of Christ. This is surrounded by a colonnade supporting an ambulatory. The final component of the complex is the bell tower, a massive structure that has survived unscathed since it was built in 1031. There is a second basilical complex at Monastero, now serving as the Palaeo-Christian Museum. This equally imposing 4th-century structure also houses a remarkable floor mosaic.

(source: UNESCO)

GRADO Grado has had a long and rich history. It begins in Roman times when Grado was a fortified Roman castrum and the foreport of the nearby prosperous town of Aquileia. Numerous mosaics, inscriptions and other artifacts found on the island attest to Grado's Roman history. However, it is in the fifth and sixth centuries that Grado's achieves her renown. Grado became the seat of a Christian Patriarch, the head of many bishops, when, after the invasion of the Germanic Lombards in the sixth century, the Patriarch of Aquileia, like so many of his fellow citizens, fled the mainland for the island of Grado. Grado's two ancient churches, like much of the architecture of the Old Town, date to this period. In the later Middle Ages, Grado became increasingly oriented towards Venice, under whose protection and influence she became. By the 15th century, when Grado's title of Patriarch wasmfinally abolished, Grado had returned to being a small,mseaside fishing town, but with a proud and glorious past. With the fall of Venice in 1797, Grado passed briefly to the French and then to the Austrian Habsburgs, who in the 19t century developed Grado's beaches and spa into a world class resort. Today Grado is connected to the mainland by a causeway and frequented by Central Europeans who visit Grado for its charming and historic Old Town, quaint fishing port, and celebrated beaches. Grado's calendar is packed full of organized cultural activities throughout the summer months. There are concerts of classical, Italian and international music, live theater in the Old Town, operettas, ballet, fashion shows, and historical and artistic exhibitions. The city also plays host to a well-known intellectual lecture series, "Autori sotto l'ombrellone" ("Author under the Beach Umbrella") held weekly throughout July under a pavilion on the beach. Grado has several cinemas, one of which is outdoor and near the sea. In addition, several festivals are celebrated in Grado each summer, including the local Perdòn di Barbana, a festival in honor of the Virgin Mary held each year since 1237; the festival of the local saints; several outdoor seafood festivals organized by the local fisherman. (source: www.triestetourism.altervista.org)

Grado's cathedral, the Duomo or Basilica di Sant'Eufemia, is the town's best tourist sight. It lies in a picturesque little square called Campo dei Patriarchi which is the historic heart of Grado. The church dates to the sixth century, although it has undergone some rebuilding and restoration, and was constructed over an even earlier church. The angel on the campanile is a popular local symbol. Inside is a thoroughly impressive sixth-century mosaic, covering almost the entire floor surface. Through a glass panel in the floor it's possible to see a small patch of even older mosaic, dating back to the earlier church building. The eleventh-century pulpit is a curious and attractive feature of the simple interior. From the right-hand nave you can enter the Duomo's Lapidarium (stone collection). On the way you pass a side-room or chapel containing yet more ancient mosaic. Following signs to the Lapidario (which can also be accessed from an external door outside the church) you pass into to an outdoors area at the back of the apse, where fragments of Roman and early Christian marbles are exhibited along a covered walkway. Alongside Sant'Eufemia is the octagonal Baptistry, which dates to the fifth century. Just over the square from the Duomo is another impressive early church; the Basilica di Santa Maria delle Grazie. This dates to the fourth century and, having had some later accretions stripped away, is now a simple space exuding calm, still containing a few early sculptures. To the right of the nave is an open area where you can look down at mosaics dating to an early phase of the building. Grado is rightly proud of its centro storico (historic centre). Although it is very tiny compared with the modern town, and both sea and lagoon are invisible, this little medieval quarter is easily the most charming part of Grado. Like Venice, medieval Grado is composed of calli and campielli (lanes and courtyards). The old fishermen's houses cluster together, almost one on top of the other; all winding alleys, pretty little squares and staircases decorated with plants. It's surprisingly easy to lose your sense of direction, although the maze is only a few lanes deep. The whole area has a well-kept and friendly feel, and is peppered with tempting bars and restaurants. (source: www.italyheaven.co.uk) ISONZO RIVER'S MOUTH NATURE RESERVE In the northernmost section of the , where river Timavo flows, a coastal stretch characterized by low seabed and a complex lagoon structure begins. Including Venice, it ends with the delta of the Po river. Near the mouth of Timavo, there is the mouth of Isonzo, which springs from Alpi Giulie in Slovenia and ends its course in the gulf of Trieste, between Monfalcone and Grado. The Nature Reserve of the mouth of Isonzo covers a surface area of about 2,400 ha situated along the last 15 km of the course of the river. The territory of the Nature Reserve involves the Municipalities of Staranzano, San Canzian d'Isonzo, Grado, and Fiumicello. The area is equipped with buildings dedicated to didactic tours and to the photo: ge observation of the environment. Moreover, it is possible to visit the whole Nature Reserve by following various pedestrian routes.

Of particular importance the Marinetta Observatory developing on three floors and dominating the area of the so-called "Ripristino" (recovery), enabling also large groups to observe the pond environment both underwater and in the broader context of the Gulf of Trieste, enjoying a panorama reaching Istria, the Karst, and the Alps. From this observation point it is easy to admire wild birds and various species alternating according to the seasons. Thanks to recovery of the site natural features and the control of human impact, thousands of Ducks (in November often over 20 – 25,000 specimens of various species) spend the winter here, while in the other seasons the area is populated by various species of wading birds. Moreover, the noisy Greyleg Geese have been successfully reintroduced as nesting species in the region. The particular geographical position of the site has given the opportunity to observe some very rare species or new species for , like for example the Eastern Imperial Eagle (Aquila heliaca); the White-tailed Eagle (Haliaetus albicilla), Eleonora's Falcon (Falco eleonorae), the Pectoral Sandpiper (Calidris melanotos), the Citrine Wagtail (Motacilla citreola), the Paddyfield Warbler (Acrocephalus agricola), the Radde's Warbler (Phylloscopus schwarzi), the Pallas's Warbler (Phylloscopus proregulus), and the Hume's Leaf-warbler (Phylloscopus humei). Many of these species have been recognized thanks to the presence of a bird-ringing station and seizure for the study of migrations. The Duck Museum: a small exhibit retracing the millenary relationship between men and ducks, from ancient times to present times. The Duck Museum offers various thematic spaces combining tradition and topical issues, to discover the species living in the Nature Reserve and the hunting techniques. The Duck Museum is situated on the second floor of the café-restaurant "Al Pettirosso", in a structure whose architecture recalls the ancient local "casoni". Besides the exhibit, this is one of the best observation points where you can enjoy the recovered areas, also thanks to the powerful telescope put at disposal to observe the rich wildlife in detail. Products: Fish, asparaguses, peaches, and wine are characteristic products of the 4 Municipalities of the Nature Reserve. They are very important products for the local economy. Peaches: it's an important product of the gastronomy itinerary characterizing Foce dell'Isonzo is the peach, the most important product among the local fruit and vegetables. It can be tastes alone, on desserts, and dipped into wine. Dishes based on fish (sea fish and lagoon fish) can be tasted in several restaurants, in particular in Grado. The local specialty is the so-called "boreto a la graisana", a spicy fish soup to eat together with polenta.

PALMANOVA The fortress town of , among the more important and better preserved examples of late Renaissance military architecture, was built by order of the Serenissima Repubblica di Venezia in 1593. A better understanding of the reasons that induced the Venetians to erect Palma and to choose the site can be obtained by going back to the policy and culture of the previous century, both in and in Venice, and by taking into account the situation in Europe in relation to aspects concerning diplomacy, military technique and strategy as well as philosophic culture and catholic doctrine after the Council of Trent. Between 1470 and 1499 the region of Friuli, under Venetian rule since 1420, had endured no less than seven Turkish raids from the Balkans. Apart from the fortress of Gradisca, the most important stronghold in Friuli as of 1479, Venetian defence works were obsolete and insufficient. In the event of a raid, only the walled city of Udine could give refuge to the population and provide shelter for the harvest and military equipment; it was also the only defence against Turkish hordes wishing to continue towards Venice.

In 1500, in order to deal with the ever present threat of Saracen raids, the Venetians sent Leonardo da Vinci to Friuli and asked him to study the defence works on the river Isonzo and at Gradisca. It was only when the Venetian senators got wind of a Turkish plan for the invasion of the Imperial or Venetian plains that they decided to erect a real fortress, large enough to give refuge to a great number of people with their belongings. Furthermore, when the conflict between Venice and Austria reopened in 1500, the fortress of Gradisca had been taken over by the Austrians; since then the Venetian eastern boundaries on the coast were exposed not only to the dangers of Turkish raids but also to the Austrian Empire's expansionist designs. These boundaries had foto: www.magicoveneto.it become discontinuous with Venetian territories enclosed, leopard-skin wise, within Austrian territories and vice versa. Venice, therefore, decided to build a fortress ex novo, in a particularly strategic position of the Friulian plains: the junction between via Julia Augustaand the strada Ungaresca (Stradalta). The fortress was named Palma to celebrate the twenty-second anniversary of Venice's victory against the Turks at Lepanto. The project was established by a team of engineers, treatisers and knowledgeable military architects from Venice's fortifications department, among them the architect Giulio Savorgnan. Works began on October 7th1593 and the Senate appointed Marc'Antonio Barbaro, first superintendent, or Provveditore Genrerale, of the fortress.

Palma remained under Venetian rule for over 200 years (1593-1797), until it was conquered by Napoleon. Following the Treaty of Campoformio, it came under Austrian influence (1798 - 1805) and was then conquered and annexed to the Kingdom of Italy (1806 - 1814). After Napoleon's fall Palmanova remained part of the heterogeneous Hapsburg Empire up to 1866, with only the brief parenthesis of an uprising in 1848 when the fortress was besieged by Austrian troops. It was definitely united to the Kingdom of Italy as a result of the plebiscite in 1866. Palmanova, with its nine-pointed star structure, was conceived as an inexpugnable defensive system; it features three defence lines, the first two erected in Venetian times, the third one under Napoleon. The city maintains to this day the fortifications devised in the course of centuries as the science of fortifications progressively developed innovative systems to deal with new requirements arising from the evolution of armaments. Towards the end of the XVI century, the use of artillery determined the need for wide, low and strong ramparts to protect the city within the walls. The designers conceived a first defence circle, surrounded by a moat, with nine arrow- shaped ramparts, (baluardi) supported by a wall in rock or brickwork, connected one to the other by nine straight ramparts (cortine), also supported by a wall, that gave the fortress its shape. Essential were the guns, varying in size and range, positioned along the walls. In mid 1600, the Serenissima further improved the fortifications by building another 9 ramparts or rivellini, on the outside of the moat, in front of the straight ramparts of the first circle enclosing the city. The first rivellini, triangular ramparts supported by a wall, were erected opposite the city's gates, ever the weakest point of any fortress. Finally, in 1806, Napoleon decided to modernize this "war machine" and one of the first measures taken to "bring Palmanova up to date" was to raze the three neighbouring villages, , San Lorenzo e Palmata: the buildings, apart form providing a possible refuge for the enemy, also obstructed the field of vision and gun fire from the stronghold. Then, under Chasseloup's supervision, work began on the third defence circle. Nine lunettes, surrounded by a dry ditch, were erected further outwards, opposite the Venetian baluardi, to keep enemy artillery, with even the longest range, away from the city and military edifices. The lunettes, equipped with pillboxes, casemates and underground galleries (mine), could be accessed both from an external road and from a gallery running along the covered way near the ditch. (source: UNESCO)

THE RESIA VALLEY JULIAN PREALPS NATURE PARK The Resia Valley has traces of pre-Roman and Roman settlements from the VII century BC, the Slavic- speaking population that came here after Avars and Longobards. Resia was under the administration of the Abbey Moggio and was important during the Venetian domination for the protection of the Carnizza and Guarda saddles that were the connection with the Isonzo valley and consequently with Slovenian territory. There in the valley was a garrison with fortifications in Stolvizza and San Giorgio. Geographically, Resia Valley is closed between the Musi mountains and the Canin photo: Marco Di Lenardo massif, very closed at the beginning and further it continues in an open striking landscape.

The valley is the “linguistic island” with a very important traditions: the resianan language has its own characteristics, it is still subject of studies, the local traditions that include songs and dances, especially ceremonies, preserved because the valley is in isolation and the local community strongly retains their identity through these traditions.

Sella Carnizza – photo: Marco Di Lenardo

Ecomuseum Resia Valley The Ecomuseum “Val Resia” (Resia Valley) is a set of physical and cultural paths to walk and mind “exploring” the valley, to discover this more characterized place and understand its essence, natural and human history of Resia and its inhabitants. Along every path is a system of signs that explain and guide visitors during their walking “inside” the valley, not just by the feet, but also by the heart. Furthermore, there is music: few notes saved due to handing out memory, played with the ability and simplicity, using “zitira” and “bunkula” (instruments similar to the violin and the cello) giving the rythm with the feet.

photo: Marco Di Lenardo

photo: Marco Di Lenardo

Resian garlic Association “Slow Food” from , the municipality of Resia and the Natural Park Julien Prealps started up a project to bring out the local garlic which has high quality, very aromatic, has little bulbs by red tunic with 6/8 cloves but without cloves in the centre. Its name in resian dialect is “strok” and is particularly good in the preparation of various kinds of cold meats and salami because is sweet, without the fragrance sometimes pungent of the normal varieties. Its cultivation is almost totally natural all around the valley.

foto: Pamela Pielich CIVIDALE is part of the serial site “The Longobards in Italy. The power places (568-774 a.C.) and it is UNESCO World Heritage from 2011. The site included the most important monumental traces of Longobards in Italy. Especially the “Little Temple (Tempietto) of Cividale del Friuli, one of the most original and also famous building of the last Longobards era, together with the remains of the Episcopal Complex restored by Callisto and the National Archaeologic Museum, where are exhibited the precious equipments founded in the Longobard necropolis of Cividale. -The city during the Longobard period Forum Iulii (Cividale del Friuli)was one of the lesser cities founded by the Romans on the margins of the land belonging to the colony of Aquileia, originally set up during the Romans’ expansion towards the Alpine regions, the area east of the Alps towards the Balkans. The city rises on a natural plateau overlooking the river, between the plain and the pre-alpine area, along what was already a route in protostoric times. This track reached from the basin of the Danube river to the sea and followed the course of the river Natisone, and the upper reaches of the river Isonzo. -The city during the Roman period On account of its strategically important position it was probably fortified by the Romans during the late Republican period, when an imposing city wall was built, which partly survives to this day. The documentary evidence shows that the city, founded by Cesar (56-50 BC) probably enjoyed administrative autonomy as of 49 B.C. and was raised to the rank of municipium. It was enrolled within X Regio and was assigned to the Scaptia tribe. During or shortly after the walls’ construction, a daring bridge was flung over the chasm, or forra, in which the Natisone flowed, as the river in this area had formed a deep cleft in the bank of rocky conglomerate. The bridge is aligned with the city axis running north to south, which constituted the cardo maximus, and corresponds today to via Paolino d’Aquileia and Corso Mazzini, on the route leading from Cividale to Aquileia. The roman city’s urban layout, together with its necropolises which stretch to the south and to the north east, were revealed, albeit only in part, by extensive excavations carried out by Michele della at the beginning of the 19th century, as well as by emergency excavation work of the 19th and 20th century, and by a few recent methodical research work. To this day there are few certainties as to the location of the main public areas. Their hypothetical location is based on the only existing epigraphical documents (i.e. bases bearing dedicatory inscriptions to Emperor Caracalla, which probably stood in the Forum, and a small altar dedicated to Jupiter now in the National Archaeological Museum). Private buildings on the other hand are well documented: the most sumptuous boasted expensive mosaic floors while a wealthy domus was equipped with a thermal bathing complex. All of these buildings rose in the south eastern area of the city. The northern neighbourhoods were probably those mostly given over to commercial and productive activities. The city developed rapidly during the Late-Antique period, thanks to its strategic role in frontier defence. During the second half of the 4th century it supplanted Aquileia as seat of the Corrector, or Governor, of Italy’s North-Eastern Province. During this period, the inhabited area’s limits remained identical to those of the old municipium, as defined by the late republican walls, which were reinforced and enhanced during the 5th and the 6th centuries. The city’s expansion during these times is proved by the development of new monumental areas, such as the religious complex of Santa Maria–today’s Duomo–with an early christian Baptistery, and important palaces. One of these, possibly belonging to the provincial Governor, has been partially revealed by excavations carried out in Piazza Paolo Diacono. -The city during the Longobard period In 568 the Longobards had descended into Italy and immediately took over Forum Iulii. King Alboinus left here his nephew Gisulf, together with some of his best warriors. Gisulf governed a Duchy including four Roman municipia (Aquileia, Concordia, Iulium Carnicum and Forum Iulii), corresponding more or less to modern Friuli. To the east it reached as far as the River Livenza, bordering with the Duchy of Ceneda, reaching to the south as far as the Adriatic coast, past which were the areas such as Grado and other islands, still under Byzantine rule. Cividale must have appeared to the Longobards as a well-fortified castle, within the ancient walls which resisted and survived the only conquest and devastation the city experienced during Longobard domination, namely, the sack by the Avars, at the beginning of the 7th century (610), when the city was taken by means of a stratagem. Within the enceinte the main monumental areas of the Longobard city included the following: • the area around the Early Christian centre, called Santa Maria, which became Episcopal church with a nearby palace, certainly build towards the later phase of Longobard rule; • the area called Valle, appointed as seat of the Gastaldaga, or seat of the Gastald – the King’s representative; here the Church of San Giovanni and the Tempietto Longobardo were built, as well as an important monastery, known as Monastero of Santa Maria in Valle, a monument erected in the last years of the Longobard Kingdom. During the reign of Duke Pemmon and of his son Ratchis (which then become King before his brother Astulf), in the 8th century, the Cividale enjoyed a period of remarkable architectural and artistic development; moreover, Callixtus, Patriarch of Aquileia, helped by King Liutprand, transferred his seat to an imposing palace rising immediately to the north-east of the Basilica of Santa Maria Assunta, under the auspices of King Liutprand. The aristocracy also contributed, by founding new worship places, of which significant sculptural artefacts survive to this day. -The urban and suburban necropolies The traces of the Longobard period relate to the common type of domestic architecture, where older structures are routinely re-used by making wide use of economical and perishable materials. The existence of wooden huts of the kind used by Germanic cultures has been ascertained, as well as the presence of open, unoccupied spaces, which testify how some parts of the late antique city had reverted to a rural state. The appearance of burials inside the city points to significant changes in the use of city space: single tombs, or burials grouped in more consistent and organized groups have been discovered both in close proximity to places of worship, as well as in residential areas. A nobleman, wrongly identified as Duke Gisulf, was buried with his rich funerary apparel sometime around the middle of the 7h century AD in the area occupied by the Late Antique palace discovered in Piazza Paolo Diacono; this palace is believed to be linked to the seat of ducal power in the city. The main Longobard necropolises rose outside the walls, mostly during the main routes which led into the city, from the very first phases of Longobard settlement. (source: UNESCO)

VILLANOVA CAVES The caves system is open to public visit from the entrance near the village of Villanova to the so-called "New Cave" which was discovered on 1925; it is the biggest "contact cave" known in Europe and open to the public visit; the most impressive and most interesting part of the whole cave is the New Cave because it is developed inside a water resistant and not soluble rock. The explanation of this "enigma"...will be known during its sightseeing.

photo: S-Team