The hilly area, rich in history and culture is characterized by the presence of several castles. Starting from the Castle of Colloredo di Monte Albano, you can follow a ninety kilometre itinerary dedicated to the discovery of antique fortresses across eleven municipalities. This castle which stands out especially for its beautiful clock-tower is known because of the famous little studio frescoed by Giovanni da Udine during the mid-16th Century and also because the writer Ippolito Nievo lived here.
The Castle of Cassacco, found nearby, features two towers and is one of the best preserved and restored castles in the Region.
Continuing towards the municipality of Buja up to the highest hill called “Monte”, you can admire the old parish church “pieve di San Lorenzo” and the remains of the walls of a medieval castle.
Moving north, you will reach Osoppo, where on the top of the hill lies the Fortress which has been a National Monument since 1923. As witness to a variety of battles throughout the centuries the fortress is now particularly interesting for its medieval and Renaissance remains, as well as trenches, tunnels and walkways that date back to the First World War.
From Osoppo, going towards San Daniele del Friuli, you reach the Castle of Susans in Majano which is characterized by four massive towers.
From Majano you can easily reach the Castle of San Pietro di Ragogna, one of the oldest castles in Friuli. Near the castle it is possible to admire the old parish church which houses a series of frescoes dating back to the 13th Century.
Following the panoramic route from San Daniele to Fagagna, after about 4 kilometres, you can reach the Castle of Arcano Superiore, passing across two obelisks which mark the entrance of the street. The castle, with its original medieval structure, dates back to the 13th Century.
From Rive d’Arcano the route goes on towards Fagagna where, on the top of the hill, you will find the remains of a castle that dates back to the 10th Century. One of the best preserved castles in the area is the Castle of Villalta, a small hamlet of Fagagna. The building dates back to the 13th Century and, although a wing was added during the Renaissance, it has maintained its original structure of defensive works. Going up the hill northwards for some kilometres you reach the Castle of Moruzzo. The building, dating back to the 12th Century, is encircled by thick walls with small towers built at the end of the 1800s. In the nearby hamlet of Brazzacco lie the ruins of the 14th Century Castle of Brazzacco di Sopra and what little remains of the Castle of Brazzacco di Sotto, in other words the main tower and the church of Sant’Andrea which dates back to the 14th Century.
For information:
Tourist Office (I.A.T.)
Piazza Pellegrino n. 4
Tel. +39 0432 940765
Comunità Collinare del Friuli
Piazza Castello, n. 7 – Colloredo di M.A.
Tel. +39 0432 889547
