NATURE, HISTORY AND TRADITIONS IN SAN DANIELE AND SURROUNDINGS
1. THE NATURE RESERVE OF LAKE CORNINO (FORGARIA NEL FRIULI)
The nature reserve of Lake Cornino, a small lake basin with striking greenish-blue waters that are extremely clear is located approximately 11 kilometres north of San Daniele del Friuli. The landscape, the flora and the fauna make this area ideal for hiking, observing animals and birdwatching.
Open: Saturdays, Sundays and holidays
For information: tel. or fax + 39 0427 808526 (“Griffon Project” Visitors’ Centre); tel. +39 0427 809091 (Pro Loco Forgaria); tel. +39 0427 808137 (Town Hall).
2. THE NATURE OASIS OF “QUADRIS” (FAGAGNA)
Not very far from San Daniele del Friuli, about 9 kilometres south in the direction of Udine, lies the nature oasis of “Quadris” in Fagagna, a seven hectare area that is well-equipped and currently used for the reintroduction of the white stork and the hermit ibis.
Open: Sunday afternoons (from March to November).
For information: tel. +39 0432 812111 (Town Hall) or +39 347 4246312 (Friends of the Oasis Association).
3. “CJASE COCEL”: THE RURAL LIFE MUSEUM (FAGAGNA)
The “Cjase Cocèl” rural life museum which reproduces the living conditions experienced by peasant families in Friuli in the first half of 1800 is located about 9 kilometres south of San Daniele del Friuli.
Open: Sunday afternoons (spring, summer, autumn).
For information: tel. +39 0432 801887 (Museum) fax +39 0432 802599 e-mail: cultura@comune.fagagna.ud.it
4. THE CULTURAL PARK OF “CASTELRAIMONDO” (FORGARIA NEL FRIULI)
The cultural park of “Castelraimondo” allows visitors to discover the geologic, archaeological and historic evidence of ancient times through an enjoyable walk.
An exhibition has been set up at the town hall of Forgaria which shows the materials that have been uncovered during excavations.
For information: tel. +39 0427 808042 (Town Hall of Forgaria).
5. TERRITORIAL MUSEUM (SAN DANIELE DEL FRIULI)
Hosted in a former friary that was built in 17th century by the “Osservanti “ Fathers of Saint Domenico, the Territorial Museum follows an expositive path divided in three sections: Famous Characters, Sacred Art and Archaeology.
Open: Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Guided tours upon reservation.
For information: tel. +39 0432 954484 (Museum) or tel. +39 0432 954934 (Guarneriana Library).
6. CIVIC AND HISTORICAL MUSEUM (RAGOGNA)
The building that once served as the “Romeo Battistig” primary school is now a teaching-information museum with a nature section, an archaeological section and a room dedicated to the Great War that took place in the Hills of Friuli.
Open: Tuesday and Thursday afternoons. Guided tours upon reservation.
For information: tel. +39 0432 943434 (Museum) or tel. +39 0432 955226 (Town Hall)
Near Saint Lorenzo Square, in the village of Monte di Buja, there is a museum which in addition to some archaeological remains and objects that testify to the history of the local area, boasts three exhibition sections dedicated to some local engraving masters and to the art of medal making.
Open: Saturdays and Sundays. Midweek visits upon reservation.
For information: tel. +39 0432 960151 (Town Hall) or tel. +39 0432 960963 (Library).
8. THE SITES OF THE GREAT WAR IN THE HILLS OF FRIULI
Four historical routes through the Municipal territories of Ragogna, San Daniele del Friuli and Forgaria nel Friuli, allow people discover the scenes of the Battle of Tagliamento river which took place in the autumn of 1917. It resulted directly from the post-Caporetto counterattack which was of fundamental importance for Italy’s reorganization of the front located on the Monte Grappa – Piave river.
For information: tel. +39 0432 957255 (Town Hall Ragogna).
9. BICYCLE ROUTES
Bike lovers can discover natural and historic beauty in the area surrounding San Daniele by following some bicycle routes on dirt and paved roads featuring limited traffic. The routes are clearly marked and are not particularly steep.
For information: tel. +39 0432 940765 (Pro San Daniele Tourist Office).
10. THE LAKES OF SAN DANIELE (VILLANOVA VILLAGE)
In the village of Villanova di San Daniele, it is possible to practice sport fishing in the small lakes of Pighin surrounded by a charming natural environment. Some specimens of trout, char, big trout (2 kilos and up), “Fario trout”, sturgeon, carp and pike live in the clear waters of these lakes. The surrounding environment is a genuinely equipped park that allows for picnicking in the open air and pleasant walks.
Open: every day from 8.00 a.m. to 12.00 p.m. and from 2.00 p.m. to 7.00 p.m.
For information: cell phone +39337 209057 (Mr Dario Pighin)
11. THE LAKE OF RAGOGNA – SAN DANIELE
Belonging to the municipal territories of two different towns, it is the only inter-morainic lake in the Region which has been included in the SIC – Nature Sites of Community Interest, thanks to its naturalistic features. Located on the route taken by some species of migratory birds, it is an especially suitable area for birdwatching. The water-chestnut and several species of dragonflies and fish can also be found here.
For information: tel. +39 0432 940765 (Pro San Daniele Tourist Office).
FURTHER INFORMATION: www.turismofvg.it
