Wild nature and picturesque villages in the heights of Carnia
Not to be missed in the alleyways of Sutrio from 7 December to 6 January is the "Borghi e Presepi" ("Villages and Cribs") event, a real Christmas en plein air
A slow carriage ride through fascinating mountain scenery and fragrant forests, perhaps after a tiring but energetic walk. A night-time adventure in the woods, under a starry blanket, by the light of lanterns alone, where charm turns into magic. And again, an itinerary through narrow, winding streets through villages made up of stone houses, with ancient portals, wooden staircases and the ever-present balconies in bloom as someone tells a story on a journey back in time. Those who are willing to use their hands and their senses can then learn to recognise and use wild herbs, flowers and fruits, but also barks and stems to prepare risottos, fruits in spirit, herbal teas and infusions. The atmosphere around is alpine, with an ancient mountain not so well known to most but rich in traditions.
Colours and routes on Zoncolan
This is Carnia and this is the programme of experiences (Discover the herbs in the mountains, The magic of the forest at night; the Borgo in movement, etc.) put together by Visit Zoncolan in the mountains of Friuli Venezia Giulia. This is a series of events designed to allow most people to discover the trails, the forest, the fauna, the architecture, the culture and the traditions of the mountains, in an area once considered inhospitable or otherwise difficult, but which in reality only requires a respectful curiosity to show off all its qualities. The combination of nature and villages is perhaps the winning one when, having left the liveliness of Trieste a little more than an hour's drive away, you arrive in Carnia. The best way to appreciate the colours of autumn is to walk along the paths that wind through the woods. The proposed routes vary greatly, in terms of height difference and length, but all are certainly fascinating: there is the Ovasta ring, suitable for everyone, which offers unique panoramic views and uncontaminated nature or, alternatively, the route from Lauco to Monte Cretis, which is easy with the suggestive Plera waterfall and traces of Roman settlements. Among the more challenging hikes is the one that from the Forca di Luins pass winds its way through high-altitude pastures and larches to the summit of Mount Tersadia, a splendid natural balcony over the But Valley. And then there are the sunsets, from Cima Tamai (easily reached) or at the summit of Mount Neddis following a path that requires a minimum of training but amply repays the effort. Not to be missed is a visit to the House of 100 Windows, or the Palazzo Micoli Toscano, a majestic 14th-century residence that actually has 107 windows. So why is it called the House of 100 Windows? The answer at the end of the tour, of course.
At Paluzza for Land Art
Enticing the visitor are the villages of Maranzanis, Povolaro, Comeglians and then Sutrio. Not far away in Paluzza are new and evocative works of land art that enrich the artistic itinerary that winds through the area of Torre Moscarda, the ancient bulwark that - laden with history and charm - stands on top of a hill on the edge of the village. They were realised by 11 artists on the occasion of the Artistic Residency organised within the framework of the Bando Borghi PNRR "Il Bosco nel Borgo-Il Borgo nel Bosco", a project of cultural and social regeneration that narrates the intrinsic value of wood. The artists developed works capable of dialoguing harmoniously with the landscape and the identity of the place. The atmosphere among the ancient stones of Sutrio becomes magical from 7 December to 6 January, when this enchanting village lights up with wonder for the "Borghi e Presepi" (Boroughs and Cribs) event: a Christmas en plein air, spread throughout the courtyards and under the porticoes of the ancient houses, along the paved streets where the pace slows down and the air smells of wood and snow.
