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Two medieval towns, both resurrected after the earthquakes of 1976
Venzone
Gemona

WHAT TO VISIT IN GEMONA & VENZONE

 

CHARMING MEDIEVAL TOWNS 


Gemona and Venzone are rich in history, once crucial market towns and shelter for pilgrims on their way to Rome. Devastated by the 1976 earthquake, they were rebuilt with care and are now recognized for their resilience.

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VENZONE A MEDIEVAL MOVIE SET 


Wander through Venzone's streets, where time stands still. Its medieval look, rebuilt stone by stone after the 1976 earthquake, has made it the backdrop for films like A Farewell to Arms (1932).

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VENZONE CATHEDRAL, A STUNNING REBUILD 


The 14th century Venzone Cathedral, was completely rebuilt after the 1976 earthquake. Its stunning Gothic architecture is a testament to the town’s resilience. Inside you can admire the intricate frescoes and delicate details that invite reflection on the region's rich history.. The impressive reconstruction with the original building materials following the idea of "how it was and where it was" ia a real eyecatcher. 

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THE EARTHQUAKE MUSEUM & MUMMIES


Visit the "Tiere Motus" Earthquake Museum to learn about Venzone’s recovery. Don't miss the mummies in the S. Michele chapel, preserved by a unique parasitic fungus.

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GEMONA ART AND VIEWS 


Gemona’s small but vibrant historic center is home to beautiful art. Visit the Gothic church of S. Maria Assunta, the castle for panoramic views, and explore its museums, including the Museum of the Cathedral and Palazzo Elti for art collections.

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BOOK A GUIDED TOUR 


Explore the resilience and beauty of Gemona and Venzone with a guided tour. Contact me for more details.

Alpe Adria Cycle Trail .jpg
THE ALPE ADRIA CYCLE TRAIL
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The Alpe Adria Cycle Trail, voted the most beautiful bike route in Europe, passes through both Venzone and Gemona. Starting in Salzburg, Austria, the trail winds its way through stunning mountain landscapes and valleys, entering Italy via Tarvisio and ending on the picturesque island of Grado. Over 180 km, cyclists are treated to breathtaking views of the Alps leading down to the Adriatic Sea, while passing through charming towns, including two UNESCO World Heritage sites. A journey that blends nature, culture, and adventure.

For more information click here.

The highlights of Gemona & Venzone:
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Gemona: 
  • The Cathedral
  • The art gallery Palazzo Elti
  • 'Il museo della Pieve e Tesoro del Duomo' for sacred art works
  • The historical center
  • The cheese fair in November
  
Venzone: 
  • The Cathedral
  • The Earthquake Museum 'Tiere Motus'
  • The historical center
  • The mummies 
  • The lavender shops
  • The pumpkin fair in October
Good to combine with one of the following sights:
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Tarvisio

Tarvisio

Tarvisio

Tarvisio

The Cavazzo lake

The Cavazzo lake

The butterfly museum in Bordano

The butterfly museum in Bordano

The butterfly museum in Borden

The butterfly museum in Borden

The Fusine lake

The Fusine lake

San Daniele

San Daniele

San Daniele

San Daniele

San Daniele

San Daniele

San Daniele

San Daniele

Udine

Udine

Udine

Udine

Venzone

Venzone

Gemona from above.jpeg

Gemona

​The pumpkin fair of Venzone

 

In the last weekend of October the pumpkin fair "La Festa della Zucca ' takes place and Venzone just changes like a film set into a real medieval town starring the pumpkins. The locals dress up in medieval clothing, modern traffic signs are covered with jute. There are medieval games, medieval street concerts etc.

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Of course you can buy pumpkin made food anywhere from bread to cakes to gnocchi. Delicious!​

The cheese festival of Gemona
 
In the second weekend of November, when the days are still relatively mild and the Summer of St. Martin is celebrated, Gemona del Friuli hosts "Gemona, cheese... and surroundings" the food and wine event dedicated to a local excellence: cheese.
 
The event ties in with tradition by taking place together with the Thanksgiving Festival and was created to highlight the dairy production of local and regional dairies,
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