Many people stationed at Aviano Air Base find homes near Sacile and Pordenone. These thriving Italian towns have much to offer and are fun to explore. (diana crestan - adobe stock)
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Many people stationed at Aviano find homes near Sacile and Pordenone. These thriving Italian towns have much to offer and are fun to explore.
In the Middle Ages, the garden village of Sacile grew along a trade route that protected the crossing of the Livenza River. At this time, a small shrine was built that would later be replaced with the Duomo di San Nicolo. Inside its typical Venetian architecture are some incredible 15th-century frescoes. The Duomo makes a great starting point for a walk around town. Down the road is the Torrione di Pra Castelvecchio, a portion of the medieval city wall that is tucked into the Giardini Ortazza Park that straddles the river. There is a small pedestrian-only bridge that makes a scenic stroll to the other side.
As part of the former Republic of Venice, the town of Sacile became a haven for noble families who built their palaces along the LIvenza River. You can see a series of opulent political frescoes by visiting the Palazzo Ragazzoni near the park. Now an event center, the palace courtyard hosts a local market on Thursday mornings.
Crossing back over the river will bring you back to the heart of this scenic village. Many of the restaurants and bars around the Piazza del Popolo have patios that open onto the Livenza River, which seems to surround the town. Sacile’s historic center is actually built on two islands within the river. For a quintessentially Italian experience, finish off your day in Sacile by having a drink or tasting some gelato at one of the many riverside terraces.
The Noncello River that runs adjacent to Pordenone was an important byway during the Middle Ages. After a dock called the Portus Naonis developed on the river’s edge, the town grew around it and became an active trading site. It is still a great place to go shopping. The cobblestoned Corso Vittorio Emanuele II, or “Corso” leads north from the river and into the old city center. It is a walking street with plenty of Italian charm. The road is lined with colorful, historic shuttered buildings, outdoor cafes and many local specialty shops.
Elite families residing in Pordenone were an active part of the Italian Renaissance, and their artistic patronage can still be seen in the city’s center. Many of the building facades have colorful frescoes or friezes that were restored for the city’s “Corso Facades Project” in 1991. One such building is the Palazzo Ricchieri, which now houses the Civic Art Museum. Nearby is the Duomo di San Marco with its stark façade, beautiful bell tower and extensively decorated interior. Across the street is the impressively Gothic Town Hall, which was built in the 1300s.
Take some time along Pordenone’s Corso to sit and enjoy the plentiful outdoor cafes. Local food and wine are on show since the town is a member of the Slow Food movement. Try a Friulano or RIbolla wine, a local prosciutto or a cheese and potato pie called a “frico.” On Wednesday and Saturday mornings, tents are set up in the area of XX Settembre Square. This City Market is the perfect place to mingle with locals, find some deals and try the local Italian cuisine.
