Spilimbergo
is a medieval town surrounded by fortifications (walls). Inside
the walls are a 14th century village and a 16th
century castle (do see the frescoes here) encircled
by a moat (really — what’s a castle without a moat?).
The castle dominates the valley and is a mix of architectural
styles. It is built on the foundations of a Roman fortress
(ancient). The tree-lined village is lovely and the palazzi
and homes in town have ornate facades with frescoes, carvings,
sculptures — all are very beautiful. The town hall
is located in a beautiful 16th century palazzo
(Tadea) — do drop in to see the stuccoes here.
The duomo is Gothic (13th century) and has
a lovely Romanesque portal, frescoes, paintings by Giovanni
da Pordenone and sculptures by Pilacorte. There’s a school
in Spilimbergo for mosaic artisans — at the school there
is a permanent exhibition of their work (really terrific).
The city is often called "the city of the mosaic".
Polcenigo
sits on the banks of the Livenza River. The Castle of
Polcenigo stands at the top of a hill,
looking out (dominating) the valley. It’s an amazingly
beautiful setting. The castle was originally used as a fortress/military
outpost, but it was made a castle (home of the royals) and
then a villa (as it was rebuilt repeatedly in differing styles).
In the historical center of town there are palazzi
that are worth a good look (Palazzo Fullini-Zaia and Palazzo
Scolari-Salice — both 16th century). Fullini-Zaia
has beautiful stuccoes. The Chiesa di San Giacomo (13th
century) has some nice frescoes, a beautiful organ and choir
stalls and a lovely cloister (check out the ceiling here).
The Chiesa di Ognissanti and Chiesa di San Rocco
(great bell tower) deserve a look too. Do walk the Strada
Vecchia/Via Coltura, the first street of the ancient village
— check out the palazzi and houses along this street
(architecturally very interesting and beautiful). There is
a museum (I haven’t been there I’m sorry
to say) but it is supposed to be great — it’s a
culinary museum concentrating on products, chefs, recipes
and cuisine of the area (my friend who visited recently said
it was very good)…..next trip!