Faedis between Castles, Waterfalls and Wine
Accommodation in Faedis
Faedis combines a clearly recognisable castle and wine tradition with paths to waterfalls and places of remembrance. The La pedemontana orientale castle route passes through Faedis towards Canale di Grivò and includes the Castelli di Cucagna and Zucco. This creates a destination where historic sites, forest paths and regional wine themes can be combined in a variety of excursions for you.
File:Chiesa di Santa Maria Maddalena in Rupes, Faedis 02.jpg
Photo: C ale via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Historic Traces around Faedis
Above Faedis, Castello di Cucagna formed the centre of a powerful defensive system. In the town centre, the Centa di Faedis fortification stood at Piazza Plebiscito beneath the 20th-century church of Santa Maria Assunta. Today, only the 14th-century tower remains; a belfry was added in the 17th century. The Church of Madonna in Castello dates from the 14th century and contains a fresco of the Madonna Lactans that can be viewed. Castello di Zucco was built in 1248 by Adalpretto di Cucagna on Rodingerius Hill.
Castello di Soffumbergo is another historic highlight: in 1298, the patriarch selected it as the court's summer residence, and its ancient chapel was completely restored. Visits to Castello di Cucagna require a reservation through the Consorzio per la Salvaguardia dei Castelli Storici del Friuli Venezia Giulia.
Waterfalls, Forest Paths and Places of Remembrance
The path to the Cascate Gemelle runs through the forest parallel to the Rio Marchiat and leads to the twin waterfalls near Faedis. After driving from Faedis towards Canebola, the path begins at a wooden sign; from the car park, a footpath of approximately 50 m leads there. The route to the Malghe di Porzus is signposted from Faedis, and there is a large car park near the huts.
The huts of Topli Uorch are now generally known as Malghe di Porzus. They are a national monument commemorating a massacre carried out in 1945 between partisan forces; information panels are available on site. Marked forest paths lead from Faedis on foot to Castello di Zucco. From the village of Sant'Anastasia, many panoramic paths lead through valleys and past castles to the alpine huts; Castello di Cucagna can be reached on foot via a path from Borgo Santa Anastasia.
Wine and Local Events
Faedis is a well-known wine-growing area. Its leading product is Refosco, an old grape variety with a deep ruby-red colour and fruity flavour. Around twenty types of wine are grown in the municipality of Faedis; Picolit is also part of the wine production. Offerings in Faedis include visits and tastings at numerous wineries. The Festa del Vino e delle Fragole represents the local festival culture and is one of the best-known events in the Faedis community.
Which Focuses Suit Your Trip
If you would like to combine culture with activity, the castle route, the marked forest paths to Castello di Zucco and the paths from Sant'Anastasia offer different focuses. The Cascate Gemelle provide a nature-oriented highlight, while the Malghe di Porzus combine historical remembrance with signposted orientation. When choosing your accommodation, you can therefore consider whether historic visits, forest paths, waterfalls or wine should be the focus of your trip.
More Destinations
Tavagnacco, Cividale Del Friuli, San Pietro Al Natisone, Flaibano, Osoppo, Ragogna, Tolmezzo, Villa Santina
To the higher-level travel overview: Udine.
