Azzano: Historical Traces on the Natisone
Accommodation in Azzano
Azzano reveals itself through several historical layers: a villa with striking architecture, a traditional church, an old borgo and archaeological traces connect the village with the history of the area around the Natisone. The Natisone provides the geographical reference for the Roman road routes.
Villa Michelloni and the Architecture of Azzano
Villa Michelloni is located in the small hamlet of Azzano di Premariacco. Its architecture reveals various indications of different periods. The date of Villa Michelloni remains unclear: the year 1690 carved into the keystone of the central portico arch is considered an indication of the year Villa Michelloni was founded; at the same time, the villa dates from the 18th century.
The south façade of Villa Michelloni is particularly striking. It is characterized by arches and columns made of worked natural stone. The eastern section, built of stone, appears to be the oldest part of the complex. This creates an architectural theme that culturally interested visitors can trace directly in the building itself: the portico, natural stone and different structural elements give the villa its distinctive character, without requiring a large collection or an extensive museum site.
San Girolamo between Church and Local History
San Girolamo is a branch church in Azzano, in the municipality of Premariacco. The Chiesa di San Girolamo in Azzano was built in 1640 as a private oratory. Alongside the villa, this places a second historic building at the center, with an origin that can be dated precisely. Its religious function and former use as a private oratory provide a separate approach to the history of Azzano and complement the consideration of its secular architecture.
Borgo, Graves and Roman Road Traces
A historic fountain is located in the old borgo of Azzano. Two graves of Lombard horsemen were discovered near Ponte di Azzano; they belong to the type known as cist graves. Two additional routes of Roman roads were also discovered along the Natisone River.
The area’s Roman settlement history is connected with the Natisone River. Provincial road SP 19 “del Natisone” also runs from Ponte San Quirino to Manzano through Ipplis and Azzano. On this route, Azzano lies after Ipplis and before Manzano.
A Dated Event Connection
Azzano di Premariacco hosted the Meeting degli Azzano d’Italia on June 16 and 17, 2007. With 2007, the event connection adds a clear point in time alongside the older architectural and archaeological contexts.
If you are shaping your trip to Italy around cultural history, Azzano offers several themes for independent exploration: architecture at Villa Michelloni, sacred history at San Girolamo, the local structure of the village in the old borgo, and Roman and Lombard traces in the area around the Natisone.
Other places in Friuli-Venezia Giulia include Aiello del Friuli, Sauris, Paluzza, Bagnaria Arsa, Ronchis, Sant'Eliseo, Resia and Forni Di Sopra.
For the overarching travel overview: Udine.
