Follina amid monastic culture, silk and the Prosecco Hills

Follina amid monastic culture and rolling hills

Follina combines sacred architecture, textile history and activities in the Prosecco Hills. The Abbey of Santa Maria di Follina was founded as a Cistercian monastery. At the same time, Follina is one of the 15 municipalities of the Prosecco Hills. The Prosecco Hills have been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since July 2019. This makes the town a culturally oriented starting point for those who want to combine Italian history with a landscape of hills and waterways.

The Sanctuary of Santa Maria di Follina is at the heart of the town’s historical attractions. It is a Romanesque-Gothic building and gives the town a distinct sacred character. The sanctuary is also associated with an annual pilgrimage from Alpago on Whit Day. A procession takes place every year at the Chiesetta di S. Clemente on the occasion of the feast of Saint Clement.

Follina’s local textile history is also closely connected with the town. The processing of wool and silk experienced a period of great prosperity here until the 18th century. The Serica della Marca silk works continue the millennia-old tradition of silk production established by the monks. In addition, textiles by Paoletti are used by internationally renowned fashion houses for their collections. Those interested in craftsmanship, materials and the development of local production will find in these subjects a distinctive historical and cultural perspective on the town.

Other buildings take visitors back to earlier periods of economic activity. Palazzo Barberis Rusca was built in the second half of the 17th century by Francesco Fadda as the final part of his textile factory. The building of the old metal workshop in Follina is believed to date from the second half of the 15th century. In the area of today’s old metal workshop, a building with two water-powered wheels can be traced back to the year 1600.

Follina appeals not only to those interested in culture. The municipality has mountain-bike trails of varying difficulty, as well as quiet cycle paths through the hills and along waterways. This makes more sporting tours and more relaxed cycling different ways of exploring the area. The Marcia dei brac complements this profile: The non-competitive mountain run takes place in April and has been held for almost 30 years.

When planning your trip, it is therefore worth considering your own interests. The abbey and sanctuary represent architecture and religious history, while Palazzo Barberis Rusca and the old workshops reflect the town’s artisanal past. Silk, wool and Paoletti textiles provide insight into local economic history, while cycle paths, mountain-bike trails and the mountain run make active days possible. Follina is therefore a destination where different travel interests can be combined through specific places, traditions and activities.

More destinations for your trip planning

Crespignaga, Cavaso Del Tomba, Cavasagra, Cessalto, Breda Di Piave, Castelcucco, Sant'Alberto and Cimadolmo

To the overarching travel overview: Treviso.