Cordovado: Medieval Heritage, Literature and Peaceful Landscapes

Among Medieval Walls

Cordovado combines a medieval historic centre with distinctive architectural and landscape features. Cordovado Castle forms part of the well-preserved medieval historic centre. Its exterior area includes a moat, walls, masonry bridges and two characteristic gate towers.

The fortified settlement is enclosed by an approximately quadrangular ring of walls with a northern and a southern gate tower, as well as a broad moat that still exists today. The ring of walls and the gates give the historic centre a clearly defined character. For you, this means that the medieval structure is evident not only in a single building, but in several interconnected details.

Churches, Palazzi and Literature

The old Pieve di Sant’Andrea was extensively remodelled or rebuilt in the late 15th century; its portal bears an inscription dated 1477. The diocese’s first Marian shrine was built on 1 May 1603 at the site of a Marian apparition from 1592.

The Palatium Freschi di Cucagna is now known as Piccolomini and stands on the visible foundations of the castle’s former keep. The Palazzo Cecchini, Palazzo Mainardi and Palazzo Marzin complex contains 19th-century frescoes with allegorical and patriotic scenes, grotesques, and landscapes with Pompeian or Neo-Gothic influences.

Cordovado is also home to the “Ippolito Nievo” Literary Park. On the border with Sesto al Reghena lies the Fontana di Venchiaredo, surrounded by a small forest. In this area, an initial section of a literary park is taking shape, recalling the places described in Ippolito Nievo’s “Le confessioni di un italiano”.

Water, Trees and Trails

Lago di Cordovado covers approximately 4 hectares and was formed from a former gravel pit. The landscape around Cordovado includes waterways, ditches, springs and artificial lakes, as well as numerous trees that are centuries old or more than a century old. This creates a varied landscape of water and trees that complements the town’s historic features.

Eight circular routes are available for groups, leading visitors to discover the Borgo di Cordovado. A 27-kilometre cycling and hiking trail begins at the medieval Borgo di Cordovado.

A 1.00-metre-wide footpath made of white stone blocks leads to the Chiesa della Beata Vergine along Via Battaglione Gemona (SR463). The access to the church is 2.50 metres wide, paved with grey stone blocks and featuring uneven paving.

Local Flavours and Historical Character

Spaccafumo is an artisan-made dessert from Cordovado. It is prepared with dried figs, raisins, walnuts, hazelnuts, pine nuts, almonds, candied orange and honey.

At the 38th edition of “Cordovado Medievale”, held in Cordovado on 26 and 27 August 2023, the programme included a historical re-enactment and the Palio dei Rioni in the historic town centre.

More Places for Planning Your Trip

Other places that you can visit as part of your trip planning include Paludea, Cimolais, Valeriano, Brugnera, Vivaro, Porcia, Rauscedo and Budoia.

To the higher-level travel overview: Pordenone.