Manzano: Chairmaking, Vineyards and Culture

Manzano can be discovered through several distinct facets: the municipality preserves a rich history of local craftsmanship and combines it with cultural attractions, vineyards and scenic trails. Its position in the so-called “Triangolo della sedia” is particularly distinctive: this was originally a production community specialising in chairmaking. Manzano is one of its three original municipalities; the other two are Corno di Rosazzo and San Giovanni al Natisone. The municipality also has a historical and a modern collection of chairs and tools representing the local craft.

Historic Places in the Municipality

One of the notable buildings is Palazzo Romano in Case di Manzano. The palazzo stands on the remains of an older manor house and lies within a fortified perimeter wall with battlements, which also encloses a park. In the centre of San Lorenzo stands the 17th-century birthplace of the Friulian writer Caterina Percoto. Caterina Percoto lived from 1812 to 1887. In the various localities, you can therefore encounter both architectural traces of older manor houses and a specific site connected with literary history.

Festivals Connected with Local History

The “Gimcana della Sedia” is considered a traditional event held as part of the “Festa della Sedia”. It is an obstacle race for historic carriages. “Settembre Manzanese” also has a historical connection: its first edition took place in 1971. The Pro Loco Manzano celebrated its founding with the event and organised a late-summer festival to bring together the various localities and local associations. Both events refer to different aspects of local community life, without this implying a current event date.

Nature on the Natisone

Parco del Natisone is an important breeding area for birds. The stone-curlew (Burhinus oedicnemus) breeds on the gravel banks, while the tawny pipit (Anthus campestris) breeds in the dry grasslands. The riverbed of the Natisone can be reached via unpaved roads branching off from the village of San Nicolò. For visitors interested in nature, this area is therefore particularly appealing because of its distinctive habitats and the bird species found there.

Trails and Rosazzo Abbey

The “Sentiero della Sdricca” is a medieval trail that runs through lush forests and sunny vineyards. The hills around Manzano are suitable for walks among the vineyards. Another trail, the “Sentiero delle rose”, runs alongside the grounds of Rosazzo Abbey. Guided tours of Rosazzo Abbey and the “Sentiero delle rose” are available on request and by prior reservation. For visit planning, Rosazzo Abbey has the following opening hours from 30 March to 25 October 2026: Monday to Friday from 9:00 to 12:30 and from 14:30 to 18:00, and Saturday and Sunday from 9:00 to 12:30 and from 15:00 to 18:00.

Olive Oil, Wineries and Vinegar

The culinary side of Manzano is also shaped by history and craftsmanship. Olive oil production has been deeply rooted in Manzano since the 11th century. Around Manzano, you can visit numerous wineries and taste their products together with local specialities. At a local acetaia, visitors can also learn about the traditional art of vinegar making. Wine, olive oil, vinegar and local specialities thus complement the municipality’s cultural impressions with concrete regional taste experiences.

Further Destinations for Orientation

Caporiacco, Moruzzo, Camino Al Tagliamento, Tolmezzo, Santa Maria la Longa, Udine, Torreano and Ravascletto

For the higher-level travel overview: Udine.