Castelmonte: Sanctuary, Fortress Village and Nature Park
Accommodation in Castelmonte
A fortified sanctuary with a character of its own
Castelmonte combines religious history, fortress-like architecture and a landscape that can be explored in a variety of ways. By 1253, Castelmonte’s fortified sanctuary had grown into a village. During this period, a portico was built in front of the church to protect pilgrims. The covered structure is therefore part of the architectural character in which the history of the sanctuary and the development of the village directly converge.
File:Castelmonte Friuli Venezia Giulia 15082006 11.jpg
Photo: Johann Jaritz via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Even today, the architecture shapes the impression of the place. The Castelmonte complex is surrounded by high walls and retains its character as a fortress. The village of Castelmonte can be accessed through two gates.
Art between the church and village square
A particular highlight is the statue Madonna viva with Child. It was made from painted limestone around the middle of the 15th century and weighs more than two hundred kilograms. Because of its lively, maternal expression, the statue is known as “Madonna viva.” The name refers to the effect of the face and makes the work accessible even to visitors who are interested in the details of sacred art without any prior knowledge of art history.
The south façade of the church also features the late-15th-century relief “Madonna col Bambino lattante,” made from white marble. The statue and the relief place different materials from within sacred art side by side, while also dating from different periods of the 15th century. A fountain dating from 1645 stands in a small square in Castelmonte. Together with the portico and the fortress-like complex, it creates a townscape in which sculpture, religious architectural history and everyday village life exist closely side by side. Visitors to Castelmonte can therefore focus on individual works of art just as much as on the overall impression of the historic ensemble.
Nature Park and panorama at Colle della Croce
Since 1992, Colle della Croce has been a nature park with paths, picnic areas and benches. The foot of the large metal cross on Colle della Croce offers an exceptional panorama. The existing paths and places to rest give the landscape experience a quieter, more contemplative dimension: You can combine your time there with a walk, plan breaks and let your gaze wander across the surrounding area.
Other destinations in the surrounding area
The Cascate Kot waterfall, also known as Cascata del Kot, is located near Castelmonte. The Museo archeologico nazionale, a museum, is also in the surrounding area. Along the Via delle antiche Pievi di Prepotto, there are picnic areas where you can stop for refreshments and enjoy the surrounding hilly landscape. Castelmonte is therefore a suitable destination for anyone who does not want to consider historic townscapes, sacred art and landscapes separately.
More places for your research on Italy
San Vito Al Torre, Bicinicco, Moimacco, Marano Lagunare, Enemonzo, Tarcento, Trivignano Udinese, Coseano
To the higher-level travel overview: Udine.
