Discover Cordovado: Medieval Historic Center and Landscape

Cordovado between the Castle District and the Landscape

If you are looking for a place with a clearly recognizable medieval character, your first glimpse of Cordovado will lead you to the castle. It forms part of the well-preserved medieval historic center. The outer area includes a moat, walls, masonry bridges, and two distinctive gate towers. The fortified settlement is enclosed by an approximately quadrangular ring of walls with a northern and a southern gate tower; the wide moat also remains to this day.

The architectural ensemble includes the Palatium Freschi di Cucagna, now called Piccolomini. The building stands on the visible foundations of the former keep of the castle. Another historic site is the old Pieve di Sant’Andrea. It was extensively remodeled or rebuilt in the late 15th century, while its portal bears an inscription dated 1477. The diocese’s first Marian shrine was built on May 1, 1603, at the site of a Marian apparition from 1592.

Culture between the Historic Center and Literature

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 that Ippolito Nievo described in “Le confessioni di un italiano.” The connection between architectural history and literature remains tied to specific places.

The Palazzo Cecchini, Palazzo Mainardi, and Palazzo Marzin complex also complements the historic townscape with interiors featuring 19th-century frescoes. They depict allegorical and patriotic scenes, grotesques, and landscapes with Pompeian or Neo-Gothic effects. The 38th edition of “Cordovado Medievale” is also part of the town’s recent history as a documented event: At the event on August 26 and 27, 2023, a historical reenactment and the Palio dei Rioni were held in the historic town center.

Walks and Trails

Eight circular walks are available for groups, leading visitors to discover the Borgo di Cordovado. Another way to incorporate the town into a longer route is a 27-kilometer cycling and hiking trail that begins at the medieval Borgo di Cordovado. This makes it possible to consider a historical visit to the town and a signposted, described route distance separately when planning a trip, without equating the two offerings.

Along Via Battaglione Gemona (SR463), a 1.00 m-wide footpath made of white stone blocks leads to the Chiesa della Beata Vergine. The access path to the church is 2.50 m wide, surfaced with gray stone blocks, and has uneven paving.

Water, Trees, and a Local Specialty

The landscape of Cordovado includes waterways, ditches, springs, artificial lakes, as well as numerous trees that are centuries old or more than a century old. Lago di Cordovado covers approximately 4 hectares and was formed from a former gravel pit. Its history of formation distinguishes it from the natural waterways and springs that also form part of the landscape.

A local specialty is Spaccafumo, an artisanal dessert from Cordovado. It is prepared with dried figs, raisins, walnuts, hazelnuts, pine nuts, almonds, candied orange, and honey. This clearly identified culinary specialty complements the town’s historical and natural impressions.

More Destinations for Your Search

If you would like to continue planning your trip beyond Cordovado, you can also view Pordenone, San Quirino, Frisanco, Zoppola, Porcia, Caneva, Pinzano Al Tagliamento, and Valeriano.

To the higher-level travel overview: Pordenone.