Castions di Strada: Wetland and Village History

Castions di Strada brings together the natural landscape of Torbiera Selvote and the history of its churches and village. This offers different themes to focus on when planning your trip: the wetland and its spring blooms, sacred art and architectural history, and archaeological traces of early settlement. You can give nature, culture, and local history different emphasis according to your interests.

Wetland and routes

Torbiera Selvote covers an area of 59.78 hectares in Castions di Strada and overlaps with the protected area IT3320028 Palude Selvote. The Biotopo Torbiera Selvote route runs between Castions di Strada and Morsano di Strada through an area of community importance that is part of the Natura 2000 network. The area measurement, protected status, and route provide different points of reference for exploring nature.

Both routes lead to the center of the wetland, where Iris sibirica and Gladiolus palustris bloom in spring. The longer option is 9.7 km long, passes through Morsano di Strada, and reaches the church of Santa Maria Maddalena. For nature enthusiasts, spring is a specific seasonal point of reference; the longer option complements the wetland blooms with a named route.

Churches, art, and history

The present-day complex of Santa Maria delle Grazie dates from the first half of the 16th century. Roman building materials were partly reused in its construction. The church also has a 16th-century fresco cycle depicting the life of Saint Blaise. Access is limited to specific occasions. The building’s history and its artistic program offer different cultural themes: the complex can be understood through its period of construction and the reused materials, while the frescoes depict the story of a saint.

San Martino is also part of the village’s early architectural history: the original building dates from the 11th century. The settlement phases of a fortified settlement southwest of the center go back even further. They extended from the Middle to the Late Bronze Age (1500/1400 BC) to the Early Iron Age (900–800 BC). In chronological terms, the history thus spans Bronze and Iron Age settlement phases, San Martino, and the present-day complex of Santa Maria delle Grazie from the first half of the 16th century.

Village dairy and trip planning

Latteria sociale di Castions di St. S.C.A. was established as a village dairy. Dairy products are sold on the ground floor; the selection may change. The village dairy adds a connection to local milk production to the nature and culture themes.

The best time to visit varies depending on your interests: Iris sibirica and Gladiolus palustris bloom in spring, while access to the frescoes at Santa Maria delle Grazie is limited to specific occasions. Discover more destinations: Aquileia, Latisana, Passariano and Marano Lagunare.

For an overview of the wider area: Udine.