Trifter

If you’re touring Italy and interested in getting off the beaten track, try the small but picturesque village of Spilimbergo. Considered to be an important city of art, Spilimbergo is a place jam-packed with colour, talent and history. Located north of Venice on the banks of a river, the village is heralded internationally as the city of mosaics, or “Mosaic City”. A stroll around the old town justifies the auspicious title and helps to relive ancient history.

Spilimbergo’s old town retains a group of sacred buildings and the streets still hang on to vestiges of the past. Enter the old town through the West Tower and wind yourself through arcades, past churches and monasteries, plazas, arcades, medieval houses, porches and even a convent. For history buffs, there are portions of the old medieval wall left and more than two dozen other structures that date back hundreds of years.

As your absorbing history, don’t be surprised if the Italian you hear is different from the norm. The local dialect of Friulano is a reflection of the various European sway that has influenced the city over the centuries. Listen closely to hear a peppering of Austrian, Latin, German and Slovenian mixed in with the stronger Italian.

Not to be outdone by the scores of mosaics, frescoes also play a major part in the cities aesthetics. The churches and castles are adorned with frescoes in different states of repair. Adorned with elegant stucco work, the Cathedral of St. Mary the Major, is graced with an array of decorative arts that are gradually fading. Still a trip to the cathedral is a reminder of the impressive history that Spilimbergo holds.

If you’re lucky enough to be in Spilimbergo in summer then don’t miss the historical Macia held in August. During the festivities the arcades and streets are home to colourful shop displays, medieval traditions, characters in costume and accounts of the historical events of Spilimbergo.

Take a walk past the local Mosaic school, Scuola Mosaicisti Del Friuli and hear the sound of mosaic hammers on choppers and blocks, emitting from the mosaic and terrace laboratories. Established in 1922 the student population of around 100 hail from over 20 different countries. A free tour of the school is a treat, but be warned about 25,000 people visit annually so book ahead.

As with all good Italian towns, Spilimbergo is bursting with flavour. The old castle boasts several good restaurants and dining there is an experience, feast in ambience and see some of the old frescoes still in evidence. The imposing edifice is an ensemble of different buildings that dominate the valley below. Further along Al mus c’al svuale comes highly recommended by the tourist board and the pub at via XX Settembre 10, offers fresh pasta dishes for a reasonable price. Of course when in Spilimbergo do as the Romans do and indulge in “Dolce di Spilimbergo”, a local delicacy. This cake is sweet with a light cream and crushed almonds.

Nearby in the province of Udine, San Daniele is renowned as being one of the world capitals of raw prosciutto.

 There are plenty of places to stay in Spilimbergo. The Macia House – Bed & breakfast is an old favourite. It can be found at Corso Roma 84, 33097 Spilimbergo, Italy. Phone:39 338 7625868 or visit http://www.lamaciahouse.it

Hotel Restaurant ‘Osteria Da Afro’ can be found at Via Umberto I, 14 – 33097 Spilimbergo. Telephone & Fax: 39 0427-2264 

Getting to Spilimbergo: 123 kilometres north of Venice, the most direct route is through the villages of Sedrano, San Foca, Vivaro, Basaldella and Tauriano. Go north to Maniago and then take the SS464 east, or go south to Pordenone on the SS13 and turn off.