Photography
A Day Trip to Venzone
Dec
Once you go far enough North in Italy you eventually run into architecture, customs, landscapes- and even food that you wouldn’t typically recognize as being Italian. Let’s take a trip back in time and I’ll share what I’ve learned about this remarkably beautiful town 🙂
Venzone is a town located in the northeastern part of Italy in the region of Friuli-Venezia Giulia. Over the course of its history, Venzone has been influenced by various cultures and civilizations, including the Swiss and the Germans.
Swiss influence in Venzone can be traced back to the late medieval period, when the town was part of the Swiss Confederation. During this time, Swiss troops passed through Venzone on their way to battles in Italy, and the town became known for its strategic importance. In the 16th and 17th centuries, Venzone was also home to a significant number of Swiss merchants and artisans, who made significant contributions to the local economy and culture.
German influence in Venzone can be traced back to the Habsburg rule of the region in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. During this time, the Habsburg Empire expanded its influence into the region and introduced German language and culture to Venzone. This German influence is still evident today in the town’s architecture and local traditions, as well as in the German-speaking community that still exists in the area.
Venzone is surrounded by the beautiful Julian Alps, and the dramatic views of the mountains from Venzone are truly breathtaking. On clear days, you can see the snow-capped peaks of the Julian Alps rising in the distance, while in the foreground, rolling hills and lush forests create a truly magical and memorable view..
For those who love to explore the great outdoors, the mountains surrounding Venzone offer endless opportunities for adventure and exploration. There are numerous trails and paths leading into the heart of the Julian Alps, where you can enjoy scenic vistas, crystal-clear lakes, and high-altitude meadows. The town of Venzone also provides access to some of the most beautiful ski resorts in the region, where skiers and snowboarders can enjoy the thrill of the slopes and breathtaking mountain views.
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Venzone is renowned for its walls, which are considered to be among the best-preserved in Italy. The walls were originally built in the 13th century to protect the town from invading forces and provide a safe haven for its residents. The walls of Venzone are constructed of grey stones, and they rise to a height of around 8 meters (26 feet). Around the walls you can also find several towers and fortified gates. To this day the walls encircle the old town center, which is filled with historic buildings and narrow, winding streets.
It is theorized that Venzone, Italy was one of the inspirations for the fictional city of Minas Tirith in J.R.R. Tolkien’s “The Lord of the Rings”. Minas Tirith is a fictional city in Middle-earth that serves as the capital of Gondor and is described as a seven-tiered city with walls and towers that rise steeply from the plain. Obviously this is purely speculative but it honestly reminded me of the film as well, and after doing some digging found it was noted by fans and scholars of Tolkien’s work. The town of Venzone has since become a popular destination for fans of “The Lord of the Rings”.
Once inside the city I really enjoyed exploring the narrow streets. At one point we started watching some pastry chefs working in their bakery while we took a break outside. I later realized that Venzone, Italy is known for its rich culinary tradition, including a variety of baked goods and pastries. Some of the most famous breads and pastries from Venzone include Pane di Venzone, which is a traditional bread that is made with flour, water, salt, and yeast. It is known for its crusty exterior and soft, tender interior, and is often served with local cheeses, cured meats, and other regional specialties. This sounds pretty typical of an Italian place, but strudel on the other hand has origins in the Austro-Hungarian empire. If you’re not familiar with strudel – This is a traditional pastry that is made with a thin, flaky pastry dough that is filled with sweet or savory fillings. In Venzone, the most popular fillings include apples, nuts, raisins, and other dried fruits.
Another thing I read about is that Venzone, Italy won the “Most Beautiful Medieval Village” award in 2017 (No surprise here). This award is given by the Italian National Association of Borghi Più Belli d’Italia, which recognizes and promotes the most beautiful and historically significant villages in Italy. Winning the award was a significant moment for Venzone, as it brought national and international attention to the town and helped to promote its rich cultural heritage. The award has also helped to spur economic growth and development in the town, as more and more visitors come to explore its beautiful streets, historic buildings, and charming local shops and restaurants.
Even with its boost in popularity though, while walking through the town I couldn’t help but notice how incredibly empty it was – and we’re talking ghost town – how can businesses survive here – empty. Looking into it, I found that like many other villages, towns, and cities in Italy – the local economy of Venzone was severely impacted by the pandemic. Businesses were forced to shut down temporarily, leading to job losses and economic hardship for many residents. The tourism industry, which is an important source of revenue for the town, was also heavily affected by the pandemic, as international travel restrictions and reduced consumer spending caused a decline in visitors. The town is still recovering from the pandemic and working towards rebuilding its economy and restoring a sense of normalcy for its residents.
All in all I would definitely say I highly recommend a visit to Venzone if you have the ability to do so. I would say it was just as clean as any town in Switzerland I visited, and the views of the town surrounded by the nearby mountains are honestly outstanding. I know I went a little more ‘Travel Blog’ with this blog post in particular. What did you think? Let me know 🙂
Cheers,
Scott
