Unusual sightseeing in Friuli Venezia Giulia: historic homes

In the province of Udine, the surrounding plain is dominated by Villalta Castle, an ancient medieval manor with towers and crenellated walls. For a long time the property of the lords of Villalta-Caporiacco, one of the most important families in Friuli, it was destroyed and rebuilt several times over the centuries. To date, the residence can be visited upon reservation and during the tour you can admire the kitchen furnished in rustic Friulian style, the main floor decorated with 17th century frescoes, the Patriarchs' Hall, the Imperial Halls and the Hall of Genealogical Trees, which preserve furnishings vintage. You cannot miss a visit to the historic park full of centuries-old trees, fruit plants and beehives.

The Villa Castelnuovo

Moving to the province of Gorizia it is possible to visit another Friulian jewel: Villa Castelnuovo. Its construction took place in the second half of the 1500s at the hands of the Counts Della Torre di Valsassina, a noble and powerful family of Lombard origin, in 1849 it passed to the family of the Hohenlohe Waldenburg princes by inheritance. Over time, the villa was transformed into a neo-Palladian residence, becoming the site of an agricultural company that produces DOC Carso wines, oil, grappa and other products.

The Castle of Muggia

Near Trieste, is the Muggia Castle. Built in 1374, it boasts a severe rectangular plan construction and was military defense until 1700 before being abandoned. In 1991 it was purchased by the sculptor Villi Bossi who made it his private home and studio, rediscovering its ancient splendor. To date, the owners use the house as a location for prose and music meetings.

The Castle of Buttrio

The Buttrio Castle, located among the rolling hills of the Colli Orientali del Friuli, a complex that will take you into a suspended time.

It is one of the historic homes of which Friuli is truly rich and I am sure that you will fall in love with it simply by crossing the wrought iron gate. Just think that due to its historical and environmental value the Castle is protected, together with the vineyards that surround it, by the Ministry of Cultural Heritage and the Friuli Venezia Giulia Region.

The structure composes of two high towers surrounded by rural buildings. It was built between 1600 and 1700 by the Portis Lords, and between the 17th and 18th centuries it underwent major alterations which led it to have its current shape.

The first documented information on the castle dates back to the year 1000 and sees the fortress as the protagonist of many historical events. As a matter of fact, its strategic position has often placed it at the center of bloody battles. Did you know that in 1306 it was besieged by patriarchal troops following its fall into the hands of the Count of Gorizia?

As you can imagine, the Castle was the scene of transformations and home to numerous noble families from the Lords of Buttrio to the Morpurgo, until it became the property of Marco Felluga in 1994.

The residence boasts a series of rooms used for receptions and private events; Worth mentioning are the Sala Rosa, overlooking the garden and from which you will see the sea, and that of the Camino, a place reserved for dinners and tastings.

One of the strengths of the Castle is the garden that surrounds it: a green oasis of oaks, yews, maritime pines, maples, acacias, medlars and magnolias and among all of them large cypress trees stand out surrounded by centuries-old plants including a mulberry tree of rare beauty.

Did you know that the garden is bordered by a 17th century noble building? Furthermore, there is no shortage of agricultural buildings, stables and a characteristic fourteenth-century church of Saints Gervasio and Protasio, where weddings are usually celebrated.

...In short

These are just some of the many historic homes in Friuli Venezia Giulia waiting to be discovered, at Casale you will find the advice you are looking for for visits to Villas and Castles near our facility, or more challenging day trips.