Winding down the side of the mountain, from a basilica through the vines to the wines of Schioppettino di Prepotto, is what this hike was all about in a nutshell.
But the sum of a hike is more than its trailheads. In this case, the trailheads themselves were impressive. The first, (or possibly the second if following the trail uphill) is the Sanctuary of Castelmonte. Visible for miles from below, with views for miles from up top, the site has deep layers of history and archeology as far back as the Iron Age. But today’s sanctuary has served as a prominent pilgrimage church for this corner of the Province of Udine in northeastern Italy since about the sixth century. However, what is visible now dates to even later than that. Architectural magnificence aside, the site itself is dramatically sited and gorgeous.
What I Learned
Collio and Friuli Colli Orientali are considered the best among ten zones in the Friuli Venezia Giulia region of northeastern Italy, due to hills, for good drainage and optimal sun, and proximity to cold Alpine air (for good ventilation), tempered by Adriatic influences. (From Cormons, you can sometimes see the Adriatic.) Here, the soils are limestone overlaid with marl and sandstone. Some of the best growing areas in Friuli Colli Orientali are around Corno di Rosazzo.
Trail Name: CAI 748 (AKA: Vigneti dei Colli Orientali)
Trail Type:
Mid-distance trail; surfaces from asphalt to rock to dirt, well-maintained in places, but not throughout; the route is fairly well marked.
Length: Total: 11 kilometers/ 6.8 miles
Convenient to: Cividale del Friuli, Italy
Marking: Red and white rectangles, with 748 in black superimposed
See featured photo above, and…
