Manzano: Vineyards, Nature and Chairmaking

Manzano offers appealing contrasts: vineyards and trails sit alongside a rich craft tradition, while nature watching goes hand in hand with historic sites. If you enjoy choosing between landscapes, culture and local produce on holiday, you’ll find a range of themes here to help you plan your trip. Each place and experience has its own distinct character—from the breeding grounds along the Natisone to evidence of the chairmaking tradition, as well as wine and vinegar.

Nature and Trails

The Parco del Natisone is an important bird breeding area. The stone banks are nesting grounds for the Eurasian stone-curlew (Burhinus oedicnemus), while the short-grass areas are home to the tawny pipit (Anthus campestris). The Natisone riverbed is also part of this natural area; it can be reached via unpaved roads branching off from the village of San Nicolò. The information about these birds highlights the different habitats found in the park.

The hills around Manzano are ideal for walks among the vineyards. The medieval Sentiero della Sdricca passes through lush woods and sunlit vineyards. The Sentiero delle rose runs along the grounds of Rosazzo Abbey. The landscapes along the two trails are distinct: one alternates between woodland and vineyards, while the other follows the contours of the abbey grounds.

Crafts and Local History

Manzano is one of the three original municipalities of the “Triangolo della sedia,” a manufacturing district that originally specialised in chairmaking. The triangle also includes Corno di Rosazzo and San Giovanni al Natisone. The local craft is represented by a historical and a modern collection of chairs and tools. The two collections reflect different periods, while chairmaking remains the shared tradition of the triangle.

In Case di Manzano, Palazzo Romano stands on the remains of an older manor house. A crenellated boundary wall also encloses a park. Another chapter in local history awaits you in the centre of San Lorenzo: here you’ll find the birthplace of Friulian writer Caterina Percoto (1812–1887), a 17th-century building.

Events also reflect local traditions. The Gimcana della Sedia is an obstacle race for historic carriages and is held as a traditional event as part of the Festa della Sedia. The first Settembre Manzanese took place in 1971. That year, the Pro Loco Manzano celebrated its founding and organised a late-summer festival intended to bring together the local districts and associations.

Wine, Oil and Vinegar

Olive oil production has deep roots in Manzano, dating back to the 11th century. Visitors can explore numerous wineries in the surrounding area and taste their products alongside local specialities. A local acetaia offers the chance to discover the traditional art of vinegar-making. These are three distinct aspects of local production: olive oil as a long-standing tradition, wine tastings at nearby wineries, and vinegar-making at an acetaia.

Plan Your Visit

Rosazzo Abbey is open from 30 March to 25 October 2026: Monday to Friday, 9:00 am to 12:30 pm and 2:30 pm to 6:00 pm; Saturday and Sunday, 9:00 am to 12:30 pm and 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm. If you’re travelling outside this period, check the opening hours in advance. Tours of the abbey and the Sentiero delle rose are available on request and with advance booking; be sure to confirm the booking details before you arrive.

Choose the Right Focus for Your Stay

When looking for a holiday apartment in Manzano, it helps to first decide what kind of stay you’re after. Travellers who want to focus on trails, vineyards and nature will have different priorities from those mainly interested in local history, crafts or regional produce. Consider which of these sides of Manzano you’d most like to discover, then choose accommodation to suit your personal needs.

Discover More Destinations

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