Discover San Giovanni al Natisone

San Giovanni al Natisone combines local history dating back to Roman times with villas, a unique wood collection and two different cycling routes. This gives you several starting points for planning your trip: you can explore historical turning points and local design, or make one of the described routes the focus of your visit. When choosing your accommodation, it is worth first considering which of these aspects of the town you would like to get to know better.

Local history and villas

The town has existed since Roman times. During the age of the Patriarchate, Patriarch Enrico gave the village to Rosazzo Abbey. An earthquake destroyed San Giovanni al Natisone in 1348 and decimated its population. These events tell the story of a long history that includes both religious ties and a major upheaval.

One notable historic building is Villa di Trento in Dolegnano, San Giovanni al Natisone. The Counts of Trento had it built in the first half of the 18th century. Villa de Brandis is different: it is a cultural meeting place where events, readings and gatherings take place. The programme may change. The Villa de Brandis Museum is open by appointment or during the opening hours of temporary events. Before your visit, check which of these options fits your travel plans.

Wood, design and local culture

Gianni Cantarutti’s xylotheque in San Giovanni al Natisone contains a classified catalogue of 1,000 types of wood and displays international art and craft objects. It is open by appointment only. If you are interested in wood, this place brings together an extensive collection and works of art and craftsmanship on display.

The local chair-making tradition also offers a distinctive perspective on design. San Giovanni al Natisone is part of the renowned chair-making district, where local businesses produce designer chairs. Careful craftsmanship extends from the selection of the wood to the finishing touches. The town’s history and its present-day crafts thus offer different perspectives on culture and design.

Two cycling routes, different plans

Cycling route 6 connects Cividale del Friuli railway station with San Giovanni al Natisone railway station via Villa de Brandis Park. It is designed as a one-way route and includes a train journey from Cividale del Friuli to San Giovanni al Natisone. Route details may change, so check the current route before setting out.

The cycling route “Itinerario nei Colli Orientali, tra vigneti, parchi e giardini” (Route through the Eastern Hills, among vineyards, parks and gardens) starts and ends at San Giovanni al Natisone railway station. It includes challenging climbs, especially between Case and Rosazzo. This makes it different from the one-way route that includes a train journey: here, the climbs, particularly on this section, are an important factor to consider.

Choose accommodation to suit your travel plans

When looking for a holiday apartment in San Giovanni al Natisone, you can use your planned activities as a guide. Would you prefer to focus on local history, the villas, the museum and the xylotheque, or plan a cycling trip?

Discover more destinations

Collina, Treppo Grande, Lateis, San Giorgio Di Nogaro, Cervignano Del Friuli, Sant'Eliseo, Raveo, Lusevera

For the main travel overview: Udine.