Best castles around Castelnovo Del Friuli are situated amidst rolling hills and numerous small hamlets, offering a glimpse into the region's rich medieval past. The area is characterized by a blend of natural landscapes and significant historical sites, including remnants of ancient fortresses. Visitors can explore the historical significance of these sites, which played defensive roles throughout centuries. The region provides expansive views of the surrounding hills, mountains, and plains, connecting local history with scenic beauty.
Last updated: August 9, 2026
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Immersed in the woods of Val d'Arzino, in the municipality of Vito d'Asio, Castello Ceconi is a fascinating eclectic residence that seems to have come out of a medieval fairy tale. Built at the end of the 19th century by Count Giacomo Ceconi, a humble local stonemason who became a famous engineer and amassed a fortune building railways across Europe, the building blends neo-Gothic and Renaissance elements. The facade is decorated with mullioned windows, battlements, and frescoes depicting great figures from Italian history, as well as statues celebrating work and progress. Damaged by the 1976 earthquake and subsequently restored, the castle is now privately owned and houses a prestigious international school for advanced technological training, remaining a symbol of redemption and connection to the Friulian territory.
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Splendid Castle one kilometre from Pielungo, clearly visible from the Mulattiere Path and former Military Path towards Monte Forno and Pradis
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Recently renovated, fine structure and beautiful view
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A castle like the one in the movies, perched on a hill near Pielungo, with the mountains in the background – a sensational sight. The castle can be reached from Pielungo via a paved side road. Information: https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Castello_Ceconi
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Wonderful all-round view
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Highly visible from the plain, the Toppo castle, dating back to around 1100 AD, created a belt of manors on the Pordenone foothills.
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The façade is adorned with seven oculi and is extremely sober. The symbolic number seven recalls several texts of the Bible, first and foremost the lamb with "seven horns and seven eyes" from the Apocalypse of John. Two of the seven oculi, walled up in 1858, were reopened in 2011. The north side of the Cathedral, on Piazza del Duomo The main entrance is not the one on the façade, but the portal built on the northern façade, which overlooks Piazza Duomo. This was built in 1376 by Zenone da Campione and was originally reserved for the entrance of lords. Interior The Pordenone - Conversion of Saul - Organ door. The large organ, in the central nave The interior consists of three naves. In the central nave, second span, there is the Renaissance organ relocated here in 1981 after the restoration work following the earthquake in Friuli. The original instrument, a 1515 work by Bernardino Vicentino from Venice, had been lost over the centuries and was restored by Francesco Zanin using period materials and methods. It is used for liturgy, concerts and numerous recordings. The chest, among the oldest in the world, is decorated with canvases and panels painted by Pordenone in 1525. The organ doors contain three depictions: Assumption of Mary (closed doors); Fall of Simon Magus (open door on the left); Conversion of Saul (open door on the right). In the parapet of the choir there are five panels with the Stories of the Virgin, while in the lateral spaces some Pages are depicted. Presbytery The presbytery is decorated with a cycle of fourteenth-century frescoes, clearly derived from the lesson that Vitale da Bologna had left in the cathedral of Udine. The unknown author is cited as the Master of the Pavilions and his works date back to the period 1350-1380. The right wall is decorated with stories from the Old Testament: Master of the Pavilions - Susanna bathing. Creation of Adam and Eve Expulsion from Paradise Adam's Work Killing of Abel Lameus kills Cain Noah's Ark Sacrifice of Isaac Jews in the desert Capture of Jericho David and Goliath Death of Absalom Return of Tobias and Sarah Susanna bathing King Solomon Still life On the left wall, instead, there are stories from the life of Christ, derived from the New Testament: Master of the Pavilions - Stories of Christ. Nativity Adoration of the Shepherds Presentation at the Temple Flight into Egypt Massacre of the Innocents Christ among the Doctors Wedding at Cana Expulsion of the Merchants from the Temple Transfiguration Entry into Jerusalem Prayer in Gethsemane Capture of Christ Flagellation Ascent to Calvary The back wall is dominated by the dramatic scene of the Crucifixion. Crypt The burial ark of Walterpertoldo. The lower church consists of five rooms, one of which has recently been closed. The northern chapel contains the burial ark of Walterpertoldo, who died in 1382, lord of Spilimbergo and podestà of Treviso. Until 1964 the ark was on display in the square next to the church, and was then placed in the crypt. Chapel of the Rosary Chapel of the Rosary - the painting Presentation at the Temple with inserts by Gasparo Narvesa. Chapel of the Rosary - Giovanni Martini - Presentation at the Temple. The chapel is dominated by the altarpiece Presentation at the Temple by Giovanni Martini (1503), with a frame between the vegetal intrigues the Mysteries of the Rosary and the Madonna of the Rosary with the Child Jesus and Saint Dominic, work of Gasparo Narvesa (1626-1627).
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The church was commissioned by the lord of Spilimbergo Walterpertoldo in 1284 and the first stone was laid on October 4 of the same year. Construction continued until about 1359, although the cathedral was consecrated only in 1453. The irregularity of the building plan is due, more than to rethinking or remaking, to the exploitation of existing structures and the conformation of the territory. In fact, the building was built leaning against a wall, and the bell tower was built on a portal of the same.
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The region features a variety of historical sites, from ancient foundations to renovated structures. You can explore remnants of medieval fortresses, such as the foundations of Pinzano Castle, and the ruins of Toppo Castle. There are also significant religious buildings with castle elements, like the Cathedral of Santa Maria Maggiore (Spilimbergo), and stately residences like Villa Sulis, which houses archaeological findings.
Yes, several castles and their sites provide excellent views. From the remnants of Pinzano Castle, you can enjoy a 360° view of the surrounding area. Toppo Castle also offers a beautiful panorama over the Borgo di Toppo. The site of the original Castello di Castelnovo del Friuli, though largely in ruins, provides expansive views of the hills, mountains, and plains.
The Cathedral of Santa Maria Maggiore (Spilimbergo) is listed as family-friendly and is located near the suggestive Spilimbergo castle. Ceconi Castle, with its fairytale architecture and beautiful park, can also be an interesting visit for families, though the interior is not accessible.
The castles in the region, such as the original Castello di Castelnovo del Friuli, played crucial defensive roles throughout centuries. They were often subject to various ownerships, including powerful local families and foreign powers like the Venetians, and were central to the region's medieval history. Archaeological findings, like those displayed at Villa Sulis, further illuminate daily life and historical events within these fortresses.
Many of the castles around Castelnovo Del Friuli are either in ruins or are private residences. For example, Pinzano Castle and Toppo Castle are primarily ruins. Castello di Susans is an elegant private residence. Ceconi Castle has a beautiful park, but the castle itself cannot be visited inside. The Cathedral of Santa Maria Maggiore (Spilimbergo), however, is a religious building with an accessible interior featuring historical artworks.
Yes, the site of the original Castello di Castelnovo del Friuli has yielded over 5,000 ceramic fragments from the 16th century. These artifacts are displayed at the Archaeological Collection of Villa Sulis, which formally opened in 2018. Villa Sulis itself is a 16th-century residence that survived the 1976 earthquake and offers further insight into the castle's history and daily life.
The region around Castelnovo Del Friuli offers various outdoor activities. You can find numerous road cycling routes, such as the 'Lake Cornino – Lake Cavazzo loop from Travesio', or explore MTB trails like the 'T-Rez Trail – Puntic Bridge and Viewpoint loop from Borgo Zorz'. There are also gravel biking options, including the 'Fagagna – Singletrack Trail Near Fagagna loop from San Daniele del Friuli'. For more details on these routes, you can check the respective guides: Road Cycling Routes, MTB Trails, and Gravel Biking around Castelnovo Del Friuli.
While specific hiking trails directly incorporating all castles aren't explicitly detailed, many castles like Toppo Castle are reached via short walks through woods. The sites themselves are often on hills, providing opportunities for scenic walks with historical context. The 'Toppo Castle – Mount Valinis loop from Travesio' is a moderate MTB trail that passes by Toppo Castle, suggesting walking opportunities in the vicinity.
Visitors frequently highlight the historical significance and the panoramic views offered by these sites. The blend of natural landscapes with medieval remnants, such as the 360° view from Pinzano Castle or the beautiful panorama from Toppo Castle, is highly appreciated. The unique neo-Gothic architecture of Ceconi Castle also draws interest.
While many castles are in ruins, some have seen reconstruction or preservation efforts. The bell tower of the original Castello di Castelnovo del Friuli has been reconstructed and serves as the bell tower for the Church of San Nicolò. Toppo Castle, though damaged in the 1976 earthquake, underwent renovation in the 1990s. Ceconi Castle is a fine example of neo-Gothic architecture that was greatly enlarged and preserved.
The region consists of numerous small hamlets, suggesting that local amenities like cafes, pubs, and accommodation might be available in nearby towns. While specific establishments aren't listed for each castle, the presence of towns like Spilimbergo (near the Cathedral of Santa Maria Maggiore) and the mention of a picnic area near Ceconi Castle indicate that visitor services are likely accessible within a short distance.
The region's castles and historical sites can be enjoyed throughout much of the year. Given the panoramic views and outdoor elements, spring and autumn generally offer pleasant weather for exploration. Summer can also be suitable, though it might be warmer. Winter access is possible, but some unpaved roads or trails leading to ruins might be less accessible depending on conditions.


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