The best traffic-free bike rides around Laguna di Grado

The boundary stone is a historical reminder of the turmoil and impact of World War I in this area. Next to the boundary stone is a water station and seating for a short break.

An underpass for pedestrians and cyclists with interesting murals.

The first mention of Torviscosa dates back to 1278, when it was known as Zuino. The surrounding area was rich in water due to numerous springs and threatened to become marshy without proper drainage. The Counts of Savorgnan, who owned these lands from 1344 to 1818, therefore initiated the first land reclamation measures at the end of the 17th century. Only the tower of a medieval castle remained standing on the drained land, which is why the village was renamed Torre di Zuino. Later, other buildings were added, and in 1727 the Church of Santa Maria Assunta was built. Until 1915, the village was the last Italian town before the border with Austria-Hungary, a fact commemorated today by a plaque on the outskirts of the town. The modern industrial city of Torviscosa is a planned city built during the heyday of Italian Fascism. It was founded in 1937 by Franco Marinotti and takes its name from the pre-war era (Torre) and processed textile fibers (Viscosa). The totalitarian regimes that dominated much of Europe in the mid-20th century had a significant impact on urban planning. These regimes founded or rebuilt cities, often drawing on the most modern architectural and urban design projects of the time. The oldest part of the industrial complex comprised buildings for various purposes, all sharing red brick facades. The desire to organize civic life according to the same rules that existed in the factory was translated into a clear separation of residential areas based on occupational categories in the urban planning. The houses of managers, residences for employees and technicians, and housing for factory workers were located in different areas of the main town, while the outskirts of the municipality were reserved for agricultural laborers. ... Even today, the original planning and construction methods are omnipresent in the city and remain largely unchanged. On the city's outskirts, buildings and houses have been erected in a more modern style. In terms of social life, the city resembles a blend of Disneyland, the film A Clockwork Orange, and film studios like Universal Studios. Sources: https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fabrikstadt_Torviscosa, https://grado.it/de/reisetipps/umgebung/torviscosa

Strassoldo is a medieval village that was included in the 2019 list of the "Borghi più belli d'Italia" (Most Beautiful Villages in Italy). With its two castles, Strassoldo represents a rare example of a well-preserved medieval village of exceptional charm. The Strassoldo family is one of the few examples of feudal lords who have remained in possession of the castles since their foundation and continue to inhabit them to this day. The castles can be entered through two entrance gates, and the paths inside are paved. The village surrounding the castle has continually expanded and has been well preserved and restored. Two mills with working wheels are particularly charming, one of which dates back to the 12th century and has been in operation for over seven hundred years. Full information: https://www.borghibellifvg.it/de/die-dorfer/strassoldo

Strassoldo is a medieval village that was included in the 2019 list of the "Borghi più belli d'Italia" (Most Beautiful Villages in Italy). With its two castles, Strassoldo represents a rare example of a well-preserved medieval village of exceptional charm. The Strassoldo family is one of the few examples of feudal lords who have remained in possession of the castles since their foundation and continue to inhabit them to this day. The castles can be entered through two entrance gates, and the paths inside are paved. The village surrounding the castle has continually expanded and has been well preserved and restored. Two mills with working wheels are particularly charming, one of which dates back to the 12th century and has been in operation for over seven hundred years. Full information: https://www.borghibellifvg.it/de/die-dorfer/strassoldo

Porta Cividale in Palmanova - along with Porta Aquileia and Porta Udine, each with their early Baroque outworks, is one of three city gates that provide access to the city through the fortified belt with three rings of fortresses. Palmanova itself was founded on October 7, 1593, as a planned city/fortress with a central square and radial street network in the shape of a nine-pointed star. It was the most important land base and served to protect the Republic of Venice from the Turks. Today it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

A beautiful place I really liked

The Castello di Strassoldo di Sotto is one of the historic castles in the Strassoldo region, near Udine. It is a well-preserved medieval castle with a typical defensive structure, battlements, and painted interiors. The complex is one of the three Strassoldo castles and often offers tranquil gardens, courtyards, and insights into regional history. Visitors can often enjoy guided tours or events, depending on the season.