Cordovado: the village of castles, poetry, and Friulian tranquility

Nestled between the greenery of the Friulian plain and the calm waters of the Lemene River, Cordovado is a small village with a medieval heart and an elegant soul. Located in the province of Pordenone, on the border between Friuli and Veneto, it is part of I Borghi più Belli d’Italia (The Most Beautiful Villages of Italy).

Curtis de Vado, in Latin, referred to a rural estate located near a ford on the Tagliamento River. The history of Cordovado begins in the 2nd century BC with the Roman reclamation of the marshes. Before that, the area was inhabited by the Celts, who influenced Friulian culture. After the fall of the Roman Empire, the region was invaded by Visigoths, Ostrogoths, and Huns, causing widespread devastation. With the Lombards (568–794) and later the Franks (794–954), feudalism and ecclesiastical power took hold. From the 12th to the 13th century, the Patriarchate guided political life. Cordovado is first mentioned in 1186 by Pope Urban III, and in 1276 the episcopal castle appears. Passed to Venice in 1420, it enjoyed centuries of peace, interrupted only by calamities. In 1797 it became a municipality, and in 1886 it was connected to the railway.

What to see in Cordovado

Medieval Cordovado developed around the castle area, where important historic buildings still stand.

Among them stands out the ancient captain’s house, today Palazzo Ridolfi (later Bozza-Marrubini), frescoed by Francesco Zamolo between 1704 and 1712.

Of notable elegance is Palazzo Agricola, in Renaissance style, with wide arches and a three-light window.

But the most representative building is Palazzo Freschi Piccolomini (1669–1704), built next to the castle. With three floors, it features a central three-light window above the large entrance portal, accessed by a staircase that was once the drawbridge of the moat.

The palace is surrounded by a centuries-old park, recently enriched with a rose maze.

Near the north gate stands the Church of San Girolamo (14th century). Of the two gate towers, the southern one preserves the postern, while the northern one (the Clock Tower) still has wooden stairs and walkways.

Along the southeastern walls, one can see the remains of the moat and 19th-century houses built inside.

In 1856, the last description of the castle of the bishops of Concordia was recorded, before its demolition.

In the “new village,” Palazzo Beccaris Nonis (16th century) and Palazzo Cecchini stand out, the latter now housing the Library, with 19th-century frescoes.

The Parish Church of Sant’Andrea, dating back to 1477, was enlarged in the 17th century. It preserves wooden furnishings and apse frescoes attributed to Gianfrancesco da Tolmezzo.

The Sanctuary of the Madonna delle Grazie (1603) is an example of Baroque art: octagonal plan, carved ceiling by Cataldo Ferrara, paintings by Antonio Carneo, statues by Andrea dell’Aquila, and canvases by Antonio Moretto.

The itinerary ends at the convent of Santa Maria di Campagna, today Villa Freschi, and the Oratory of Santa Caterina, which preserves 15th-century frescoes.

Events, culture, and traditions

In May, the park of Palazzo Freschi Piccolomini opens to the public, with visits to the enchanting rose maze.

On the second weekend of June, Sapori in Borgo takes place, a festival dedicated to art, culture, and food and wine, promoted by I Borghi più Belli d’Italia.

In August, in the hamlet of Suzzolins, the traditional Sagra del Lengal is held.

At the end of August, the Historical Reenactment and Palio dei Rioni enliven the village: the four districts parade in costume and compete in medieval games to win the painted Palio.

What to see around Cordovado

Cordovado is ideally located to visit other gems of Friuli and eastern Veneto: Sesto al Reghena, with its splendid Benedictine abbey.

Valvasone, another jewel among I Borghi più Belli d’Italia, with its castle and Renaissance organ.

Portogruaro, a town with a Venetian spirit, with arcades, river mills, and frescoed palaces.

Lignano Sabbiadoro and Bibione, perfect for a seaside break.

Hurry to discover it—you won’t regret it!

Cover photo credits: Nicola Simeoni