Clauiano: the Friulian village of stone, vineyards, and rural charm

In the heart of the Friulian plain, just a few kilometers from Udine and close to the Slovenian border, lies Clauiano, a small treasure chest of history and architectural beauty. Listed among the “Most Beautiful Villages of Italy,” Clauiano is a hamlet of the municipality of Trivignano Udinese.

The toponym Clauiano is of Roman origin and derives from a personal name, such as Claudius or Clavilius. The first record dates back to 1013, in a document by the Patriarch of Aquileia, Poppone, which included Clauiano among the “villas” entrusted to the Chapter of the basilica. Until 1420, the village remained under the Patriarchate of Aquileia, then passed to the Republic of Venice. In 1477 it was devastated by the Turks and rebuilt with a compact urban layout. In 1797 the Venetian rule ended; this was followed by a brief French occupation and then the passage to the Austro-Hungarian Empire, until 1866. With the annexation to the Kingdom of Italy, Clauiano became a border area, as evidenced by the 19th-century customs house still visible near the Church of San Marco.

What to see in Clauiano

The village of Clauiano preserves an authentic identity, testified by its stones, rural spaces such as the fogolâr (traditional hearth) and the foledôr (barn), and details that tell the story of peasant daily life.

The two main religious buildings are the 14th-century Church of San Marco, with 15th-century frescoes and a simple rectangular hall, and the 18th-century Church of San Giorgio, which houses a remarkable 16th-century baptismal font.

The oldest buildings in the village date back to the 15th century, while most constructions belong to the 17th and 18th centuries, following the typical Friulian house style: street-facing façade, stone portal, and inner courtyard.

Among the historic residences stands Casa Gardellini, from the 15th century, considered the oldest, with red-and-white diamond decorations. Villa Ariis, from the 18th century, is a manor complex with a walled garden, a mullioned window, and the Lion of St. Mark on its façade.

Casa Palladini develops around two courtyards and preserves elements such as the Venetian hearth, a loggia with colonnade, stone basins, granary fireplaces, and a sundial.

Casa Bellotto, built in 1791, features a bare masonry façade with an arched portal. The Bosco complex, transformed in the 18th century, presents geometric decorations from the 16th century.

Casa Foffani, a 19th-century mansion, preserves 18th-century stuccoes and buildings historically used for wine, tobacco, grains, and silkworm farming—activities still present today.

Villa Manin is a prestigious 18th-century noble residence, with an honor courtyard and agricultural annexes such as the large wine cellar.

Other notable houses include Casa Menotti, Casa de Checo, Casa Marcuzzi Zanuttini, and Casa Zof Piano, all distinguished by refined portals and stone windows, confirming the dignity of the place and its people.

Events, culture, and traditions

In Clauiano, popular traditions and events keep the bond with history and community alive.

The Feast of St. Valentine, celebrated on the third Sunday of February, includes the blessing of bread and a procession that, according to tradition, protects against epilepsy (mal caduco). St. Valentine is also the patron saint of the local silk mill workers.

On April 25, the rogations and the Feast of St. Mark take place: a procession starts from the parish church and ends at the small Church of San Marco, where, according to custom, a demijohn of wine is poured out. The feast enlivens the heart of the village.

Clauiano also takes part in the Romantic Night, a national event promoted by the “Most Beautiful Villages of Italy,” held at the end of June.

Among the food and wine events, highlights include Cantine Aperte (end of May), with public access to local wineries, and Aziende Aperte (June), where local farms and dairies present their products.

Around Clauiano

Clauiano is surrounded by a territory rich in places to explore:

Palmanova, the famous star-shaped city and UNESCO World Heritage Site, is just a few minutes away.

Aquileia, with its ancient early Christian basilica and Roman mosaics, is a must-see for history lovers.

Cormòns and Cividale del Friuli, with their Lombard heritage and wine cellars, are ideal for a trip combining culture and flavors.

So what are you waiting for? Visit the village and let us know what you think!

Cover photo credits: Snake Xenzia