Porto Buffolè: The Venetian Village Between Water and History

Lying along the Livenza River, on the border between Veneto and Friuli, Porto Buffolè is one of the smallest and most fascinating villages in Italy, awarded the title of One of the Most Beautiful Villages of Italy.

Once known as Septimum de Liquentia, it was located seven miles from Oderzo along the Livenza. The modern name, which appeared around the year 1000 as Portus Buvoledi, may derive from bova (canal) or from bufaline, river boats. Already mentioned in the 1st century A.D. by Livy, the village has a long history documented in sources from 997 and 1166.

It was under the rule of Treviso, then the bishop of Ceneda, and later the Da Camino family: Gaia da Camino, remembered by Dante, lived here. Passed to Venice in 1339, it endured wars, plagues, and famines.

After the fall of the Serenissima (1797), it became French, then Austrian, and finally Italian in 1866. It suffered war damage and the floods of 1965–66.

What to See in Portobuffolè

You enter Portobuffolè via the bridge that once led to Porta Trevisana, destroyed in 1918. Immediately you arrive at Piazza Beccaro, delightful with its cobblestones and historic palaces. Here stands Cà Soler, with its façade once facing the canal (now filled in), and a building with frescoes attributed to Pordenone.

Casa Gaia, a splendid 14th-century palace, was the residence of Gaia da Camino, remembered by Dante. The tower house was transformed by Gaia into a small palace: mullioned windows, elegant columns, courtly frescoes, figures of warriors, pages, castles, and characters evoking Tolberto and Gaia.

The 10th-century Town Tower is the only one remaining of the original seven towers: 28 meters high, it also served as a prison. At its base stands the former Government Palace with an inscription from 1187. Next to it, the 16th-century Monte di Pietà displays a rare “lion in moeca,” the Venetian symbol in times of war.

In Piazza Maggiore, the administrative and residential heart, stands the Town Hall with its loggia, the hall known as the “Fontego” (former grain and salt warehouse), inscriptions, and 16th-century coats of arms.

The Cathedral, once a synagogue, was consecrated in 1559. Inside are a 15th-century wooden crucifix, a red briarwood altar (1983), and a Callido organ (1780) with 472 pipes. Restorations also revealed a stone with a menorah.

Finally, Porta Friuli and the Ponte Friuli (1780), with two arches and six balconies, are decorated with a winged Lion of Saint Mark recalling the values of the French Revolution.

Events and Traditions in Portobuffolè

Portobuffolè enlivens its historic center with numerous events throughout the year. Every second Sunday of the month, the famous Antique Market takes place, accompanied by live concerts. On New Year’s Eve, the square hosts celebrations with cotechino and lentils, fireworks, and the “burning of the tower.”

On April 25, for Saint Mark, the village’s patron, festivities include a picnic on the Prà dei Gai, sports events, art exhibitions, concerts, and the traditional Saint Mark’s omelet.

June and July bring theater and concerts in the square, while every two years the event Portobuffolè in the 14th Century recreates medieval life in costume.

In July, the Madonna del Carmelo is celebrated at Cesiol; in August, the Feast of the Assumption and the Local Wine Exhibition feature tastings, music, and folklore, culminating in the Ancient Fair of Santa Rosa.

In October, the Autumn Festival and the Wine Exhibition between Piave and Livenza take place in the Fontego. In November, for Saint Prosdocimus, roasted chestnuts are shared with all.

June also hosts Gaiajazz, a cultural and musical festival. In April, Colors and Flavors highlights local products. In December, Waiting for Christmas transforms the village into a festive market.

What to See Around Portobuffolè

Porto Buffolè is an ideal starting point to explore the treasures of the Marca Trevigiana. Nearby are Oderzo, with its Roman remains and archaeological museums, and Conegliano, homeland of Prosecco and the painter Giambattista Cima. The nearby Livenza River offers nature itineraries by bike or kayak, discovering springs and river oases.

Cover photo credits: Maurizio Sartoretto