Spilimbergo: the charming medieval village and its Mosaic School
Nestled in the heart of Friuli, on the banks of the Tagliamento River, lies Spilimbergo, a charming medieval village rich in history. Despite the challenges of the past, including wars, invasions, and a devastating earthquake, the town has managed to preserve its identity thanks to careful restoration efforts that have safeguarded its monuments.
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Spilimbergo: A Hidden Gem
Spilimbergo is often overshadowed by nearby San Daniele del Friuli, famous for its prosciutto, and is sometimes overlooked by tourists.
Walking through the medieval village, you will discover an authentic place full of charming streets, historic buildings, and a vibrant cultural life. One of Spilimbergo’s most unique features is the Macia, an ancient commercial unit of measurement used for trading textiles. Every August, the town celebrates the Macia with a fascinating historical reenactment. For four days, Spilimbergo comes to life with theatrical performances, themed events, and costumed figures, offering visitors a beautiful journey into the past.
A Walk Through the Medieval Village
In small Friulian towns like Spilimbergo, you can relax, enjoy delicious food, and sip coffee without waiting in long lines. The historic center of Spilimbergo is absolutely charming, stretching along Corso Roma, a street flanked by two city gates and lined with stunning arcaded buildings.
Narrow alleys branch off like a fishbone pattern, creating a picturesque network of streets where getting lost is a delightful experience. Passing through the Western Tower, you enter Spilimbergo’s historic center, where you’ll find numerous shops (mainly clothing and shoes) and lovely cafés.
The History of Spilimbergo
The history of Spilimbergo is linked to the Spengenberg Counts and dates back to the 12th century. However, its origins may be even older, as the village is located near the ancient Roman road that connected present-day Udine province (Gemona) to Germany.
Like other Friulian towns, Spilimbergo’s history is intertwined with the most powerful rulers of the region. During the Middle Ages, it became one of Friuli’s most important feudal centers, playing a leading role in political struggles. In 1420, it became part of the Republic of Venice. Later, Turkish invasions devastated Friuli, leading to wars and violent conflicts that left the castle in ruins, partially burned.
The Castle of Spilimbergo
The most important building in the town is the castle, built between the 11th and 12th centuries by the Spengenberg Counts, who settled here around 1100.
Over the centuries, the castle suffered numerous attacks. What stands today is not the original structure, as it has been destroyed, rebuilt, and expanded multiple times.
The castle is bordered on one side by a deep moat and on the other by a steep drop overlooking the Tagliamento River. Inside, it hosts a courtyard surrounded by noble residences.
Among these buildings, Palazzo Dipinto stands out as the most scenic, with its beautifully frescoed façade, Gothic windows, and intricately carved stone balconies.
Other notable buildings in the complex include Palazzo Tadea (home to the municipal offices, dating back to 1566), Palazzo Furlan, and Palazzo Troilo, which now houses the town’s archives but was used as a prison until 1968.
The Cathedral of Spilimbergo
In 1284, Walterpertoldo II laid the first stone of what is now the most famous Romanesque-Gothic monument in Friuli-Venezia Giulia: Spilimbergo Cathedral.
During the devastating earthquake of 1976, which severely damaged many towns in the region, the cathedral miraculously remained intact thanks to scaffolding that had been installed shortly before. This preserved its precious frescoes and the magnificent organ.
The Macia
On the way to the Eastern Tower, behind which the castle is hidden, you pass through Piazza Garibaldi, where you can see an enlarged representation of the Macia, the ancient commercial unit used for measuring fabric length—an essential tool for trade. The original Macia can still be found on a column of the Palazzetto della Loggia, just behind the Eastern Tower.
Every August, Spilimbergo steps back into the Renaissance era with the Macia Festival, an impressively detailed historical reenactment. This four-day event features costumed performances, themed activities, and theatrical spectacles that bring the town’s history to life.
The Mosaics of Spilimbergo
A must-visit in Spilimbergo is its world-renowned Scuola Mosaicisti del Friuli (School of Mosaic Art).
Just outside the historic center, this prestigious school was founded in 1922 and has since gained international fame. Here, students learn traditional Roman, Byzantine, and modern mosaic techniques, as well as contemporary artistic applications.
Inside, visitors can admire an incredible collection of mosaics, including outdoor displays in the school’s garden, such as a stunning mosaic reproduction of Picasso’s Guernica. The rhythmic tapping of chisels echoes through the corridors, adding to the school’s unique atmosphere.
The school is open for guided tours by reservation, which can be requested via email at: iat@comune.spilimbergo.pn.it.
Typical Local Products to Try
Exploring local food is one of my favorite parts of traveling! I love collecting gourmet souvenirs for myself, friends, and family.
Spilimbergo offers a variety of delicious local specialties, including:
- Amaro di Spilimbergo (a traditional herbal liqueur)
- Soppressa a punta di coltello (a coarse-cut salami)
- Torta di mandorle (a typical almond-based cake)
- Cheeses from the historic dairy in Travesio, paired with onion jam from Val Cosa
- Pitina, a smoked meatball unique to the region
- Brovada, a traditional side dish made from purple-topped turnips macerated in grape pomace, then slow-cooked with oil, bay leaves, and pork meat.
Don’t forget to try the fantastic local wines, such as Merlot and Cabernet!
What to Visit Nearby
Beyond Spilimbergo, there are several must-see places in the area:
- San Daniele del Friuli – famous worldwide for its prosciutto.
- Venzone – a stunning medieval village, completely rebuilt after the 1976 earthquake using original stones.
- Colloredo di Monte Albano – home to an impressive castle.
- Fagagna – known as the “Land of storks” for its many nesting storks.
If you love history, culture, and authentic Italian experiences, Spilimbergo and its surroundings will surprise you with their beauty and charm!
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