Pesariis, the Village of Clocks, is a charming and authentic hamlet with an ancient tradition, nestled in the heart of Carnia. It’s yet another hidden gem in Friuli Venezia Giulia, best explored slowly on a summer afternoon.

The name Pesariis may not immediately ring a bell… but what if I told you that the clocks on every bell tower in Italy were made here? Now, that certainly makes things more interesting!

As you know, I love uncovering unique and authentic aspects that make a place truly special. When I travel, I always try to dig deeper, beyond the beauty that meets the eye. Pesariis is undoubtedly a picturesque village, set in the stunning and lesser-known Val Pesarina, but what truly piqued my curiosity is its fame as the Village of Clocks!

A Little Corner of Timekeeping History

We are in Friuli Venezia Giulia, in the province of Udine, just a few kilometers from another must-visit Friulian gem, Sauris, along the road that connects Carnia to Cadore.

Here, the Solari brothers’ company was born, an enterprise that dedicated an entire lifetime to crafting clocks—products that have now traveled across the world.

Between History and Legends

In my opinion, a big part of Pesariis’ charm comes from the legends surrounding its famous clock-making tradition. That little touch of mystery always adds extra magic to the places I visit!

One legend tells the story of a Genoese pirate named Solari, who was exiled here. During his many voyages, he had learned the art of clockmaking from different places, bringing this precious knowledge here.

It was in 1725 that the “Antica e Premiato Fabbrica di Orologi da Torre” (Ancient and Awarded Tower Clock Factory) was founded, and from that moment on, Pesariis became renowned for timekeeping.

Another legend tells of the Cramars, 18th-century traveling merchants from northern Carnia who learned the craft of horology in Germany and brought it back to Pesariis.

Documented sources, however, confirm that as early as the 1600s, wooden and wrought-iron clocks were already being crafted in this area. These were used to adorn wealthy homes, rural porches, and to regulate daily activities in the fields. Over time, this craftsmanship extended to the civic clock towers of cities.

It was only in the 2000s, however, that this place officially became “The Village of Clocks”, when local authorities decided to preserve and promote this rich tradition by creating a monumental clock route in the village—an open-air museum dedicated to the art of timekeeping.

The Authentic Charm of Pesariis

This is a small, pristine village, almost like a delicate jewel box nestled in the mountains. Its cobbled streets, charming fountains, whitewashed houses, and inviting little cafés give it an incredibly picturesque atmosphere.

You’ll notice typical mountain architecture, such as wooden balconies and sharply sloped roofs, designed to withstand heavy snowfall. The Village of Clocks is easy to explore on foot in about an hour, and I’m sure you’ll be tempted to sit at one of the cozy restaurants or cafés to soak in the peaceful atmosphere.

Discovering the Clocks of Pesariis

As you wander through the village, you’ll come across a variety of timepieces, scattered throughout the village. Some stand proudly as monumental installations, others are engraved into walls, and some even appear as mural artworks.

At the heart of the Village of Clocks, you’ll find the Clock Museum, an essential stop for anyone wanting to fully appreciate this unique place.

Inside, you’ll see a vast collection of timepieces, from wall and tower clocks to pendulum and mechanical models, crafted for both domestic and industrial use.

At the museum, you can request a map of the Clock Route, which marks all the stops where you can admire different Solari clocks, each powered by different energy sources and hidden among the alleys of Pesariis.

There are 15 notable clocks scattered around the village, including: A giant musical carillon, A water clock with tilting vases, A turbine-powered water one, An analemmatic horizontal sundial

A Hidden Gem Worth Discovering

Despite being a somewhat remote destination, I was surprised to see quite a few other tourists, both Italian and international, strolling through the streets, eagerly searching for the village’s clocks like a fun and educational treasure hunt.

I hope I’ve convinced you to visit this beautiful village and its stunning valley—a truly unique treasure hidden in the Friulian mountains!

To continue your journey, you might also enjoy exploring Sauris (with its upper and lower villages and stunning turquoise lake) or other charming villages in Friuli, such as: Colloredo di Monte Albano, Venzone, Fagagna, Spilimbergo, San Daniele del Friuli, Aquileia

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