Discover Clauzetto: Archaeology and Vistas

Clauzetto brings together traces of archaeological history, scenic views and signs of everyday community life. If you’re looking for a hotel in Clauzetto, these themes can help guide your choice of destination.

Archaeology and Prehistory

The Grotta del Rio Secco is one of the rare Middle Palaeolithic sites in Italy and Europe where clear evidence has been found of Neanderthals killing and eating bears. The Neanderthal-era phases at the Grotta del Rio Secco date to between 49,000 and 42,000 years ago.

The Grotta del Clusantin represents a different prehistoric period: 14,000 years ago, it served as a shelter for Epigravettian hunter-gatherers. This use took place considerably later than the Neanderthal-era phases at Rio Secco. The two caves therefore represent different prehistoric ways of life: Neanderthals at Rio Secco and Epigravettian hunter-gatherers at Clusantin.

The Museo della Grotta opened to the public in 2001. It displays palaeontological and archaeological remains, as well as fossils and minerals, including specimens of local origin. It thus brings together archaeological and natural history perspectives. If you plan to visit the museum, check current visiting arrangements in advance.

Views and Local History

From the “Balcone del Friuli” viewpoint in Clauzetto, the view stretches across the Friulian plain to the Adriatic, west to the Euganean Hills and east to the Istrian promontory. The churchyard of the Chiesa Parrocchiale di San Giacomo is also considered one of the best viewpoints in Friuli. It can be reached via a monumental staircase with 98 steps. The Balcone del Friuli highlights distant landmarks and directions, while the churchyard combines its panoramic significance with a precisely numbered approach.

Numerous old wells line the roads through Clauzetto and its hamlets. They were once used to water animals and draw water; at the same time, they served as places for people to gather and socialize. Unlike the caves, which are associated with prehistoric periods, the wells point to the practical needs and communal life of earlier times.

Route and Local Tradition

The Route of St. Martin starts in Clauzetto at the church of San Giacomo. It is an easy route covering 9.6 kilometres with 282 metres of ascent. For planning purposes, you can consider the route length and ascent separately; the easy rating is an additional route category.

In August, the Fieste da la Balote celebrates a traditional dish of polenta and Montasio cheese or, even more so, Asìno cheese. Asìno is given greater emphasis than Montasio—a specific distinction for anyone interested in local food culture. If you’d like to time your trip to coincide with the event, check the exact event dates.

Discover more destinations: Vivaro, Spilimbergo, Valeriano, Caneva, Rauscedo, San Martino Al Tagliamento, Sequals, Tramonti Di Sopra

For the wider travel overview: Pordenone.