Discover Cordovado: Medieval Borgo, Churches and Literature

Cordovado brings together a medieval history, churches, literary connections and a landscape shaped by waterways and ancient trees. If you are looking for a place to stay at a hotel with a range of cultural and natural attractions, the town offers several specific points of interest: from its fortified borgo to a handcrafted dessert.

Medieval Town Centre and Architectural History

Cordovado Castle is part of the well-preserved medieval historic town centre. Its exterior includes a moat, walls, masonry bridges and two distinctive gate towers. The fortified settlement is enclosed by an almost square ring of walls with a northern and a southern gate tower; its wide moat remains in place today. The Palatium Freschi di Cucagna, now called Piccolomini, stands on the visible foundations of the former keep.

The religious buildings also offer insights into different eras. The old Pieve di Sant’Andrea was extensively renovated or rebuilt in the late 15th century; an inscription on the portal dates from 1477. The diocese’s first Marian shrine was established on 1 May 1603 at the site of a Marian apparition in 1592.

The Palazzo Cecchini, Palazzo Mainardi and Palazzo Marzin complex features 19th-century frescoes. They depict allegorical and patriotic scenes, grotesques, and landscapes with Pompeian or neo-Gothic effects. Their subjects and varied styles offer another perspective on the town’s art history, complementing the medieval structures of the borgo.

Literature and Local History

Cordovado is home to the “Ippolito Nievo” literary park. The Fontana di Venchiaredo, surrounded by a small wood, lies on the border with Sesto al Reghena. The first section of a literary park is being developed in this area, recalling places described by Ippolito Nievo in “Le confessioni di un italiano.” In this way, place names and landscape are linked to a specific literary reference.

The history of local events can also be clearly dated: the 38th edition of “Cordovado Medievale,” held in Cordovado on 26 and 27 August 2023, included a historical reenactment and the Palio dei Rioni in the historic town centre. Eight guided tours are available for groups, leading visitors to discover the Borgo di Cordovado. Check booking arrangements before your trip.

Cycling and Walking Trail, Landscape and Access

A 27-kilometre cycling and walking trail starts at the medieval Borgo di Cordovado. It offers a way to add a longer walk or bike ride to your stay. Lago di Cordovado covers approximately four hectares and was formed from a former gravel pit. Waterways, ditches, springs and artificial lakes are also part of the landscape; there are also numerous trees that are centuries old or more than a century old.

There are specific access conditions to bear in mind when visiting the Chiesa della Beata Vergine. Along Via Battaglione Gemona (SR463), a 1.00-metre-wide path made of white stone blocks leads to the church. The 2.50-metre-wide access route is paved with grey stone blocks and has an uneven surface. If these conditions are important for your visit, check them locally or before you travel.

A Local Speciality

Spaccafumo is a handcrafted dessert from Cordovado. It contains dried figs, raisins, walnuts, hazelnuts, pine nuts, almonds, candied orange and honey. Its ingredients give the dessert a distinctive culinary profile, adding a local speciality to the town’s architectural, literary and natural attractions.

Discover more destinations: Barcis, Rauscedo, Budoia, Fontanafredda, Chions, Fanna, Cimolais, San Quirino.

Go to the main travel overview: Pordenone.