Pulfero: Trails, Nature and History

Pulfero brings together trails through the landscape, natural sites and historical landmarks. Monte Mia reaches an elevation of 1,237 metres above sea level and is considered the municipality’s most important ecologically unspoiled area. This gives you several ways to plan your trip: you can explore a hiking route, observe natural features or focus on the area’s historical heritage.

Hiking Trails and Landscape

Pulfero has a network of easy-to-follow, well-signposted trails leading to numerous sites of scenic and ecological interest. There are also two specific routes with stated distances. The Anello Stupizza-S.Andrea-Montefosca loop is 8.4 kilometres long and follows CAI trails 723, 752 and 735. The Sentiero naturalistico del monte Matajur starts in Mersino Alto, is 12.6 kilometres long and leads to the summit of Matajur at 1,641 metres. The second route is therefore 4.2 kilometres longer; the routes also differ in that one is a loop, while the other has a summit as its destination.

Another stop for outdoor enthusiasts is the Palestra di Roccia near the Centro Visite di Stupizza. The climbing area is managed by CAI Cividale. Its location and management are useful points of reference if you are interested in rock climbing.

Natural Sites and Distinctive Landscape Features

The Castagno monumentale di Pegliano is located near Coceanzi-Pegliano and is listed in the regional register of monumental trees for 2025. The register gives the chestnut tree’s height as 25 metres and its trunk circumference as 783 centimetres. These two measurements convey its size in different ways: height describes the tree from bottom to top, while circumference describes the trunk. This makes it possible to appreciate the natural site without placing it in a ranking.

Another aspect of nature awaits you at the Grotta di San Giovanni d'Antro. The cave is a long, intermittently active karst spring that extends into the mountain. During heavy rain, a considerable stream flows through it; even during low-water periods, several lakes can be found there. The stream and lakes reflect different conditions at the karst spring and show how its appearance depends on water levels. To protect its natural and cultural heritage, the cave cannot be visited independently.

Fountains, Churches and History

At the Fontane dei Cavalleggeri di Alessandria, you can see a variety of heraldic designs. The central fountain bears a Habsburg eagle and four portraits of rulers. By contrast, the two fountains outside the village display the Cavalleggeri coat of arms beneath the Savoy crown. Comparing the motifs draws attention to the features themselves: the eagle, portraits and coat of arms each distinguish the three fountains in their own way.

The remains of Castello di Ahrensperg lie near Biacis, by the Church of San Giacomo Apostolo. In the Middle Ages, the castle controlled the road linking Cividale with the transalpine region of Noricum in Austria. It was also part of the fortification system along the Natisone River. The castle thus combined a strategic purpose with a role in a larger defensive system; its location near Biacis and San Giacomo Apostolo also identifies the site.

Above Lasiz stands the Church of San Donato, with large-scale frescoes that probably date from the 16th century. The church is also included in the route of the 44 votive churches of the Natisone Valleys. Visitors interested in sacred art can consider the frescoes alongside the church’s place on this route, while bearing in mind that the paintings’ date is uncertain.

The Lastre di Antro offer another historical perspective. They were associated with the Banche di Antro and di Merso. Until the 19th century, legal and administrative assemblies were held there, contributing to the autonomy of the Natisone Valleys. This site is therefore not a single building, but rather a place associated with assemblies and their role in the history of the valleys.

Discover the Centro Visite di Stupizza

The Centro Visite di Stupizza offers a visit to a reconstructed bear’s den, videos and documents on university research, and themed trails for schools and families. The experience ranges from a recreated space to background materials and trails with a particular theme. When planning your trip, you can consider these insights as a separate focus alongside the hiking routes and historical sites described above.

Discover more destinations: Buttrio, Nogaredo di Corno, Trivignano Udinese, Tarcento, Lignano Sabbiadoro, Castions Di Strada, Terzo D'aquileia, Codroipo.

For an overview of the wider area: Udine.