Distance: 16 km
Height difference: 650 m ascent, 550 m descent
Walking time: approx. 6 hours

A fascinating route made up of ascents and descents, amidst silent woods and ancient sleepy hamlets, such as Celante di Castelnuovo. From here you ascend towards Clauzetto, the charming 'balcony of Friuli', from which your gaze can reach as far as the Adriatic.

In addition to the beauty of nature, the walk brings with it a strong call to tradition: the Church of St James, a pilgrimage destination since the mid 18th century. Here, the faithful also came from central European countries to pray before the relic of the Precious Blood of Jesus Christ, to which miraculous powers were attributed.

The path continues into the forest, where a surprise awaits: the ancient parish church of San Martino. Its frescoes, inscriptions and Pilacorte altar tell of distant links, exchanges and movements that testify to the continuous wandering of human beings.

Finally, we reach Vito d'Asio, the birthplace of Jacopo Ortis, with its characteristic houses and stone-paved streets. And then even higher, towards the mountains, to widen your gaze and let yourself be enveloped by the generosity of nature, until you reach Anduins.

Dinner and overnight stay at the Alla Posta hotel.

Length 21 km

Height difference: 280 m ascent - 450 m descent

Walking time: approx. 6.5 hours

After breakfast at the hotel and check-out, the descent towards the plains begins, shaped by the numerous rivers and streams encountered along the way. Immerse yourself in a still wild landscape, following the course of the Arzino torrent: here the eye rests on sinuous bends and small beaches, which over time have become ideal places for a break or a refreshing dip. And you will not struggle to understand why: the emerald waters, lush forests and rocky cliffs guard this corner like a precious jewel.

Allow yourself time to observe, breathe and contemplate before continuing on towards Pinzano. A gentle climb will lead you to an extraordinary viewpoint, where you can admire an authentic European rarity: the vastness of the Tagliamento. This river still retains much of its original bed, making it one of the last wild rivers on the continent. A natural heritage to cherish in your heart, as you leave the hills behind, crossing woods and streams in the direction of Valeriano.

Valeriano is worth a stop for two reasons. The first is the wine: indigenous varieties rediscovered in recent decades, the fruit of the relationship between man and the land, to be tasted where they are born. The second is the Chiesa dei Battuti, which you will immediately recognise thanks to the imposing fresco of St Christopher on the façade. Inside, you will find other extraordinary works by Giovanni Antonio de Sacchis, known as 'il Pordenone', which make this place a small treasure chest of Renaissance art.

From here the route continues gently, accompanied by the quiet countryside, along the banks of the Tagliamento River to Spilimbergo, the 'city of mosaics'. Famous for its mosaic and terrazzo artisans, it is here that the internationally recognised Friuli Mosaic School is based.

Now that your journey has come to an end, treat yourself to a walk among the ancient vestiges of Spilimbergo. Every stone tells the story of a town that flourished in trade and culture, the beating heart of the Friulian Renaissance.

Having passed the village and crossed the Cosa stream, which rises in the mountains to your left and flows through canyons explored by speleologists from all over Europe, the Path begins to climb again through the mountain woods. It will lead you to Vigna, a hamlet of Castelnovo del Friuli, a labyrinthine village consisting of more than 30 hamlets. Here it is worth stopping to visit the hill where the remains of another castle and the church of San Nicolò stand, from which you can enjoy a wide view over the plain you have just crossed and the one that awaits you.

Finally, the route takes you to Paludea, where you can again cross the waters of the Cosa stream. 

Return in the late afternoon.