Natisone Valleys itinerary (Cividale - Stupizza) (P006)

The itinerary travels along the Natisone River valley through small towns once teeming with life and herds. Much of the local population speaks a linguistic variety of Slavic ancestry represented by several dialectal languages and also carries Slovenian-influenced customs and traditions: the valley is the home of "gubana," a typical sweet, which in the past was baked and eaten on Christmas Day, Easter and at weddings; on the route visitors will pass artisan workshops that prepare gubana all year round. We leave Cividale del Friuli     and head toward Purgessimo, dominated from above by the ruins of its medieval castle.

At Ponte S. Quirino, cross the Natisone River and proceed along the right bank on minor roads, passing through villages of just a few rural houses displaying examples of typical architecture such as at Cicigolis and Tarcetta. From the latter village, for intermediately trained bikers, we recommend a detour to the village of Antro (320 meters above sea level) to visit the Cave of Saint John. Continuing along the main route, the river is often visible along the road, especially in the section after Linder that leads to Stupizza. On the way back we recommend crossing the river on the bicycle bridge at Oculis to reach the town centre of San Pietro al Natisone, which houses the SMO (interactive landscape and narrative museum) which also houses the tourist office. After a refreshing stop, cross the river again at Oculis and continue on the road to Ponte S. Quirino, and from there, after reaching  Purgessimo, return to Cividale del Friuli.