Sacile

The history, culture and even the name of this small town are linked to a river: the Livenza. In the “Garden of the Serenissima” – as Sacile is known for its Venetian atmosphere – the architecture blends harmoniously and the elegant palaces are reflected in the blue waters of the river.

Worth visiting are the cathedral of San Nicolò (Saint Nicholas), named after the patron saint of the town and sailors on the river, and the Church of the Madonna della Pietà and Piazza del Popolo, flanked by beautiful porticoed buildings.

There are countless 16th-century palaces that make Sacile the quintessential Renaissance city: splendid examples include the Loggia Comunale and, above all, the Palazzo Ragazzoni Flangini Billia, whose frescoed interior you can admire on a virtual tour.

Many of the buildings have ornamental Renaissance or Baroque-style motifs, making Sacile, with its network of little bridges and alleyways leading to beautiful hidden corners, a delightful place just to stroll around in.

In August each year there is the traditional Sagra dei Osei, one of oldest village festivals in Italy, with a big market-exhibition of birds and a birdsong competition.