Located just a few kilometres from Maniago (PN), Poffabro lies quietly on the slopes of Monte Raut. It is an ancient village full of charming sights, listed as one the “Most Beautiful Villages of Italy”, and overlooks the green Val Colvera.

Here in winter the sun does not often appear and the temperatures are very low; it is perhaps these conditions that have allowed this village to remain as though encased in one of those crystal balls with snow: like a fairy tale place unchanged over the centuries.

Today we head to the main square where the church, the town hall and the beautiful fountain of fresh water stand. The square is a panoramic terrace from where we look out over the surroundings, noting the bell tower of Frisanco hidden in the hills, and then, looking further round, we can see that the view of the mighty Monte Raut overlooking the village is breathtaking!

Continuing our walk we take to the maze of stoney lanes, almost impossible to follow by car. Immediately we find ourselves in an enchanted place, where time has stopped and the air is filled with a vibrant magical energy: every building has a story to tell of men, nature and their coexistence.

Poffabro is one of the “Most beautiful villages of Italy” which it owes thanks to its spontaneous architecture: here the houses were built in sandstone, are high, typically with three floors connected by dark wooden balconies, formerly used for drying the crop. As they are closely huddled together, these buildings have made it possible to create the enchanting courtyards and small communal gardens that are sometimes hidden unless you look closely, as they only reveal themselves to those who are willing to climb through the steep narrow streets.

The charm of the village of Poffabro comes to the fore during the Christmas period when, during the “Poffabro, a Crib among Cribs” event, you can discover hundreds of cribs of all sizes placed on windowsills, in the vaulted passageways and narrow openings of the houses. This is certainly a place to come back to!