Poffabro: nativity scenes amid nature and traditions

Slow Tour

9 November 2018

Slow Tour

Poffabro: nativity scenes amid nature and traditions

A walk along the streets of Poffabro, one of the most beautiful villages in Italy. Here I am, 30 kilometres north of Pordenone at the foot of the Friulian Dolomites.

Poffabro in the municipality of Frisanco, is a place to visit and explore on foot. It is wonderful getting lost and immersed in its atmosphere, which has remained as it was in bygone days. The silence of its small streets enhances the beauty of its views among wood and sandstone.

It feels like walking through a nativity scene. The village was built in keeping with traditional local architecture. Space is limited here. The houses are therefore tall and narrow, very similar to what they were five centuries ago.

Christmas will be here in a few weeks’ time and nativity figurines will be placed in nativity scenes. As is the norm. The characteristic silence of this village will give way to the voices of visitors, who will come and admire the many nativity scenes set up in every corner of the village. These nativity scenes are mainly created by non-locals because it is easier for new interesting corners to be discovered by those who do not live here every day, since they see the village from a different perspective. Today, I am also seeing and taking photos of "Prafabrorum" (the meadow of the blacksmiths) from a different perspective.

Small courtyards, wooden balconies and hidden corners. Here, everything recounts a history and traditions that are present and still kept alive today.

An example is the tradition of “scarpeti”

The renowned handmade velvet slippers, real gems of local craftsmanship.

The village is surrounded by an environment rich in natural beauty and fauna, which also provides various opportunities for hiking enthusiasts. We are practically at the edge of the Natural Park of the Friulian Dolomites, where there is also a visitor centre.

The Monte Raut mountain range, for example, is a place rich in flora, including rare species. But beware... some papers document the 1648 Inquisition trial, as it is said that behind these mountains at night, witches would often gather to meet the devil. Whether you believe it or not, in my opinion the flowers and landscape are better seen in sunlight...

And after an interesting walk amid history, culture and traditions, a good "pitina" (meatball) - a Slow Food product of Friuli-Venezia Giulia - with a little polenta and good wine it is just what you need. It is the best way to enjoy and experience a territory in the true sense of the word.