The Resurgences cycle circuit (R023)

The territory that lies below the town of Codroipo is defined by the Resurgence of the Stella river: the layers composed of fine and water-resistant sediments push the underlying phreatic zone of the higher plains of Friuli to the surface, creating pools that eventually flow into streams and waterways, which become increasingly rich with water and Life. This hydrogeological phenomenon typifies the entire Bassa Friulana plains, stretching from Sacile to Monfalcone. A natural, almost fairy-tale environment of streams, groves, and permanent meadows has formed in this area, to the extent that it has become a protected Park, where human activities have been limited to traditional ones such as mills and fish farms. This natural environment was inevitably also home to holiday residences of wealthy Venetian merchants and noblemen, thus adding even more value to the landscape.

From Codroipo, we head towards Villa Manin, a large Venetian mansion, which is famous for hosting Napoleon during the last phase of his Italian Campaign and where in 1797 he signed the treaty with the Austrians that sanctioned the end of the Republic of Venice. Passing over the small bridges of the Stella river, we arrive at S. Martino, where Villa Kechler, a prestigious 18th-century residence, houses the Museum of Historical Carriages, displaying Antonio Lauda's private collection of 44 vehicles dating back to the 19th and 20th centuries. The route travels through the beautiful villages of Santa Marizza and Gradiscutta and re-joins the Tagliamento Cycle Route at Straccis. The route climbs up towards Codroipo along the riverbank and leads back across San Vidotto and Biauzzo.