Artegna
Welcome to Artegna!
Hello everyone! Today I want to talk to you about a small town located in Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Artegna. Its name is said to derive from the altar of Diana, goddess of hunting of ancient Romans, but there are also other popular legends about its origin.
The History of Artegna
According to some popular legends, in the 16th century, Charles de Batz de Castelmore d'Artagnan, famous musketeer of Louis XIII of France, visited the town at the request of Cardinal Giulio Mazzarino. In 1866, instead, it is said that the French writer Alexandre Dumas, author of "The Three Musketeers", visited it.
Unfortunately, the town was hit by a series of murders between 1925 and 1930, which remain unresolved to this day. The killer, whom the population called "Sassin de Ledre" because of the river where the bodies were found, seems to have been a World War I Austrian or German veteran, Wolfgang Strauss. However, there is no evidence to support his identity.
On May 6, 1976, the Friuli earthquake struck the town, causing collapses and damage.
Symbols and Honors
The municipal coat of arms was recognized by decree of the head of government on December 1, 1930. The gonfalon is a blue flag, while the flag is a truncated blue and white flag with the municipal coat of arms in the center. In 2002, the town received the Gold Medal for Civil Merit for its spirit of sacrifice and commitment to reconstruction after the earthquake.
Monuments and Points of Interest
One of the most interesting monuments in Artegna is certainly the castle, which was rebuilt after the earthquake of 1976. The original castle was a fortress that until the 14th century occupied the top of the hill, surrounding it with its walls. Today, the castle can be visited and features the so-called "Lombard tower", located near the entrance gate.
The hill of San Martino is a monumental complex which also includes the church and the castle. The church is an ancient Romanesque church, built in the 12th century, which features a beautiful carved portal.
Conclusions
In conclusion, Artegna is a town that can boast a long history, rich in legends and interesting events. Its beauty is confirmed by its monuments and points of interest, such as the castle and the church. I recommend everyone to go and visit it and discover for themselves all that it has to offer!
