Forni Avoltri
Welcome to Forni Avoltri: a mountain village in the heart of Carnia
Welcome to Forni Avoltri, a small and cozy mountain village in the heart of Carnia. With just over 500 inhabitants, this town in Friuli-Venezia Giulia represents the ideal place for those seeking the peace and tranquility of mountain life, away from the stress of the city.
Physical geography
Forni Avoltri is located in the Upper Val Degano, in northwestern Carnia, on the border with northern Veneto and Austria. The municipal area is crossed by the SS 355 Val Degano and extends under the southern slope of the Western Carnic Chain, which includes some of the highest peaks of the Carnic Alps, including Monte Coglians (2,780 m), Monte Fleons (2,512 m), Monte Volaia (2,486 m), Monte Chiadenis (2,456 m), Creta Bianca (2,255 m), Monte Chiadin (2,252 m), Monte Palos di Linch (2,029 m) and Creta di Tuglia (1,945 m).
History
The origins of the two hamlets of Forni and Avoltri are closely linked to the mines present in the area. In fact, the forni, from which the town takes its name, are the ones where the minerals extracted from Mount Avanza were melted, while Avoltri would constitute the first settlement of the people who worked there. The first certain testimony of the existence of this mining activity, and therefore of the town, dates back to a document from 1328. The town has followed the historical events of Friuli, from the domination of the Patriarchate of Aquileia to the passage to the Republic of Venice in 1420.
In 1508 the town was sacked by the Lansquenets, and then annexed to the Lombardo-Venetian Kingdom under the rule of the Austro-Hungarian Empire until 1866, the year of annexation to the Kingdom of Italy.
Monuments and places of interest
Forni Avoltri is a town rich in history, nature and traditions. Among the most important monuments are the parish church of San Giovanni Battista, dating back to the 18th century, and the church of Sant'Antonio Abate, which preserves frescoes from the 16th century.
The town is in a strategic position for those who want to go hiking in the mountains all year round, with paths suitable for all levels of difficulty. Mount Coglians, the highest peak of the Carnic Alps, can be reached via several trails. Also not to be missed are the Soffia Waterfalls and the Rio Nero Gorge, two natural beauties just a few kilometers from the town center.
Culture and traditions
Forni Avoltri is a town that still preserves the traditions of mountain life. Every year in August, the Feast of San Giovanni Battista, the patron saint of the town, takes place with the procession and the blessing of the animals. In September, the Porcini Mushroom Festival is held, where you can taste local specialties based on mushrooms.
Throughout the year, it is possible to experience authentic mountain life, such as picking berries, haymaking and producing cheeses and cured meats. All accompanied by the warm welcome of the town's inhabitants, always ready to make visitors feel at home.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Forni Avoltri represents an immersion in the nature and tradition of mountain life, with the richness of historical monuments, natural beauties and opportunities for hiking at your fingertips. An ideal place for those who want to escape the frenzy of the city and enjoy the peace of the mountains, accompanied by the generosity and friendliness of the town's inhabitants.
