Manzano
Discover Manzano: a journey through history and economy
Welcome to Manzano, a small gem in the region of Friuli-Venezia Giulia. This municipality is located on the hills of eastern Friuli, surrounded by wonderful natural landscapes and rich in history and culture. In this text, we will take you on a journey to discover its monuments and places of interest, local society, economy, and football.
Physical geography
Manzano lies on the banks of the Natisone River, in a privileged position on the first hills of eastern Friuli. This position allows for unique panoramic views of the surrounding valley.
History
Manzano was the residence of the Manzano Counts, a family that played an important role in the city's history. Moreover, the city was the site of the Oleis airfield, headquarters of the so-called "Special Forces" of the Italian army, the Arditi, from 1915. These soldiers are commemorated with a historical reenactment in the place where they were born.
Monuments and places of interest
Manzano boasts numerous monuments and places of interest that are worth a visit. Among the most important are the ruins of the Manzano Counts' castle, the birthplace of Caterina Percoto (an 19th-century writer) in the San Lorenzo district, the Piccoli Martinengo villa in Soleschiano, and numerous churches (including the Church of Santa Margherita, the Church of San Pietro Apostolo in Rosazzo, the Church of Santa Maria Assunta, the Church of Saints Ermacora and Fortunato, and the Church of Saints Giovanni Battista and Nicolò Vescovo in Oleis).
Also of great historical and cultural value is the Rosazzo Abbey, built between 958 and 967. This abbey was deeply transformed in the sixteenth century and features frescoes from that period.
Society
Demographic evolution
The population of Manzano is 6,275 inhabitants.
Languages and dialects
In Manzano, the Friulian language is spoken, which belongs to the central-eastern Friulian variants. This language is used by the local population alongside Italian and has been included in the list of Italian municipalities where Friulian is spoken for the purposes of the application of laws 482/99, 15/96, and 29/2007.
Economy
Manzano has a solid economy thanks to its important role in the field of design and furnishing. This city is, in fact, the main center of the so-called "Chair Triangle," an industrial area where a large part of Italian chairs were produced. The Calligaris, an Italian design and furniture company that produces chairs and other furnishings, has its main headquarters in Manzano.
Administration
Manzano has no twinning with other municipalities.
Sport
Football
The main football team in the city is A.S.D. Manzanese 1949 Calcio, founded in 1949. The first football facility dates back to 1927: the Luigi Gumini field in Via della Stazione, and the first president was Count Guglielmo di Manzano.
The team won three regional championships in the 1960s but always declined to enroll in the Serie D championship. In 1976, the current playing field, the Municipal Sports Center of Via Olivo, was inaugurated, and the team returned to play in the top regional championship under the guidance of then-President Armando Stacco and coach Diego Corolli.
In conclusion, Manzano is a city that should be discovered for its history, culture, and economy. The presence of important design and furnishing companies, combined with the beauty of its monuments and natural landscapes, makes Manzano a unique place in the Italian panorama. Come and discover it in person!
