Portobuffolè
Exploring the small town of Portobuffolé
There is a town in the province of Treviso that seems to have come out of a fairy tale, with its ancient walls and small alleys that wind through pastel-colored houses. I'm talking about Portobuffolé, the smallest town in the province in terms of population and surface area, but certainly one of the most fascinating. In this text, I will take you to discover the geography, history, and curiosities of this town with a thousand shades.
Physical Geography
Portobuffolé represents one of the rare exceptions in the province of Treviso as it extends on both sides of the Livenza river. Composed of the main town, Ronche, Settimo, and Faè, the town is located near the border with Friuli-Venezia Giulia, about 50 km from Treviso and 15 from Pordenone. Portobuffolé is characterized by the presence of various waterways, such as Resteggia and Rasego, which draw the boundaries between the town and other nearby towns.
Origin of the Name
The name Portobuffolé has ancient origins: the toponym is mentioned for the first time in a document from 1242 with the name ''castrum'' or ''portus Bufoledo''. According to Dante Olivieri, the name derives from the union of the Latin term "bufalus", which refers to the animal Bubalus bubalis or other members of the Bovidae family, and a collective suffix "-ētum".
History
Origins
The oldest settlement in the area seems to have been the fraction of Settimo. The small rural village on the banks of the Livenza, formerly called ''Septimum de Liquentia'', dates back to the 3rd century B.C. and was seven miles from Oderzo. In 997, a rental contract between the Diocese of Vittorio Veneto Sicardo and the Doge of the Republic of Venice Pietro II Orseolo mentioned the presence of a castle and a river port on the fortified place of Settimo.
The Middle Ages
In the Middle Ages, Portobuffolé castle changed hands frequently, passing under the control of noble and religious authorities. First the Di Carrara, then the Patriarchs of Aquileia, and finally the Diocese of Vittorio Veneto Ripalto. In 1166, Portobuffolé became part of the orbit of the city of Treviso and in 1242 returned under the control of Ceneda. The bastion was destroyed by Gerardo de' Castelli, a noble from Treviso, and then taken back and restored by the bishops.
The Most Serene Republic
For six centuries, Portobuffolé remained under the control of the Republic of Venice. In 1307, the town was assigned to Tolberto III da Camino, husband of Gaia da Camino. However, in 1336, Samaritana Malatesta, Tolberto's second wife, managed to regain control of the castle and obtain the support of the Republic of Venice, putting an end to disputes. On April 4th, 1339, Portobuffolé officially became part of the Republic of Venice.
Tourist Attractions
The historic center of Portobuffolé is a true gem, enclosed within the ancient walls. Among the main tourist attractions of the town are Piazza della Vittoria, the Church of San Giorgio, and Porta Trevisana, one of the three gates that allow access to the historic center.
Portobuffolé has been included in the association of the most beautiful villages in Italy and boasts the Orange Flag of the Italian Touring Club, an award that rewards the inland towns that enhance the cultural and natural heritage of their territory.
Conclusions
Portobuffolé is a unique place, a small town that seems to have come out of a fairy tale. Its ancient walls, charming alleys, and tourist attractions make it one of the most beautiful villages not only in the province of Treviso but in the entire Italian territory. If you find yourself in this area, don't miss the opportunity to visit this hidden gem.
