Ravascletto
Discovering Ravascletto: the Municipality of Carnia
If you are looking for a hidden gem in Italy, I recommend visiting Ravascletto, a small municipality located in the historical region of Carnia, in Friuli-Venezia Giulia. With its 489 inhabitants, Ravascletto is a true hidden jewel in a valley surrounded by green mountains and is classified as one of the authentic villages of Italy.
Physical geography
Territory
The municipality of Ravascletto is located on the slope of the fault that separates the massifs of Monte Arvènis and Monte Crostis. Two different valleys branch off from the height of Sella Valcalda, separating the hamlets of Stalis and Palù from the town of Ravascletto. Other villages in the municipality are Solars and the picturesque Zovello.
Orography
Ravascletto is surrounded by mountains, which make the landscape green and lush. Cimone di Crasulina is the highest mountain, with a height of 2104 meters. Other peaks that dominate the municipality are Piz di Mede, Monte Valsecca, Mont di Runc, and Berretta di Culzin.
Hydrography
The municipality offers many watercourses: Margò and Gladegna, the main streams that originate from the two valleys, Vaglina and Marassò rivers, whose waters delimit the municipality's boundaries, and the But River. In the surrounding mountains, there are two small alpine lakes, Crasulina and Taront, while in the valley, there are artificial basins for artificial snowmaking.
Climate
The climate in Ravascletto is quite harsh, especially in winter, but the landscape is made even more fascinating by abundant and lush snow.
History
Origins of the name
The town owes its name to the phytname "robusculetum," which in Latin means "a place where a thorny plant, a small bramble, grows." In Friulian, the name of the town is Ravasclêt, which derives from this original etymology in Latin.
The history of Ravascletto
The origin of the municipality dates back to the sixth century when some nuclei of guarinici (the inhabitants of the fortified settlements of Carnia) settled in an area that offers a natural passage between the Passo di Monte Croce Carnico and the Passo di Monte Rest. In the Middle Ages, it was an important stopping-off point for tradesmen who stopped to rest and buy the food and equipment needed to cross the mountain pass. In the sixteenth century, the town was conquered by the Venetians.
In the 1960s, Ravascletto became a well-known ski resort thanks to its excellent ski slopes and has become a popular holiday destination.
Tourist attractions
Alpine skiing and snowboarding
Ravascletto is famous for being one of the best ski resorts in Carnia, thanks to its 22 ski slopes that extend over 30 km of slopes. The slopes are technologically advanced, with snowmaking systems and lighting facilities. Snowboard enthusiasts can enjoy themselves in the Zoncolan snow park.
Trekking
For hikers, Ravascletto offers numerous trails and walks among the surrounding mountains, offering breathtaking views along the way. The Sella di Razzo is an example of a highly appreciated route by hikers, while Lake Tarond and the Liginza Gorge are other popular attractions.
Gastronomy of Ravascletto
The municipality also offers the opportunity to taste delicious local dishes. The cuisine of Carnia is traditionally made of soups, cheese cushions, sausage specialties and goat meat, mushroom and potato sides, local cheeses, all accompanied by the area's fine grappas.
Conclusions
In conclusion, Ravascletto is the perfect place for those who want to enjoy a quiet and relaxing vacation away from the hustle and bustle of the city. This picturesque municipality offers a variety of activities throughout the year to tourists, who can immerse themselves in a unique natural landscape and discover the local culinary tradition.
