Spilimbergo
Discovering Spilimbergo
Spilimbergo is an Italian city located on the right bank of the Tagliamento river, in the Friuli-Venezia Giulia region. With a population of about 11,861 inhabitants, Spilimbergo has a rich history that dates back to the 11th century when the Spengenberg counts from Carinthia settled in this place. Since then, the city has developed both as a military fortress and as a commercial transit center.
The History of Spilimbergo
Human presence in Spilimbergo has much older origins. The area of the city has been inhabited since Roman times, when the road coming from Sacile crossed the Tagliamento river to head towards Germany. The city took its name from the Spengenberg counts. The city experienced significant demographic and urban growth, thanks also to the arrival of Lombards, Tuscans, and Jews. In 1284, the construction of the Cathedral of Spilimbergo, one of the most valuable Romanesque-Gothic monuments in Friuli, began, built by Count Walterpertoldo II. In 1326, on the initiative of the counts Bregonia and Bartolomeo, the jurisdiction of Spilimbergo was equipped with its own legislative corpus, the "Statute of the Land of Spilimbergo." In 1420, the city passed to the Republic of Venice.
The Events of Spilimbergo
The War of the League of Cambrai hit the region hard. The city followed the fate of the Patria del Friuli and passed to the French Empire. In the years following the war, Spilimbergo experienced a period of economic and cultural prosperity. In 1797, the city passed to the Austrian Empire and, in 1861, became part of the Kingdom of Italy. Over the years, many citizens have distinguished themselves in the most difficult moments of the city's history: Giovanni Battista Cavedalis and Leonardo Andervolti in the riots of 1848, just to mention some names.
Spilimbergo Today
Spilimbergo continues to stand out in the region for its artistic tradition. The cultural tradition of the city has not diminished, in fact, the Scuola Mosaicisti del Friuli, named after Irene of Spilimbergo, was founded right in this city. The school is recognized internationally for the quality of its mosaics and attention to detail.
Spilimbergo is also known for its delicious typical products such as ham and smoked cheese. The city offers countless opportunities to taste the flavors of local cuisine.
The beauty of the city is also reflected in its architecture. The Cathedral of Spilimbergo, the Daziario Palace, the Captain's House, and the Loggia, which now houses the town hall, are all examples of Romanesque-Gothic architecture. For history enthusiasts, there is also the castle, rebuilt in Renaissance style, which represents an excellent testimonial of the city's history.
Conclusion
Spilimbergo is a city rich in history and cultural tradition. Its architecture with its Romanesque-Gothic palaces, the cathedral, and the castle make the city a place to discover. The city is also known for the beauty of its mosaics and typical products. Without a doubt, Spilimbergo is a city worth visiting.
