Taipana
Discovering Taipana
Hello friends! Today I take you to discover Taipana, a small town located in the Friuli-Venezia Giulia region, in the province of Udine. With its 560 inhabitants, Taipana is a hidden gem among the first foothills of the Julian Pre-Alps, immersed in nature and surrounded by splendid villages and small towns.
Physical geography
Taipana rises 478 meters above sea level, in an area among the first foothills of the Julian Pre-Alps. The municipality, which extends over an area of ​​over 39 square kilometers, is crossed by the Cornappo stream and consists of the hamlets of Cornappo, Debellis, Monteaperta, Montemaggiore, Ponte Sambo, Platischis and Prossenicco, villages that suffer from a serious depopulation phenomenon.
History
The history of Taipana is ancient and fascinating. The municipality has a strong connection with the Pieve dei Santi Gervasio and Protasio di Nimis and with Tricesimo, to which it was linked until the creation of the resident parish in Taipana in 1896. The first written source that attests to the existence of the toponym Taipana dates back to 1320, when it was mentioned in a notarial act. During its history, Taipana underwent various dominations, including that of the Patriarchate of Aquileia and that of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, until it reached the Republic of Venice. In the Napoleonic period, the municipality of Taipana was grouped in the "vicinia", that is, the assembly of household heads.
World War II
During World War II, Taipana was involved in the activities of the Friulian Italian Resistance. The Garibaldi Brigades and the Osoppo Brigades took part in the resistance activities on the territory of the municipality.
Friuli earthquake of 1976
In 1976, Taipana was hit by the Friuli earthquake, which caused enormous damage and collapses. The municipality, together with many other towns in the area, had to rebuild from the rubble.
Monuments and places of interest
Despite the historical events and natural disasters that have hit Taipana, the municipality boasts numerous monuments and places of interest that are worth visiting. One of the most fascinating villages in Taipana is Prossenicco, which was built starting from 1211 and remained standing even after the earthquake of 1976. Here it is possible to admire about ten houses with projecting stone facades, which represent a real leap in time.
The church of the Ss. Trinity of Monteaperta is another important place of interest. This church houses fragments of frescoes by Gian Paolo Thanner, dating back to 1520. Near the church there is a stone that, according to legend, bears the imprint of the Madonna's foot.
In the hamlet of Monteaperta there are several chapels, shrines and fountains, some of which date back to ancient times. Here it is also possible to admire some houses of typical rural architecture, such as the Borgo di Sotto, the ancient house of Poiacco and the Pascolo house in Val Calda. In addition, near Monteaperta there are the remains of some old mills, such as the Borgo di Sopra and Al Ponte.
Another artwork not to be missed is the sculpture "L'emigrante", made on the trunk of the large lime tree of Monteaperta by the artist Franco Maschio and exhibited at the Monteaperta farmhouse.
Conclusions
In conclusion, Taipana is a municipality with ancient charm and uncontaminated natural beauty. Despite the historical events and natural disasters, Taipana represents an ideal destination for those seeking tranquility and the atmosphere of a bygone era. Thanks to its medieval villages, its monuments and its breathtaking landscapes, Taipana is a destination that deserves to be included in the list of places to visit absolutely.
