Villa Santina
Welcome to Villa Santina
Hello everyone! Are you ready to explore Villa Santina, a town of 2135 inhabitants in Friuli-Venezia Giulia? I am here to guide you on a tour of this small town, located on a large plateau that extends all the way to Tolmezzo.
Physical Geography
Villa Santina is one of the 28 municipalities of Carnia, the mountainous region of the province of Udine. The town is characterized by a cold winter and hot summer climate and is surrounded by spectacular mountain nature. The only fraction of the municipality is Invillino, which is one of the oldest villages in Carnia.
History
The territory of Villa Santina has an ancient history, with remains of prehistoric and paleochristian origin. In 1867, the municipality changed its name from Villa di Invillino to Villa Santina, from the name of Col Santino, on whose slopes the village is located. In 1976, the town was struck by the Friuli earthquake of 1976, which caused damage and many casualties.
Monuments and Places of Interest
Villa Santina is rich in monuments and places of interest. One of the most important is undoubtedly the Church of Santa Maria Maddalena, located on Col Santina. Inside the church, dating back to the 12th century, you can admire a beautiful marble altar from the 18th century. Near the Tagliamento River and Col di Zuca is the church of Madonna del Ponte. On the rocky walls of the village stands the Radime waterfall, known as "Farine dal Diaul", which is a staggering 230 meters high.
Another reference point for the city and culture is the old railway station, where some scenes were filmed for the film Penne Nere starring Marcello Mastroianni in 1952. Nearby is the monument to the fallen to remember the victims of the war. In the center of the city is the Church of San Lorenzo Martire, built in 1763 and restored in 1955.
Society
In Villa Santina, alongside the Italian language, the population uses the Friulian language. The municipality is part of the Italian-speaking Friulian Municipalities for the application of Law 482/99, Regional Law 15/96, and Regional Law 29/2007. The Friulian language spoken in Villa Santina is one of the variants belonging to Carnian Friulian.
Economy
In Villa Santina, agriculture and industry are the main economic activities. The town is renowned for the production of linen fabrics decorated with floral motifs, carpets, and tapestries. Furthermore, Villa Santina is well-known for frico, a typical dish of the Friulian cuisine.
Administration and Sports
Villa Santina is part of the association of municipalities of the Inter-municipal Park of the Carnic Hills, established in 2007 along with the municipalities of Enemonzo, Lauco, and Raveo. The town has several football and basketball teams and hosts sports events throughout the year.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Villa Santina is a town that offers many opportunities for discovery and leisure, both from a historical and cultural perspective as well as from a naturalistic and gastronomic standpoint. I hope that this virtual tour has given you some ideas to visit this beautiful Carnian village. See you soon!
