ALBERGO DIFFUSO
FORGARIA MONTE PRAT
History of our Territory
Forgaria nel Friuli is situated 262 metres above sea level and occupies an area of 29.73 square kilometres. The population is approximately 2000, spread through the municipalities of Cornino, Flagogna, San Rocco and Monte Prat. This land was inhabited by the Celtic-Carnic population in ancient times and was an important crossroads between the valley of the Po and Norico, along the valley of the Arzino torrent, crossing through the plane of the Tre Comuni Lake.
The Celts were succeeded along these ancient routes by the Romans, Lombards and Carolingians. Evidence of the strategic and commercial importance of these places is visible by the presence of numerous castles built during the Middle Ages over buildings that had been previously built for defence, such as the remains of Castel Raimondo in Forgaria and Castel San Giovanni in Flagogna. The Castelraimondo Park, nestled in the hills of “Zuc Schiaramont” (441 metres above sea level), unites archaeological and historical finds of Roman origin in a natural setting of extraordinary beauty. Due to the elevated position of the hill’s peak, through the centuries it was the site of a fortified village, a fortress and then a seasonal place for shepherds in the 10th century. Forgaria was completely rebuilt after a devastating earthquake in 1976: visible evidence of rural architecture is present only in the area of Sompcornino and Monte Prat. The plateau of Monte Prat is located above Forgaria at an altitude of 700-900 metres and has been used throughout its history for agriculture and cattle-farming. This is why so many rural buildings are visible and have been renovated and transformed into tourist lodgings within the Albergo Diffuso Forgaria Monte Prat project.
Since the district is bordered by water (the Arzino torrent on one side and the Tagliamento river on the other), two bridges play an important role in the area. They are the Cimano Bridge - crossing the Arzino - and the Tagliamento - crossing the Tagliamento. The first bridge has an interesting history: in little over a century it has been destroyed and rebuilt three times following bombings and structural failure. The second was built in 1913 as a railway link on the Spilimbergo-Gemona line. This bridge was also the stage for bombings, due to its highly strategic location and function. It was sabotaged during World War I and then completely destroyed during World War II. There are also many churches scattered throughout the district. In particular, there are the alpine chapel dedicated to Saint Florian - the jewel of Monte Prat -, and votive stones to be discovered behind the area’s best hidden corners.
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |