LOOPS IN THE GREEN

The river Natisone crosses the whole territory of Cividale del Friuli: its waters with their changing shades of green flow, sometimes slow and sometimes fast, between overhanging walls, on which grows vegetation mixed with rare plants. Just a short distance from the old town centre, you can easily immerse yourself in this natural environment, taking one of the “loops“, the cycle and pedestrian paths suitable even for those who like to take it easy.

NORTHERN LOOP OF THE NATISONE
The itinerary starts from Borgo Brossana, one of the four historical quarters of medieval Cividale: the exposed stone houses, the Rio Emiliano that cascades into the Natisone, the paths down to the river bed offer striking views and are a real invitation to walk. The route continues through the farmed countryside: among fields of cereals, vineyards and olive trees, you can also see old mulberry trees. The stretch that borders the gorge of the river Natisone offers various naturalistic attractions. The itinerary touches Borgo Viola and, taking the longest route, you arrive at the village of Sanguarzo.

degree of difficulty: low / medium
route length: km. 4,500 / km. 5,300
walking time: 1 h e 15’ / cc 1 h e 20’
difference in altitude: 44,60 ml /54,80 ml

SOUTHERN LOOP OF THE NATISONE
Those who love to walk in the midst of wild nature will appreciate this itinerary, especially in the stretch that borders the Natisone: a rare plant with yellow flowers – Leontodon brumatii – grows on the rocks near the water, characteristic and exclusive of the Natisone gorge, the escarpments are home to permanent meadows and bushes, at the bottom of the ravine the gravelly bed can emerge, bare or populated by formations of willows and poplars, while woods of mixed species can be found in the protected environment of the river. The shorter version of the route touches the villages of Madriolo and Zugliano, but it also goes as far as Purgessimo

degree of difficulty: low / medium
route length: km. 4,750 / km. 7,500
walking time: 1 h e 25’ /cc 2 h e 10’
difference in altitude: 51,80 ml / 89,80 ml

GUSPERGO LOOP
The recommended route for those who are more fit is set in the Monte dei Bovi (in Friulian La Mont dai bûs) which stands to the north-east of the Cividale area: the entrance to the itinerary is in the village of Sanguarzo, near the small church of S. Floreano. On the hill above the chapel are the few remains of the ancient castle of Guspergo. The vegetation is predominantly wooded and you can recognise black pines and Scots pines, chestnut trees, hornbeams and manna ash, but along the way, natural meadows and permanent fields offer rich and attractive blooms.

degree of difficulty: low / medium
route length: km. 9,350
walking time: cc. 2 h e 40’
difference in altitude: 563,60 ml