Pordenone - Always Interesting to Visit

The city the size of Kranj surprised me with its attractive old centre, which is mostly reserved for pedestrians. There is a kilometre-long Corso Vittorio Emanuele II Street, where you'll see houses with colourful facades and Venetian architectural elements. In the lower part, they are connected by arcaded corridors, and under their arches there are restaurants and shops. Some have a long tradition. Like the nostalgically furnished Peratoner chocolate shop. According to the locals, the best coffee has been roasted in the family company Grosmi since 1958. Of course, I tried it in their café, which is also a shop.

Tomadini pasta was first made in 1843. I found it in a nice shop in the city centre. They also sold sandwiches, pizzas and various pastries. The best-known local companies have long since opened up shops in other parts of Friuli. The town was once home to an important textile industry, but today it is best known for the Zanussi factory, one of the world's most important manufacturers of household appliances and kitchen equipment. Giuseppe Garibaldi Street is a continuation of the pedestrian area. It is just a little less picturesque, but it has a significantly larger number of clothing stores.

Several churches rise in the old town centre, that have, among other things, interesting bell towers. The most famous is the Cathedral of St. Mark, the bell tower of the church of The Holy Trinity resembles a minaret. The latter attracts attention along the Noncello River. There is a small free car park nearby, which is worth using when visiting the town. It is connected to the old city centre through a pedestrian bridge. It is characterised, among other things, by a town hall with a clock tower and several old palaces. A museum or gallery is also worth a visit. Photography lovers might find some interesting scenes in the Due Piani Gallery. The owner Leonardo Fabris is a renowned photographer, and the gallery is also his studio.

Pordenone has plenty of green corners. Galvani Park stands out among them. On summer days, under the tall trees, it offers a pleasant shade, and I was delighted with the rosarium, where I could admire and smell dozens of different roses. You can take a pleasant walk along the Noncello River. It is hard to believe that it was once navigable, which is why Portus Naonis, an important port in Roman times, developed into the town that it is today in the Middle Ages.

Flowers present themselves

Pordenone is also known for numerous trade fair and market events. In February, they organise the Cucinare Culinary Fair, aimed at both professional and chefs and those who like to cook as a hobby. Among the musical events, the most renowned is the summer blues festival. In September, there is the traditional Book Fair, and in October, the Silent Film Festival is a film-lover's delight. One of the best-known events is the Ortogiardino Spring Flower Fair, which has been held for more than forty years.

A visit to the fair is a wonderful experience for both enthusiasts and professionals in the fields of gardening, horticulture, ornamental plants, herbs and fine Italian cuisine. There are plenty of tastings you can try. The fair usually lasts ten days, during the week only in the afternoon, but at that time it is less crowded. It's a good idea to take your time, because the wonderful world of plants really is something to see and a great opportunity to do some shopping.

Knife makers

In places at the foot of the Dolomites mountains, it used to be difficult to survive. This is how the craft of knife-making developed in nearby Maniag. They were sold far and wide, much like the Ribnica canopies. Once they became known for their good quality and imaginative designs, their products began to be bought all over Europe and even in America. More than a century ago, at least a thousand different models of knives were made. Later, everything to do with blades: from scissors and can openers to scalpels. The crafts became a small industry, with women and children working in the workshops. Today, there are still some successful producers and, of course, shops in the town. And I got a great insight into the world of blades at a local museum dedicated to the lucrative craft. The museum is the main reason to visit the city, but a stroll around the old centre with its large square is also pleasant. It can also be a base for visiting the mountains, or at least the nearby picturesque Valcellina valley, through which the blue-coloured Cellina river flows. The gorge used to be accessible only by a narrow road. Today it is closed to traffic and has become a popular footpath. The new road, however, makes its way into the valley through tunnels.