VILLA CAVAZZA QUERINI

Located in Visinale, a hamlet of Pasiano di Pordenone, Villa Cavazza Querini is remarkable for being one of the oldest historical residences of its kind in western Friuli. The west wing of this authentic Venetian Villa was acquired by a local family, who carried out meticulous renovation work on the property with passion and dedication, recovering the entire three-storey residence and opening an exclusive Bed & Breakfast establishment which they have named “Ca’ Settecento”. Nestled in the green countryside, it is strategically located for those who wish to explore the region or are travelling for work commitments, and lies on the border between Friuli and Veneto, and between Treviso and Pordenone. After careful restoration, it has become a period residence, furnished in style and harmony, offering visitors a welcoming and hospitable place to stay.

THE HISTORY OF VILLA CAVAZZA QUERINI

Villa Cavazza Querini was completed in 1542 as commissioned by the Venetian Cavazza family, whose origins were in Bergamo but who were involved in important diplomatic activities in Venice. In 1643, ownership of the Villa passed to a noble family from the Venetian aristocracy: namely, the Santa Giustina branch of the Querini di Candia dynasty. Pietro Querini, a Venetian patrician and member of the Greater Council of the Serenissima, was a member of this family. He is historically credited with introducing stockfish to Italy: the story goes that in 1431, Querini survived a shipwreck that led him to accidentally land in Norway, where he learned the techniques of fishing and preserving stockfish, which he then disseminated and promoted upon his return on Venetian soil.

In 1720, the Villa was completely renovated and enlarged by the Querini family, resulting in its overall current structure. During that period, the decision was made to alter the façade to enhance its monumental character. The west wing was expanded in the 18th century, which was also the case of the east wing in the 19th century, and a small chapel dedicated to Saints Peter and Paul was built, featuring a frescoed sundial. The entire Villa is surrounded by a boundary wall adorned with valuable 18th-century statues. In front of the Palazzo, a few decapitated statues remain as a reminder of the actions carried out by the Germans during the occupation of the First World War. Tradition also has it that Gabriele D’Annunzio stayed at the Villa, and it was here that the writer, poet and aviator is said to have coined the motto 'Eia, eia, alalà', famously pronounced by him to evoke a sense of patriotic fervour and rallying spirit.

FACILITIES AND SERVICES: BED AND BREAKFAST ACCOMMODATION AT “CA’ SETTECENTO”

The “Ca’ Settecento” B&B offers elegantly and simply furnished guest rooms that provide exclusive experiences for those who stay there. The ambiance is characterised by the presence of spacious common areas. There is a breakfast-brunch room, with two dining rooms, a small library containing historical volumes, and a welcoming, cosy lounge which provides a place to relax and socialise with other visitors. "Ca’ Settecento" offers original, elegant accommodation, enveloped in a historical atmosphere and enriched by the passion and hospitality of the family managing the property, who have over thirty years’ experience in the sector.

GUIDED TOURS

It is possible to visit the villa from Thursday to Sunday by prior appointment, for groups of at least 5 people. Timings to be arranged in advance.

PLACES OF INTEREST IN THE VICINITY

UNESCO World Heritage sites we recommend you visit:

• Cividale del Friuli - inscribed as part of the "Longobards in Italy, Places of Power” (568-774 AD): 95km
• Aquileia - part of the "Archaeological Area and the Patriarchal Basilica of Aquileia”: 80 km
• Palmanova - part of the "Venetian Works of Defence between the 16th and 17th centuries”: 65 km
• Palù di Livenza – pile-dwelling site ancient Paleolithic settlement: 25 km
• Venice and its lagoon: 80 km.

The Friulian Dolomites Park is 65 km away. The Dolomites as a whole are designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site.