WHAT SHOULD YOU CERTAINLY VISIT IN SAN DANIELE?

 

THE HAM / PROSCIUTTO OF SAN DANIELE

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Located about 20 kilometers west of Udine, on top of a hill of 250 meters high, you will find the picturesque village of San Daniele del Friuli famous for 'Il prosciutto crudo', the raw ham. For centuries, thanks to its microclimate, these hams are being air dried making advantage of the cool, warm and humid air that mixes above the hill. All together 30 different ham producers called 'prosciutiffici' prepare this delicious ham. Some of them offer the opportunity to see the production process and to taste the ham in their restaurants. You could buy some afterward in their shops. In San Daniele,  making ham is a serious matter. Since 1996 the ham has been approved with the DOP brand by the European Community. It stands for "Denominazione di Origine Protetta",  a brand that protects and defines the origin and method of production.

Are you a fish lover then try the local smoked trout. After the ham this is the second famous dish of San Daniele.

 

THE SMALL SISTINE CHAPEL OF FRIULI

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San Daniele is not only worth a visit to taste the ham but also to explore the village itself. Located on top of a hill overviewing the hilly surroundings, the flat lands and the Tagliamento river, the historical center hosts several churches of which one especially is a real gem. The small Sant'Antonio Abate church is nicknamed the Sistine Chapel of Friuli because of the stunning colourful Renaissance frescoes that can be seen inside. Another church is the Santa Maria della Fratta where they turned an old watchtower into the main altar area. 

 

THE OLDEST PUBLIC LIBRARY IN FRIULI 

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Next to the San Michele Cathedral is the entrance to another landmark, namely the oldest public library of Friuli. Here, the noble lord Guarnerio d'Artegna donated in the 15th century, all of his books to the city with the request to build a library open to everyone. This is how the "Biblioteca Guarneriana" was born. You can visit it on appointment with a minimum of  10 people. Inside among many other valuable books you can see the 15th-century "Codici Miniati" books made out of parchment and carefully and patiently painted and decorated by the monks.

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BOOK ME FOR A GUIDED TOUR

 

Please don't hesitate to contact me for a detailed tour of San Daniele and why not the nearby city of Spilimbergo, famous for the incredible and famous mosaic school that you can vist with me! 

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