Cordovado has a long and fascinating history that dates back to antiquity. The first settlements here were probably established in the Roman period, but the town itself began to develop significantly in the Middle Ages. Today, Cordovado is best known for its historic core, which is surrounded by old walls and moats. It is easy to get here in about half an hour from Bibione, as it is from Caorle.
Castello di Cordovado
One of the most important sights is the Castello di Cordovado, a medieval castle that boasts original fortifications and a magnificent tower. It is also sometimes referred to as the Villa Freschi-Piccolomini, or castle.
The castle is privately owned but is open to the public on special occasions during the year. A tour of the castle offers a wonderful view of the historic interiors and beautiful gardens.
The architecture of the Castello di Cordovado is a typical example of a medieval castle with all the characteristic features such as the massive stone walls, towers and defensive elements. The main tower, known as the Torre di Guardia, was used for defence and also as a lookout tower from which an excellent view of the surrounding countryside could be obtained.
The interiors of the castle are richly decorated. The rooms are furnished with period furniture, tapestries and works of art that give the place an authentic atmosphere of past centuries.
The castle also has beautiful Renaissance gardens, which are meticulously maintained and offer a peaceful place to stroll and relax. The gardens are divided into several sections, including a rose garden, a herb garden and a park with fountains. The gardens have been designed to provide aesthetic pleasure while serving practical purposes such as growing medicinal plants and vegetables.
The Castello di Cordovado is now privately owned but is regularly open to the public for special occasions such as cultural events, festivals and historical reenactments. Tours of the castle are organised so that visitors can admire both the interiors and exteriors of this magnificent place. The castle is also a popular venue for weddings and other festive events, thanks to its romantic atmosphere and magnificent views.
Several legends are also linked to the Castello di Cordovado. One of the most famous is the story of the ghost of a young noblewoman who is said to inhabit one of the towers.
The parish church of Pieve di Sant'Andrea
Another important monument is the Church of St. Andrew, built in Romanesque style, located right in the centre of the town. It has a rich history that dates back to the 12th century. It was built on the foundations of an older church and has undergone several modifications and extensions over the centuries. The current appearance of the church is the result of a Baroque reconstruction that took place in the 17th century.
This church is known for its peaceful atmosphere and ancient frescoes depicting scenes from the life of St Andrew and other biblical figures. The church is also home to several important works of art. Among the most valuable are paintings by local and regional artists from the Renaissance and Baroque periods.
Cordovado is not only about history and architecture, but also about natural beauty. The town is surrounded by a fertile landscape full of vineyards, orchards and fields. The surrounding countryside is ideal for hiking, cycling and relaxing in peaceful surroundings. The Tagliamento River flows near the town and offers great opportunities for fishing and picnics.
Cordovado is also known for its lively cultural scene. Every year there are a number of festivals and fiestas that celebrate local traditions and customs. Among the most important is the Festa di San Rocco, which takes place in August and brings a varied programme of music, dance and traditional food to the town.
A local speciality
If you head to Cordovado, be sure to try the local speciality Lo Spaccafumo. This is a dessert made from dried figs, raisins, walnuts, hazelnuts, pine nuts, almonds, arancini and honey. It bears the name of a character from the novel 'Confessions of an Italian' by Ippolito Nievo.it is in this work that the writer describes a peculiar character: a baker who was often in conflict with the authorities, famous above all for his reckless escapes on horseback and long disappearances.the baker's nickname was Spaccafumo, and he is a figure so dear to the town of Cordovado that an equestrian statue was even dedicated to him in the pose that most characterised him - at a daring gallop.
On the outside, Spaccafumo looks like a rustic cake. The surface is rough, decorated with a few whole almonds to make it look like a homemade cake.
This traditional Italian sweet dish is often associated with the local festival of the same name.
