Osoppo
Once inhabited by Celtic populations, Osoppo acquired importance at the time of the foundation of Aquileia, becoming a Roman castrum; evidence thereof is provided by various finds brought to light by archaeological excavations, among which the tomb of a leader of troops dating back to the 1 st century B.C. stands out.
The Parco del Rivellino in Osoppo is a natural park, rich in trees and wide fields, which extends over an area of 240,000 square metres along a rock ridge dominated by a fourteenth-century fortress.
The hill and the Fortress of Osoppo represent a complex of great historical and natural interest. The hill staged some glorious episodes and, since ancient times, has been used as a military structure continuously adapted to the changing military strategies and techniques.
Many documents mention Osoppo and its Fortress, called “Forte”, which suffered for many attacks during the centuries: in 611 it was the scene of the battle between Langobards and Avari and in 1797 it was again in the middle of the battles between Austrian and French troops.
The most important event in Osoppo's history occurred in 1848 when some volunteers from Friuli were able to hold out against the Austrian troops for many months.
During World War II Osoppo was seriously bombed: the worst attack was on November 22nd, 1944.
The main monuments of the town were damaged by the earthquake of 1976, but many restorations have been carrying on since then and many works of art are now again visible.
Today it is possible to visit tunnels, moats, trenches and casemates; for these reasons, in 1923 the Fortress of Osoppo was declared a "national monument".
On the southern side of the hill one can see fossil tracks of mammals that lived from 2 to 10 million years ago.
Infopoint Udine
Tel. +39 0432 295972
E-mail: info.udine@promoturismo.fvg.it
Tourist office di Osoppo
piazza Napoleone, 5
Tel. +39 0432 899350
Venzone - Udine