Clear skies and a few rays of sunshine have convinced us to take a stroll in the area around Buttrio and San Giovanni al Natisone. After a quiet breakfast in the area we decided to reach the Abbey of Rosazzo whose elevated position allows you to enjoy the surrounding landscape
The Abbey of Rosazzo is located in a strategic position along the historic communication routes between east and west: the city of Gorizia (about 30km away) and the Vipacco valley have always been the natural route. Other cities close to the Abbey are Udine (10km.), Aquileia (30km.), Cividale (8km.).
The Abbey was originally built as a hermitage and later expanded more and more until it obtained (XIII century) independence and direct control from the Holy See.
After various passages of control by various emissaries of the Church and fires, the Abbey fell into disrepair until, inserted among the works to be restored following the earthquake of ’76, the restoration works were started.
Leaving the car at the small parking lot in front of the entrance, we headed for the garden where we enjoyed the sun and the crisp air. As soon as we cross the gate we head towards some old mulberries which immediately enticed us to take some beautiful photos!
A little further on, a sign attracts our attention: it indicates the entrance to the rose garden of the Abbey. Since 1998, various varieties of ancient roses have been grown here, which offer a splendid show in the spring. And it is precisely in the first half of May that “Rosazzo di Rosa” is organized, an event that attracts rose lovers with flower displays but also old furniture and handcrafted jewelry, conferences with distinguished guests, musical moments, workshops.
This year the event will take place on 9 and 10 May 2020
Completed the visit of the garden we went inside the Abbey where the Church dedicated to San Pietro Apostolo hosts the Holy Mass on Sunday morning. Next to the church, through a door, you enter the cloister and subsequently to some internal rooms used as an exhibition. We point out the tables in the hall with the mosaic top and a showcase with some publications of the exhibitions that are organized at the Abbey.
Like any self-respecting Abbey, there is also a cellar in Rosazzo, the oldest aging cellar in Friuli (end of 1200). The production of wine and oil is already evidenced in a document of 1341 … it is thanks to the work of the Benedictine monks that the Ribolla Gialla, Picolit and Pignolo found in Friuli the ideal soil to be cultivated. The cellar can only be visited by appointment.
Currently the cultivation of the vineyards of the Abbey are entrusted to the Livio Felluga company which produces a white grape variety called “Rosazzo”.
The lost and found rose.
The current legend is that the name Rosazzo derives from a wild rose that so far no one would have been able to recognize.
Perhaps lost, along with all the olive trees, in the great frost of ’29. We found it … it has been growing in France since 1925 in the garden of old Friulian emigrants.
Rosazzo di Rosa – website dedicated to the event
Livio Felluga – winery that produces wine with the vines of the Abbey
