Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Ponte del Diavolo
Splitting the town in two is the symbolic Devil's Bridge that crosses the emerald-green
Natisone river. The 22m-high bridge was first constructed in the 15th century with its
central arch supported by a huge rock said to have been thrown into the river by the devil.
It was rebuilt post-WWI, after it was blown up by retreating Italian troops.
BRIDGE
CATHEDRAL
Cathedral
(Piazza del Duomo)
This 16th-century cathedral houses the
Museo Cristiano
( 0432 73 04 03;
adult/reduced €4/3; 10am-1pm & 3-6pm Wed-Sun)
. Its 8th-century stone Altar of Ratchis is a
stunning early-Christian relic. Sharp-etched carvings, including a be-quiffed Jesus with
one piercing stare, dramatically pop against the smooth white background.
Eating & Drinking
Antico Leon d'Oro
( 0432 73 11 00; Borgo di Ponte 24; meals €22)
Eat in the courtyard of this friendly, festive
place, just over the Ponte del Diavolo, and, if you're in luck, watch a polenta cook stirring
the pot. Dishes here couldn't be more regional: sublime d'Osvaldo
proscuitto crudo
(cured ham), seasonal pasta enlivened with asparagus and
sclupit
(a mountain herb), a Fri-
ulian tasting plate of
frico
, salami and herbed frittata, and roast deer.
FRIULIAN
€
Al Monastero
( 0432 70 08 08;
www.almonastero.com
;
Via Ristori 9; meals €26; noon-2.30pm Tue-Sun &
7pm-9pm Tue-Sat)
Feast on
cjalcions
(dumplings), duck with carrot pudding and
gubana
with plum brandy at this posh, undeniably touristy but well-regarded restaurant.
FRIULIAN
€€
Central Caffè del Corso
(Corso Mazzini 38)
The
place on the square for an expertly made spritzer or coffee.
CAFE
Bastianich
( 0432 70 09 43;
www.bastianich.com
;
Via Darnazzacco 44/2, Gagliano)
Joe Bastiniach is a certi-
fied celebrity in the US, but his Italian vineyards, a few minutes' drive from Cividale, re-
main all about the wine and gracious Friulian hospitality. Pull up a stool at the new tasting
room and sniff and swirl your way through drops made from the surrounding plantings
and the Bastiniach holdings in nearby Buttrio. Savour the complex, wildflower and
WINE CELLAR
