A few moments in paradise

[gradese]

We visited a village called Paradiso today. We had often seen the name on our way to a neighbouring town here in lower Friuli, and had wondered what the place would be like. So with a little time on our hands, we decided to make the detour to see for ourselves.

After driving about ten minutes from the main road, we found the village, dominated by a large villa surrounded by a beautiful park where a horse galloped around, seemingly enjoying the freedom. What struck me most though was that either side of the avenue approaching the villa there were beautiful stone casali, all of them empty and decaying. It's hard to imagine seeing this in the UK, where every picturesque rural building has been renovated to provide a weekend home for escapees from the city.

You see so many decaying buildings in this area, not just in the countryside, but in town centres too. Take Palmanov, full of beautiful old palazzi, but so many practically falling down. Even the one which used to house the local government four centuries ago is now totally empty and neglected.

[Mary from Friuli]

It's interesting there is someone else in Friuli! No other Brits we are aware of near us (we have a house about 3 miles from Cividale).

I understand that there has been quite serious depopulation in Friuli over the past few decades - that and properties left uninhabited after the 1976 earthquake may explain some of these empty places. There are certainly several around us. Our house had been empty for 25 years when we bought it.

Good tip about Paradiso - sounds lovely

[Gala Placidia]

Hello Mary and welcome, I am sure that there will be others in your area. It is a pity to see beautiful homes in such a state of neglect but this happens in most regions.
We hope to hear more from you.

[Nardini]

My wife is one of the owners of a house not too distant to Varmo. Multiple ownership of property in Italy is very common, due to the way the laws of succession work here. This can cause many of the houses to remain empty simply because all of the owners of the property can not agree - or even be found at times - to sell.

I have to admit, that we rarely visit the area now and when we do, we tend to stay with other family in San Vito or Udine as the house is a bit on the damp side for our old bones! However, my brother-in-law and several of the other members of the family that now live in France (since the war) stay at the house regularly throughout the warmer months of the year.

I trust you will enjoy your time there and that the mosquitoes don't get you down!

[Mary from Friuli]

This rings true - when we bought our house a search was necessary for the owner of a 'slice' of it (effectively half of the soggiorno and a bit of an upstairs room!) - fortunately he was found and agreed to take part in the sale.

Thanks to both of you for your welcome. The mosquitos were horrendous this year!