STAGE 2: Cividale del Friuli – Cividale del Friuli (33 km)

The second leg of this tour of eastern Friuli is a loop trail that enters the wild Natisone Valleys.
The place of departure (and arrival) is the magnificent Cividale del Friuli, vibrant with history and art. You leave the center by crossing the Natisone river on the beautiful Devil’s Bridge, a name that carries with it numerous legends about its construction. After 1 km, the asphalt gives way to a pleasant dirt road that runs alongside Lesa Park.
We return to pedaling on a paved road, following signs for Purgessimo, a village dominated by a hill on which are the ruins of Gronumbergo Castle. Returning to the main road, we reach Ponte San Quirino (km 5.8) and then San Pietro al Natisone, considered the capital of the Natisone Valleys.
Shortly after, a dirt road plunges into the nature of this unspoiled area, among meadows and forests, interspersed with small quaint villages, such as Becis. The bike ride continues up the Natisone Valley, pedaling in Ponteacco among the typical houses of the valley. After Tiglio, we move to the right bank of the river, following the CS2 bike route: it is worth climbing to the hamlet of Antro, where a path leads to the famous cave with a church dedicated to St. John the Baptist.
Back down to Tarcetta, the route leads to the discovery of other typical villages including Lasiz, Pulfero and Specognis, until Loch (km 19.5), from where we return back on the same road.
Back in Tarcetta, we do not cross the Natisone toward Tiglio, but follow its course on the opposite bank from the outward journey, passing the hamlets of Cras, Biacis, Spagnut and Oculis to the village of Vernasso (km 27). At Ponte San Quirino we pick up the route already taken to return to Cividale del Friuli.

Length: 33 km
Height difference in ascent: 659 m
Height difference on descent: 659 m
Highest point: 325 m
Lowest point: 118 m
Type of surface: mixed

Municipality of departure: Cividale del Friuli
Place of departure: Cividale del Friuli
Municipality of arrival: Cividale del Friuli
Place of arrival: Cividale del Friuli

Recommended period: March to October

The fascinating eastern territory of Friuli is the theater where a 3-stage bicycle itinerary unfolds, starting and ending in Udine, the capital and heart of the region. The bike route reaches and crosses the Natisone Valleys, a magical and authentic land with a wild and changing landscape, artfully designed by streams flowing through ravines, small waterfalls and caves.

The Valleys are located in the Julian Pre-Alps, behind Cividale, a place rich in artistic and historical treasures recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. Thus flow, amid nature and wonders of the past, the 83 kilometers of a bicycle route to discover an enchanting and lesser-known Italy.

Credits: Province of Udine – Land of the Patriarchs