Magredi: the great steppe
After visiting the historic core of Valvasone with its medieval appearance consisting of charming alleys and ancient mansions equipped with porticoes (of significance are the Castle of the Wolf and the Cathedral of the Most Holy Body of Christ, which preserves an important 16th-century Venetian organ), we drive to the municipality of Vivaro, which is about 14 kilometers away.
We are in the upper Friulian plain, in the Magredi area (terra magra, i.e., dry land poor in water due to the presence of boulders), incised by two major river courses: the Meduna and the Cellina. It is a site of community interest (Sic) belonging to the natura 2000 network.
Itinerary
Of particular interest, in addition to bike tours, are educational trails and workshops suitable for children and adults led by not only local experts, but also programs with classic group hikes through the three environments of the Magredi (info Pro Loco Vivaro at City Hall 0427-97015).
For those who intend to move independently, we recommend the ‘Pierditi intal Patus’ trails (the title of a map inviting everyone to get lost in the beauty of the stable meadows). A way to observe up close and in silence the colors of a unique and wild nature, such as the plant ‘Crambe tataria’ known as Tatar grass, unique in Italy.
Three prairie trails. The first (1a-1b) short 1 km with entrance on Vivaro- San Foca road aimed mainly at children. Routes 2 and 3 of 4/6 km (beginning hike boards installed under the Cellina bridge) cross the three environments of the magredo (gravel, primitive and evolved magredo), until they reach the exit of the ‘Pierditi intal Patus’ marker, on the road to Vivaro.
At the end to enjoy in relaxation an authentic peasant snack in Vivaro there is the Benandanti (good walkers) refuge, inside the farm run by the Gelindo dei Magredi with educational farm: stable, organic vegetable garden, peasant museum, farm store and much more (info 0427 97037).