Surroundings
Cities and towns
a few kilometers from Casa Gioconda
Casa Gioconda is an ideal place for those who wish to join the green and active holiday with the beach holiday. The house, in fact, is located few kilometres from the famous and beautiful beaches of Bibione and Lignano Sabbiadoro.
At the day at the beach you can alternate the excursion by boat or canoe on the river Tagliamento near the house, the horse and bike ride and the relaxation of a swim in the pool in our farmhouse.
Curiosity:
In just over an hour by train you can reach both Venice and Trieste.
In addition, Casa Gioconda is located halfway between Venice and Trieste, two cities which do not need presentation: the farmhouse is perfect departure point for several tours to the many wonderful spots that can be visited with private or public transports.
A few kilometers you can reach the archaeological site of Aquileia, rich in archaeological finds (forum, basilica, port, via sacra, museum) and known in particular for the variety and the good state of conservation of the mosaics.
Always of Roman origin there are Concordia Sagittaria and Cividale del Friuli, ancient Lombardic capital famous for the Lombard Temple and the Altar of Duke Rachis (VIII century), they can be visited with short trips.
Another place to visit is the sixteenth-century Palmanova, the famous concentric city with the form of a star, built as bulwark in defence of the Turkish invasion.
Don’t forget Udine, cultural capital of Friuli and the sumptuous Villa Manin in Passariano, country residence of the last Doge of Venice, where Napoleon stayed in 1797 on the occasion of the Treaty of Campoformido.
The large beautiful park of the villa hosts concerts and academic events during the summer season.
Casa Gioconda is the ideal departure point for interesting tours with own or public transport to places of great historical interest.
Some advice on our Excursions
LIGNANO SABBIADORO
8 km of fine and soft golden sand in Lignano Sabbiadoro, ancient and lush pine wood in Lignano Pineta and the mouth of the river Tagliamento in Lignano Riviera characterize the three areas of the seaside resort.
Since 1990 Blue Flag of Europe thanks to its clean waters and the quality of services for guests.
Lignano is not only sea and beach, but also fun thanks to its parks, the nightlife, shopping, art and culture with the art exhibition in Terrazza a Mare, music with the concerts of great Italian and international stars.
BIBIONE
Bibione is famous for its large beach, oriented towards the Zenith which allows the sunshine from morning until evening. The seabed slopes gently, making even the games of the children safe on the shore. Also for these reasons, in addition to the health of the waters and the respect of its natural landscape, Bibione obtains the Blue Flag of Europe every year.
The city has a dense network of cycle paths that allows all tourists to visit wonderful areas such as the lighthouse and explore the hinterland.
In addition Bibione has also a modern Spa: Bibione Thermae. It is frequented during all months of the year both for the classic spa and aesthetic treatments and it is a nice place for family fun.
ZOO PARK
The Zoo Park Punta Verde is a private zoo that extends over 10 hectares in Lignano Riviera.
Very interesting from a wildlife point of view for the quantity of animal species, it organizes special visits and workshops also for children.
VILLA MANIN
Villa Manin is an architectural complex built by the Manin family in the sixteenth century to celebrate the power and the richness of the House. The Villa was family residence of the last Doge of the Venetian Republic and Napoleon Bonaparte also stayed here in 1797 to complete the negotiations of the Treaty of Campoformido.
Today it is possible to visit the villa and also the eighteen-hectare park which is part of the complex. During the walk it possible to admire very interesting views along the avenue of Mimosa or the avenue of Magnolias. In Villa Manin there are stable museums as the Carriage Museum and the Armory, and a beautiful chapel dedicated to St. Andrew the Apostle.
CONCORDIA SAGITTARIA
If you want to jump into the past and breathe the air of an ancient Roman city, go to Concordia Sagittaria.
Built in 42 BC by Romans, the city preserves numerous monuments, palaces, squares and remains of the time.
In addition to archaeological excavations and finds, do not miss the opportunity to taste the typical cuisine of Concordia, where herring is the master.
AQUILEIA
Aquileia is particularly important for its remains that tell above all the splendor of the Roman era and its history as the center of Christianity. The city was home to one of the most important and ancient patriarchies in Italy, with churches and monuments still well preserved today.
The Basilica is a real museum where you can find different architectural styles, mosaics and frescoes of great value. Of particular interest are the mosaic floors that cover almost the entire church.
We suggest you also a visit to the Archaeological Museum, to the Forum and the Port.
MIRAMARE CASTLE
On the fascinating Gulf of Trieste is located the Miramare Castle, built for Maximilian of Habsburg, Archduke and Emperor of Mexico, as a residence for him and his wife Carlotta of Belgium, designed by Carl Junker between 1856 and 1860.
The castle is very elegant and overlooks the sea. It has the original furnishings and it is surrounded by a lush park with tropical plants and flowers.
TRIESTE
Capital of province and region Friuli Venezia Giulia, is Trieste a Central European city that overlooks the homonymous Gulf.
Conquered by Romans, subjected to many barbarian invasions, in 1740 Trieste reaches its peak thanks to Maria Theresa of Austria. “Borgo Teresiano” (Austrian Quarter) was built in that periodo and it is one of the best examples of Austrian architecture. Next we find the promenade on the seafront and Piazza Unità d’Italia, the largest European square overlooking the sea.
In addition to Borgo Teresiano and Piazza Unità d’Italia, we suggest you a visit to Molo Audace, St Justus Cathedral and Caffè San Marco, historical cafè in city centre.
CIVIDALE DEL FRIULI
On the banks of the river Natisone, the ancient Forum Julii with it many testimonies of the Lombard period, which can still be visited today. An excursion to Cividale cannot fail to include a visit to the Lombard Temple and the Celtic Hypogeum, a fascinating and mysterious environment.
Don’t forget a walk on the Devil’s Bridge, built, according to legend, in one night thanks to the contribution of the devil.
PALMANOVA
Called “starry city” for its particular star plant with 9 points, Palmanova has been a National Monument since 1960 and since 2017 it has become part of the Unesco Heritage.
The city was built in 1593 by the Republic of Venice as a fortress city and still maintains these structural features with its star plan, entrance doors and circles of fortifications.
If you are in Palmanova in early September, don’t miss the historical reenactment.
Only 10 minutes far away from Palmanova, you can enjoy a day of shopping at the Palmanova Outlet Village. Over 90 shops in a sort of village with Italian and international brands of clothing, household goods, cosmetics and jewelery with discounts of up to 70%.
VENICE
Among the most beautiful cities in the world, Venice and its lagoon are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Napoleon called Venice “the most elegant living room in Europe” and, in fact, San Marco square is the main place of every visit.
The Basilica, the bell tower and the Doge’s Palace frame the magnificent square overlooking the lagoon and from which you can start to visit the most famous places, such as Rialto Bridge and La Fenice theater.
Take then the ferry boat and visit the major three islands: Murano, Burano and Torcello.
If you love shopping, don’t miss an afternoon at the Noventa Designer Outlet in Noventa di Piave.
Just 100 meters from the San Donà – Noventa di Piave motorway exit towards Trieste you can discover the beauties of Made in Italy and the best international brands.