In the medieval village of Strassoldo is one of the oldest castles in Friuli, the Castello di Sopra which, with its adjoining and contemporary manor, is immersed in a green countryside full of ancient parks.
Castello di Strassoldo di Sopra History
The exact date of construction of the castle is controversial, but it is however certain that it was built before the constitution of the Patriarchal State by a family of Lombard or Frank origin, settled in Friuli around the year one thousand.
Over the years the complex has been repeatedly looted and damaged, above all by the attacks of the Patriarch Filippo d'Alencon and Emperor Maximilian I in the years 1509-1513, but always promptly rebuilt with overlaps, additions and demolitions.
Around the sixth century tower, the castle complex develops, with the stately building, various buildings (once used for agricultural and administrative purposes) and the Church of San Nicolò which preserves, among other things, a stone cross of origin Longobard, testimony of the antiquity of the place.
The interior of the castle has different rooms full of charm with various halls furnished with period furniture and decorated with paintings depicting the illustrious figures of the noble Strassoldo family. This noble family offered to the Habsburgs of Austria a long series of important officials and generals, among whom stand out for their importance: Giulio Strassoldo di Sotto, long governor of Austrian Lombardy; Franziska Romana Strassoldo-Grafenberg wife of Field Marshal Radetzky (they married in the village), Michele who was Governor of Lombardy under the Radetzky, then Styria, Intimate Counselor and Austrian imperial Chamberlain and Julius, commander of the Strassoldo Brigade during the First War of Independence .
A plaque placed in the village recalls the visit of Emperor Frederick IV in 1489, while exiting the Cistigna gate it is possible to see an old mill dating back to the 12th century, inside which the original machinery is well preserved.
Outside there is a charming garden, built in the mid-eighteenth century, with numerous decorative elements such as wells and fountains and a lush flora, such as Chinese roses, limes, horse chestnuts and a fourteenth century Magnolia dominate the scenery.
The location is available as an exclusive setting for weddings, receptions, gala dinners and romantic banquets, while the different accommodations, rented by guests with the formula "Bed and breakfast", are characterized by elegance and refinement of the furnishings.