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itinerary timetable
Stage
17
Saturday 30
May 2026
70,7 km
Altitude gain 1550 mt
Technical Level: Advanced
Physical Effort: High
Starting in
D ::
San Daniele del Friuli -
Piancavallo
Stage 17
San Daniele del Friuli - Piancavallo
Roma -
Roma
Roma
18
tourist info
Host city:
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San Daniele del Friuli
Overview
San Daniele del Friuli, nestled among the gentle hills of Friuli and the course of the Tagliamento River, is famous worldwide for its Prosciutto di San Daniele PDO. The town has very ancient origins: archaeological evidence attests to the presence of settlements and food practices related to pig farming as early as the pre-Roman era, demonstrating how the area was a center of activity and trade.
In the Middle Ages, San Daniele played a significant role thanks to the market privilege granted in 1063 and later confirmed by Frederick II in 1232, fostering the development of commerce and relations with neighboring territories. Between the 15th and 17th centuries, under patriarchal rule, the town enjoyed a period of peace during which culture and art flourished, also thanks to the parish priest Guarnerio d’Artegna and Archbishop Giusto Fontanini.
In the post–Second World War period, the town experienced a phase of reconstruction and economic development, strengthening its artisanal and food traditions that had helped build the reputation of Prosciutto di San Daniele at both national and international levels. In 1976, the Friuli earthquake struck the area severely, but the town recovered quickly thanks to an intense reconstruction effort that preserved its historical, artistic, and cultural heritage, reinforcing a strong sense of community and the desire to safeguard its traditions.
Gastronomy
San Daniele del Friuli is known worldwide for its renowned ham, which can only be produced in this town. Prosciutto di San Daniele PDO is deeply connected to this place thanks to the unique microclimatic conditions found exclusively here. Due to the presence of the Tagliamento River flowing alongside the town, cold winds descending from the Alps meet—right within the river’s narrow passage—with much warmer breezes rising from the Adriatic Sea. This unique and inimitable condition creates the perfect environment—used for centuries—for curing pork legs.
Produced exclusively with Italian raw materials and following a traditional process regulated by strict standards, San Daniele PDO has made the town famous, attracting thousands of visitors every year eager to discover and taste this excellence firsthand.
In addition to its famous ham, the local table offers other specialties, including “Trota Regina,” appreciated for its delicate flavor, and the delicious frico, a traditional Friulian dish made with potatoes and local cheeses, typically served with classic polenta. To conclude the meal, artisanal chocolate pralines are a must.
Friulian dishes are paired with wines from the surrounding hills: among the whites, Friulano, known for its soft, mineral, and dry character, and the fresher Ribolla Gialla; among the reds, more intense varieties such as Refosco dal Peduncolo Rosso and the more velvety Merlot.
Food and wine represent one of the pillars of San Daniele’s economy, so much so that in 2022 the town was recognized as Italy’s top gastronomic destination by Data Appeal as part of the “Italia Destinazione Digitale” initiative.
Culinary Specialties
- Prosciutto di San Daniele DOP
- Taglioni with San Daniele
- Trota “Regina of San Daniele” (local trout speciality)
- Frico (Friulian cheese and potato speciality)
- Polenta
- Artisanal chocolate from San Daniele
- Gubana
Wine & Drinks
White Vines
- Friulano
- Ribolla Gialla
- Sparkling Ribolla Gialla
- Pinot Grigio
- Sauvignon
- Chardonnay
- Red wines
- Refosco
- Schippettino
- Pignolo
- Merlot
Highlights & Landmarks
San Daniele del Friuli is a town rich in artistic, cultural, and natural treasures, offering visitors diverse and memorable experiences. Its beating heart is the historic center, with the charming Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II, overlooked by the majestic Cathedral of San Michele Arcangelo—an expression of the town’s religious and artistic heritage—and the Loggia, where since the 15th century the city was governed by the council of the arengo.
One of the most valuable buildings is the Guarneriana Library, one of the oldest public libraries in Italy, which houses incunabula, manuscripts, and precious codices that tell centuries of history and knowledge. The Church of Sant’Antonio Abate, known for its Renaissance frescoes by Pellegrino da San Daniele, is also a place of great charm for art lovers.
For nature enthusiasts, nearby you can find green areas and bodies of water such as Lake San Daniele Ragogna, the Cornino Lake Nature Reserve, and the course of the majestic Tagliamento River—one of the last wild rivers still existing in Europe—ideal destinations for walks, birdwatching, or moments of relaxation immersed in the Friulian hilly landscape.
These places, together with panoramic routes, characteristic villages, and a network of trails, make San Daniele a versatile destination that combines art, nature, and culture in a highly attractive tourist setting.
To visit:
- Guarneriana Library
- Church of Sant’Antonio Abate
- Castle park
- Historic village streets and panoramic staircase
- Church of San Giacomo in Villanova
- Fratta church
- Tagliamento river
- Lake of San Daniele-Ragogna
- The ancient medieval gate, the “Portonat”
- San Daniele producers
Piancavallo
Overview
Piancavallo is a mountain resort in the Friuli-Venezia Giulia region, a hamlet of the municipality of Aviano, located on a broad plateau of the Carnic Prealps at an altitude of over 1,200 metres. Founded and developed in the post-war period as a tourist destination, it has become one of the region’s main mountain centres. The settlement sits in an open natural setting, surrounded by forests and mountain ridges, with a strong focus on outdoor and sporting activities. Alongside its winter ski facilities, Piancavallo is now also popular in the summer season thanks to hiking trails, trekking routes and wide high-altitude open spaces.
Gastronomy
Piancavallo’s cuisine is pure Friulian mountain culture – hearty, rustic, and shaped by the traditions of alpine herders. One of the standout dishes is polenta with salàt e cavo, a rich combination of cooked salami with cream and vinegar, delivering bold, comforting flavors. Local specialties also include peta and pitina – seasoned meatballs made from sheep or game, coated in cornmeal and lightly smoked, with pitina proudly holding IGP status. The area is equally known for its cheeses, both fresh and aged, and for a wide variety of mountain honeys – acacia, wildflower, and chestnut, each reflecting the biodiversity of this alpine landscape.
Wine & Drinks
Set at the foothills of Friuli, Piancavallo benefits from ideal conditions for winemaking, with stony soils and a favorable climate shaping a diverse production. White wines dominate, offering fresh and aromatic profiles – Sauvignon, Pinot Bianco, Friulano, and Traminer Aromatico. On the red side, varieties like Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Refosco dal Peduncolo Rosso bring structure and depth. This rich diversity allows perfect pairings with the local cuisine, enhancing the region’s strong food-and-wine identity.
Highlights & Landmarks
Piancavallo is a mountain destination where nature, hiking, and local heritage come together in a stunning alpine setting. One of the most iconic routes is the Passeggiata delle Malghe, a 12 km loop trail that winds through forests and meadows, offering sweeping views over the plains and a chance to discover traditional alpine huts.
A symbolic landmark is the Christ on Monte Tremol, a wooden installation set above 1,200 meters, crafted from timber reclaimed after Storm Vaia – now a meaningful destination for hikers. Nearby, the area of Aviano reveals its historical depth with sites like the Castello di Aviano, a medieval fortress with remnants of walls and towers, and the church dedicated to Saints Maria and Giuliana.
Other highlights include the Church of Santa Giuliana, known for its diverse fresco styles, and the Duomo of San Zenone, rebuilt over centuries and still central to local religious life. Among the civil architecture stands Palazzo Menegozzi-Carraro, an elegant 18th-century residence with Italian gardens and frescoed interiors.
Overlooking the landscape is the Sanctuary of Madonna del Monte, set above Marsure and reachable via scenic trails – a place where spirituality meets breathtaking views. Altogether, Piancavallo offers a rich blend of outdoor adventure, history, and tradition in an authentic alpine environment.
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