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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:
start
finish
San Daniele del Friuli
Highlights & Landmarks
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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