The spectacular gorge of Vinadia is the result of three large chasms in which as many watercourses flow: the Rio Chiantone, the Rio Pichions and the Rio Vinadia.
Forre del Vinaio – © Nemas Gortan
For lovers of wild nature and for the more experienced, emotions are guaranteed by the path that winds through the gorge, a continuous succession of waterfalls, ponds and stretches flanked by rocky walls about 200 m high, so close to each other that from the bottom you can't see the sky.
“The gorge takes its name from the ancient queen of the Carni Vinadia, who threw herself into the cliff together with her army to avoid being captured by the Romans who were chasing her.”
After a short excursion in this scenario, we finally arrive in front of the Forra del Vinadia, one of the largest Italian canyons. The geological structure continues with a series of gorges characterized by large walls and numerous narrowings of the river bed, almost to the confluence with the Tagliamento, which traces the border between Friuli Venezia Giulia and Veneto.
Nature trail
For lovers of wild nature and for the more experienced, emotions are guaranteed by the path that winds through the gorge, a continuous succession of waterfalls, ponds and stretches flanked by rocky walls about 200 m high, so close to each other that from the bottom you can't see the sky.
To access the inside of the gorge it is advisable to be accompanied by a guide, because you must be equipped with adequate mountaineering equipment. The outermost part, on the other hand, can be traveled without great difficulty during the lean periods of the river.
The route begins just below the village of Vinaio located at 807 m above sea level in the Municipality of Lauco. To visit the gorge you must leave your means of transport in the stone quarry near the bridge over the stream, located on the state road n. 52 between Tolmezzo and Villa Santina.