Explore the valleys
Resia is a stunning glacial valley located on the border with Slovenia. Surrounded by mountains—the highest being Mount Canin (2587 m)—the valley covers an area of 119 square kilometers and includes the valleys of the Resia and Uccea streams. The main center is Prato di Resia, also home to the famous Resian folk group. Historically, the Val Resia was under the jurisdiction of the Abbey of Moggio Udinese, within the Patriarchate of Aquileia and later the Republic of Venice.
The valley was severely affected by the 1976 earthquake. Part of the traditional architecture is still preserved in the village of Stolvizza, where you can visit the “Museum of the People of Val Resia,” which promotes the valley’s rich intangible cultural heritage (fairy tales, stories, folk songs), and the “Grinder’s Museum,” dedicated to a craft widely practiced in the area since the late 18th century. A few years ago, the archaeological site Ta na radu (“On the castle”) was discovered above Stolvizza, and is now open to visitors.
Since the mid-19th century, the archaic Resian dialect has attracted the attention of linguists. Another unique feature is Resian music, with instruments like the cïtira (violin) and bunkula (bass), and traditional folk dances. Ancient customs and traditions have also been preserved, such as the püst (Carnival), the kris (St. John’s bonfire), village festivals, and religious feasts like the šmarna miša on August 15 in Prato di Resia.
Typical local dishes include ćalćune (a type of gnocchi) and polenta with cheese. Particularly renowned is Resia’s garlic (rozajanski strok), which has been part of the Slow Food Presidia since 2004.