Soggiorni sostenibili by the Noncello river · Friuli Venezia Giulia, Italy
Pordenone is one of Friuli Venezia Giulia’s most underrated gems — a city that blends Venetian elegance, Renaissance art, and a genuine local character that larger tourist centres have long since lost. Nestled along the Noncello River, Pordenone was an important trading hub of the Venetian Republic, and that heritage is etched into every arcaded street, frescoed palazzo, and piazza you’ll discover here. Unlike nearby towns that were heavily rebuilt after wartime damage, Pordenone’s historic core survived largely intact, preserving a medieval and Renaissance cityscape that rivals far more famous destinations.
The city’s crowning artistic treasures are the frescoes of Giovanni Antonio de’ Sacchis, known as Il Pordenone, one of the High Renaissance’s most formidable painters. His work adorns the Cathedral of St Mark and several churches and palazzi throughout the city — a fresco gallery in the open air. For art lovers, Pordenone offers a Renaissance experience without the crowds and queues of Florence or Venice. The Museo Civico d’Arte inside Palazzo Ricchieri deepens this story with a collection spanning Gothic to Baroque works from the Friuli region.
Pordenone’s location is strategic for the eco-conscious traveller. Perched between the Dolomites — a UNESCO World Heritage Site — and the Adriatic coast by the Gulf of Venice, it makes a perfect low-carbon base for exploring the best of Friuli. You can hike the mountain trails at Piancavallo in the morning and stroll along the Lignano beaches in the afternoon. The surrounding countryside is blanketed in vineyards producing some of Italy’s finest Prosecco, Friulano, and Refosco wines, many at organic, family-run wineries that welcome visitors.
Sustainable travel is woven into Pordenone’s fabric. The city is flat and compact, ideal for walking and cycling. The local Mercato di Pordenone — held every Saturday in Piazza XX Settembre — connects you directly to local farmers and artisan producers, reducing food miles while introducing you to Friulian cheeses, cured meats, and seasonal produce. And with IMPT, every hotel booking offsets 1 tonne of CO₂ from the atmosphere, making your stay genuinely carbon-positive.
Pordenone’s accessibility is one of its best-kept secrets. The city sits on the main Milano–Trieste rail line, with frequent regional and Intercity trains connecting it to Venice, Treviso, Udine, and Trieste. Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE) is about 70 km away — a 45-minute train from Venice Mestre to Pordenone makes this one of the quickest Italian cities to reach from a major airport. Treviso Airport (TSF), a major Ryanair hub, is about 75 km north and offers another convenient gateway with bus connections to the train station.
Once in Pordenone, the compact historic centre is easily explored on foot. The city’s bike-friendly infrastructure — including dedicated cycle lanes and pedestrianised zones — makes it a pleasure to get around without a car. Several hotels offer complimentary bicycles for guests, and the flat terrain means even casual riders can explore comfortably. The train station is a 10-minute walk from the main square, so most visitors won’t need any local transport at all during their stay.
For day trips, Pordenone is ideally positioned. The Renaissance town of Sacile, known as the “Garden of the Serenissima,” is just 15 minutes by train. Polcenigo (25 km), with its stunning springs and historic centre, is a hidden gem reachable by bus. The Lago di Barcis in the Dolomites is 40 minutes by car, and Lignano Sabbiadoro on the Adriatic coast is about 45 minutes away. For wine lovers, the Collio and Colli Orientali wine regions are accessible within an hour — home to some of Italy’s most exciting natural and organic winemakers.
Pordenone and its surrounding towns offer a range of accommodation options, from city-centre hotels to countryside agriturismi. Here are the best areas for eco-conscious travellers:
The historic heart — Corso Vittorio Emanuele, Piazza della Motta, the Duomo, and the best restaurants. Everything is within walking distance. Ideal for first-time visitors who want to soak up the city’s character.
Just 5 km northeast, this quieter town offers excellent-value accommodation and easy bus access to Pordenone. Great for families and those wanting a more residential, everyday Friulian experience.
The “Garden of the Serenissima,” 15 minutes by train. One of the most beautiful small towns in Friuli, with canals, historic palazzi on the Livenza river, and excellent agriturismi in the surrounding hills.
At the foot of the Dolomites, 20 km north of Pordenone. The gateway to Piancavallo ski area and the mountain trails of the Friulian pre-Alps. Perfect for hikers, skiers, and nature lovers.
Book any of these Pordenone-area hotels through IMPT and 1 tonne of CO₂ is removed from the atmosphere — at the same price as Booking.com, with 5% cashback in IMPT tokens and EUR 5 free credit for new users.
A charming three-star hotel in the heart of Pordenone’s historic centre, just steps from Corso Vittorio Emanuele. Family-run with a warm, personalised atmosphere. Rooms are comfortable and well-equipped, and the hotel’s central location makes it an ideal base for exploring the city on foot. The in-house restaurant serves excellent Friulian cuisine with locally sourced ingredients.
Verifica Disponibilità →A modern four-star hotel from the well-known NH chain, located near Pordenone’s train station and a short walk from the historic centre. Spacious, soundproofed rooms, excellent business facilities, and a strong sustainability programme including energy-efficient systems, waste reduction, and locally sourced breakfast options. A reliable choice for both leisure and business travellers.
Verifica Disponibilità →Pordenone’s most historic hotel, housed in a beautifully restored early 20th-century building on Corso Vittorio Emanuele. Elegant rooms blend period charm with modern comfort — think high ceilings, original stuccowork, and contemporary bathrooms. The rooftop terrace offers panoramic views over the city and the distant Dolomites, and the central location is unbeatable.
Verifica Disponibilità →A magnificent castle hotel in the nearby town of Spilimbergo (20 km northeast), set within a medieval fortress with original tower, battlements, and courtyard. Rooms are uniquely decorated within the ancient walls, many with vaulted ceilings and stone features. Surrounded by vineyards and countryside, this is an unforgettable eco-luxury experience just 20 minutes from Pordenone.
Verifica Disponibilità →An innovative “albergo diffuso” (scattered hotel) concept in the historic centre of Maniago, 25 km north of Pordenone. Rooms are spread across restored historic buildings in the old town, creating a truly immersive local experience. Maniago is famous for its centuries-old knife-making tradition, and the hotel offers workshops with local artisans. An authentic, low-impact way to experience Friulian culture.
Verifica Disponibilità →A beautiful farm-stay in the countryside near Sacile, surrounded by vineyards and orchards. This working farm produces its own wine, olive oil, and seasonal vegetables, all served at the on-site restaurant. Simple but comfortable rooms with rustic decor, a swimming pool in summer, and direct access to walking and cycling trails through the Friulian countryside. The perfect base for slow, sustainable travel.
Verifica Disponibilità →Pordenone’s compact historic centre packs extraordinary artistic and cultural riches into a very walkable area. Here are the essential experiences:
Pordenone’s magnificent cathedral dates from the 13th century, but its real treasures are inside — frescoes by Giovanni Antonio de’ Sacchis (Il Pordenone) from the early 1500s, including his masterpiece depicting the conversion of St Paul. The bell tower, built in the 14th century as a defensive tower, offers panoramic views over the Noncello river and the historic centre.
Housed in a stunning 13th-century palazzo on Corso Vittorio Emanuele, Pordenone’s civic art museum displays works from the 14th to the 19th centuries, with a strong focus on Friulian painting and sculpture. The palazzo itself, with its Gothic windows and frescoed salons, is a work of art. Entry is free on the first Sunday of each month.
Pordenone’s main artery is a long, elegant street lined with Venetian-style arcades, historic palazzi, boutique shops, and cafés. It runs from Piazza della Motta to the Duomo and is the city’s social spine. The arcaded walkways provide shade in summer and shelter in rain — a classic Venetian urban feature that makes strolling a pleasure.
Pordenone’s most beautiful park, laid out in the 19th century on the banks of the Noncello. Shaded paths, ancient trees, a small pond, and a charming wooden bridge create a peaceful oasis in the city centre. It’s a favourite spot for locals to read, picnic, or walk their dogs. The park also hosts outdoor events and concerts in summer.
A magnificent 17th-century Venetian villa just north of Pordenone, surrounded by a vast Italianate garden with fountains, statues, and a hedge maze. The villa’s frescoed salons are occasionally open for events, and the garden is free to explore. The on-site café serves excellent coffee and pastries in a stunning setting.
A stunning turquoise lake in the Friulian Dolomites, about 30 km north of Pordenone. Surrounded by steep forested mountains, the lake is perfect for swimming, kayaking, and hiking. The village of Barcis has several excellent restaurants serving local trout and mountain specialities. The drive from Pordenone through the Cellina Valley is one of the region’s most scenic routes.
The nearest ski resort to Pordenone, just 35 km north in the Friulian pre-Alps. Piancavallo offers 30 km of ski runs for all levels, plus snowshoeing, winter hiking trails, and stunning views over the Venetian plain. In summer, the area transforms into a hiking and mountain-biking paradise, with trails through beech forests and alpine meadows.
One of Pordenone’s finest Renaissance palazzi, home to the provincial administration. The palazzo’s courtyard, with its double loggia and frescoed interiors, is a masterpiece of 16th-century architecture. It occasionally hosts temporary art exhibitions and cultural events throughout the year.
One of Italy’s most prestigious literary festivals, held every September. Authors, poets, and thinkers from around the world gather in Pordenone for a week of readings, discussions, and workshops. The entire historic centre becomes a stage, with events in palazzi, churches, and piazzas. A highlight of the cultural calendar.
The Prosecco hills of Conegliano and Valdobbiadene are less than 90 minutes from Pordenone, but closer to home the Friulian hills around Sacile, Caneva, and Aviano produce outstanding organic sparkling wines. Many vineyards offer tasting tours, and the landscape of rolling hills and vine-covered slopes is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Pordenone’s flat terrain, riverside setting, and proximity to the Dolomites make it ideal for walking at every level.
A gentle riverside stroll along the Noncello from Parco Galvani to the Ponte di Adamo e Eva. The path follows the river through green spaces, past old watermills and under stone bridges. Benches along the way invite you to stop and watch the water. In spring, the banks are carpeted with wildflowers. One of Pordenone’s most peaceful urban walks.
A self-guided tour through Pordenone’s medieval and Renaissance heart. Start at the Duomo, follow Corso Vittorio Emanuele past Palazzo Ricchieri and Palazzo Monte Reale, turn through the arcades of Piazza della Motta, explore the narrow streets of the Quadrilatero Romano, and finish at Parco Galvani. Every corner reveals a frescoed facade, a carved stone portal, or a quiet courtyard. Allow time for coffee at one of the piazza cafés.
A 40-minute drive north brings you to the Piancavallo plateau, where a network of trails winds through beech forests and alpine meadows. The Sentiero delle Fontane (4 km) is an easy family walk past springs and mountain huts. The more challenging trail to Monte Cavallo (12 km round trip) rewards with panoramic views from the Venetian plain to the Adriatic coast. Several rifugi serve local dishes and offer overnight accommodation for multi-day hikes.
Spring (April to June) and early autumn (September to October) offer the best balance of pleasant weather, manageable crowds, and reasonable hotel prices. Summer (July–August) can be hot but brings lively evening events and outdoor dining. September is special for the Pordenonelegge literary festival. Winter is cold but perfect for skiing at nearby Piancavallo and enjoying hearty Friulian cuisine by a fire.
Pordenone is connected by direct train to both Venice (about 1 hour via Mestre) and Trieste (about 1 hour 15 minutes). Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE) is 70 km away, and Treviso Airport (TSF) is 75 km away. Both airports have good transport links to the train station. Pordenone’s train station is a 10-minute walk from the historic centre.
Yes. Pordenone is highly walkable and bike-friendly, with most attractions in the compact historic centre. The region has a strong culture of organic farming, farm-to-table dining, and agriturismi. Booking through IMPT removes 1 tonne of CO₂ per reservation at no extra cost. The city also promotes green mobility with cycle lanes, pedestrian zones, and excellent public transport connections.
The Cathedral of St Mark with its Pordenone frescoes, the Museo Civico d’Arte in Palazzo Ricchieri, Corso Vittorio Emanuele’s arcaded shopping street, Parco Galvani on the Noncello river, and Villa Cattaneo’s gardens. Day trips to Lago di Barcis, Piancavallo, Sacile, and the Prosecco hills are all highly recommended.
Pordenone and the wider Friuli region offer 600+ eco-conscious hotels, agriturismi, and boutique properties. Sustainable options range from city-centre hotels with green certifications to working farm agriturismi. Through IMPT you can book any of 8M+ hotels worldwide with 1 tonne of CO₂ removed per booking — at the same price as Booking.com, with EUR 5 free credit and 5% cashback in IMPT tokens.