Hidden among the majestic peaks of the mountains of Carnia, the delightful village of Pesariis, a hamlet of Prato Carnico (Udine), presents itself as a treasure to be discovered, not only for its fascinating architecture, but also for its intrinsic connection with time. Located in the heart of the Friuli Venezia Giulia, this village is known as the “town of clocks”, a nickname that highlights its historic tradition in the art of watchmaking and the presence of extraordinary mechanisms that mark the passing of the hours.
Pesariis is also a place where life intertwines with uncontaminated nature. Casa Bruseschi, an ethnographic museum, offers a glimpse of daily life in Carnia, allowing you to immerse yourself in traditions and understand how the rhythm of life was marked by the seasons and the needs of the community.
Pesariis and the fifteen clocks along the village
Walking through the cobbled streets of Pesariis, you feel enveloped in an atmosphere steeped in history and culture. The stone houses, with their characteristic gabled roofs and tiled roofs, tell stories of a past rich in life and tradition. Many buildings were carefully restored after the devastating earthquake of 1976, thus preserving the historical identity of the place. As visitors wander through the narrow streets, they can come across fifteen clocks, each with its own peculiarities. A first magical encounter occurs with the “giant paddle” clock. This innovative mechanism is distinguished by the way in which the two paddles, which form each digit of the hour, open and close like the pages of a book, revealing the passage of time in a jaw-dropping way.
Not far away is the water basin clock, an ingenious device that uses the flow of water to mark the time, filling each basin in an hour and transferring the liquid from one basin to another. The pedestrian path that crosses the village is dotted with several monumental clocks, each of which tells a part of the local history. Among the wonders that can be discovered, the analemmatic horizontal sundial and a turbine water clock stand out, evidence of the ingenuity of the local craftsmen. The clock with carillon, located in a delightful little square in front of the church, at the appointed time intones an ancient melody dedicated to the Madonna, “Us saludi, o Marie”, giving visitors a moment of pure magic.
The Museum of Watchmaking
For those who want to delve deeper into Pesariis’s extraordinary watchmaking tradition, a must-see is the Museo dell’Orologeria. Here, visitors can explore the town’s history as a center of watchmaking, a legacy that dates back four centuries. The Solari factory, in operation for three hundred years, has made a significant contribution to this tradition, creating watches that have found international fame. The museum offers a glimpse into the evolution of timekeeping, with a collection that ranges from 1400s models to the most modern mechanical clocks. Inside, you can admire magnificent tower clocks, true works of art, made to order and often characterized by complex mechanisms.
A village to visit
This village is not only a guardian of time, but also a symbol of how small mountain communities can jealously preserve their traditions and identities. Visiting Pesariis means immersing yourself in a world where past and present merge, where every watch tells a unique story. This enchanting corner of Friuli Venezia Giulia offers an experience that enchants and fascinates those who are lucky enough to discover its wonders. Whether it's admiring the art of watchmaking, participating in workshops, or simply walking through its streets, Pesariis is a place that leaves a mark in the heart of every visitor.
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