Stavoli, the most isolated village in Italy: where it is located and how to get there

In the heart of Friuli-Venezia Giulia, at an altitude of 567 metres, lies Stavoli, a village that can be defined without exaggeration as the most isolated village in Italy. This ancient settlement, 7 kilometres as the crow flies from Moggio Udinese, can only be reached on foot, along narrow paths and ancient mule tracks that offer breathtaking views.

How to reach Stavoli

The most picturesque route to Stavoli is the CAI 417 trail, which starts from Campiolo Alto. It’s a 50-minute walk that winds alongside the Glagnò stream, crosses a historic bridge built in 1885, and climbs through a forest with irregular steps. After climbing about 218 metres, you finally reach the village, a silent witness to times gone by.

The history of Stavoli

Founded in the 18th century, Stavoli was an autonomous and self-sufficient community at the beginning of the 20th century, relying on agriculture and livestock farming. Its isolated position, at the entrance to the Val Canale and the Val Aupa, has always represented a challenge for its inhabitants. Despite this, until the 1970s, the village was lively and vibrant. However, the 1976 earthquake, together with the scarcity of work and the progressive emigration of young people, led to its progressive abandonment.

Stavoli today

Today, Stavoli comes to life every weekend thanks to the families who still own a second home in the village and the many tourists, many of whom are Austrian, attracted by its history and unique charm. Despite the absence of modern services such as bars, telephone networks and the Internet, Stavoli has become an ideal destination for ‘digital detox’, providing a refuge from the stress of everyday life.

Isola di Stavoli: a festival for rebirth

In June 2024, Stavoli has host the first edition of ‘Isola di Stavoli’, a festival that aims to give new life to the village through art, music, theatre and activities immersed in nature. This collective initiative, supported by local people without external funding, aims to enhance one of the last isolated mountain villages, counteracting the risk of degradation and abandonment.

Stavoli is unique in Italy, a place where time seems to have stood still and where nature and history blend in perfect harmony. Its difficult access only increases its charm, making it an unmissable destination for those seeking authenticity and wanting to experience life in a truly isolated village.

For those looking to escape from modern life, in search of peace and a connection with nature and with themselves, Stavoli offers an unrivalled experience, a journey into the past that lives on in the stones and paths of this village.

Article translated by Jasmina Towers

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Curiosities

Travel

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