Sappada​

By Dion Protani
Latest update: 27 November 2023
​​The town of Sappada is situated within the Province of Udine and has a population of around 1,300 residents.

It stands at an elevation of 1,250 metres above sea level and is included in the list of Borghi Più Belli d'Italia (most beautiful villages in Italy). Places of interest nearby include the towns of Forni Avoltri, Rigolato, Ravascletto, Tolmezzo and Sauris. 
Related links
Profile
Sappada is a charming mountain village located in the Friuli Venezia Giulia region of northeastern Italy. Situated in the province of Udine, it's nestled in the picturesque Dolomite mountains, offering visitors breathtaking alpine landscapes, traditional architecture, and a rich cultural heritage, making it an ideal destination for nature lovers and those seeking an authentic alpine experience.
History
Sappada has ancient origins, with evidence of human settlements dating back to prehistoric times. Throughout history, the village was influenced by various ruling powers, including the Venetian Republic and the Austrian Empire.

The area's isolation and rugged terrain have contributed to the preservation of its unique culture and traditions. The people of Sappada have maintained their ancient Germanic linguistic and cultural heritage, and the village is one of the few places in Italy where the ancient German dialect of Plodarisch is still spoken.
Highlights and nearby attractions
  • Natural Beauty: The main attraction of Sappada is its stunning natural beauty, with the Dolomite mountains providing a backdrop for hiking, skiing, and other outdoor activities.
  • Monte Siera: Hike or take a cable car to Monte Siera, a mountain peak that offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes.
  • Ethnographic Museum: Explore the Ethnographic Museum of Sappada, which showcases the village's cultural heritage, traditional crafts, and the ancient Plodarisch language.
  • Local Cuisine: Savour traditional Friulian and Germanic dishes at the village's restaurants and trattorias, which offer specialties like crafuns (a type of gnocchi) and frico (a cheese and potato dish).
  • Winter Sports: In the winter months, Sappada becomes a popular destination for skiing, snowboarding, and other winter sports.
  • Festivals and Events: Experience local culture and traditions by participating in Sappada's festivals and events, which often celebrate food, music, and folkloric traditions.
  • Handicrafts: Explore the local shops and workshops where traditional handicrafts, such as wooden carvings and lacework, are still produced.
Comune di Sappada
Territory: UTI della Carnia

Region: Friuli Venezia Giulia

Population: 1,305 (source: ISTAT 1 January 2022)

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Size: 63 km²

Elevation: 1,250 metres

​​​​​Close by: Forni Avoltri, Rigolato, Santo Stefano di Cadore, Sauris 

Recommended accommodation: Wellness Hotel Bladen
One of I Borghi più belli d'Italia (Italy's Most Beautiful Villages)

Listing headline: Nata dal Legno 

​(Born from the Wood)
Awarded the Bandiera Arancione (Orange Flag)

Since: 2007

1 of 4 in Friuli Venezia Giulia listed by Touring Club Italiano

Sappada​​  Gallery

SITE SEARCH

If you want to find a page quickly and you're not sure where to look you can use the Site Search box below and it'll point you in the right direction. 

YOUR COMPLETE GUIDE TO ITALY

Italy Review is an independent guide to Italy, showcasing the very best that the country has to offer. Throughout the four thousand pages of the website you'll find comprehensive tourist information, opinion and original photos.

​Alongside the major tourist destinations that you've already heard of, there are thousands of others that may come as a surprise with the intention of the website to provide inspiration for your future trips to the country. 

The photos and descriptions on the website are all my own work and are the fruit of my extensive travels around the country. I've visited every place that's listed on the website which means I'm able to give useful advice for first-time visitors. 

​You can keep in touch with the latest developments in Italy via my Italy Review Blog for which you'll find links below to the Facebook and Twitter pages. 

If you'd just like to start your exploration of Italy with some ideas of places to go then I'd recommend starting at the highlighted must see Italy page.  Or using the grid to your right you can click a photo to enter  the main menus.                 
Booking.com

THE ITALY REVIEW NETWORK SISTER SITES:

​All photos and images on the site that are marked with the © copyright symbol or with the Italy Review series logos are the property of Italy Review and must not be used elsewhere without prior permission. All written content on the website is also the property of Italy Review and its use is strictly limited to this website alone.