The origin of the name Polcenigo has been awakening for years the interest of experts and outsiders and sometimes has given rise to heated arguments. Today at least two versions of the matter survive, the scientific and maybe more likely one and the romantic one. As Aviano, Polcenigo likewise seems to be derived from a roman praedial toponym, Paucinius, therefore Polcenigo would mean " territory belonging to Paucinius ".
Moreover the suffix " igo " points out a celtic origin as well. However legendary it may be, I make no secret of the fact that I'd rather believe to the second version, and I bet you would agree with me knowing that it deals with the poetic image of a young lady,definitely more charming than a roman legate!

Well, according to what we like to believe, tradition says that in 875 A.C. Carlo il Calvo, King of the Francs, granted this important site with a military task to a nobleman of his court, a Count of Blois from France. The Count had a young daughter of extraordinary beauty, so called " poucelle " (maid). As a flower appeared to adorn a picturesque and dramatic scenery, so her charm was naturally compared to the beauties of the place and her image contributed to set this land free from obscurity: thus originated Polcenigo, burgh of the " poucelle de Blois " whose enchanting beauty was extolled even by the bards. To tell the truth, we must say that the maid really existed and joined in marriage Roberto da Sacile, lord of a neighbouring land, but in accordance with local fancies she is and ever will be the Mistress of Polcenigo.

As a consequence of the increasing prestige of the castle, also the burgh arose. The first historical mention of the burgh of Polcenigo ( which in local dialect is called " Borc ", deriving from "burgh" ) dates back to the 13th century, when the lords Aldrigo and Guarniero allowed anyone to build a house within the castle walls. Since that time the burgh expanded and achieved economical success with the settlement of merchants and craftsmen, growing in size and importance under the rule of the Republic of Venice (1420-1797). Many villages arose in the surrounding areas, which are now hamlets of the municipalities of Polcenigo and Budoia: San Giovanni, Coltura, Mezzomonte (Polcenigo) and Budoia, Santa Lucia and Dardago ( Budoia ). Today, after more than a thousand years, this noble family has its last descendant in Countess Mimma, still living in Polcenigo. Powerful family, the Polcenigo through the centuries always played an important part in the history of Friuli Venezia Giulia. As feudatories of the castle, they were also vassals of the Ecclesiastic Principality of Aquileia and had the privilege to sit among the free noblemen in the Parliament of Udine until the fall of the Friulan sovereignty and also during the Venice domination.

Polcenigo 1 Polcenigo 2 Polcenigo 4

Chiesa della Santissima Trinità

Map of the area Polcenigo official site