Discover Merlana: Villa Rubini, church and cycling route

Villa Rubini and the Church of Santa Caterina Vergine e Martire represent different chapters in Merlana’s architectural history. The Anello delle ville friulane cycling route (R038) passes through the town, offering another perspective for planning your trip: historic architecture and cycling.

Villa Rubini and the Folador

Villa Rubini was built in the 18th century by the old Friulian family of the Counts Mantica. Those interested in the history of rural architecture will find a different kind of building at the Folador di Villa Rubini, one with an agricultural character. It is a typical structure of the Friulian plain and shows how winemaking and grain storage were organised in separate spaces.

On the ground floor, two long rooms lie side by side: wine was made in the southern room, while the northern one served as a wine cellar. The upper floor was used as a granary. The functions were thus clearly divided by activity and location—from processing and storing wine on the ground floor to storing grain above.

Since 2010/2011, the building has served as a venue for public and private gatherings, including larger events. If you are planning a specific use, check availability in advance.

Church of Santa Caterina: history and furnishings

The present-day Church of Santa Caterina Vergine e Martire dates from the 18th or 19th century. It was created by remodelling an older building dating from the late 16th century. Its architectural history therefore reaches further back than the date of the present church: the earlier building belongs to the late 16th century, while the current form is attributed to the 18th or 19th century.

The church has a single nave, and the presbytery has a groin vault. The interior also contains furnishings from different centuries. The baptismal font dates from the 17th century, and its copper cover was engraved in the 19th century. A statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary was created by Vittorio Ferrero in the early 20th century.

The marble high altar is adorned with statues of the martyrs Biagio, bishop, and Lorenzo, deacon. Both figures were created by Adeodato Periotti of Udine. On the back wall of the apse is a painting of the church’s patron saint, Santa Caterina, painted by Giovanni Fattori in 1905. Together, these works give an impression of how different periods are reflected in the church’s furnishings.

The inscriptions also tell part of the story: above the side entrance is a 16th-century inscription dedicating the former chapel to Saint Nicholas. An inscription bearing the date 6 June 1803 is affixed to the freestanding bell tower. In Merlana, 25 November is dedicated to Santa Caterina d’Alessandria.

Cycling in Merlana

The Anello delle ville friulane cycling route (R038) passes through Merlana and can be reached from Udine via the Alpe-Adria Cycle Route (FVG1). This provides a specific connection for cyclists who would like to combine their stay with a ride. If you are planning to follow the route, check the current route details before setting out, as connections may be updated. Architecture and cycling are two distinct themes you can use to plan your trip to Merlana.

For the broader travel overview: Trivignano Udinese.