The fortification of Brunelde, built on pre-Roman remains (4th-3rd century BC), is mentioned as early as 1208 in a list of feudal properties of the counts of d’Arcano, marshals and standard-bearers of the patriarch of Aquileia, to whom it still belongs. Since the 13th century, a house-tower of about 6×7 meters on each side (whose ground floor corresponds to the current 'old' kitchen) is documented, which was expanded in the following century, becoming a residence protected by enclosures and a wide moat.

The current forms date back to Giovanni Nicolò d’Arcano who, in the years 1498-1504 and 1512-1518, radically reorganized the complex, dedicating it to rest and hunting. All according to the suggestions of his brother Rizzardo – a humanist and diplomat at the papal curia – who wanted to replicate the 'Roman' distribution scheme on the ground floor of the west wing and who chose from Virgil's Aeneid the Latin mottos inserted in clipei surrounded by racemes that adorn the entrance hall, according to a precise project of exalting the human mind and spirit.

The great Renaissance works were concluded in 1518 with the construction of the small chapel of San Nicolò, where inside is still preserved the relic 'of the true Cross', according to tradition brought by Leonardo III d’Arcano in 127a returning from the eighth crusade. Until the 15th century, the family was commonly called 'de Tricano' for the three dogs raised as a coat of arms, joined to the silver and red checks, and for this reason, the noble residence that grew west of the original house-tower was called domus magna Tricanea, distinguishing itself from the purely agricultural sector that spread to the east, with stables, kennels, and barns.

The domus magna Tricanea still shows itself with furnishings, portraits, and family memories; among the interiors, the study that belonged to the poet Gian Mauro d’Arcano (circa 1498-1535) stands out, where part of the historical archive of the family is preserved, with original documents and parchments from the 11th century, the 'caminata', the 16th-century kitchen, the small salon, and the bedroom that hosted the famous singer Farinelli in the 18th century. And on the top floor, the 'Salla magna', the vast representative environment of the 14th-century domus, with a perfectly functioning fortepiano two centuries old. The gardens are also suggestive, with the remains of the ancient 'ragnaia' for hunting.

INFO:

Casaforte d’Arcano La Brunelde

via Giovanni Mauro d’Arcano 2 – 33034 Fagagna (UD)

Cell: +39 349 815 0543

E-mail: info@labrunelde.it

Website: www.labrunelde.it

Info taken from www.turismo.prolocofagagna.it