Patocco
Patocco
is situated high up in the Val Raccolana, commune
di Chiusaforte (Map)
,
A few decades ago Patocco was a thriving community
with over 100 inhabitants who made a living keeping cattle and making
cheese. Today, that way of life is
virtually extinct and the village is inhabited only in the summer months by
people returning here to relax in its beautiful scenery and tranquil
surroundings.
My
house is situated in the highest part of the village, know locally as
“ciuc”. It has a south facing aspect with
wonderful panoramic views over the Val Racolana, whilst behind it tower the
wild cliffs of “Cimone”.
The high altitude and southern aspect means the house
is in the sun all year round making visiting in winter a more pleasant
experience than it might otherwise be.
The road up to Pattoco is very steep and torturous
which adds to the remoteness of the location.
The house itself has no road access at all and everything must be
carried for the last 500 meters up hill!
However, the lack of cars and passing people ensures greater peace in
which to enjoy the surroundings despite the burden of carrying supplies. Of course, the most important supplies are
always brought up first, as can be seen from this 
picture!
The
house makes a wonderful place to relax, and enjoy the views, or some of the
culinary delights or fine wines that come from the
The surrounding area offers some fantasic walking and
climbing among the forests, valleys and mountainous peaks of the
The Val Raccolana and surrounding area was on the
front line during the great war and many abandoned fortifications remain to
this day. Due to the remoteness of the
location some have remained exactly as they were left when the war finished,
though often nature has taken its toll.
The nearest town in the area is Tarvisio which is on
the border with Austria and Slovenia.
The surrounding area is known as the Tarvisiano and links with more
information can be found here
Tarvisio Moutains and
Sella Nevea
Tarvisiano -
Information about the local mountain area
