The town of Gemona, with pre-Roman origins, has sadly become known around the world as the capital of the 1976 earthquake and is still symbolic of Friuli’s rebirth.
Porta Udine is the only city gate left in memory of the first city wall dating back to the fifteenth century. At its side is the Cathedral Santa Maria Assunta dating back to 1290 with a splendid façade that blends the Romanesque style with the Gothic style. On the right side is the huge statue of San Cristoforo and the gallery composed of nine statues depicting the Epiphany. The central rose window, the fourteenth-century altarpiece and the fifteenth-century wooden crucifix are magnificent.
Since 1989, Gemona has hosted the International Communication Laboratory. The project includes an Italian language and culture course for foreigners through the organization of seminars, concerts and film screenings. In 1990 the Gamajun International Award was established, an award given to eminent personalities in the artistic and cultural field. Gemona del Friuli is part of the Gemona area’s ecomuseum project. The Ecomuseo delle Acque is a territory that preserves a rich cultural heritage, it is a territorial museum that promotes places, buildings, activities, it is a community of people who work not to lose memories, knowledge and traditions. Gemona was also named European sports capital for 2019.
