Sacile (Italian: [saˈtʃiːle]; Venetian: Sathìl [saˈθil], Liventino: Sacìl [saˈtʃil]; Western Friulian: Sacîl) is a comune (municipality) in the Regional decentralization entity of Pordenone, in the Italian region of Friuli-Venezia Giulia. It is known as the "Garden of the Serenissima" after the many palaces that were constructed along the river Livenza for the nobility of the Most Serene Republic of Venice.

Sacìle
Sacìl (Venetian)
Città di Sacìle
The Livenza river in the town center
The Livenza river in the town center
Location of Sacìle
Map
Sacìle is located in Italy
Sacìle
Sacìle
Location of Sacìle in Italy
Sacìle is located in Friuli-Venezia Giulia
Sacìle
Sacìle
Sacìle (Friuli-Venezia Giulia)
Coordinates: 45°58′N 12°30′E / 45.967°N 12.500°E / 45.967; 12.500
CountryItaly
RegionFriuli-Venezia Giulia
ProvincePordenone (PN)
FrazioniCamolli, Cavolano, Cornadella, Ronche, S. Giovanni del Tempio, S.Giovanni di Livenza, S. Michele, S. Odorico, Schiavoi, Topaligo, Villorba, Vistorta
Government
 • MayorCarlo Spagnol
Area
 • Total32.62 km2 (12.59 sq mi)
Elevation
25 m (82 ft)
Population
 (2022)[2]
 • Total19,987
 • Density610/km2 (1,600/sq mi)
DemonymSacilesi
Time zoneUTC+1 (CET)
 • Summer (DST)UTC+2 (CEST)
Postal code
33077
Dialing code0434
Patron saintSaint Nicholas
Saint day6 December
WebsiteOfficial website

Geography edit

The historic center is located on two islands of the river Livenza; it is unclear whether the islands are natural or manmade.

History edit

Sacile developed in the seventh century as a strong-point on the route from Veneto to Friuli. A cathedral and a castle were built on the larger island, while the smaller had the port and commercial area.

The town became part of the Patriarchal State of Friuli on its creation in 1077; in 1190 the Patriarch conferred on it city rights. Sacile was the first city in Friuli to have a Communal Statute. The city was besieged on a number of occasions by troops of Venice and Treviso.

In 1420 Sacile, along with the rest of Friuli, was annexed by the Republic of Venice. Under Venetian rule the river trade expanded and many noble families built palaces on the banks of the Livenza.

The fall of the Republic in 1797 caused an economic crisis in Sacile. On 16 April 1809 French troops were defeated by the Austrians in the Battle of Sacile which took place in the nearby hamlet of Camolli. In 1815, under the terms of the Congress of Vienna, Sacile became part of the Kingdom of Lombardy–Venetia.

The coming of the railway in 1855 did much to restore the economic position of Sacile. In 1866 Sacile was annexed by the Kingdom of Italy and saw the beginnings of industrial activity.

During the First and Second World Wars the town was repeatedly bombarded on account of the strategic importance of the Venice–Udine railway. The earthquake of 18 October 1936 caused great damage to the town's buildings and to its ancient city walls.

Economy edit

Brickmaking occurred in Sacile from the 14th century until 1957. Today, the main economic activity there is administration and services, although it is also home to piano manufacturer Fazioli.

Dialect edit

The native dialect of the town is Sacilese, a colonial variety of the Venetian language belonging to the Liventine (Northeastern) group.[3]

International relations edit

Twin towns — sister cities edit

Sacile is twinned with:

People edit

Transport edit

Sacile railway station is on the busy Venice–Udine railway. Train services operate to Venice, Treviso, Udine and Trieste, Padua, Verona, Milan, Bologna and Rome. Buses operate to Pinzano al Tagliamento.

References edit

  1. ^ "Superficie di Comuni Province e Regioni italiane al 9 ottobre 2011". Italian National Institute of Statistics. Retrieved 16 March 2019.
  2. ^ "Popolazione Residente al 1° Gennaio 2018". Italian National Institute of Statistics. Retrieved 16 March 2019.
  3. ^ Stefano Mazzaro. "Il liventino ed il veneto settentrionale: cenni su testi antichi e moderni". Retrieved 6 May 2022.