I'm coming with family to visit my parents village -

Hi Josiesut52 - My mother came from that area too. She grew up in the next town over, Cavasso Nuovo.  Some things to consider are, 1.  Go to the marcato in Maniago. It’s only open on Mondays. 2.  Cutlery museum also in Maniago.  This area has been making cutlery since the 1600s. 3.  For an authentic Friulian meal go to Trattoria Ai Cacciatori in Cavasso Nuovo. 4.  There’s a cool little museum at the municipio in Cavasso Nuovo that will tell you about the migration and impact people from the area had on the world. You’ll want to call first to make arrangements because it’s not always open.  5. Go to Pofabro and take a step back in time. It’s a small village with homes that are probably well over a hundred years old. 6.  There’s a mosaic school in Spilimbergo. You can spend maybe a half a day there learning how to make a tile mosaic.  This area is well-known for mosaic work.  All of these things should give you a good feel for our heritage. I hope this helps. Feel free to ask me more questions!

hi Josie,

I have been using this site for quite a while, I think you will find it all above board and expats/Italians who often supply the info you may need. I live in Friuli near both Maniago, Fanna and Poffabro.,Know the area well I have been living here for the past 30 years though I am British by birth. Regarding researching your heritage you would need to contact the commune/town hall of your parents’birth and request relative documentation also the local priest keeps records.

Would be happy to be of assistance if I can when you are here in August.

Saluti, regards

Liz.

Hi Josie

Both my parents were born in Fanna, and both came over to live in Bristol, UK, in the early 1950s, and I was born over here. We used to go frequently when I was a child. Sadly, they have both passed away.

My wife and I both love Fanna, and  we have been visiting there every year, until Covid struck. With restrictions easing, we are hoping to go again this summer.

All the places mentioned in the above posts are excellent places to visit.

Regarding some of your questions about your heritage. I was told several years ago that all the records for the surrounding area were sent to central archives, in the provincial capital of Pordenone. I’m sure if you go to the “ Commune” (council) in Fanna, they will point you in the right direction. Regarding an English speaking guide. I’m not sure where you would find one, maybe the “Commune” might be able to help. Anyway, there are lots of information about Friuli on the internet & guide books as well. Unlike years ago, you will find lots more people speak & understand English.

Are you going to be travelling around at all? Because if you are, a car is essential. There is a bus service that goes through Fanna. It’s OK if you want to go local (Maniago or Spilimbergo), but further afield is more difficult.

What about shopping? There are about a dozen small outlets in Fanna, including a chemist a couple of groceries, newsagent, bars, Post Office and a Pizzeria. The only bank in Fanna closed a couple of years ago.

For a larger selection of outlets, big & small go to Maniago (or Spilimbergo). Unlike many years ago, outlets now take all major credit cards, but some still only take cash. So be prepared to use both. TIP. To comply with Italian Financial Laws, when purchasing anything, make sure you are given a receipt & retain it.

Are you planning to dine out? In Fanna there is ”Albergo Al Giardino”. They have an excellent restaurant there. It’s a little expensive, but the food & service is second to none. Our favourite restaurant is “Agriturismo Ponte Maraldi”, which is on the road between Cavasso & Meduno. They serve locally sourced food and is inexpensive. They are only open for limited hours & are always very busy, so booking is essential.

Another trip worth doing is to Barcis, which is about half and hour drive from Fanna, north of Maniago, up in the hills. It’s a beautiful village on the banks of an artificial lake, with walks around the lake & spectacular views of the surrounding hills & mountains. Here there are a couple of restaurants that we recommend, “Osteria Ponte Antoi” (near the dam) & “Rifugio Vallata”, which is on the opposite side of the lake to Barcis. Again, both get very busy, so booking is essential.

I could go on & on about the “Friul”. But I would probably fill the whole webpage!

Anyway, I’m sure you will have a great time, during your stay.

Buon Viaggio.

Riccardo

Hi Josie

You mentioned Totnes & Toffolo in your posts. My Dad had cousins in Totnes, Maria & Bepi Toffolo. Did you know them? They have a son called Joe, who still lives in the area. I believe they also had a daughter, but I do not know her. 
Regarding Father Adrian Toffolo, I’m sure I have heard is name before, but I can’t remember where. 
Regarding the parish priest in Fanna. Unless thing’s have changed in the last 2/3 years, I don’t think there is anybody permanent there. There seems to be all sorts of temporary clergy coming & going. I was told that a few years ago there were 3 monks from Brazil!!!
In your posts you not only mention a Toffolo in your heritage in Fanna, but also Via XX Settembre. I don’t know if you know/heard of Giacomo Toffolo, also know has “Jacu”, I think he lives in Via XX Settembre, and he also owns a bar there (Bar Da Jacu),  (adjacent to the parish church in the centre of Fanna). He might be connected with your family, so a chat with him might be prove productive (I’m not sure if he speaks English). You can’t miss him, he has a large Handlebar moustache!

Somebody else in Fanna who might be able to help is ELIDE FILIPETTO, I’m not sure where she lives in Fanna, I know she has written a book about people & places in Fanna of the past. She may have written other books as well. Her email is efpapia@teletu.it 

Regarding the archives in Pordenone, you say you will be there in August, at the height of the Italian holiday season (Ferragosto), when in the past all offices, factories etc. used to close for the duration. I don’t know what it is like now, because we very rarely go there that time of the year. 

If I think of anything else I’ll let you know, if you like.

Saluti.

Riccardo

Hi Riccardo,

Well it seems we may be related - small world isn't it!

Bepi was my Uncle Joe, his brothers Sante, Bert and Tony were all based in the area - Totnes and Torquay.  They had a mosaic & terrazzo business and my father, Domenico Girolami (also born in Fanna) and my brother Osi (Osvaldo) worked for/with them.

Maria Toffolo was my godmother.  Their daughter was called Adua and they lived up the hill from us.  Monsignor Adrian Toffolo was Sante's son (one of them - the other died of polio in the early 50's).  Bert Toffolo never married, although he had a girlfriend when he was young - his one and only love - called Josephine/Giuseppina.  I was named after her and I was his favourite.  he also loved corgis!  He taught me to drive aged 17yrs - I remain very grateful.

I haven't heard of Giacomo or his bar, but I will certainly check that out in August.  You may well be right about offices being closed in Aug and I wouldn't normally choose that time, it's only that all the grandchildren have to go during school holidays or not at all - I really want them to see where their ancestors lived....

Also Elide Filipetto, sounds fascinating - I will try and get hold of her book/s and try to find her.  

Thank you so much for all this information..

Saluti a te

Beppa

Hi Josie 

I’m afraid this is not going to help you in your quest to find your heritage.                     Many, many years ago, my dad (Giovanni Petrucco Junior), told me who was who on his side of the family. Unfortunately, over the years I have forgotten many things that he told me, and annoyingly, nothing was ever written down.

I always assumed  that my dad and Maria Toffolo where direct cousins. 
Therefore, can you please tell me, was Petrucco, Maria’s maiden name?

If no, then I assumed incorrectly, If yes, then:-

My dad’s, dad (my Grandfather, Giovanni Petrucco Senior), and Maria’s dad, were brothers.

Maria’s dad would have been my Great Uncle.

My Great Grandfather & Maria’s Grandfather were the same person.

Hopefully this information is correct.

You called Bepi Toffolo, your Uncle Joe. Was he your direct Uncle, or was it a term of endearment?

If he was your Uncle, & the above information is correct, then we are related albeit by marriage!!

The reality TV star Georgia Toffolo, I believe is from Torquay. Is she related to any of the people whom you mentioned?

Regarding Elide. She is a very nice person. I spoke to her a couple times in Fanna, a few years ago when she was researching her book. I could only give her minimum information, because I only went there on holidays. She put me on her email mailing list & I have seen some of her mails written in English, so if you haven’t done so already, you can write to her in English.

Her book is called “Fanna, la sua storia nei vecchi cortili” (Fanna, it’s story in the old courtyards). If the book is still in print, it should be available at the newsagent in Fanna. If, not, I’m sure Elide might have a copy.

Another book, which is really worth looking at is:-

“Fanna, La Sua Terra, La Sua Gente” (Fanna, it’s land, it’s people). If it’s still in print, it’s only available in the “Commune”. It traces the history of Fanna from Roman days to the present.

Tanti Saluti

Riccardo

Hi rbernardon

Great to hear from you. Regarding your relatives, visiting the local bar could be worth a try, you never know who might be in there. A better bet would be the local council (Comune) in Cavasso. They are in a building called “Il Palazat”. Check to see their opening times. 
Also in the same building is a very interesting exhibition. “Museo dell’ Emigrazione”. With many exhibits & photographs of local people who emigrated over the years. Once again check their opening times.

I gave a couple of “posters” on this page the name & contact details for someone who lives near Fanna (village next door to Cavasso). Her name is ELIDE FILIPETTO Her email is efpapia@teletu.it Elide is very knowledgeable & has written a couple of history books of the area. She can read & write in English. She might be able to help you.

Regarding your day trips what kind of things are you hoping to do & see, & how far a you willing to go. I presume that you will have a car.

Saluti

Riccardo