Sauris di Sopra

Sauris di Sopra is a small fraction of the village of Sauris in the mountains of the Friuli Venezia Giulia region at about 1400 meters in elevation. The settlement features traditional stone and wooden houses with steep roofs, narrow streets, and wooden balconies with flower boxes, giving visitors a sense of stepping back in time.

The village was founded by German-speaking settlers in the Middle Ages, who brought their language and traditions that have been preserved over centuries. After the earthquake of 1976, many buildings were restored while keeping their original style and character.

The community speaks an ancient language called Sauran, brought by German-speaking settlers in the Middle Ages and still taught by locals today. People celebrate traditions like Carnival with hand-carved masks and processions, keeping old customs alive from Christmas through Easter.

The village sits at about 1400 meters elevation and is easiest to reach by car or train, with the nearest station about 45 minutes away. Visitors will find various lodging options from cozy mountain homes to larger houses, and the settlement offers year-round activities such as hiking, snowshoe walking in winter, and visits to craft workshops.

The village is known for producing hand-carved wooden masks and traditional textiles made in local workshops using ancient methods. These craft traditions stretch back centuries and remain a core feature of the settlement's daily life and visitor experiences.