Porcia, Italian comune
Porcia is a small town in Italy's Friuli Venezia Giulia region, with settlement dating back many centuries. The town centers around a stone castle with sturdy walls and towers, and a church dedicated to Saint George whose bell tower rises about 144 feet (44 meters) tall.
Porcia first appeared in records in 1199 and was initially controlled by nearby Prata before the Porcia family took charge in the 1200s. In 1418, the Republic of Venice took control of the region, and the family retained their titles under Venetian rule until Italy unified in the 1800s.
The name Porcia may derive from Latin words related to pig farming, reflecting the area's early agricultural roots. The noble Porcia family shaped the town's identity for centuries, and their influence remains visible in the streets and how locals speak of their heritage.
The town is easy to reach by car or local buses and sits close to larger cities, making it suitable for a day visit or longer stay. Quiet surroundings with walking and cycling paths through nearby hills and fields offer relaxing outdoor activities.
A member of the Porcia family named Silvio served as a captain at the Battle of Lepanto, a major naval clash between Christian and Ottoman forces in the Mediterranean. His remembered bravery connects the family to one of the Renaissance's most significant military events.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.