Barcis

Barcis is a municipality of the province of Pordenone located in the heart of the Valcellina valley, in the Dolomites of Friuli Venezia Giulia, and rising on the shores of the artificial lake. Its territory is included in the Forra del Cellina nature reserve, part of the Parco Naturale delle Dolomiti Friulane. The reserve is crossed by the Cellina stream, which during the centuries carved in the calcareous rock between Barcis and Montereale, forming one of Italy's most spectacular canyons, with cliff walls plunging into the crystal clear waters.

In Ponte Antoi di Barcis you will find the visitor centre of the Cellina Gorge Nature Reserve, which hosts a thematic exhibition dedicated to the reserve, highlighting its peculiarities and naturalistic, geological, hydrological and faunal features. From Ponte Antoi you can also access the Tibetan bridge. 

Barcis lake

Part of the charm of Barcis is without a doubt given by the Aprilis lake, that with its emerald water creates a special atmosphere around the place and attracts thousands of visitors every year. There is a nice trail running around the lake, and not far away you find a swimming pool and a leisure center.

At Barcis Lake you can practice various water sports, such as sailing, canoeing, surfing, kayaking, hovercraft, motor boating and scuba diving

What to do in Barcis

You can discover the area by simply walking along the trails: the Forra del Cellina (along the old panoramic route of the Valcellina valley), the grottos of the old dam (underground trail), and many other.

There are also some interesting mountain bike tours, like the one along the canyon of the Val Cellina, the cycle tack around the lake, or the Valcellina Tour.

Hikers have many different routes to choose from, but one of the best is the one leading from the town center first to the mountain hut Casera Montelonga and then up to the Pala d'Altei.

A very popular and accessible path that offers a unique view of Barcis and its lake is the Sentiero del Dint (Dint Path), of great natural and scenic interest. The starting point is the Visitor Centre of the Forra del Cellina Nature Reserve. It takes about 1-2 hours for the short tour, 3-4 hours for the more complete one. 

What to see in Barcis

Barcis has also some cultural attractions, like the 19 century church with a fresco of Salome and the beheading of John the Baptist, and the 18 century Palazzo Centi.

How to get to Barcis

By car: 
From Venice or Pordenone: depart from Venice, Autostrada Della Serenissima, direction Portogruaro/Pordenone. Continue on the A28 motorway for 17.5 km. Exit at the Zoppola/Valvasone/Vivaro/Spilimbergo/Sequals junction. Continue to Sequals for 23 km. Turn left and take the Ss464, direction Maniago. From Maniago, continue along the ss251 towards Montreale Valcellina. Still on the Ss251, turn right (Galleria Fara) for Barcis.

From Trieste or Udine: from Trieste continue on the Ss202-E70 motorway, after the exit SISTIANA(SS14) continue on the A4-E70 motorway, direction Udine. After the Udine/Tarvisio exit continue on the A23-E55 motorway. Go past the Udine sud sign and continue for the Ss13-A23 link road and for Maniago, Ss464. From Maniago, continue along the Ss251 towards Montreale Valcellina. Still on the Ss251, turn right (Galleria Fara) for Barcis.

From Austria: from the A2-E55 motorway, pass Hermagor and the border between the two states. Pass the Tarvisio sign, continue on the Alpe-Adria motorway for 73.3 km. Arrival Gemona Del Friuli then continue on Ss512 for 3 km. Turn left, continue along the Sp41 for 6.6 km. Continue along the Sp22 for 8.2 km as far as Forgaria nel Friuli. Continue along the Sp1 to Pinzano al Tagliamento. Continue in the direction of Sequals. Continue along the Ss464 for 9.5 km as far as Maniago. From Maniago, continue along the Ss251 towards Montreale Valcellina. Still on the Ss251, turn right (Galleria Fara) for Barcis.

By train: the nearest railway station is Maniago. This locality is connected to Barcis by bus.