Turning the knob leads you to pass the boundary.
In the heart of the picturesque town of San Pietro al Natisone, nestled in the vibrant Friuli Venezia Giulia region, lies a unique cultural gem - the museum, Smo. This refined architectural space, completed in 2013 with European funds, is a testament to the rich cultural landscapes of seven areas within the region, including Val Canale/Kanalska dolina, Val Resia/Rezija, and Trieste and Istria/Trst in Istra.
The museum, dedicated to the cultural landscape of the Natisone Valleys, offers visitors an immersive experience through its eight interactive installations. These installations, curated by architect Donatella Ruttar and a team of cultural experts, provide a deep dive into the diverse cultural heritage, history, and natural environments of Friuli Venezia Giulia.
One of the standout features of Smo is the "Sound Postcards" and "Musical Landscapes," which allow visitors to 'hear' the Trieste Bora wind through headphones, offering a sensory connection to the region's unique sounds. Another installation, "Meja" (border), designed during the Covid, provides a visual representation of historical events, such as the arrival of the Longobards or the abolition of the Italian-Slovenian border in 2007.
Smo also houses the "Speaking Library," a captivating visual and sound installation featuring 'magical' books that bring authors like Boris Pahor and Claudio Magris to life. The museum also showcases the region's traditional festivals, such as the Pust, where black devils and white angels run during the carnival, making a great clanking of chains.
The museum aims to connect with the landscape on an ethical level, reflecting the region's predominantly oral history and the story of its border people. It presents the history, music, and traditions of the Natisone Valleys, providing a comprehensive understanding of the region's identity and heritage.
Friuli Venezia Giulia, with its rich history and cultural intersections, offers a wealth of historical sites and museums. The museum in San Pietro al Natisone serves as an integral part of this cultural offering, providing a unique and interactive exploration of the region's diverse cultural and natural heritage.
Visitors to Smo can also learn about local folklore, such as the krivapete, women living in the Natisone Valleys, known for their green hair and twisted feet, and the pustùovi, men and women masked with pointed hats and dresses adorned with long ribbons and flowers.
The museum, Smo, is a must-visit for anyone seeking to immerse themselves in the cultural landscapes of Friuli Venezia Giulia. Located in the province of Udine and free to visit, it offers a memorable and enriching experience for all.
The museum, Smo, offers an immersive exploration into the diverse environmental, lifestyle, home-and-garden, and travel experiences of Friuli Venezia Giulia, showcasing its unique sounds, visual representations, traditional festivals, and local folklore. Visitors can experience the region's rich cultural heritage and natural environments through interactive installations like "Sound Postcards," "Musical Landscapes," and "Meja." This museum, located in San Pietro al Natisone and free to visit, serves as a must-visit destination for those seeking to deeply engage with the cultural landscapes of Friuli Venezia Giulia.
