The wars of the 20th century in San Michele al Tagliamento

During the summer 2025 you can visit the protagonist places of the wars of the 20th century in San Michele al Tagliamento and its surroundings:

• the Cold War Bunker
• Villa Biaggini-Ivancich
• the Wall of History

These are the days currently scheduled:

• Saturday, 5th July
• Saturday, 19th July
• Tuesday, 19th August

at 5:00 pm. The meeting point is in Via Roma in San Michele al Tagliamento, at the park adjacent to the bridge over the Tagliamento River (near the bus stop).

The guided walks, lasting approximately two hours, are offered in both Italian and English with mandatory reservation, subject to availability. The cost is Euro 8,00 per person and a minimum of 22 participants is required. For information and reservations:

• TVO – Turismo Venezia Orientale
• +39 329 6655580
• https://turismoveneziaorientale.it/tour/le-guerre-del-900/
• info@turismoveneziaorientale.it

You can call the TVO Staff on:
Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat: 10 am-5 pm
Tue, Sun and holidays: 10 am-1 pm

One place that left an indelible mark in history is the Cold War Bunker, located near the bridge on the Tagliamento, for the natural role of the river as “obstacle” and defense line.

One of the most recognized places of the historical past of San Michele is the Villa Biaggini-Ivancich, built by the Venetian family of Mocenigo in 16th century. Passed into the hands of the Paduan Biaggini in 1870, it was transformed into a field hospital during the First World War, but it was destroyed by the bombing during the Second Conflict. Since the 1950s, the villa has passed into the hands of the current owners, the noble Venetian family of the Ivancich.

Villa Biaggini-Ivancich was also an important cultural centre, which has seen over the years the presence of people such as Ernest Hemingway, Antonio Fogazzaro and Gabriele D’Annunzio.

The guided tour continues towards the Wall of History in the town part called “San Michele Vecchio”: In Via Don Bosco, where once stood the Parish church destroyed by the ’44 bombing, some panels have been placed that retrace the vicissitudes of this territory so marked by both conflicts.

Do not forget the Austro-Hungarian cemetery, a sacred place dedicated to the victims of the retreat of the Piave in October 1917.

N.B.
The external area of the bunker (park near the bridge over the Tagliamento river), the Austro-Hungarian war cemetery (Via Agnolina) and the Wall of History (Via Don Giovanni Bosco) can always be visited freely.

Just 15 minutes by car from Bibione, this itinerary is a way to learn about the inland and its history, and enrich your holiday of cultural contents. Let’s take advantage of it!

Photocredit: Comune San Michele al Tagliamento