by InTrieste
The clip-clop of horses and the elegance of historic carriages will once again animate the grounds of Villa Manin this weekend as the estate hosts the ninth edition of the International Traditional Carriage Competition, an event that has become a fixture for enthusiasts of equestrian heritage from across Italy and abroad.
Scheduled for Sunday, 7 June, the competition will unfold against the backdrop of one of Friuli Venezia Giulia’s most significant historic landmarks, bringing together drivers, restored carriages and spectators for a day dedicated to preserving a centuries-old tradition.
Organized by the Regional Agency for Cultural Heritage of Friuli Venezia Giulia (ERPAC), in collaboration with the Friulian Association of Carriage Enthusiasts and the Municipality of Codroipo, the event highlights both the craftsmanship and technical skill associated with traditional carriage driving. It also reflects broader efforts to promote the region’s cultural heritage through public events and historical reenactments.
Activities will begin in the morning, when participating carriages are presented to judges in the outdoor spaces surrounding the villa. The evaluation offers an opportunity to examine the historical vehicles up close, with attention paid to authenticity, restoration and presentation.
Following the initial judging phase, competitors will travel to Piazza Municipio in nearby Codroipo before returning to Villa Manin’s circular central square, known as Piazza Tonda. There, from mid-afternoon, drivers will take part in maneuverability and driving-skill trials designed to test precision, control and coordination between horse and driver.
The event will conclude with an awards ceremony at the villa, followed by a performance by the mounted fanfare unit of the Italian State Police, a ceremonial ensemble known for combining equestrian displays with musical performance.
Over the years, the competition has drawn participants from beyond the region, contributing to Villa Manin’s role as a venue not only for exhibitions and cultural programming but also for events that connect visitors with aspects of Italy’s rural and aristocratic past.
Regional officials have described the initiative as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen Villa Manin’s appeal as a cultural destination and to encourage tourism through heritage-based programming. For visitors, however, the attraction may be simpler: a rare chance to see a mode of transport once commonplace transformed into a living display of history.
