Venzone (Italy)

In the north-east of Italy, in the Friuli-Venezia Giulia region, lies the town of Venzone, which has a population of just over 2000. With a history stretching back more than a thousand years, the town is characterized by medieval walls and many historical monuments. The surrounding mountains, such as the Friulian Dolomites or the Julian Alps, as well as a variety of sports and leisure activities make Venzone a popular vacation destination. However, the town was almost completely destroyed by a massive earthquake in May and September 1976. After the disaster, it was decided to rebuild the destroyed houses true to the original. Today, the town is considered one of the most significant examples of restoration in the region and has also been declared a national monument.

Initial contact with the municipality of Venzone was established by the Erlangen city council after the first earthquake in May 1976. As a result, a youth group from the parish of St. Theresia in Sieglitzhof traveled to Italy in August and brought a donation to support the reconstruction. In September 1976, the Erlangen city council also decided to provide financial aid for the reconstruction of a retirement home. In addition to participating in the annual commemorative events on the occasion of the earthquake, there are also regular contacts between Venzone and Erlangen, such as the trips to the famous pumpkin festival in Venzone. In 2016, on the 40th anniversary of the earthquake, the tragedy was commemorated in the presence of the Italian President and by a delegation from Erlangen.