History: From Iron Art to Alpine Luxury
Hammerack, now a unique 5-star boutique hotel in Friuli Venezia Giulia, is located in the heart of the Canale Valley, and the resort’s very name, Hammerack, whispers the history of its walls. In the local dialect, it means “hammer barn,” a reference to its history when, in the 15th century, it was founded as a hydraulic hammer and the building was the hub of a thriving metal-forging economy, strategically located between Italy, Austria, and Slovenia.

Behind its rebirth lies the vision of a man who has made challenge and beauty his entrepreneurial mission: Alessandro Pedone, a “collector of unique places,” president of Apu Basket Udine, and head of the holding company Al.Pe. Invest Spa, which has restored this ancient building to its historical and cultural center.

Once a refuge for those who mastered iron with fire, Hammerack has transformed the hardness of metal into the softness of the art of hospitality, without forgetting its ancient origins.

Opening in 2024, Hammerack is a resort offering a 9,000-square-meter spa, a gourmet restaurant, a bistro with a cocktail bar, a garden, and incredible works of art that pay homage to the history of the surrounding area and human ingenuity, including its astonishing astronomical clock.

The Time Machine of the Julian Alps
The building’s most immediately eye-catching feature is the imposing three-story tower dominating the complex, which houses a fascinating Time Machine.

The astronomical clock is a mechanical masterpiece designed by Alberto Gorla, a legendary name in his field (he restored, among others, the Moorish Clock in St. Mark’s Square in Venice and the one in Mantua). Although built in the 21st century, the mechanism is based on monumental clockmaking studies from the 15th and 16th centuries and pays homage to the long history of these valleys, including the nearby Val Pesarina, known as the “Valley of Time,” where the famous Solari clock company was founded.

At set times (or by reservation), the tower comes to life: historical and symbolic figures begin their mechanical dance like a monumental carillon, while 23 bells fill the air with Mozart’s symphonies, creating a suspended and solemn atmosphere.

The Restoration: A Dialogue Between Centuries
The restoration of the building was an act of love for the Canale Valley. The architects worked to bring to light the original soul of the structure: the local stone walls and the imposing larch and spruce beams were restored using ancient artisan techniques.

The beautiful painted doors and wooden details lend the hotel a warm atmosphere, recalling the floral motifs and symbols typical of ancient Friulian and Carinthian homes. They were created using hand-painting techniques using natural pigments, just as they were in the 15th century.

Art as a Guest of Honor
Hammerack is also unique for its extraordinary display of artworks from the personal collection of Alessandro Pedone, who has chosen to “share” his treasures with guests, transforming the resort into a living museum.

Thus, the restaurant features two works by Giorgio de Chirico, while the bistro boasts an exhibition of Andy Warhol, and the guestroom walls are adorned with paintings by Mario Schifano and Davide Orler, among others. Every corner of the hotel is decorated with artifacts that recall elements of Friuli’s natural beauty, such as metal sculptures and ceramics by Luciano Cescia and sculptures by Auguro Murer, as well as unique furnishings commissioned from local artists and artisans who reinterpret Alpine iconography with a minimalist touch.

Suites and Lounges: The Warmth of Discreet Luxury
The 21 rooms, divided between two chalets and the main building, exude the charm of a mountain retreat, featuring reclaimed wood, often sourced from local barns, and themed décor. The 55-square-meter suite is stunning, featuring a spacious lounge and a raised hot tub.

Guests, including non-guests, can enjoy the beautiful 900-square-meter spa in collaboration with Bakel, featuring an outdoor jacuzzi with spectacular views of the peaks, a frigidarium tub, a wood-fired and wood-chip Finnish sauna, a Turkish bath, sensory showers, and a bio bar with relaxation and solarium areas, including a charming winter garden.

Taste and Territory
Hammerack is also the perfect place to enjoy the cuisine of these lands, a crossroads of ancient Italian, Austrian, and Slovenian flavors. Its bistro and cocktail bar offer a selection of cheeses and cured meats paired with local wines, while its fine-dining restaurant offers truly refined experiences.

Experiences Beyond the Resort
Malborghetto offers a wide range of experiences: from skiing in Tarvisio or Nassfeld in Austria, to visiting the town center with its beautiful Venetian Palace, home to the ethnographic museum, or strolling through the stunning landscapes of the nearby Fusine Lakes, Valbruna, and the Montasio Plateau.

Hammerack is a truly unique destination that offers experiences you can’t find anywhere else in the world.

The Secret

In the resort’s garden, amidst the scents of the woods, live Gaspare, Melhior, and Balthasar, three adorable alpacas. Guests can book a walk with them in the surrounding meadows: an immersive pet therapy experience that reconnects the soul with the purity of Alpine nature.

Useful Info

Hammerack Hotel, Restaurant & Spa
Via Officine 8
33010 Malborghetto, Udine
Tel. +39 0428 820158

Rooms: from €200 with breakfast
Alpaca experience: free for hotel guests, €25 for external adult guests
Visit to the astronomical clock with music by Mozart: free for hotel guests
Day Spa from 10:00 am to 8:00 pm on weekdays: €85
Day Spa from 10:00 am to 8:00 pm on holidays (Saturday and Sunday): €100
Half-day admission on weekdays 10:00 am to 3:00 pm or 3:00 pm to 8:00 pm: €50
Half-day admission on holidays (Saturday and Sunday) 10:00 am to 3:00 pm or 3:00 pm to 8:00 pm: €65