In the 15th century it was an important centre for the production of paper, textiles, ceramics, silk, and wool, and attracted Tuscan merchants.

[5] In 1508, Venice occupied the city in response to calls from pro-Venetian residents of Pordenone, but this occupation was not well received.

The province is located in the lowlands of the Po-Venetian Valley, south of the Venetian Prealps and the Alpine foothills of Friuli.

[6] Hilly country in the north of the province give way further south to the flat land of the lower Po Valley.

Rivers cross the province from north to south carrying runoff from the melting snow in the Alps.