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Friuli Venezia Giulia overlooks the Adriatic Sea and is surrounded by high mountains, enclosing many different landscapes. The mountain sceneries of the Eastern Dolomites are truly spectacular: the Carnia and the Julian Alps, in addition to the lakes, valleys and protected areas. This region is situated in Italy's northeast and borders Slovenia and Austria.
Trieste is the capital of Friuli-Venezia Giulia, and the other provinces include Udine, Gorizia and Pordenone.
Historically the region has been part of the Romans, the Lombards, the Slavs and Venice. Later became part of Austria and Yugoslavia. In 1963, became the united Friuli Venezia Giulia region. Each of these historic powers has influenced the region that we see today. For this reason, Friuli Venezia Giulia looks like a small universe with many different traditions: it is the “land of contrasts”.
The region has both popular coastal destinations in the summer and mountain ski resorts in the winter, as well as year round opportunities to enjoy impressive scenery. Although slightly away from the more popular destinations in Italy, there is a great deal to discover in the region - and ideal for those wishing to avoid the tourist hordes and explore somewhere new.
There are three UNESCO Heritage in Friuli
• Archaeological Area and the Patriarchal Basilica of Aquileia
• Cividale del Friuli (Longobard Site)
• The Dolomites (Shared with Veneto, Trentino Alto-Adige)
Friuli Venezia Giulia
By Thomas Fabian-wikimedia.org,CC BY2.0
Trieste
Beautiful and cultured Trieste, a seaport town lying between the Adriatic Sea, Slovenia and Croatia, is the capital of the autonomous region Friuli-Venezia Giulia. It is Italy’s most cosmopolitan city. This important port town has passed through the hands of the Romans, the Venetians, the powerful Habsburg monarchy, the Germans during WWII and the Slovenian. In fact, it was only returned to Italy in 1954. It has developed a unique and vibrant culture between Austrian, Slovenian and Italian, in its characteristic mixture of languages, peoples and religions.
The heart of the city is the most beautiful and most symbolic of all its squares, the epic Piazza Unità d’Italia. The grand buildings around it echo Trieste’s glorious past when the city was part of the Habsburg Empire.
The square also has a number of monuments in it, most noteworthy of which is the The Fountain of the four Continents (Fontana dei Quattro Continenti).
The most spectacular side of the square is the one facing the sea, Molo Audace Waterfront, with a long stone promenade, that stretches out into the water, making it a beautiful place to sit or stroll. The port of Trieste is still the busiest in the Mediterranean. You could literally spend hours admiring the impressive ports and the quaint quays full of fishing boats.
Some other attractions include Trieste Cathedral, the Canal Grande, the Greek Orthodox Church of San Nicolò , the Roman Theatre and the Castello di San Giusto.
The architecture in Trieste has more in common with the Austrian than Italian. You won’t confuse Trieste with Rome or Florence, that’s for sure!
The Cathedral of San Giusto
The cathedral of San Giusto was formed in the 14th century by combining two churches from the 6th and 11th centuries. On the right was the church of San Giusto and on the left, Santa Maria; their side aisles were combined to make the cathedral's central aisle (the nave). Outside are the remains of the second-century Roman forum and a first-century temple.
Castle of San Giusto
Next to the Cathedral, is the Castle of San Giusto. With its glorious position on the crown of a homonymous hill, the ramparts offer stunning views over the city, the Gulf of Trieste and the surrounding hills. The Castle was built by the Habsburgs in the 15th to 17th centuries over a medieval Venetian fortress. Its drawbridges, ramparts and a museum catapulting you back to medieval times. The museum houses rich collection of weapons dating from the twelfth to nineteenth century, as well as furniture and tapestries.
Castello Miramare
Built for the Archduke of Habsburgs in the 19th century, it sits perched between cliffs and sea . It’s simply the most impressive landmark of Trieste. The castle offers a spectacular view of the Gulf of Trieste. Inside the grand imperial, you’ll find testaments to his vanity as well as wealth, with portraits hung in nearly every room, different dining rooms for winter and summer . After admiring the grand interior, you can explore the garden. Its worth a wander, especially if you’re into exotic flowers.
Cividale del Friuli
Julius Caesar founded the city around 50 BC and named it Forum Iulii. It was conquered by the Lombards in the 6th century. A.D. The Lombards stronghold in the province of Udine, made it their own important bulwark, enriching the city with numerous monuments: among these, the so-called Longobard Tempietto built overhanging the Natisone river is not to be missed.
Longobards in Italy and their Places of Power Serial Sites (568–774 A.D) UNESCO World Heritage Site
The Monastery of Santa Maria in Valle, the church of San Giovanni and the Longobard Temple, are one of the most important urban centres of Longobard Cividale, preserving the main monumental remains of the seventh century AD. It was declare as UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2011, under the Longobards in Italy and their Places of Power Serial Sites (568–774 A.D) , comprises seven groups of historic buildings including fortresses, churches, and monasteries throughout the Italian Peninsula.The seven components are located in Campania, Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Lombardy, Puglia, and Umbria. They testify the achievements of the Lombards, who migrated from northern Europe and and established a Lombard Kingdom in Italy where they ruled over vast territories till 774 A.D. The Lombards contributed a major role in the spiritual and cultural development of Medieval European Christianity.
Fusine Lakes
The Fusine Lakes (German: Weissenfelser, Slovenian: Belopeska Jezera) is one of Italy’s best-kept secrets. The two glacial-formed lakes, Lago Inferiore (the inferior lake) and Lago Superiore (the superior lake), connected to each other by easy paths, are well inserted in a thick spruce forest and located at the base of the Mangart mountain range. It is such a peaceful, yet overwhelmingly beautiful setting. The colors of the lakes change according to the light and seasons, making this site even more fascinating and magical.
Here you can simply relax, rent a small boat and head out onto the lake, or simply walk around the lakes which leads to the forest separating the two lakes or hiking to various mountain huts and peaks in the Julian Alps.
By Pixabay
By Julien Seguinot -flickr
Gorizia
Gorizia, located at the border of Italy and Slovenia, is a very charming city rich in art and history. Gorizia, in fact, can be considered the crossroads of three different cultures: Italian, Germanic and Slavic.
The medieval castle, symbol of the city, standing on a hill above the town with dominating views of Gorizia, is worth visiting for the panoramic views from the castle walls, across the town and surrounding countryside. The castle was built during the 13th century, was once the seat of the judiciary and administrative power of Italy. It comprises several different parts, with small palaces, some remains of early fortifications, a chapel and a museum.
Not to be miss is the border city in the Piazza Transalpina, a square divided between the towns of Gorizia (Italy) and Nova Gorica (Slovenia). which until 2004 was physically divided by a wall, you will walk with one foot in Italy and one foot in Slovenia.
Other city historical buildings, like the Palazzo della Torre, Palazzo Attems Petzenstein and Palazzo Werdenberg - Biblioteca Statale Isontina (State Library) stand out too.
Gorizia has numerous well-kept public gardens, where you can take long and relaxing walks.
Piazza Transalpina
Slovenia and Italy Border. The Metal plaque was installed in 2004 in the middle of the square at the border point, once crossed by the "Gorizia Wall" the latter separated Slovenian Yugoslavia from Italy, and during this era border controls were carried out the same way as along Berlin wall- strengthened with barbed wire to prevent escapes.
The Castle Of Gorizia
One of the most popular sight seeing attraction in the city is the ancient castle which is located within the old walls of the town and was built in the Middle Ages. The castle had once been the seat of the judiciary and administrative power of Italy. There is a small palatine chapel inside the castle which was dedicted to Saint Bartholomew. Inside the chapel are beautiful paintings and canvases which have been attributed to the Venetian School. There are also faint traces of frescoes in renaissance style.
Mount Lussari
At the summit of the 1,789-metre Mount Lussari (German: Luschariberg, Slovene: Svete Višarje) is a pilgrimage church, where according to legend in 1360 Madonna appeared where the sanctuary is built. The church and the nearby ski centre can be reached by cable car from Malborghetto Valbruna. The ride offers absolute heavenly views.
Mount Lussari
By Tiesse-wikimedia.org,CC0
By Alessandro Caproni-wikimedia.org,CC BY 02
Pordenone
Pordenone may not be as popular as other cities in Italy, but its a beautiful upcoming tourist destination that is worth a visit. You will be surprised by some of the unique things to do and places you can explore at this hidden destination.
You can definitely plan a few hours of a side trip here while traveling to Venice or Padua. You might wish to revisit it someday again, to take a break and relax at Pordenone.
The Province of Pordenone is located in the western area of Friuli Venezia Giulia, bordering Veneto. It is situated between the Carnic Alps and the wide valley that is bounded by the Tagliamento and Livenza Rivers.
In the historical center, there are many beautiful 14th century buildings - palaces. Most are located along the main street, the lively Corso Vittorio Emanuele II where you can pleasantly walk under the porticos hiding from the sun or rain. Its lined with handsome historical buildings, such as Palazzo Mantica-Cattaneo and Palazzo Ricchieri; Palazzo Ricchieri is the site of the Civic Museum of Art, with its collection of precious paintings and wooden sculptures.
The city has several beautiful parks where locals enjoy hiking or go out for a picnic.
Palazzo Ricchieri
City Hall
By Sebi1-wikimedia.org, CC BY-SA 3.0
By Carlo Marino -wikimedia.org
Predil Lake
One of the most fascinating destinations of your Friulian adventure is the Predil lake which occupies a glacial basin near Tarvisio. The water is clear and cold, of an intense turquoise colour; surrounded by an evocative landscape, creating a legendary atmosphere.
The lakeside resort offers a vast range of summer activities, modern bathing and nautical equipment, especially for the little ones. Activities such as rowboats, sailboats, pedalos, surf bikes and kayaks, playground for kids and a windsurf school.
By Marco Verch-flickr Creative Commons 2.0
Autum in Predil Lake
By Cecilia Famà-wikimedia.org,CC BY 4.0
Tarvisio
Tarvisio is a town in the Province of Udine, surrounded by the Julian Alps and rich in wide valleys and woods, the town welcomes visitors with vistas of forests, magnificent mountains, sparkling lakes, quaint villages, popular summer and winter resorts, full of traditions worth discovering. Thanks to its position on the border, it is a crossroads of languages and cultures where Italy, Slovenia and Austria meet. Tarvisio is also a pilgrimage destination thanks to the charming Sanctuary of the Virgin of Mount Lussari, a place where they say that Madonna appeared.
Tarvisio in summer
During summer, there are lots of paths to go trekking, horse riding or mountain biking. For the adventurous, at the Sella Nevea Adventure Park, you can have the chance to do tarzaning among platforms on trees, gangways, and rope bridges in complete safety.
Tarvisio in winter
Skiing along breathtaking descents or cross-country ski tracks , from Italian ski resort Sella Nevea to the Slovenian Bovec. Enjoy Tarvisio’s new alpine bob coaster, fun for the whole family. Descending over 1000 meters through the forest, the alpine bob coaster zigs and zags as you race down the track of the mountain.
You don’t have to go all the way to the Arctic to learn to drive a dog sled; the International Mushing Sleddog School in Tarvisio offers tours and in-depth courses for you to drive your very own dog sled, travel with them along enchanting snow-covered paths. Immersed in magical woods with snowshoes, enjoy the slow charm of landscapes. In Tarvisio, you will spend wonderful days on the snow!
Udine
The Province of Udine is located in mideast Friuli Venezia Giulia, bordering Austria to the north, Slovenia to the east and, to its south, the Adriatic Sea.
Name after its province, the city of Udine has a wide range of interesting historical sites. It is a town with squares of Venetian charm and ancient buildings. The Piazza Libertà, defined as "the most beautiful Venetian square, Piazza Matteotti , the Duomo, Castle , and beautiful Loggia del Lionello, consider the symbol of the city, an amazing structure and the architecture will leave you breathless.
Udine also has several beautiful parks and a handful of intriguing museums.
San Daniele del Friuli
The hilltop town of San Daniele, in the province of Udine, is world-famous for dry-cured raw ham known as Prosciutto di San Daniele. The prosciutto is celebrated every summer at the end of June during the Aria di Festa- a festival based around a local culinary item.
Dolomiti Friulane and d’Oltre Piave - Veneto and Friuli Venezia Giulia
In 2009 UNESCO listed the Dolomites as a World Heritage Site. This is a complex property both in terms of its geography and its administration, consisting of nine mountainous systems each separated by valleys, rivers and other mountains, covering a total area of 142,000 hectares located in 5 Italian provinces and 3 regions.
The “Friulian Dolomites” are part of one of the nine mountain ranges that have received this recognition. It extends over the Provinces of Pordenone and Udine (Friuli Venezia Giulia) with a small area in the Province of Belluno (Veneto). This territory is characterized by wide valleys winding among silent Dolomitic peaks, and its extensive wilderness areas, ideal for hiking and trekking.
Marvel at the sheer power of Mother Nature, largely untouched by human interference.
