Friuli - Venézia Giúlia

Friuli-Venézia Giulia is a beautiful border region nudging Slovenia on the East, Austria and the Carnic Alps to the North with the Adriatic to the south - forming a bridge between the Mediterranean world and central Europe. Near the Slovenian border lies the atmospheric city of Trieste, with its long bustling harbour. The prime tourist site is the hill of San Giusto; at the summit is the castle and a walk along the ramparts offers sweeping views over the Gulf of Trieste.

Near the Slovenian border lies the atmospheric city of Trieste, with its long bustling harbour. The prime tourist site is the hill of San Giusto; at the summit is the castle and a walk along the ramparts offers sweeping views over the Gulf of Trieste. Across the bay, Múggia is only a short ferry ride from Trieste, whilst outside the city is an area of limestone uplands, known as the Carso. With an abundance of caves, including the Grotta Gigante, the world’s largest accessible cave and second largest natural chamber in the world, the Carso can be easily reached by the tranvia (cable tramway). 

Sitting on a group of low islands in the middle of the Adriatic lagoon, Grado is attached to the mainland by a long, narrow causeway. A popular seaside resort, it has a long sandy beach and harbour plus a historic centre. A short distance from here is Aquileia, now a small town but once an important city of the Roman Empire and further inland Udine boasts galleries, fine churches, and well preserved historic buildings. Towards the Austrian border in the north, is Carnia. With its lush valleys and flower-filled meadows, which give way to Alpine peaks, it is an area popular with walkers.

The region consists of four provinces: Gorizia, Pordenone, Trieste and Udine. 

Places of interest

Aquileia: Basilica, with mosaic pavement dating from the 4th century.

Cividale del Friuli: Market town, medieval walls, archaeology museum.

Forni di Sopra: Thickly wooded area, popular for mountain biking, horse riding and hiking.

Gorizia: Major shopping town, numerous parks and gardens, castle.

Pordenon: Preserved historic centre.

Tarvisio: Small mountain resort.

Cuisine of the region

Fish broths made from squid, octopus, mackerel, sardines and clams are common. Gnocchi is a Trieste speciality; gnocchi the size of eggs are stuffed with a pitted prune, rolled in breadcrumbs, browned in butter and sprinkled with cinnamon and sugar. Local wines include Tocai, Ribolla Gialla, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon.

Brodo di Pesce: Fish soup, sometimes flavoured with saffron.

Cialzons: Ravioli from Carnia, usually stuffed with spinach and ricotta.

Jota: A soup of sauerkraut and barley.

Spaghetti alle Vongole: Spaghetti with fresh clams with white wine, chilli and tomatoes.