Welcome to Friuli Venezia Giulia

Here are ten suggestions for things to do during your stay in Friuli Venezia Giulia.

Grado with its Venetian charm and early Christian mosaics
The town of Grado is on a small island, connected to the mainland by a narrow strip of land and surrounded by a lagoon. Its historic centre has ancient cathedrals that rise up from the maze of narrow streets that have a typically Venetian feel. Close by are the famous white Grado beaches and also a thermal spa. Take a steam boat trip to the Mariano Sanctuary on Barbana Island, or visit Aquileia, an important Roman port, home to the Basilica St. Maria Assunta with its famous mosaic floor.

Cividale – a town of Celts, Romans and Lombards
This attractive town of Cividale with its ancient origins was founded by Julius Ceaser under the name of Forum Lulii, from which came the name Fruili. It sits on the banks of the River Natisone spanned by the Devil’s Bridge. Worth a visit are Ipogeo, a Celtic burial chamber dug into the bank of the river, and the Longobardo Temple, a medieval architectural jewel. Events in Cividale include the special masses at Epiphany, and the medieval re-enactment held every August, the Palio di San Donato.

Trieste and its European charm
Trieste manages to balance a mix of architectural styles, cultures and religions to create an atmospheric central European city. The Roman ruins, the medieval castle, the neoclassical palaces and the Liberty style cafes sit seamlessly with the Synagogue and the Serbian Orthodox Church. This eclectic style inspired writers like James Joyce and Umberto Saba, who used to frequent the coffee houses here. Visit the fairytale castle at Miramare and the caves, and don’t miss the opportunity to try the local cuisine with its mix of Slovenian and German influences.

The Magical Fusine Lakes
Considered the most beautiful lakes in the region, Lake Superior and Lake Bottom are noted for the incredible blue of their waters. Originally glaciers, the lakes are set in a picturesque valley in the Mangart Mountains, an area covered with spruce forests and where you can find many walking trails.

San Daniele - a town of castles, parks and prosciutto ham
This little hillside town is known internationally for its prosciutto ham, considered one of the finest in the world, and star of the annual festival held every June – the Aria di Festa. Take the time to tour the area surrounding San Daniele, especially the ‘Road of Castles’. Driving along this famous highway will take you through the hilly countryside taking in the area’s castles, including the Colloredo of Monte Albano.

Udine - Trattorias and Tiepolo
Set on a hillside with a magnificent castle and cathedral, this attractive town of Udine is home to the Arcivescovile Palace, with its famous frescoes by Tiepolo, the greatest Italian artist of the 17th century. Wander around enjoying the bustling atmosphere of the centre, admire the Lionello Loggia or enjoy a local meal at an ancient trattoria in one of the three piazzas, including the Piazza Libertà with its Venetian feel.

Birdwatching around the Marano Lagoon
The Marano Lagoon is home to over 300 species of birds, and a paradise for birdwatchers. The Foce dell’ Isonzo Nature Reserve and Cavanata Valley, are home to a series of shallow water channels, small lagoons and white sand, with hides and viewing platforms enabling enthusiasts to study the birds at close range. Expect to see airone, herons and cormorants, to name just a few species that can be found here. Alternatively take a barge trip around the lagoon.

The Mosaic School and the Museum of Cutlery
The medieval town of Spilimbergo is known throughout the world as a centre for mosaic art. Since 1922 it has been home to the internationally respected Fruili Mosaic School which is responsible for mosaics at the Foro Italico Olympic swimming complex in Rome, and the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem. Alongside mosaics, the area specialises in the production of knives. The cutlery museum and knife factory are worth a visit.

Palmanova, a masterpiece of Friulian Military Architecture
Designed and built by the Venetians to defend the republic against the Ottaman invasion, this military town is built in the shape of a star with nine points. Its perfectly symmetrical form centres around a hexagonal piazza, with a Duomo and museum where you can learn about the civic history of Palmanova. If you are here on the 2nd Sunday in July, you can enjoy the historical re-enactment of the first time the Venetian flag was raised in the Piazza, complete with period costumes.

The border town of Gorizia with its medieval castles
Thanks to its geographical position, on the Italian and Slovenian border, Gorizia is influenced by mix of Latin, Slovenian and German influences. Medieval architecture blends with ancient castle turrets and battlements, the Baroque style of the Duomo, and the 19th century Habsburg palaces and private residences. With a backdrop of stunning landscapes, it is worth exploring the wider area. Highlights include Piuma Park on the banks of the River Isonzo, and the prestigious wineries and vineyards that cover the eastern hills of Fruili.