Plan a trip to Friuli Venezia Giulia

Friuli-Venezia Giulia, situated in the northeastern part of Italy, shares borders with Serbia to the east and Austria to the north. This region boasts a Mediterranean climate and geographical diversity, with the majestic Dolomite Alps to the north and the serene waters of the Adriatic Sea in the south.

The Isonzo River, known as the Soča River in Slovenian, flows through the heart of Friuli-Venezia Giulia. It is an important river that played a pivotal role in history, particularly during the First World War, where it bore witness to harrowing battles between the Italian forces and the Austro-Hungarian army. The prolonged conflicts claimed the lives of hundreds of thousands of soldiers from both sides.

The history of the area can be traced back to ancient times, when various tribes, including the Celts, inhabited it. Subsequently, the Romans conquered the region and established several important settlements. However, after the fall of the Roman Empire, the area endured repeated invasions by various barbarian tribes. In the 6th century, the Lombards eventually settled there.

The charming port city of Trieste, the region’s capital, is home to many of the region's most prominent sites. The city boasts a fascinating blend of architectural influences from Italy, Austria, and Slovenia, reflecting its diverse cultural heritage, and it is known for its elegant architecture, vibrant cafe culture, and breathtaking sea views.

Union Square, Piazza Unità d'Italia, is one of Europe's grandest squares. It is adorned with an impressive array of surrounding buildings, including palaces, an opera house, and a town hall, and it offers a picturesque view of the docks and the glistening sea.

Perched dramatically on a cliff overlooking the Gulf of Trieste, Castello di Miramar is a Neo-Renaissance masterpiece, commissioned for Archduke Ferdinand Maximilian of Habsburg and his wife, Charlotte of Belgium. The castle has charming English gardens with exotic plant species, and guided tours offer a glimpse into the opulent living quarters of the royal couple with their fine furnishings and works of art. The castle also offers a panoramic view of the sea.

Castello di San Giusto, the remarkable medieval citadel, graces a hilltop with commanding views over the city. There are guided tours available of the recreated rooms and an armory with an impressive display of medieval weapons. There is a breathtaking view of the picturesque city of Trieste and the shimmering shores of the bay from the castle’s highest point.

Nearby, Trieste Cathedral, also known as Cattedrale di San Giusto, is an impressive architectural masterpiece dating back to the 14th century. Its facade blends Romanesque and Gothic features, and the cathedral’s interior is decorated with intricate details and colorful Byzantine-style mosaics.  

Molo Audace, famously known as the "bold pier," stretches gracefully into the Adriatic Sea, offering a magnificent panoramic view of the city and its surrounding piers.

Trieste proudly boasts well-preserved Roman ruins, including an ancient theater dating back to the 1st century AD. Visitors can explore the archaeological site, which occasionally also serves as a venue for concerts and events.

Another Roman treasure, the Romano Theater, which was discovered by chance in 1938, is a 2nd century relic. Its impressive 3,500 seats remain, and it is still used today for performances and events.

Civico Museo Revoltella (the Revoltella Museum) is a contemporary art museum that houses an impressive collection of modern and contemporary artworks, including paintings and sculptures. The museum's lower floors display exquisite furniture and decorative art from the time when Revoltella himself owned the building.

Trieste boasts its own version of the Grand Canal lined with colorful buildings and charming cafes. It is a lovely place to stroll and enjoy the lively atmosphere.

For coffee enthusiasts, Trieste’s renowned coffee culture offers a delightful experience. Historic cafes like Caffè degli Specchi and Caffè San Marco are highly recommended. To savor the coffee’s full flavors, there is a local tradition of drinking the accompanying glass of water before taking a sip of the coffee, ensuring that you first cleanse your palate of any other tastes.

Here are several recommended highlights of a trip to Friuli-Venezia Giulia:

Aquileia, the grandest Roman city at the height of the empire, boasted a thriving population of about 100,000 inhabitants. Today, its archaeological sites remain remarkably well preserved, and the National Archaeological Museum of Aquileia houses thousands of artifacts from that era. The magnificent cathedral is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Cividale del Friuli, a historic town from the Lombard era, is home to the Longobard Temple, an exceptional UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Grotta Gigante is one of the largest caves in the world, offering an incredible underground journey. Spanning just over a half mile, the cave’s route includes approximately 500 steps and an artificial tunnel leading to a depth of close to 328 feet below the surface. The guided tours explain about the diverse rock formations, stalactites, and shafts that reach a depth of about 820 feet.

Nestled in the picturesque Alps, Sauris is a charming alpine village renowned for its delectable smoked meats and breathtaking scenery. The village's distinct local dialect, Saurano, blends German vernacular with a Tyrolean influence, adding to its unique and enchanting ambiance.

Grado, a popular seaside resort town, welcomes visitors with its sandy beaches, historic old town, charming canals, and delectable cuisine. This idyllic destination offers the perfect setting for a relaxing vacation.

Palmanova is a fortress city from the time of the Republic of Venice in the late 16th century. Designed and built in the shape of a star, its water shafts and formidable walls transform the city into a citadel.

Gorizia, nestled on the border with Slovenia, seamlessly blends Italian and Slovenian cultures. It is a medieval castle town and home to a museum that combines a collection of original furniture with reproductions of weapons and siege tools, offering a glimpse into the town's intriguing past.

The Friulian Dolomites are part of the Italian Alps, and their towering peaks, reaching over 8858 feet, provide outstanding routes for hiking, skiing, and winter sports.

Don’t miss out on the delightful Prosciutto di San Daniele, a pork delicacy that is produced by 31 local factories in the town of San Daniele under strict standards.

For wine enthusiasts, the Collio wine region is known for its excellent white wines. There are vineyard tours and wine tastings available among the surrounding 1500 acres of vineyards that cover the surrounding hills.