Friuli-Venezia Giulia

Overview:

FRIULI VENEZIA GIULIA: In the far northeastern corner of Italy, is the Friuli Venezia Giulia region. Half of its territory is made up of mountains, with the remaining area flatland bordering the Adriatic Sea. Its capital city, at the region’s most easterly point, is Trieste, located on the Slovenian border and home to many shipyards. The highlighs of this region include the medieval villages of Portogruaro, Summaga, Sesto Al Reghena, and Aquileia (the Roman colony founded in 181 B.C. whose artifacts are displayed in the Museo Archeologico). Also Cividale del Friuli, another city of ancient Roman origins (founded by none other than Caesar himself), boasts an interesting museum located in the Palladio-designed Palazzo Pretorio. If you like art, Giambattista Tiepolo, Venice’s favorite 18th-century painter, is well represented in Udine, within the cathedral and Museo Diocesano. Gastronomic specialties: This region is home to some of the sweetest of prosciutto hams made in the town of San Daniele dei Friuli. Fine DOC regional wines including Pinot Bianco, Riesling, Riva Rossa, Carso Terreno, and Refosco come from this region (wine estates are concentrated around the hillsides of Gorizia).