Complete Guide to Friuli-Venezia Giulia (2025)

Friuli-Venezia Giulia, located in the northeastern corner of Italy, is an intriguing and diverse region that often escapes the typical tourist itinerary. Bordered by Austria and Slovenia, and close to Croatia, the region forms a large amphitheater between the mountains and the head of the Adriatic Sea. Despite being the fifth smallest region in Italy, Friuli-Venezia Giulia offers a wide range of landscapes, from coastlines to the final section of the Alps, making it a destination worth exploring.

The region is divided into four provinces: Udine, Gorizia, Trieste, and Pordenone. Trieste, the regional capital, is a historic port city on the Adriatic Coast, renowned for its impressive Castle Miramare. Friuli-Venezia Giulia enjoys autonomous status, allowing it to preserve its unique cultural blend of Italian, Slavic, and Austrian influences, evident in its cuisine and traditions.

The regional airport serves flights from the UK, making it accessible for international visitors. Friuli-Venezia Giulia can also be easily combined with tours of the neighboring Veneto region.

The diverse geography of Friuli-Venezia Giulia includes coastal areas and mountainous regions, offering opportunities for both beachgoers and winter sports enthusiasts. The largest ski resort in the region, Tarvisio-Monte Lussari, features 15 miles (25 km) of ski runs, attracting winter sports lovers.

Besides mountain excursions, visitors can explore the historic cities of Udine and Trieste. The region is also famous for producing some of Italy’s best white wines and grappas. With its varied landscapes, rich history, and cultural influences, Friuli-Venezia Giulia is a destination that promises a unique and enriching experience.

Cities of Friuli-Venezia Giulia

Trieste

Visiting Trieste offers a unique blend of Italian charm and Central European influence, making it a fascinating destination for travelers. Located at the crossroads of Italy, Slovenia, and Austria, Trieste boasts a rich history and diverse cultural heritage. The city’s stunning architecture reflects its past under the Austro-Hungarian Empire, with grand neoclassical buildings, elegant squares, and a beautiful waterfront promenade. Piazza Unità d’Italia, one of Europe’s largest sea-facing squares, is the heart of Trieste, offering breathtaking views of the Adriatic Sea and a vibrant atmosphere with its cafes and restaurants.

Beyond its architectural beauty, Trieste is a city of intellectual and literary significance, famously associated with writers like James Joyce and Italo Svevo. Visitors can explore the city’s many museums, such as the Revoltella Museum of Modern Art and the Museo del Mare, which celebrate Trieste’s artistic and maritime heritage. The city’s unique blend of cultures is also reflected in its cuisine, where Italian flavors meet Austrian and Slovenian influences. Whether you’re strolling along the picturesque canals, visiting the majestic Miramare Castle, or enjoying a cup of coffee in one of the historic cafes, Trieste offers a rich, multifaceted experience that captures the spirit of this extraordinary city.

View our Trieste Guide

Udine

Visiting Udine, located in the northeastern region of Friuli Venezia Giulia, Italy, offers a journey through a city rich in history, art, and culture. Udine is known for its charming old town, where Venetian influence is evident in its architecture and layout. The city’s centerpiece is the stunning Piazza della Libertà, often referred to as the most beautiful square in the region, featuring Renaissance-era buildings like the Loggia del Lionello and the Torre dell’Orologio, reminiscent of Venice’s famous clock tower. Visitors can also explore the historic Udine Castle, perched on a hill overlooking the city, which now houses museums that showcase the region’s art and history.

Beyond its historical sites, Udine is a vibrant, modern city with a thriving cultural scene. The city is known for its lively piazzas, where locals gather to enjoy the traditional “aperitivo” and socialize. The food in Udine reflects the region’s unique blend of Italian, Austrian, and Slovenian influences, with local specialties like frico (a cheese and potato dish) and delicious wines from the surrounding vineyards. Visiting Udine provides an authentic experience of northern Italian life, offering a perfect blend of history, culture, and culinary delights in a welcoming and picturesque setting.

View our Udine Guide

Cividale del Friuli

CC BY-SA 4.0 / Sirleonidas

Cividale del Friuli, a picturesque town in Italy’s northeastern region, offers a captivating blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. Founded by Julius Caesar as a Roman colony in 50 BC, the town’s historic center, now a UNESCO World Heritage site, showcases a remarkable array of medieval and Renaissance architecture. Key landmarks such as the Tempietto Longobardo, an exquisite example of Lombard art, and the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, known for its stunning frescoes, invite exploration through narrow cobblestone streets. Each turn in the town reveals a connection to its rich past, with charming squares and traditional Friulian houses adding to its historical charm.

The natural beauty surrounding Cividale del Friuli enhances its appeal. The town lies along the banks of the Natisone River, offering picturesque views and scenic walking paths that highlight the area’s lush landscape. A highlight is the Ponte del Diavolo, or Devil’s Bridge, which provides breathtaking vistas of the river and surrounding greenery. In addition to its historical and natural attractions, Cividale del Friuli is also celebrated for its culinary traditions, with local restaurants offering traditional Friulian dishes and excellent regional wines. Whether drawn by history, nature, or gastronomy, visitors find a serene and enriching experience in this charming corner of Friuli Venezia Giulia.

View our Cividale del Friuli Guide

History of Friuli-Venezia Giulia

Prehistoric Times in Friuli-Venezia Giulia

The history of Friuli-Venezia Giulia dates back to prehistoric times, with evidence of human settlements from the Paleolithic and Mesolithic periods. Archaeological sites in the region show that its early inhabitants used the fertile plains and rivers for hunting and gathering, while also practicing early forms of agriculture during the Neolithic period. By the Bronze Age, more complex societies began to emerge, and the region was home to the Illyrians, an ancient Indo-European group that inhabited much of the western Balkans.

Friuli-Venezia Giulia in the Roman Period

In the 2nd century BCE, the Romans began their expansion into the area, and Friuli-Venezia Giulia became part of the Roman Empire. The region was important for its strategic location as a crossroads between Italy and the northern territories of Europe. Aquileia, one of the major Roman cities in the region, became an important port and military base, with extensive infrastructure including roads, aqueducts, and public buildings. Trieste also grew in importance during Roman times, and the legacy of Roman architecture can still be seen in the ruins and artifacts found throughout the region.

Friuli-Venezia Giulia in the Middle Ages

After the fall of the Roman Empire, Friuli-Venezia Giulia was invaded by various Germanic tribes, including the Ostrogoths and Lombards. In the 8th century, the region was incorporated into the Byzantine Empire, and later came under the control of the Franks. The Carolingian Empire had a strong influence on the region during the 9th century, and by the early Middle Ages, it was a part of the Holy Roman Empire. During this time, the region saw the rise of small feudal states, including the Patriarchate of Aquileia, which governed much of the area.

Friuli-Venezia Giulia in the Renaissance and Early Modern Periods

During the Renaissance, Friuli-Venezia Giulia experienced a period of cultural and economic growth. Trieste became a key center for trade, as it was part of the Austrian Empire, and its harbor grew in importance. The region was ruled by various powers over the centuries, including the Venetians, who controlled much of the coastal area, and the Austrians, who established a lasting presence in the region. The Venetian Republic left a significant mark on the region’s architecture and culture, particularly in Trieste and Gorizia, with Venetian-style buildings still visible today.

Friuli-Venezia Giulia in the 19th Century

The 19th century was a time of significant political change for Friuli-Venezia Giulia. In 1866, the region was incorporated into the newly unified Kingdom of Italy after being part of the Austrian Empire. The region underwent industrialization, particularly in its towns and port cities like Trieste, which became an important industrial and commercial hub. During this period, the region’s identity was shaped by its unique blend of Italian, Austrian, and Slavic influences. The region also faced challenges with political unrest, as various nationalist movements sought to assert control.

Friuli-Venezia Giulia in the 20th Century

The 20th century was a time of upheaval for Friuli-Venezia Giulia. Following World War I, the region was ceded to Italy from Austria, and it became a focal point for the effects of the Treaty of Saint-Germain. During World War II, the region was heavily affected by the conflict, with Trieste serving as an important port for the Allies and later being the site of tense post-war negotiations. After the war, Friuli-Venezia Giulia became a focal point for the issue of Italian-Slavic relations, with the region’s Slavic population and the status of Trieste continuing to be a source of political tension.

Contemporary Friuli-Venezia Giulia

Today, Friuli-Venezia Giulia is known for its rich cultural diversity, influenced by its history of different rulers and populations. The region is a blend of Italian, Slavic, and Austrian heritage, visible in its architecture, cuisine, and traditions. Trieste is an important cultural and intellectual center, known for its literary history and as a hub for scientific research. Friuli-Venezia Giulia remains an economic powerhouse, with a strong presence in manufacturing, agriculture, and tourism. The region also continues to be a focal point for cross-cultural exchange, drawing visitors from around the world to experience its unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty.