Tucked away in the northeastern corner of Italy lies the region of Friuli-Venezia Giulia, a land of breathtaking beauty and rich history. From the snow-capped peaks of the Carnic Alps to the rolling hills of the Friulian countryside, this enchanting region is home to some of Italy’s most stunning towns and villages.
In this article, we’ll take you on a journey through 20 of the region’s most beautiful towns and villages, each with its own unique charm and character. Whether you’re an adventure-seeker, a foodie, or simply looking for a relaxing getaway, Friuli-Venezia Giulia has something to offer everyone.
1. Valvasone Arzene: A Medieval Gem
Located in the province of Pordenone, Valvasone Arzene is a medieval town that’s steeped in history and charm. Its narrow streets and picturesque piazzas are lined with ancient houses, porticos, and Renaissance palaces, making it a must-visit destination for anyone interested in history and architecture.
Valvasone Arzene has been inhabited since the Middle Ages, and its strategic location made it an important center of trade and commerce. Today, visitors can explore the town’s many historic buildings, including the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, which dates back to the 14th century.
2. Fagagna: A Village of Roman Roots
Fagagna is a village that’s been inhabited since Roman times, and its rich history is evident in its well-preserved medieval center. Visit the Museum of Rural Life to learn about the region’s traditional way of life, and explore the town’s many churches and historic buildings.
The village of Fagagna has a long history dating back to the 2nd century BC, when it was an important stopover for trade and commerce along the Roman road known as Via Julia. Today, visitors can still see many ancient ruins and artifacts, including the remains of a Roman theater.
3. Cordovado: A Town with Roman Roots
Cordovado is a charming town that dates back to Roman times, when it was built on the site of an ancient castrum. Today, visitors can explore its well-preserved medieval center, visit the Antica Pieve di Sant’Andrea, and sample some of the region’s famous specialties.
The town of Cordovado has a rich history dating back to the 2nd century BC, when it was an important center of trade and commerce. Today, visitors can still see many ancient ruins and artifacts, including the remains of a Roman theater.
4. Polcenigo: A Village of Strategic Importance
Polcenigo is a village that’s been strategically important since prehistoric times, when it was a key stopover for trade and commerce. Today, visitors can explore its narrow streets and historic buildings, visit the Chiesa di Ognissanti, and sample some of the region’s famous wines.
The village of Polcenigo has a long history dating back to the 5th century BC, when it was an important center of trade and commerce along the Roman road known as Via Claudia. Today, visitors can still see many ancient ruins and artifacts, including the remains of a Roman theater.
5. Venzone: A Fortress Town
Venzone is a fortress town that dates back to Roman times, when it was built as a key defense point against invaders. Today, visitors can explore its well-preserved medieval center, visit the Duomo di Venzone, and sample some of the region’s famous specialties.
The town of Venzone has a rich history dating back to the 2nd century BC, when it was an important center of trade and commerce. Today, visitors can still see many ancient ruins and artifacts, including the remains of a Roman theater.
6. Sesto al Reghena: A Village with Roman Roots
Sesto al Reghena is a village that dates back to Roman times, when it was built as a key stopover for trade and commerce. Today, visitors can explore its narrow streets and historic buildings, visit the Abbazia di Santa Maria in Silvis, and sample some of the region’s famous wines.
The village of Sesto al Reghena has a long history dating back to the 2nd century BC, when it was an important center of trade and commerce along the Roman road known as Via Julia. Today, visitors can still see many ancient ruins and artifacts, including the remains of a Roman theater.
7. Palmanova: A City of Ancient Roots
Palmanova is a city that dates back to the 16th century, when it was founded as a strategic defense point against the Ottoman Empire. Today, visitors can explore its well-preserved medieval center, visit the Duomo di Palmanova, and sample some of the region’s famous specialties.
The city of Palmanova has a rich history dating back to the 15th century, when it was an important center of trade and commerce. Today, visitors can still see many ancient ruins and artifacts, including the remains of a Roman theater.
8. Borgo di Clauiano: A Village of Roman Roots
Borgo di Clauiano is a village that dates back to Roman times, when it was built as a key stopover for trade and commerce. Today, visitors can explore its narrow streets and historic buildings, visit the Chiesetta medievale di San Marco, and sample some of the region’s famous wines.
The village of Borgo di Clauiano has a long history dating back to the 2nd century BC, when it was an important center of trade and commerce along the Roman road known as Via Claudia. Today, visitors can still see many ancient ruins and artifacts, including the remains of a Roman theater.
9. Gradisca d’Isonzio: A Fortress Town
Gradisca d’Isonzio is a fortress town that dates back to Roman times, when it was built as a key defense point against invaders. Today, visitors can explore its well-preserved medieval center, visit the Duomo di Gradisca, and sample some of the region’s famous wines.
The town of Gradisca d’Isonzio has a rich history dating back to the 2nd century BC, when it was an important center of trade and commerce. Today, visitors can still see many ancient ruins and artifacts, including the remains of a Roman theater.
10. Raveo: A Village with Ancient Roots
Raveo is a village that dates back to Roman times, when it was built as a key stopover for trade and commerce. Today, visitors can explore its narrow streets and historic buildings, visit the Santuario della Madonna di Raveo, and sample some of the region’s famous wines.
The village of Raveo has a long history dating back to the 2nd century BC, when it was an important center of trade and commerce along the Roman road known as Via Julia. Today, visitors can still see many ancient ruins and artifacts, including the remains of a Roman theater.
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11. Grado: A Seaside Town
Grado is a seaside town that’s known for its beautiful beaches and mild climate. Visitors can enjoy water sports, relax on the beach, or explore the town’s historic center, which features many Romanesque buildings and churches.
The town of Grado has a rich history dating back to the 10th century, when it was an important center of trade and commerce. Today, visitors can still see many ancient ruins and artifacts, including the remains of a Roman theater.
12. Lignano Sabbiadoro: A Coastal Village
Lignano Sabbiadoro is a coastal village that’s known for its beautiful beaches and lively nightlife. Visitors can enjoy water sports, relax on the beach, or explore the town’s historic center, which features many Romanesque buildings and churches.
The village of Lignano Sabbiadoro has a long history dating back to the 10th century, when it was an important center of trade and commerce. Today, visitors can still see many ancient ruins and artifacts, including the remains of a Roman theater.
13. Aquileia: A City of Ancient Roots
Aquileia is a city that dates back to Roman times, when it was an important center of trade and commerce. Today, visitors can explore its well-preserved ancient ruins, visit the Basilica di Santa Maria Assunta, and sample some of the region’s famous specialties.
The city of Aquileia has a rich history dating back to the 1st century BC, when it was founded by the Romans as a major trading center. Today, visitors can still see many ancient ruins and artifacts, including the remains of a Roman theater.
14. Cividale del Friuli: A Town with a Rich History
Cividale del Friuli is a town that’s known for its rich history and stunning architecture. Visitors can explore its medieval center, visit the Ponte del Diavolo, and sample some of the region’s famous wines.
The town of Cividale del Friuli has a long history dating back to the 5th century BC, when it was an important center of trade and commerce along the Roman road known as Via Claudia. Today, visitors can still see many ancient ruins and artifacts, including the remains of a Roman theater.
15. Tarvisio: A Village in the Alps
Tarvisio is a village located in the Carnic Alps, where visitors can enjoy skiing, hiking, and other outdoor activities. The village is also home to the Sanctuary of the Madonna del Lussari, which is an important pilgrimage site.
The village of Tarvisio has a long history dating back to the 15th century, when it was founded as a strategic defense point against invaders. Today, visitors can still see many ancient ruins and artifacts, including the remains of a Roman theater.
16. Sappada: A Mountain Village
Sappada is a mountain village that’s known for its stunning natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. Visitors can explore the village’s historic center, visit the museum etnografico “Giuseppe Fontana”, and enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking and skiing.
The village of Sappada has a long history dating back to the 16th century, when it was founded as a strategic defense point against invaders. Today, visitors can still see many ancient ruins and artifacts, including the remains of a Roman theater.
17. Sauris: A Small Town with a Big Heart
Sauris is a small town that’s known for its stunning natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. Visitors can explore the town’s historic center, visit the Chiesa di Sant’Osvaldo, and enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking and skiing.
The town of Sauris has a long history dating back to the 10th century, when it was an important center of trade and commerce. Today, visitors can still see many ancient ruins and artifacts, including the remains of a Roman theater.
18. Resia: A Village in the Pre-Alpine Alps
Resia is a village located in the Pre-Alpine Alps, where visitors can enjoy skiing, hiking, and other outdoor activities. The village is also home to many ancient traditions, including songs, dances, and dialects.
The village of Resia has a long history dating back to the 16th century, when it was founded as a strategic defense point against invaders. Today, visitors can still see many ancient ruins and artifacts, including the remains of a Roman theater.
19. Camporipoli: A Village in the Pre-Alpine Alps
Camporipoli is a village located in the Pre-Alpine Alps, where visitors can enjoy skiing, hiking, and other outdoor activities. The village is also home to many ancient traditions, including songs, dances, and dialects.
The village of Camporipoli has a long history dating back to the 16th century, when it was founded as a strategic defense point against invaders. Today, visitors can still see many ancient ruins and artifacts, including the remains of a Roman theater.
20. Dobbiaco: A Village in the Dolomites
Dobbiaco is a village located in the Dolomites, where visitors can enjoy skiing, hiking, and other outdoor activities. The village is also home to many ancient traditions, including songs, dances, and dialects.
The village of Dobbiaco has a long history dating back to the 16th century, when it was founded as a strategic defense point against invaders. Today, visitors can still see many ancient ruins and artifacts, including the remains of a Roman theater.
Whether you’re interested in history, architecture, or outdoor activities, Friuli-Venezia Giulia has something to offer everyone. From its medieval towns to its beautiful beaches and mountains, this region is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to experience the best of Italy.
