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While the north and centre of Friuli-Venezia Giulia are characterised by the mountainous and hilly terrain of the Southern Carnic Alps, the autonomous region in the far northeast of Italy becomes increasingly flat towards the south, criss-crossed by numerous rivers and finally facing the Adriatic Sea and the Gulf of Trieste. In this area with special rights where, for example, the Friulian language and culture are preserved, there are some well-known cities, such as Trieste and Udine, but also many hidden treasures. The private association “I borghi più belli d’Italia” is dedicated to the most beautiful places in the country, of which there are eight in the south of Friuli-Venezia Giulia.

Clauiano

Our first stop takes us to Trivignano Udinese, just 15 kilometres southeast of Udine, where the Natisone and Torre rivers meet. The most beautiful place here, however, is the Frazione Clauiano (approx. 500 inhabitants), its name probably going back to the original landowner. With its stone buildings and gravelled roads, Clauiano conveys an exciting atmosphere of country life in the past. The oldest buildings in the town centre date back to the 15^th century; Casa Gardellini with its red and white façade decoration being the oldest house. The Chiesa di San Giorgio may only have been built in its current form in the 18^th century, but its roots go back much further. A particularly beautiful baptismal font is hidden inside. Numerous villas and (agricultural) estates, such as Villa Manin, the Palladini house and the Bosco estate, accompany your walk through the place.

Cordovado

Cordovado (approx. 2,500 inhabitant) was once surrounded by a massive medieval wall. Not much might remain of the 11^th century fortifications, but you can still feel the spirit of days gone by in every corner of this fascinating place. Many of Cordovado’s most important buildings can be found around the old castle, including the elegant Renaissance palace Palazzo Agricola, the magnificently frescoed Palazzo Bozza Marubini and the monumental, three-storey Palazzo Freschi Piccolomini with its large portal. A little further out, the pilgrimage church of Madonna delle Grazie seems to literally shine – a real jewel of baroque art with a gilded ceiling and stately paintings. Speaking of stately: the mighty Palazzo Cecchini is also worth a visit.

Gradisca d’Isonzo

Four eras have left their architectural mark on Gradisca d’Isonzo (approx. 6,400 inhabitants): the Venetian rule (15^th century), Austrian rule (17^th century), Habsburg rule (19th century) and the incorporation into the Italian Republic after the First World War. A huge fort, used as a prison in Austrian times, dominates the townscape (the Slovenian word “Gradisca” means “fortified place”). The former site of frontline between Austria and Italy during the terrible Isonzo battles is now best-known as a stunning place with numerous palaces that date back to the heyday of the Eggenberg family (1647 to 1717). Even today, you can still stroll along the Venetian city walls, originally designed by Leonardo da Vinci.

Palmanova

Palmanova in the south of Friuli-Venezia Giulia is an exciting UNESCO World Heritage Site, the town with its approx. 5,400 inhabitants being part of the Venetian works of defence of the 16^th and 17^th century. Unlike many other beautiful places, Palmanova was created as a so-called planned town and originally built as a fortress to protect the Republic of Venice from the Turks. in 1593  The fortified town held out until it was conquered by Napoleon’s troops around 200 years later. Today, you enter the star-shaped Palmanova with its width-regulated streets through one of three city gates and immediately get a glimpse of Piazza Grande, the heart of the town. Several churches, the city museum and the fascinating military museum should be on your itinerary, as well as a visit to the Palazzo del Provveditore Generale, the Santo Monte de Pietà and the Palazzo del Ragionato.

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Polcenigo

Situated in the lowlands on the Livenza river, Polcenigo (approx. 3,100 inhabitants) combines natural beauty with a charming village idyll. All kinds of old, narrow alleyways lead through the borgo, which was originally built around the fortress resting on a hill. However, little remains of the old castle complex after a fire, and it was converted into a Venetian villa in the mid-18^th century instead. Similar to so many other places throughout the region, all kinds of palaces accompany your tour of Polcenigo, including Palazzo Zaro, Palazzo Fullini and Palazzo Scolari-Salice. Several churches await you in throughout the place as well, including the 13^th century Chiesa di San Lorenzo, which was extensively renovated in later years, and the parish church of San Floriano on the hill with its prominent frescoes. A detour to the magnificent Gorgazzo spring is an absolute must!

Sesto al Reghena

One of the oldest monasteries in the region is located in Sesto al Reghena (approx. 6,300 inhabitants). Abbazia Santa Maria di Sesto was founded around 741 as a Benedictine monastery, and the town itself is probably of Roman origin. It is a surprisingly strongly fortified complex, originally surrounded by seven defence towers. Only one, from the 10^th or 11^th century, remains and flanks the Romanesque monastery chancery and the impressive campanile. An expressive portal and several frescoes adorn the three-nave basilica. Although the Abbazia lost importance after falling to the Republic of Venice in 1440, it remains an impressive place to visit. There are such places in Sesto al Reghena, including the small country church of San Pietro and the Venchieredo Fountain, which has been immortalised in several literary works.

Strassoldo

This tripr takes you close to the sea. Strassoldo (approx. 800 inhabitants) is part of the municipality of Cervignano del Friuli, one of the larger towns in Friuli-Venezia Giulia. Medieval charm with imperial undertones reigns in one of the most beautiful places in Italy. Two castles dominate Strassoldo – the upper and lower castle (Castello di sotto and Castello di sopra), and in the former you can spend the night in the unique Radetzky Suite (Michael Karl Maria Count of Strassoldo-Graffemberg was the Austrian imperial governor of Lombardy under Governor General Radetzky) with 500-year-old parquet flooring. Of course, this comes at a price, but the castles, which were built around the year 1000, are more than impressive enough in their own right. Ancient charm and vast gardens create a captivating symbiosis, combining rustic medieval features with baroque details. The Lombard stone cross in the Chiesa di San Nicolò in town centre bears witness to Strassoldo’s long history.

Valvasone Arzene

Only established on 1 January 2015 through the merger of the previously independent municipalities of Valvasone and Arzene, numerous churches and palaces line your tour of Valvasone Arzene (approx. 2,200 inhabitants), as they do in many other of the most beautiful places in southern Friuli-Venezia Giulia. The imposing cathedral, for example, built in the mid-15^th century and financed by donations from the population and the nobility, stands in Piazza Libertà. In addition to the late 19^th century neo-Gothic façade and numerous old treasures, the only surviving 16^th century Venetian organ in the whole of Italy that is still in working order can be found here. The old 13^th century castle is currently being extensively renovated, including a small theatre. The charming Chiesa di Santi Pietro e Paolo and the elegant Palazzo Fortuni neatly round off your visit.

The many attractions of the most beautiful places in the south of Friuli-Venezia Giulia are sure to inspire you too. A multitude of churches and palaces stand in almost magical harmony with the fascinating nature of the region. Old fortifications and even a monumental planned city with World Heritage status are also on your travel itinerary. That’s several good reasons to pay a visit or two to the northeast of Italy!

The extreme north-east of Italy is one of the newest national territories. Friuli and the remaining part of Venezia Giulia were incorporated comparatively late and retained many a special status. As an autonomous region, it enjoys special rights that preserve, among other things, the Friulian language and culture. In addition, the centuries-long influence of the Republic of Venice and the Austrian-Slovenian borderland can be seen and felt here. Fascinating nature and a wide coastal strip also underline the magical charm of this region, which is also evident in some of the most beautiful places in the country. The private association “I borghi più belli d’Italia” skilfully highlights these, and no less than five of them can be found in the north as well as in the centre of Friuli Venezia Giulia.

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Fagagna

Over the centuries, seven ancient hamlets grew together and formed a common village centre, from which Fagagna (approx. 6,000 inhabitants) emerged. Although the first documentary evidence dates back to 983, the roots of the borgo are probably Roman. We walk through Fagagna on old cobblestones, passing all kinds of quiet places and illustrious buildings. Some of them, such as the castle with the patriarchal palace as well as the former castle village, are now only ruins. The other great fortification of the region, the imposing Castello di Villalta, is privately owned and can only be visited from the outside. But even beyond these monumental buildings, one of the most beautiful places in Italy has a lot to offer. In the Cjase Cocèl Museum, a well-preserved farmhouse from the 17^th century, you can wonderfully experience the rural life of days long gone. Several palaces, such as the Palazzo della Comunità and Palazzo Pecile, are dedicated to fascinating architecture through the ages. A short tour of the seven local churches more than rounds off your visit.

Poffabro

Poffabro (approx. 200 inhabitants), a district of Frisanco in Val Colvera ever since a Napoleonic decree in 1810, now stands where once a Roman road crossed the Alps. What at first glance appears rather plain and unadorned, unfolds its very own, special aura over time. Poffabro’s rather minimalist architecture with exceedingly rough-cut stone buildings and wooden balconies even survived severe earthquakes. It is precisely this rather sober honesty of the townscape that will enchant you. Exactly the same applies to the Chiesa di San Nicolò Vescovo, which has been renovated and rebuilt many times over the centuries, with its shining white façade – relatively unspectacular and yet captivating. The interior is also modest, with only a 17^th century wooden altar and a few wooden sculptures by Giacomo Marizza. The neoclassical sanctuary Beata Vergine della Salute on the outskirts of the village also concentrates on the essentials and underlines the image of a borgo that is in inspiring harmony with its nature.

Sappada Vecchia-Plodn

There are many linguistic enclaves, especially in the Italian north. Sappada Vecchia, the highest-located village in Friuli Venezia Giulia, is also called Plodn in German (approx. 1,340 inhabitants), after the river Piave. Here, people speak a South Bavarian dialect, the so-called Plodarisch or Sappardino, which has a special status even among comparable German linguistic enclaves. The folk culture is also reflected in the appearance of the village, for example in the log architecture. Most of the buildings are made of wood, topped with shingles. Even newer houses rely on this construction method. Numerous old structures lead you through the different parts of the village. In Cottern, for example, you will find s’Krumpm, a house built at the end of the 17^th century, while Spanglar’s house in Cima Sappada, at an altitude of 1,300 m above sea level, has also managed to retain its original charm and can even be visited today. The baroque churches are also worth checking out. Elaborate, beautiful ceiling frescoes await you in both the parish church of St. Margherita as well as in the church of St. Oswald.

Toppo

This part of Travesio, also called Tòp or Tuppaz in local dialects, has been divided into two parts since the 13^th century. The river Gleria divides Toppo (approx. 400 inhabitants) into a western section around Pino and an eastern section with numerous Masi – building structures partly of medieval origin that roughly correspond to large old farm settlements. In the lush, diverse nature of Toppo, agriculture still plays a rather important role. This is demonstrated by excellent products such as the creamy, salty cheese Val Cosa, which is a must in omelettes from this region. Many of the Masi are furnished with small churches, frescoes and old wells and take you back to days long gone. Your walk through the western and eastern parts will take you to two palaces, that were once built from such farm settlements. The Palazzo dei Conti Toppo was once the result of a merger of several Masi – exactly how many and how many there actually were in total throughout Toppo is unknown today. The magnificent Palazzo Toppo-Wassermann with its 17^th century frescoes is certainly worth a visit.

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Venzone

A devastating earthquake hit large parts of Friuli on 6 May 1976. Together with an aftershock about four months later, large parts of Venzone (approx. 2,200 inhabitants) were destroyed. While the municipality planned on having the village rebuilt with prefabricated building components, a citizens’ committee’s idea eventually prevailed: the rubble was put back together the way it had been before the natural disaster. Thus, you not only experience Venzone as it once was, but also marvel at the will, the diligence and the dedication of a population that simply did not want to give up its home. Large parts of the Duomo di Sant’Andrea Aposolo (Cathedral of St. Andrew the Apostle), construction of which began as early as 1300, could also be reconstructed in this way. The magnificent building with its numerous frescoes and wooden statues is one of the undisputed highlights of the borgo. Historical mummies await you in the Cappella di San Michele, accompanied by Friulian frescoes. The imposing palace on the main square with its loggia and frescoes is now home to the town hall.

Particularly beautiful places await you in the north and in the heart of the region, and they could hardly be more different. Old agricultural structures, block construction, relentlessness, massive fortifications and charming minimalism furnish the beautiful, extremely diverse Friuli Venezia Giulia. The most beautiful places in this region in Italy’s northeast are an experience in their own it, and you can be right in the middle of it all!