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Index
- Valvasone Arzene, Pordenone
- Fagagna, Udine
- Cordovado, Pordenone
- Polcenigo, Pordenone
- Venzone, Udine
- Sesto al Reghena, Pordenone
- Palmanova, Udine
- Village of Clauiano, Trivignano Udinese
- Gradisca d’Isonzio, Gorizia
- Raveo, Udine
- Grado, Gorizia
- Lignano Sabbiadoro, Udine
- Aquileia, Udine
- Cividale del Friuli, Udine
- Tarvisio, Udine
- Sappada, Udine
- Sauris, Udine
- Resia, Udine
- Camporosso in Valcanale
- Strassoldo di Sopra, Udine
Photo of Tiesse. Among all the Italian regions, Friuli Venezia Giulia has always been a “land of passage”, the subject of migration and conflicts. This meant that the local populations gave life to settlements, which over the years have changed into magnificent villages.
Here are the most beautiful towns and villages in Friuli-Venezia Giulia !
NB : The following list is the result of a survey which actively involved the members of the Community. Over 10,000 users were asked to express 20 preferences, choosing from the proposals of the editorial staff.
1 – Valvasone Arzene, Pordenone
Photo by Sebi1. Located along the Tagliamento river, on the border between the provinces of Udine and that of Pordenone, Valvasone Arzene still retains important evidence of its medieval origin , which are worth a visit. The journey through time then continues through the streets of the historic center, where it will be possible to admire ancient medieval houses, arcaded houses and Renaissance palaces , and to taste the typical specialties of the place, based on cold cuts and cheeses.
Do not miss the Cathedral of Valvasone with the important organ.
- Ideal period for a visit : in spring on the occasion of the important organ festival; on 5 January various epiphanic fires are lit by a relay; the second week of September for the medieval re-enactment
- What to see in the city and its surroundings : Valvasone Castle, Church of San Pietro e Paolo, Cathedral of the Ss. Body of Christ, Ex convent of the Servants of Mary, Palazzo Comunale, Torre delle ore and Casarsa della Delizia (6.5 km)
- How to get there: Get directions
- Where to sleep: Hotels and b & b from € 30.00 per room – see the offers
2 – Fagagna, Udine
Photo of Alessio Milan. Already inhabited in Roman times , the village was officially born in the fourteenth century when, when the community residing in the castle and the five surrounding villages united.
The visit to the village must start from the town hall, from which you can reach the castle hill , and the community building. An obligatory stop is the museum of peasant life , housed in a typical Friulian residence, where the typical environments and customs of the place have been recreated. Once back in the village, it is compulsory to taste brovada and muset, a dish made with soured white turnips and cotechino.
- Ideal period for a visit : late May to late September, when temperatures are mild
- What to see in the city and its surroundings : Fagagna Castle, Villalta Castle, Church of San Leonardo, Parish Church of Santa Maria Assunta, Church of the Madonna di Tavella and San Daniele del Friuli (12 km)
- How to get there: Get directions
- Where to sleep: Hotels and b & b from € 35.00 per room – see the offers
3 – Cordovado, Pordenone
Photo of Teopmat. The village has origins dating back to the Roman period , when it was built on the remains of a Roman castrum. The outer circle of walls, in the late Middle Ages enclosed an internal space consisting of the bishop’s castle, in turn equipped with walls and moat with drawbridge.
The visit to the village cannot fail to start from the castle area , where it is possible to admire the imposing buildings and structures surrounded by greenery, and suggestive evidence of the medieval past of the village. At the end of the visit, it is recommended to stop at one of the local temptations that sell characteristic products, to taste the Spaccafumo, the traditional dessert of Cordovado.
- Ideal period for a visit : May to September when temperatures are mild. Always carry with you what is necessary to deal with the risk of rain
- What to see in the city and its surroundings : Ancient Pieve di Sant’Andrea, Sanctuary of the Madonna delle Grazie, Church of San Girolamo in Castello, Santa Maria di Campagna, Palazzo Freschi – Piccolomini, Palazzo Cecchini, Mainardi and Marzin, city of Portogruaro (9, 3 km)
- How to get there: Get directions
- Where to sleep: Hotels and b & b from € 40.00 per room – see the offers
4 – Polcenigo, Pordenone
Photo of Holapaco77. The strategic position of the Polcenighese territory and its natural resources have made this a suitable place for human settlements since prehistoric times: as evidenced by the various Neolithic finds , dating back to the Iron Age and also to the Roman era. The history of Polcenigo then continues into the Middle Ages, when I begin to boast a complex of fortified buildings, which partly survived wars and time, and are still visible today. The historical wonders to visit are by no means few therefore, it is advisable to start the visit from the Gorgazzo, the beautiful source, which otherwise you risk missing, taken from the historical path of the center.
- Ideal period for a visit : from May to September, especially during the Sagra dei Thest, the September event aimed at remembering the ancient craftsmanship of wicker, rush and raffia baskets
- What to see in the city and its surroundings : Church of Ognissanti, Sanctuary of the Santissima Trinita, castle, the historic center, archaeological site of Palu di Livenza; the sources of the Santissima and the Gorgazzo; San Floriano Park, Sacile (18.8 km)
- How to get there: Get directions
- Where to sleep: Hotels and b & b from € 45.00 per room – see the offers
5 – Venzone, Udine
Photo of Bjoertvedt. Holder of the office of Borgo dei Borghi for the year 2017 , and the best preserved fortified village in Friuli Venezia Giulia. Renovated after the earthquakes of 1976, today it still has large walls surrounded by a moat, and the three historic access gates. The heart of the entire village is the cathedral of Sant’Andrea Apostolo , an example of Gothic architecture as well as the town hall. The streets of Venzone are animated by the succession of sixteenth-century palaces and wonderful noble villas , which led some directors to shoot their films here: as in the case of Mario Monicelli and his “The Great War”.
- Ideal period for a visit : from May to September for the climate, the fourth weekend of October on the occasion of the pumpkin festival, a characteristic historical re-enactment
- What to see in the city and its surroundings : Venzone cathedral, Venzone mummies, Porta di Sotto, Porta di San Genesio, Palazzo Comunale, the nature reserves and Gemona del Friuli (11 km)
- How to get there: Get directions
- Where to sleep: Hotels and b & b from € 50.00 per room – see the offers
6 – Sesto al Reghena, Pordenone
The village of Sesto al Reghena owes its name to the combination of the river name, Reghena, and to its position at the sixth milestone along the passageway. Born in 2 BC, he soon saw the construction of a temple dedicated to the god Mars and the goddess Vesta , still visible in the modern abbey crypt. Following a restoration, which took place in 1960, the remains of a Roman domus were found under the floors of the sacristy and chapel, as proof of the strong bond of the village with the Roman-imperial world. Another place of “worship” is the Fountain of Venchieredo, at the center of some pages of the work “The confessions of an Italian”, by the writer Ippolito Nievo.
- Ideal period for a visit : from May to September, when temperatures are mild and rains rare, but not entirely absent
- What to see in the city and its surroundings : Abbey of Santa Maria in Silvis, Church of San Pietro, Villa Attimis-Freschi-Piccolomini, Fountain of Venchieredo, San Vito al Tagliamento (12 km)
- How to get there: Get directions
- Where to sleep: Hotels and b & b from € 40.00 per room – see the offers
7 – Palmanova, Udine
Photo of Lamberto Zannotti. It was founded on 7 October 1593, a date which, for the Venetian founders, was linked to two important events : the anniversary of Santa Giustina, patron saint of the new city, and the anniversary of Lepanto’s victory over the Turks. This last event was not chosen by chance as the Serenissima intended to convey a message on the function of the new fortress as a bulwark erected to protect Christianity.
Its particular hexagonal plan has earned the historic city the title of “National Monument”, conferred in 1960, while the fortress became part of the Unesco world heritage site , starting from 2017.
- Ideal period for a visit : in summer for the climate and various events; the month of October for the Friulian Flavors Fair; in December for the Christmas markets; on 7 October for the anniversary of the foundation of the Fortress
- What to see in and around the city : the three gateways to the city, Piazza Grande, Palmanova cathedral, civic museum, Udine (25 km)
- How to get there: Get directions
- Where to sleep: Hotels and b & b from € 40.00 per room – see the offers
8 – Borgo di Clauiano, Trivignano Udinese
Photo of Alecobbe. The village is of Roman origin and, over the centuries, has preserved its “rustic” nature practically intact. Entered in 2004 in the list of the most beautiful villages in Italy , Clauiano is characterized by a particular architecture, with houses and other buildings built entirely with stones. Clear demonstration of this particular style is Casa Gardellini, from the 15th century, considered the oldest in the village. This particular construction technique, and the architecture in general, is the main attraction of the village, together with Musetto and brovada, cotechino served with white turnips left to ferment in the marc.
- Ideal period for a visit : from April to September for the climate; April and May on the occasion of Pensieri e Sapori; the last weekend of September for the art competition Immaginare il tempo; April 25 for the Rogation and San Marco Festival
- What to see in the city and its surroundings : medieval church of San Marco, Palmanova (6.6 km), Aquileia (34.57 km)
- How to get there: Get directions
- Where to sleep: Hotels and b & b from € 49.90 per room – see the offers
9 – Gradisca d’Isonzio, Gorizia
Photo by Elisafranco. It was built by Venetian architects , with the aim of providing a point of defense against Turkish incursions. The settlement, in a few years, assumed such an importance that, in 1500, Leonardo da Vinci was sent there to develop the defense systems of the outpost. Today there are various testimonies of the most ancient period of Gradisca, including the castle , which in turn houses the famous La Serenissima Regional Enoteca, which cannot be missed if you are in the area.
- Ideal period for a visit : all seasons, provided that you are equipped for rain, which generally never fails in autumn and winter, and that you have chains on board, in order to avoid avoiding the risk of snow
- What to see in the city and its surroundings : cathedral, Palazzo Torriani, Palazzo Monte di pieta, House of the Venetian Provveditori, seat of the regional wine shop “La Serenissima”, Gradisca Castle, city walls, Fogliano Redipuglia (4.5 km)
- How to get there: Get directions
- Where to sleep: Hotels and b & b from € 75.00 per room – see the offers
10 – Raveo, Udine
Photo of Rollroboter. It is located within the inter-municipal park of the Carnic Hills , and is part of the “authentic villages of Italy”. The village has preserved within the inhabited center, a series of examples of ancient local architecture, which survived the 1976 earthquake. Several examples of these eighteenth-century overturns can be crossed simply by walking through the village. Also in Raveo the religious component is not lacking, represented by an ancient church, handed down as a place of apparition, and located along a path that led to the nearby human settlements.
- Ideal period for a visit : from May to September for the climate; in December during the Sapori di Carnia event
- What to see in the city and its surroundings : Cladonte waterfall, Sanctuary of the Madonna di Raveo, the former Hermitage of Mount Castellano, the House of Mian, the house of Ucel, the house of Medili
- How to get there: Get directions
- Where to sleep: Hotels and b & b from € 27.00 per room – see the offers
11 – Grado, Gorizia
Photo of totentanz. Once it belonged to the Habsburg Empire, today it presents itself as an elegant seaside town , also known as the “island of the sun”: its strategic position, in fact, allows its 3 kilometers of beaches to always be exposed to the sun and enjoy mild and pleasant temperatures .
But Grado is not only appreciated for its bathing activities, but also for the social life , which takes place within the elegant historic center and for the services also dedicated to families, such as the long cycle paths.
- Ideal period for a visit : in summer, to appreciate the beaches and to attend the festival of the Perdon of Barbana in July, an evocative procession of boats that reaches the sanctuary located on the island of Barbana
- What to see in the city and its surroundings : Campo dei Patriarchi, Basilica of Sant’Eufemia, Basilica of Santa Maria delle Grazie, Terme Marine
- How to get there: Get directions
- Where to sleep: Hotels and b & b from € 58.00 per room – see the offers
12 – Lignano Sabbiadoro, Udine
Photo by myself. It is a town characterized above all by its long sandy beach , which every summer is populated by locals and tourists: not only bathing and relaxation activities, but also numerous events, especially sports, such as beach volleyball tournaments.
Its center, then, lends itself to being very popular even during the evening and night, thanks to the windows of the luxurious shops and very trendy clubs. Among its hamlets, Lignano Riviera and Lignano Pineta, with numerous other equipped bathing establishments.
- Ideal period for a visit : in summer, when the beaches come alive with events and activities of all kinds
- What to see in the city and its surroundings : Piazza Fontana, the Red Lighthouse, Piazza Marcello d’Olivo
- How to get there: Get directions
- Where to sleep: Hotels and b & b from € 56.00 per room – look at the offers
13 – Aquileia, Udine
Photo of Lamberto Zannotti. The town is a pearl of Friuli Venezia Giulia and, therefore, included in the UNESCO World Heritage list . You can discover it comfortably with a guided tour of the city to fully discover its history.
Its position has given it the privilege of being one of the main cities of the Roman Empire. Today, it is frequently visited for the archaeological area , which also develops close to the river port, and for the remains of the important early Christian basilica, testimony of the centrality of the city with the arrival of Christianity.
- Ideal period for a visit : from March to October, when the beautiful days allow for a cultural walk
- What to see in the city and its surroundings : Basilica of Santa Maria Assunta, Heroes’ Cemetery, Meizlik Palace, Roman Forum, Basilica of the Patriarchs, National Archaeological Museum of Aquileia, Piazza Monastero, Paleochristian Museum
- How to get there: Get directions
- Where to sleep: Hotels and b & b from € 59.00 per room – see the offers
14 – Cividale del Friuli, Udine
Photo by Mattana. Also known only by the name Cividale, it is a village that also belongs to the Unesco World Heritage , thanks to its beauty and the vastness of points of interest that belong to it, testifying to the millenary history of the city. The symbol of Cividale, probably, is the Devil’s Bridge to which, due to its structure, a legend is linked: being placed on a natural rock, it is thought that the inhabitants asked the devil for help in its construction.
- Ideal period for a visit : it can be visited at any time of the year. Every fourth Sunday of the month an international market is held, called Il Baule del Diavolo
- What to see in the city and its surroundings : National Archaeological Museum, Christian Museum, Museum of the Great War, Devil’s Bridge, Lombard Temple, Cathedral “ Santa Maria Assunta ”, Medieval House, Celtic hypogeum, Canussio Castle, Vittorio Podrecca International Center, Town Hall
- How to get there: Get directions
- Where to sleep: Hotels and b & b from € 50.00 per room – see the offers
15 – Tarvisio, Udine
Photo of Doremo. A few steps from Slovenia and Carinthia, the city of Tarvisio is surrounded by a forest of more than 24,000 hectares, which can be used both in summer and in winter. But Tarvisio is not only appreciated for sporting activities , but also as an important pilgrimage destination, thanks to the presence of the Sanctuary of the Madonna del Lussari , where an apparition is said to have occurred.
- Ideal period for a visit : in the winter months for ski lovers, and in the summer for trekking and mountain biking enthusiasts
- What to see in the city and its surroundings : Sanctuary of the Madonna del Lussari, Fusine lakes, Montasio plateau, Sella Nevea ski center, Julian Prealps Natural Park
- How to get there: Get directions
- Where to sleep: Hotels and b & b from € 70.00 per room – see the offers
16 – Sappada, Udine
Photo of Tiesse. It is a purely tourist mountain community, which belongs to the Magnificent Community of Cadore, although not historically linked to it. It boasts a historic center inserted among the most beautiful villages in Italy and is composed of 15 villages , each of them characterized by buildings with typical architecture and small chapels . The strength of Sappada, however, remains its uncontaminated nature.
- Ideal period for a visit : in the winter for skiing, in the summer for naturalistic excursions
- What to see in the city and its surroundings : “Giuseppe Fontana” ethnographic museum, House Museum of Peasant Civilization, Small Museum of the Great War, Cascatelle di Mulhbach, Olbe lakes, Piave springs, Alpine Fauna Park, Monte Ferro
- How to get there: Get directions
- Where to sleep: Hotels and b & b from € 70.00 per room – see the offers
17 – Sauris, Udine
Photo by Johann Jaritz. One of the smallest villages in Friuli Venezia Giulia, it is a very popular village not only for its architecture and its nature, but above all for its ham . It is divided into Sauris di Sopra and Sauris di Sotto, each of the two hamlets with a very important church. Thanks to a full calendar of events and the possibility of practicing the most diverse sports and activities, it is popular in every season of the year .
- Ideal period for a visit : when the Carnival of Sauris is celebrated, between February and March, or in summer, in conjunction with the Ham Festival
- What to see in the city and its surroundings : Lake Sauris, Church of Sant’Osvaldo, church of San Lorenzo
- How to get there: Get directions
- Where to sleep: Hotels and b & b from € 90.00 per room – see the offers
18 – Resia, Udine
Photo of Ziga. It is the real heart of the Pregiulie Alps National Park and, therefore, an ideal destination for all fans of alpine sports , both winter and summer. But the town is a point of interest above all for its intangible heritage , given by ancient traditions, such as songs, dances and dialects. The architectural heritage is also an object of interest, although many of the typical buildings were destroyed by an earthquake.
- Ideal period for a visit : from May to September for the climate; in February for the typical Resiato Carnival, known as Pust in the local language
- What to see in the city and its surroundings : Pieve di Prato, Casa Longhino, Casa Lettig, Ecomuseum of Val Resia, Ethnographic Museum of the People of Val Resia, Museo dell’Arrotino, Dairy of San Giorgio
- How to get there: Get directions
- Where to sleep: Hotels and b & b from € 60.00 per room – see the offers
19 – Camporosso in Valcanale
Photo by Johann Jaritz. It is a very small mountain village in the Tarvisio area, located in the middle of the Val Canale.
It is characterized by picturesque houses and enchanting landscapes. Given its ancient origin, the town retains an artistic-cultural value that allows you to discover its history. Do not miss the Antiquarium , the main museum, where numerous finds from the Romanesque period are preserved.
Its geographical position is the greatest wealth. In fact, winter becomes an important ski area and summer becomes an ideal destination for trekking and nature loversbetween Lake Fusine, connected by enchanting itineraries, and Val Saisera, with imposing peaks. On the road that leads to Sella Nevea, Lago del Predil appears like a pearl in the mountains, where you can go sailing and kayaking. In short, a village full of resources!
- Ideal period for a visit : winter because it is a ski destination, summer for trekking and lakes
- What to see in the city and its surroundings : Tarvisio, Monte Santo di Lussari, Fusine lakes, Predil lake, Sella Nevea Park
- How to get there: Get directions
- Where to sleep: Hotels and b & b from € 60.00 per room – see the offers
20 – Strassoldo di Sopra, Udine
Photo by stefano Merli. The village is known above all for its castle , true testimony of the historical events in which the town participated, including the marriage of General Radetzky and Francesca Romana. Inside the building, there are very rich environments, which tell the past of the families who lived there.
- Ideal period for a visit : in spring and autumn, when the events organized in the Castle are open to the public
- What to see in the city and its surroundings : Castello di Sopra with its garden, church of San Nicolo, Porta Cistigna
- How to get there: Get directions
