Home /
Location Guide /
Friuli-Venezia Giulia
One of the autonomous north-east regions of Italy, Friuli-Venezia Giulia, is bounded by the Veneto region on the west, the borders of Austria and Slovenia to the north and east as well as the seas of the Adriatic to the south.
The name Friuli-Venezia Giulia has Roman origins, with ‘Friuli’ based on ‘Forum Julii,’ the Latin name of ancient city of Cividale and ‘Giulia’ came from gens Julia to which belonged Julius Caesar.
The region serves as a natural opening to the sea for many Central European countries, welcoming major transport routes between the east and west of southern Europe.
The four provinces of the region of Friuli-Venezia Giulia are Gorizia, Pordenone, Trieste and Udine. The regional capital of Trieste whose shipyards form an important part in the history of the region’s industry, as well as the vineyards that produce wine and grappa.
During the reign of the Austrian Hapsburg empire, Trieste was declared a free port and quickly became Middle Europe’s gateway to the East. Today, its spacious boulevards, handsome buildings and vaguely dowdy magnificence make it something of a Vienna-By-The-Sea.
Although part of Italy, apart from the Italian language, locals also speak Fruijilian and Slovenian. Slovenian is more often spoken in the eastern parts of the provinces of Trieste and Gorizia, as well as in the Resia valley and in the upper valleys of the rivers Torre and Natisone, with many villages having both Italian and Slovenian names
As part of its staunch Roman history, visitors are invited to take a day trip to the Aquileia, the well-preserved ruins of a strategic ancient outpost. Founded in 181 BC, it remains the most important archeological site in northern Italy. The basilica preserves western Europe's finest early Christian mosaics in the form of an unforgettable 700 square-yard pavement as well as the crypt’s stunning Byzantine frescoes in the crypt.
