Discover Friuli Venezia Giulia

Friuli Venezia Giulia, where the Adriatic Sea meets the imposing Alps, is a cultural melting pot. The unique blend of Italian, Austrian, and Slovenian influences is reflected in its elegant architecture, rich cuisine, and vibrant traditions. From medieval Udine and the imperial splendor of Miramare to the coffee culture of Trieste, every corner of this region tells a captivating story.

Top Highlights of Friuli Venezia Giulia

Viennese flair on the Adriatic

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Piazza Unità d'Italia

Trieste

Visiting the main square, the largest square in Europe with open access to the sea, is a must in Trieste. Don't be surprised if the architecture reminds you of Vienna. Trieste was part of Austria until 1918, and the elegant palaces are built in the same architectural style as the Viennese Ringstrasse.

Eclectic castle of the Habsburgs

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Miramare Castle

Trieste

Situated majestically above the Adriatic Sea, the elegant Castello Miramare impresses with fantastic views. Visit the interior to gain truly surprising insights into the life of Archduke Maximilian. Here, you will learn more about Maximilian's dramatic downfall in Mexico and see his unique interior design. On the terrace right by the sea, you will be rewarded with fantastic photos, and the extensive, enchanting gardens invite you to linger.

Largest accessible cave in the world

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Grotta Gigante

Sgonico

Only 15 km from Trieste (near the village of Borgo Grotta Gigante), the Giant Cave with its imposing stalactite formations is definitely worth a visit. Listed in the Guinness Book of Records until 2010 as the world's largest show cave accessible to tourists, it attracts about 90,000 visitors annually with its amazing stalactites and stalagmites.

The best panoramic views of Trieste

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Castello di San Giusto

Trieste

High up on a hill, the Castello offers the best panoramic view over the rooftops of Trieste. The medieval castle from the 16th century has its roots in ancient Roman times. The castle museum showcases a beautiful weapons collection and offers interesting insights into the Roman and military history of the city.

How much time is needed? Plan for half a day to climb and visit the Castello and the Cathedral of Trieste.

Upon entering through the gate, look to the left: Here stand the original Moors Mikeze and Jakeze, who once adorned the town hall.

Tip: The castle is about a 30-minute walk from the old town. Those looking to save energy can use the elevator in the parking garage in the old town to get directly to the hill.

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Risiera di San Sabba

Trieste

The Risiera di San Sabba in Trieste was the only Nazi concentration camp on Italian soil with a crematorium. From 1943 to 1945, the former rice husking factory served as a police detention center, through which over 1,450 Jewish prisoners and numerous political detainees passed - most of whom were murdered here or deported to extermination camps like Auschwitz.

Simply stunning

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Basilica di Santa Maria Assunta

Aquileia

The Basilica of Santa Maria Assunta in Aquileia, built in the 4th century and repeatedly remodeled, is a UNESCO World Heritage site and impresses with one of the most extensive and best-preserved mosaic floors of the Western Roman Empire. It was discovered and uncovered beneath a medieval brick ceiling. It depicts scenes from the Old Testament and life at that time. Another highlight is the Campanile, built in the 11th century and later raised to 73 meters. From its top, you can enjoy a charming view of the surroundings.

Perfect for a hiking trip

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Fusine Lakes

Tarvisio

The Fusine Lakes, surrounded by the dense Tarvisio Forest and majestic mountains, offer a breathtaking postcard-like setting. The crystal-clear water reflects the mountain peaks, while hiking trails ranging from easy to challenging are suitable for both beginners and experienced hikers. There are several food stations, and numerous benches along the shores offer good resting spots. Particularly beautiful in autumn with the yellow-red leaves. A paradise for nature lovers and those seeking tranquility. Also suitable for families with children and dogs.

Venetian Fortress City

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Old town of Palmanova

Palmanova

Palmanova is a fascinating star-shaped fortress town from the Renaissance period, ideal for a half-day trip. The town, founded in 1593 by the Republic of Venice, impresses with its geometric perfection and symmetrical streets. Of course, you can only see this from the air. A walk through the town leads to the huge, seemingly oversized Piazza Grande, a hexagonal square surrounded by important buildings such as the Cathedral and the Governor's Palace. Markets and local festivals often take place here. The city walls and bastions also offer wonderful views of the surroundings.

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Udine Castle

Udine

Majestically, the Castello di Udine sits atop a Bronze Age hill in the historic center of the city. The current Renaissance structure was built between 1517 and 1567, after an earthquake destroyed the previous fortress, and was beautifully decorated by Giovanni da Udine, a student of Raphael.

Photo spot at the Grand Canal

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Grand Canal of Trieste

Trieste

The Canale Grande in Trieste, built in 1754, is small compared to Venice's famous canal at only 300 meters long, but still charming. Originally, it was intended for ships to sail directly into the city. Today, surrounded by historic buildings, the canal is a wonderful place for a stroll. The pedestrian bridge Passaggio Joyce is particularly popular for photos.

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Travel Information

Best Time to Visit Liguria

Liguria offers pleasant conditions year-round, but the best time to visit depends on your vacation plans. Spring and autumn are ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing, while summer is perfect for beach holidays.

Spring (March to May)

Spring is a wonderful time to visit. Temperatures gradually rise, averaging between 10°C and 20°C. The region comes to life with blooming flowers and mild weather, making it perfect for outdoor activities and exploration.

Summer (June to August)

Summer brings warm to hot weather, with temperatures ranging from 20°C to 30°C. July and August are the hottest months, with coastal temperatures around 25°C and inland areas reaching about 23°C. This is the best time for beach visits along the Adriatic coast. Keep in mind that thunderstorms can occur in the mountains if you plan on hiking.

Autumn (September to November)

Autumn offers mild temperatures between 10°C and 20°C. This season is perfect for experiencing the grape harvest and enjoying the autumn colors in the vineyards. In September and October, temperatures can still be pleasantly warm, but there's more rainfall, especially in November, the wettest month.

Winter (December to February)

Winter brings cooler temperatures, ranging from 0°C to 10°C. Snowfall in the mountains makes the region attractive for winter sports, while coastal areas have milder weather and rarely see snow. However, the icy Bora wind can make the area around Trieste less inviting during winter.

Getting There

Friuli Venezia Giulia is conveniently connected to neighboring Austria, Slovenia, and Croatia.

By Plane

The nearest international airports are Trieste (TRS) (Aeroporto Friuli Venezia Giulia) and Venice Marco Polo Airport. Both airports offer numerous international connections and are well integrated into the regional rail network.

By Train

Friuli Venezia Giulia is well-connected to the European rail network. The region's main train stations are located in Trieste, Udine, and Pordenone. Both the Austrian Federal Railways (ÖBB) and the Italian Trenitalia provide direct, comfortable connections.

From Austria: There are direct train routes from Vienna and Villach to Trieste.
From Slovenia: Direct trains from Ljubljana to Trieste take about 2 hours.

By Car

Driving into Friuli Venezia Giulia from Austria and Slovenia is straightforward via the A23 motorway (Alpe-Adria Motorway). Note that Austrian motorways require a vignette (see e.g., ÖAMTC). From Croatia, the E70 route is an option.

From Austria: The drive from Vienna to Trieste takes about 5 hours via the A2 and E61.
From Slovenia: Ljubljana is approximately a 1.5-hour drive from Trieste via the E61.
From Croatia: The drive from Zagreb to Trieste takes about 2.5 hours via the E70 and E61.

Traveling within the Region

By Train

The main train stations in Trieste, Udine, and Pordenone are well-served by regional and interregional trains, offering regular services to Venice, Verona, and Milan. Trenitalia and Italo provide frequent connections, including both high-speed and regional trains.

By Car

The A4 motorway connects Trieste with Venice and extends further west to Milan. The scenic roads through the Friuli hills and wine regions are particularly enjoyable for driving.

By Bus

The regional bus system is well-organized, connecting even smaller towns and villages. The main bus companies, SAF and Trieste Trasporti, ensure comprehensive coverage across the region.