Discovering Friuli Venezia Giulia
Cividale del Friuli (UD): the fifteenth century cathedral and the important Christian Museum that houses the baptistry of Callisto. The main road descends from the cathedral towards the Natisone River and crosses it with the picturesque Devil’s Bridge.
Borgo Grotta Gigante (TS): The Giant Cave, recognized as the largest cavity in Europe, is found here (it could hold the entire cupola of St. Peter’s). It can be visited by walking along an interesting path, assisted by guides.
Passariano (UD): the sumptuous and elegant architectural complex of Villa Manin, home of the last doge of the Venetian Republic, Ludovico Manin (who retired here towards the end of the ‘700s), is situated near the village.
San Daniele (UD): situated on a hill, it allows us to embrace the entire Friulan plain and offers art treasures like the church of Sant’Antonio Abate, the cathedral and the Guarneriana library.
Other villages: Aviano, Nimis, Tarcento, Tenzone.
Tastes and flavors in Friuli Venezia Giulia
Cialzons: ‘agnolotti’ (sort of ravioli) with a spinach, raisin, candied citron, chocolate, cinnamon and smoked ricotta cheese filling, topped with butter, sugar and seasoned cheese from the Carnic Alps.
Cubana: typical cake made with pine nuts, grappa, milk, almonds, raisins, walnut kernels, candied citron and orange and Malaga wine.
Gnocchi de susin: large ‘gnocchi’ with a prune in the center, topped with butter, sugar and cinnamon.
Polente concia: a layer of polenta on the bottom of a baking dish, cheese and melted butter and then another layer of polenta to cover.
Wines: Amarone, Merlot, Picolit, Refosco, Tocai, Verduzzo.
Handicrafts in Friuli Venezia Giulia
Wrought iron: from clothes stands to oval mirrors to outdoor flower holders, to wall lamps of various shape, not to mention the wrought iron roses.
Leather working: traditional leather working with prestigious production of shoes and handbags.
Wood: items of all kinds are made with this material: trays, photograph frames, frames, gift items.
“San Daniele”: ‘prosciutto’ (ham) produced exclusively in the municipal district of San Daniele. Its long and careful processing yields a product with a typical “sweet” taste that is unique worldwide.
Friuli Venezia Giulia: eventi e manifestazioni
Sacile: third sunday August - Osei Festival. The oldest Italian ornithological exhibition where above all we can enjoy the unique sight of the ‘Chioccolo’ (Birdcall) contest, during which men challenge one another in the imitation of the songs of our feathered friends.
San Daniele: end of August - “Aria di Festa”, A international festival of the famous ‘prosciutto’, with tastings and gastronomic stands.
Tolmezzo: end of September - Apple Festival. There are many orchards in Carnia; the apple market exhibition and Bavarian product stands are planned.
Trieste: October - The Barcolana, or Autumn Cup. It fills the gulf with small white triangles and the show is best enjoyed from the surrounding hills.