Quick Look at Friuli-Venezia Giulia

Quick Look at Friuli-Venezia Giulia

Never heard of it - so where is it?

Friuli-Venezia Giulia (FVG) is a region located in the north eastern part of Italy, on the border with and within a short driving distance from Slovenia, Croatia and Austria. It overlooks the Adriatic Sea and is surrounded by high mountains, enclosing a variety of beautiful landscapes within a few short kilometers. The coastline has long sandy beaches and popular sea resorts such as Grado and Lignano Sabbiadoro. From Monfalcone to Trieste the coast is rockier with dramatic cliffs and scenic bays of blue transparent waters.

In contrast is the hilly area of Collio which borders with Slovenia, renowned for its fine wines and golf courses. Friuli-Venezia Giulia is unique in that it has absorbed the rich cultural heritage of Italy, Slovenia and Austria to form a blend of traditions, languages and food which bring great pride to those living here.

How to get there?

The region is easily accessible by national and international flights arriving daily at Trieste Airport. Alternative airports are located in Ljubljana (SLO), Venice and Treviso. There is also an extensive motorway network which is well maintained and connects directly with Venice, Verona and Milan.

Why go?

This diverse and beautiful landscape, between mountains and sea, welcomes visitors from all over the world, not only for its rich history and culture, but also to enjoy skiing, beautiful beaches, shopping, golf, excellent wines and the warm welcome of the Italian people. From the fine sandy beaches of Grado to the breathtaking views of the Italian Alps, Friuli-Venezia Giulia caters for the most demanding visitors all year round.

Take a trip to the city of Trieste with its monumental, sea-facing main square and its historic cafes once frequented by Joyce and Kafka, or visit the city of Udine, with its noble architecture and elegant shops. Along the coast you can admire the scenic castles of Miramare and Duino or visit the ancient city of Aquileia (UNESCO), founded by the Romans and rich in archaeological remains. Of particular charm is the historic center of Grado with its multiple squares in Venetian style and the beautifully rich decoration of its early Christian churches.

What is there to do there?

The region offers many opportunities for a healthy and enjoyable lifestyle. The mountains are ideal for skiing, snowboarding, hiking and climbing, with the towns of Tarvisio, Ravascletto, and Sauris offering kilometers of prepared slopes during winter. The seaside towns of Grado and Lignano allow you to spend relaxing days playing beach volleyball, water skiing and wind surfing, with thermal baths offering multiple treatments for health and beauty. The second Sunday of October hosts the spectacular regatta ‘Barcolana’ in the Gulf of Trieste. From the mountains to the sea, whether your passion is history, architecture, gastronomy or sport, living ‘La Dolce Vita’ awaits you.

Food: fabulous dishes and acclaimed wines...

The uniqueness of the regional cuisine stems from its blend of Italian and Central European influences. It varies from freshly caught fish to San Daniele ham and polenta and game. In the Alpine area of Carnia you can ancient city of Aquileia (UNESCO), founded by the Romans and rich in archaeological remains. Of particular charm is the historic center of Grado with its multiple squares in Venetian style and the beautifully rich decoration of its early Christian churches. 

What is there to do there?

The region offers many opportunities for a healthy and enjoyable lifestyle. The mountains are ideal for skiing, snowboarding, hiking and climbing, with the towns of Tarvisio, Ravascletto, and Sauris offering kilometers of prepared slopes during winter. The seaside towns of Grado and Lignano allow you to spend relaxing days playing beach volleyball, water skiing and wind surfing, with thermal baths offering multiple treatments for health and beauty. The second Sunday of October hosts the spectacular regatta ‘Barcolana’ in the Gulf of Trieste. From the mountains to the sea, whether your passion is history, architecture, gastronomy or sport, living ‘La Dolce Vita’ awaits you.

So what property can I buy there?

From Trieste to Udine or Gorizia to Pordanonne, Friuli-Venezia Giulia is filled with beautiful period villas and farmhouses. The market is a now gaining international momentum with buyers from as far as Australia and India expressing interest in this buyers’ market. A refurbished twobedroom apartment with garden, set within the grounds of Castello Di Gorizia, for a mere €98,000. Perhaps, a more exclusive neo-classic villa in Trieste, built in 1836 and featuring seven bedrooms, six bathrooms and beautiful sea views at €2m.

Alternatively, a traditional farmhouse with annexe consisting of seven bedrooms and five bathrooms as well as 9,530 sq m of agricultural land adjacent to the beautiful hills of Collio costs €600,000. Von Urban, in association with Ferigutti and Vecchi Architects of Gradisca d’Isonzo, have a diverse selection of affordable homes ready for property hunters.

Liz Rowlinson

Author

<em>Originally published in the A Place in the Sun magazine - Issue 127</em>