1. Aquileia
Aquileia, not large in size, is nevertheless a very important city of the Roman Empire and since 1998 also a UNESCO site. Here you will find one of the most important early Christian monuments in Italy, the Basilica of St. Peter and Paul, famous for its magnificent mosaics from the 4th century.
2. Cividale del Friuli
Founded by Julius Caesar, Cididale del Friuli is famous for its cathedral treasures and archaeological museum. It is home to the Temple of Longobardo, also known as the Tempietto Longobardo, which is one of the best preserved examples of Longobardic architecture in Italy.
Also worth mentioning are the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta with its beautiful Baroque decoration and museum containing rare religious artifacts, and the Devil's Bridge.
3. Trieste
Trieste (Trieste) is a lively port city on the shores of the Adriatic Sea. Today it is home to a renowned university. Trieste is full of people, modern shops and Mediterranean atmosphere. A must-see here is the romantic Miramare Castle, built in the 19th century by Archduke Ferdinand Maximilian of Habsburg and surrounded by beautiful gardens.
The Cathedral of San Giusto, with its magnificent mosaics and the adjacent archaeological sites of Roman origin, dominates the town.
4. Udine
Udine is a picturesque city in northeastern Italy that boasts a rich history, elegant Renaissance buildings and a lively atmosphere with attractive cultural and gastronomic experiences. Here you will find a historic castle that now hosts several museums, including the Art History Gallery and the Archaeological Museum.
You should also visit Piazza Libertà, a historic square with Renaissance buildings such as the Loggia del Lionello and the Torre dell'Orologio (clock tower).
5. Gorizia
Gorizia enchants with its historic architecture, beautiful views of the Soca River and a unique blend of Italian and Slovenian influences. Worth mentioning is the medieval Gorizia Castle, which offers magnificent views of the town and the surrounding area, as well as museum exhibitions on the history of the castle and the region.
The Baroque Church of St. Ignatius, with its rich interior decoration and beautiful facade, is not to be missed.
6. Palmanova
Palmanova is an enclosed fortress town. Seen from an aeroplane, it looks like a perfect nine-pointed star. It is a UNESCO heritage site, a favorite destination of history buffs and military tacticians. The unique star-shaped city was built in the 16th century as a defensive fortress. Its regular geometric plan is completely preserved. The dominant building of the city is the cathedral with its beautiful baroque interior.
7. San Daniele del Friuli
San Daniele del Friuli is a town famous for its high-quality prosciutto, which is recognised as one of the culinary specialities of the Friuli-Venezia Giulia region. In addition, however, in the town you will also find the Church of Sant'Antonio Abate. It is known as the "Sistine Chapel of Friuli" thanks to its magnificent frescoes by Pellegrino da San Daniele.
And the Guarneriana Library is also interesting - one of the oldest public libraries in Italy, containing rare manuscripts and old prints.
8. Spilimbergo
Spilimbergo is famous for its historical architecture. Spilimbergo Castle houses beautiful frescoes and museum exhibitions. The Gothic Cathedral of Santa Maria Maggiore has impressive frescoes and a magnificent pulpit. However, the Pallazo Ercole is also worth a visit - a historic building in the centre of the city known for its beautiful Renaissance architecture, elegant facades and rich decorations.
9. Venzone
In Venzone, don't miss the Cathedral of Sant'Andrea. It is a truly beautiful Romanesque-Gothic cathedral that was carefully reconstructed after the 1976 earthquake.
You will also find a unique collection of mummified bodies that were discovered in the crypt of the cathedral.
10. Gemona del Friuli
Gemona del Friuli is also a historic town famous for its magnificent Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, which was destroyed and rebuilt after the earthquake of 1976, and a stunning old town that offers a charming view of Renaissance and medieval architecture.
