Friuli-Venezia Giulia

Overview

Situated in the north-eastern edge of Italy is its Friuli-Venezia Giulia region — a land that is rarely visited, or mentioned, even by Italians. This fact, however, absolutely does not mean that Friuli-Venezia Giulia is not worth the trip. Flanked by Austria, Slovenia, the Veneto region, and the Adriatic Sea, Friuli-Venezia Giulia has been the entry-point of travellers and trade into Italy and central Europe. Thus, it can be said that this region offers as much history as its other Italian cousins do. In fact, due to its location, it served as an important station for government forces during Roman colonization.

With the city of Trieste as its capital, the Friuli-Venezia Giulia region also includes the provinces of Gorizia, Pordenone, and Udine, with the latter as a principal city along with the capital. During the rule of Charles I Hapsburg of Austria, Trieste was proclaimed as a free port, thus making it an area of convergence by people from all over the Mediterranean, giving it now an emerging cosmopolitan feel.

Its agricultural industry is quite minimal due to the lack of fertile lands, as well as the disproportionate division of real estate. Main agricultural products however, include corn, tobacco and of course, fruits for ample wine production. The mountainous areas of the region provide rich pasture, but fishing on the other hand, has diminished due to the sour condition of the Adriatic Sea. Nevertheless, the manufacturing industry has since developed significantly. Most notable of which are textile and chemical production, as well as ship construction.

Apart from all these characteristics, Friuli-Venezia Giulia is definitely a place for the mind and body to explore -- from its snow-capped mountain peaks and glorious beaches to the numerous urban ruins and scenic villages.