Italy has an extremely rich property of art and history. The areas in Veneto and Friuli Venezia Giulia, with their millenary history, are excellent examples. For those of you who would like to spend a unique day, it takes but a few kilometres to find yourself totally immersed in the past, among ancient cultures and extremely fascinating places, which make these areas a veritable museum in the open.
Veneto, land of the dogi
Just a few kilometres away from Bibione and Lignano you can find Venice, defined by many as the most beautiful and romantic city in the world, with its characteristic architectural design, canals and glorious history. Every year this amazing location welcomes thousands of tourists from every corner of the world, offering them a unique atmosphere. Going towards the inland, it is possible to reach Verona, the city where Shakespeare set his Romeo and Juliet, and home of the famous Arena, an ancient Roman amphitheatre that still hosts important concerts and operas. Also worth a visit are Portogruaro, a small town in northern Veneto with a typical medieval structure, and Concordia Saggitaria, a momentous Roman centre, where you can still find some beautiful archaeological finds.
Friuli Venezia Giulia, a Central European charm
With its harbour, Trieste has been the main coastal outlet of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, whose atmosphere still remains in its Viennese style cafes. More recent history is also to be found throughout the Carso area, where World War I was fought. For those of you who enjoy art, two museums worth a visit are the Museo Diocesano and the Gallerie del Tiepolo in Udine, where you can take a look at some beautiful frescos made by Venetian painters. You might then enjoy a visit to the castle in Gorizia, dating back to the 11th Century, which also houses the ‘Museo del Medioevo Goriziano’ (Middle Ages Museum of Gorizia).The ancient small town of Cividale del Friuli, founded by Julius Caesar under the name of Forum Iulii and now Patrimony of the UNESCO, was a very busy centre during the Lombard Kingdom, and still maintains a medieval style in its buildings. Another important Roman area is Aquileia, still a well-known archaeological site. Another place worth a visit is Villa Manin di Passariano, which nowadays hosts several international exhibitions, and the fortress town of Palmanova, which stands out for its unique nine-pointed star plan.