Nature at its purest Authentic magic. Where large forests breathe, pearly lakes repose, and impressive rock walls jut out. The perfect environment for all outdoor sports. An environment warmed Mountains… by its people and by its villages nestling in enchanting atmospheres. And animated by thousands of colourful festivals.

riuli Venezia Giulia: a different way outdoor activities will enjoy unforgettable the way nature F of experiencing the mountains. experiences, without any limits in terms A more natural and direct approach of age or athletic aptitude: rock climbing; that’s rewarding in every way: from nature mountaineering; hang gliding, gliding and to sports, to close contact with the local paragliding; golfing and fishing; canoeing people, who are deeply tied to their and windsurfing on streams and crystal- traditions and extraordinarily hospitable. clear lakes. The area offers a concentration created them Our discovery starts with the land itself, of activities against a backdrop that varied and surprising because of the mountain bikers, trekkers and horseback historical events that have marked it, and riders consider heaven on earth. the point of encounter for Latin, Germanic Up in the mountains, picturesque barns and Slavic populations. Everything is close and enchanting shepherds’ huts are Highlights together and, above all, easy to reach. connected by hiking trails that vary in The motorway and railway take you into the difficulty. Surrounded by the lush flora Via Alpina very heart of the . And our journey into of the Alps, they forge a link with Have a go at hiking a short way along the wonderland begins. You’ll discover forests - neighbouring Carinthia. Via delle Alpi… a fantastic trail which, from some of the largest in Europe - as well You’ll feel completely at home among Trieste, meanders its way right across the Alps, as numerous parks and nature reserves the genuine and unique people who live immersed in a unique setting of myriad populated by chamois, rock goats and birds in towns that have been built around landscapes of chalets and pastures, refuges and of prey. churches marked by simple charm and charming hamlets. You will be enthralled by the The last griffon vultures still live here are surrounded by verdant meadows. kilometres of nature unfolding before your eyes undisturbed, majestically soaring the skies. The only thing interrupting this peaceful across the striking Trieste Carso, and the majestic Mountain pastures, protected areas, small tableau is the extravaganza of the area’s Julian and Carnic Alps, up to the glowing mountain lakes, rock walls and wild forests array of traditional festivals and folklore rose-coloured peaks of the Friulian dolomites. are just a few of the wonders of the Friulian events that will fascinate you with their mountains. Those who love sports and boisterous cheer.

3 he enchanted world of the Friulian simply superb at refuges, often located high T Alps is full of magic. Wherever you up in the mountains. They are the perfect look, there are unexpected panoramas, milieu for reading or listening to a concert trails to follow, and discoveries - great and in the “Note in Rifugio” series. small - that will surprise you. After you have enjoyed the pleasures of All the From the 2251-metre vantage point of Mount culture and food, banter and rest, other Cavallo you can see the Dolomites, but off in adventures await you: on well-preserved the distance you can also glimpse the cobalt hiking trails or the high roads of the sea. The forests, filled with fossils and trees herdsmen, to taste delicious cheeses that are that are thousands of years old, are veritable still produced using the very same methods historical monuments. The finest wood used that have been handed down for centuries. enchantment of by the Venetian Republic to build its fleets came from the woods of Carnia. And Venzone, in the Alpine foothills, is not only a charming town but also a town boasting an ideal microclimate for balsamic Highlights a magical world lavender. The Parks The myriad of hamlets dotting the gentle hills The Parco Naturale delle Dolomiti or perched on green slopes is the pride of the Friulane, with broad valleys surrounded mountains of . Wood and stone, in the houses of the authentic villages. Hands following the gestures by the ridges and towers of the Dolomites, On Mount Lussari, the village that is home to is ideal for nature excursions and trekking. of traditional cheese-making in the malghe. Eyes buried in a book or absorbed in a the sanctuary - which can be reached via the The Parco delle Prealpi Giulie, to the Pilgrim’s Trail - is an oasis of peacefulness surreal sunset in refuges. Footsteps in timeless footprints, along ancient trails, perfect west, will thrill you with its roes, deer, with a spectacular view of the Julian Alps. woodchucks and foxes. The Visitors’ for trekking today. Sauris with its typical dwellings in wood and Centres of Forni di Sopra, Cimolais and stone, Sutrio with its picturesque courtyards Resia offer fascinating excursions in and woodworking shops, Raveo with the complete safety, accompanied by expert grassy plain of Valdie and the stavoli guides in order to discover this untamed (shepherds’ huts) of the Pani basin: in these world. The Parco Intercomunale delle enchanting secluded hamlets, you can stay Colline Carniche, characterised by sunny in charming traditional homes that are rolling hills and open vistas, is ideal for examples of spontaneous local architecture. horseback trekking. You’ll enjoy a warm welcome wherever you go, but the area’s proverbial hospitality is

4 5 An oasis dedicated to the mind and body in the Arta spas, with treatments based on water rich in sulphur and pampering in the beauty centres. And genuine dishes to pamper the palate are the main attractions at the ancient festivals, alongside farming rituals and crafts.

he mountains of Friuli Venezia Giulia Augusta, following in the footsteps left by T also mean health and wellness. the Romans, barbarians and adventurers Surrounded by a relaxing Alpine of all eras. This itinerary merges millenary landscape, guests at Arta Terme enjoy the traditions with pristine mountain landscapes therapeutic effects of the mineral water of that are just waiting to be discovered. Fonte Pudia, springs that have been known In the Friulian Alps, agritourisms and inns and used since ancient times. The spa at offer delights and surprises that will appeal Arta boasts large and relaxing areas for to even the most demanding palates. the most modern treatments. The array Different traditions and populations have treatments with water rich in sulphur and helped created a cuisine that alternates in calcium and magnesium sulphates, as hearty rural flavours with exquisite dishes well as services offered by the kinesitherapy worthy of the greatest gourmets. department, go hand in hand with facial/body The local delicacies alone map out a and wellness packages. At the AquaDea fascinating itinerary: prosciutto from Sauris, beauty and wellness centre, Ayurvedic Carnia pork shank and cjarsons: these mouth- techniques and Oriental philosophies are watering ravioli, filled with wild herbs, dried Well-being and combined with innovative spa products, fruit and chocolate, were the delicious lunch allowing guests to achieve complete harmony of the Cramars, the peddlers who would cross of mind and body during their pampered and the Alps on foot to sell their spices. relaxing stay. Folklore is yet another chapter introducing At Arta Terme, with its splendid mountain a unique facet of Friuli Venezia Giulia: vistas, you’ll feel as if you’re poised between festivals. The traditional celebrations that unique flavours past and present along the ancient Via Julia mark the passing of the seasons are celebrated everywhere: in the meadows during the hay season and when it’s time to migrate to mountain pastures, in quaint Highlights hamlets with historical and medieval commemorations, and in the courtyards Personality in the kitchen of mountain villages during the numerous After a day spent outdoors along trails events dedicated to typical local products. and mule tracks, why not give in to In turn, these celebrations are tied to fine temptation with a steaming plate of wines and spirits. For those who love a good polenta, accompanied by classic frico, glass of wine - or tajut, as they say in the the traditional dish served at local Friulian language - Friuli Venezia Giulia festivals? It is a potato-cheese torte offers Ramandolo, Merlot and Cabernet. with a crisp golden crust and luscious And for those who love more potent flavours, soft centre. there are excellent distillates, made by family-run companies that jealously guard their recipes and processes.

6 7 he best way to discover the most The Tarzaning adventure park at Sella Nevea The Tarvisio T distinctive and unspoilt areas around has plenty of exciting activities in store for Tarvisio is to follow in the footsteps of youngsters, in complete safety along routes Julius Kugy, the mountaineer, poet, spelunker suspended from trees. A land that brings and botanist who discovered the beauty together three languages and three peoples - of the Julian Alps, Valsaisera and Valbruna Italian, Austrian and Slovenian - naturally in the early 1900s and sang the praises reflects a complex culture. Stay at some of area: boundless of these peaceful mountains and valleys. the area’s small family-run hotels. Their unique This natural paradise offers countless and simple approach - turning guests into opportunities for excursions on foot or friends - will draw you into the lifestyle, horseback, as well as “vie ferrate” and free customs and language of small communities climbing. Friulian climbers honed their skills untouched by modernity. in these extraordinary practice grounds. The numerous museums devoted to arts and emotions For example, Nives Meroi, one of the world’s crafts have collected and preserved the area’s top female climbers, trains here. material culture like a treasure of memory and Top-quality offerings are also available for golf poetry: the Museo dell’Arrotino, in Val Resia, lovers, who can enjoy a few rounds on broad devoted to knife-grinders, evokes figures and greens and amidst treacherous bunkers in the words that have now disappeared, and the A melting pot of Italian, Slovene and Austrian culture. A real natural paradise magnificent Julian Alps… and then head off Permanent Exhibition of the Mining Tradition to savour the pleasures of traditional in Cave del Predil recounts the stories of the with endless opportunities for excursions, horse riding, via ferratas and climbing. mountain cuisine. men who toiled in the depths of the earth. Plus a fun adventure park and a beautifully kept golf course.

Highlights Dog trekking and Nordic walking The spectacular scenario of the Tarvisio forests is the backdrop for exhilarating guided trekking excursions in the company of playful sledge dogs. The vast mountain territory of the Julian Alps is also the perfect place for Nordic walking, an innovative hiking activity using poles and organised along breathtaking trails that are suitable for all ages and all levels of training.

8 9 An ancient rhythm, in the wood of skilled artisans, in the clocks of eighteenth- arnia is a territory where nature, and size, from the Museum of Popular C tradition, sports and hospitality have Traditions and Arts in Tolmezzo to the century tradition, in parish churches of timeless worship. From the highest village come together to offer you a perfectly “Mozartina” in Paularo, which displays in Friuli, Sauris, the home of a delicious cured ham, right down through valleys and balanced holiday. The landscape is antique and modern musical instruments unforgettable: small parishes, votive churches that are perfectly functional. enchanting villages. In albergo diffuso hotels and refuges. Sbilfs and... Cossacks. set at the foot of rugged mountains, Alpine Sauris-Zahre, the highest municipality in hamlets with their charming buildings made Friuli, is the homeland of a delicious type of stone and wood, and crafts shops where of smoked ham, and it still cherishes the trades that have disappeared elsewhere Germanic traditions that have given the town have been handed down for generations. its old-fashioned fairytale atmosphere. Discovering Carnia’s ancient face is a Carnia - like one big village - is the perfect fascinating experience. place for marvellous excursions. It is a return to an ancient world that has On foot or astride a mountain bike, you can Carnia: authentic survived in little village shops. In Sutrio, take panoramic routes or follow ancient roads skilled woodworkers created veritable works to discover archaeological sites. Or you can of art whose delicacy and harmony will walk through the trenches and visit the enchant you. Since the 18th century, military posts of the Italian-Austrian front craftsmen from Val Pesarina have produced from the First World War. Wherever you go, clocks with ingenious mechanisms that hark you will meet the people of these valleys, in every way back to a Genoese pirate - Solari - who took and you’ll come to know and love their proud refuge in these valleys, considered character and extraordinary hospitality. inaccessible at the time. You can choose from a network of small This extraordinary cultural heritage is family-run hotels, which will make you feel demonstrated by a network of museums that at home; or Lauco, Ovaro, Sutrio, Sauris e dot the territory and differ in both subject Comeglians you can try the unique experience of alberghi diffusi, multi-building hotels that combine typical hotel services with the charm of staying in picturesque Highlights homes. Walking aficionados who want to hike along one of the 15 trails of the Via delle Forra del Vinadia Malghe can stay at some of the small houses The canyon of the torrent used by herdsmen or take advantage of the Vinadia is a miraculous gift network of simple but cosy refuges. of nature. Formed by In the evening, the people of Carnia will keep thousands of years of erosion, you company with their storytelling. There it offers experts an itinerary is the true story of the Cossacks of the Don, of waterfalls, small lakes and an entire population that, towards the end impressive walls that, at some of the Second World War, arrived here from points, are so close together the steppe with horses, carts and camels. that they block out the sky. And there is the fantastic tale of the Sbilfs, the mischievous elves that live in the woods and only show their faces to those whose hearts are pure.

10 11 The Alpine foothills and the Carso: history and nature Gentle white storks and majestic griffons. Butterflies brightly colouring meadows and walls. Bonfires for predicting the future and mediaeval reenactments. And why not visit the caves filled with thousands of stalactites and stalagmites. Including the largest tourist cave in the world.

he Alpine foothills, which boast The caves in the area once offered shelter T a delightful variety of landscapes, to the wayfarers who journeyed through are the perfect destination for those these lands during the Roman era and who want to enjoy a natural pace, in touch the Middle Ages. with a farming culture that is still very Visit the Giant Cave in the mountains of the much a part of everyday life. Carso area near Trieste, one of the largest On the walls of Bordano, the town of butterflies caverns in the world that is open to tourists; set in a kaleidoscope of green, street artists the Villanova Caves, filled with stalactites and have recreated the lively colours of the stalagmites along its countless tunnels and thousands of butterflies that populate the passages; and the Cave of San Giovanni sweeping meadows. Every year, Tarcento d’Antro, with its wealth of evidence left relives the tradition of the Venerable Old behind by the people who lived there during Man, a storytelling sage who predicts the the Neolithic period. prosperity of the harvest by observing the The Carso is also the perfect place for free pignarui, the bonfires of the Epiphany. climbing. Some of ’s best climbers have In the ancient mediaeval hamlet of Gemona, trained on its dramatic cliffs over the sea. the atmosphere of yesterday comes back Rock gyms and expert instructors will help to life with a procession of men and women you learn an art that strengthens muscles in lavish costumes. and frees the mind. The nature trails are also full of surprises, Last but not least is gubana Highlights revealing hidden chapters of the local history. from the Natisone valleys : The Quadris natural oases in Fagagna and be sure to try this round The Butterfly House the nature reserve of Cornino offer a unique delicacy filled with dried opportunity to observe white storks and griffon fruit and nuts. This Near Bordano, the interior of vultures nesting in their natural habitat. cake - the ancient the “Casa delle Farfalle” (the The area’s extraordinarily rich symbol of Butterfly House) reproduces flora yields exquisite herbal remedies abundance - is breathtaking exotic gardens, and lends an unusual traditionally enjoyed where, day after day, more than touch to the simple with family and 400 of the world’s most beautiful traditional cuisine. friends. butterflies court each other, feed on blossoms and reproduce.

12 13 Piancavallo and Valli Pordenonesi: A thousand sports in nature: skiing and horse riding, climbing and canoeing, mountain biking and windsurfing, hang-gliding holidays on and kayaking. Home to the Parco delle Dolomiti friulane, the Green Caves and a gorge resembling a grand canyon. And enchanting villages in wood and stone architecture.

the go he area of Piancavallo has developed In the hamlets of Frisanco and Poffabro, T a strong vocation for sports: modern you’ll come across typical buildings made ski resorts, riding schools and climbing of wood and stone, with lattice balconies walls await you, to offer you all the sports overlooking cobbled streets. Erto and Casso, you love. These ancient mountains are young examples of the area’s spontaneous in spirit and boast state-of-the-art facilities architecture, vividly recall the Vajont disaster for all kinds of activities. Castaldia, at an of 1963, when the part of the mountain altitude of 1108 metres above sea level, collapsed into the hydroelectric dam and the is a mecca for those who want to soar through water from the reservoir washed two towns the clouds on a paraglider. away forever. The unfolding of this tragedy For those who love water and exciting sports is illustrated in the permanent exhibition at like canoeing and kayaking, sailing and the Visitors’ Centre of the Parco delle Dolomiti windsurfing, there is nothing better than Lake Friulane. Barcis or the three lakes in Val Tramontina, The park, which is the largest in the region, by the Meduna torrent. Caves, ravines and lies between the Tagliamento and Piave rivers. limestone gorges formed by the slow and It also organises environmental education constant erosion of the torrent characterise and nature learning activities. At Andreis, the Green Caves of Pradis. Forra del Cellina, the rescue centre for birds of prey is open to another spectacular gorge created by erosion, visitors; the centre studies and treats wounded offers one of the most extraordinary predators and then sets them free again. landscapes of the entire Alpine arch. For mountain bikers, there are over 30 trails that cater to experts as well as those who simply want to enjoy some relaxing fun. At the end of each itinerary, you can explore towns and villages, some of which have just a handful of houses: places far from the rest of the world, with a cosy inn that seems to be there just for you. A holiday in the Friulian Alps is something rare: a holiday of discovery and memory. It is the discovery of traditions that are still alive, and the memory of a civilisation preserved in numerous museums of art and rural culture. 14 15

TARVISIO CARNIA

SLOVENIA

UDINE PORDENONE GORIZIA

TRIESTE

Easy to reach, hard to forget

TURISMO FRIULI VENEZIA GIULIA TEL. 0039 0432 734100 Piazza Manin, 10 loc. Passariano 33033 Codroipo (Ud) - Italy tel. +39 0432 815111 fax +39 0432 815199 [email protected]

DSF design / photo: Baronchelli, Da Pozzo, Campanile / printed by: Poligrafiche San Marco

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION AND PROMOTIONAL MATERIAL, SEND THIS COUPON TO: AGENZIA TURISMOFVG, PIAZZA MANIN 10, 33033 CODROIPO (UD), ITALY, OR VISIT OUR WEBSITE. name surname date of birth: day month year street address postcode city country tel. mobile phone e-mail

SEA MOUNTAINS/SKIING MOUNTAINS IN SUMMER SPORTS TOURISM NATURE TOURISM CULTURAL TOURISM FOOD AND WINE TOURS CONGRESS TOURISM CITIES OF ART SPA AND HEALTH TOURISM TOURISM FOR SENIOR CITIZENS SCHOOL TOURISM OTHER (PLEASE SPECIFY)

I hereby authorize the Agenzia TurismoFVG to communicate my details to both public and private tourist operators in order to receive information and promotional material relating to tourism initiatives in the Friuli Venezia Giulia region. YES NO Under the terms of art. 13 of D. Lgs. 196/2003, I am hereby informed that the office handling personal data is the Agenzia TurismoFVG. Data will be used exclusively for sending requested promotional material. The party concerned can at any time revoke use of this data by contacting the l’Agenzia TurismoFVG in person or by writing to [email protected]. Further information regarding the usage of personal data is available on our website. signature