Friuli Venezia Giulia is Italy's northeastern frontier — a compact region of extraordinary diversity where the Julian Alps descend to the Adriatic Sea, Roman ruins stand beside Habsburg architecture, and Slavic, Germanic, and Latin cultures blend seamlessly. Trieste is its cosmopolitan capital, a city of caffè culture and literary ghosts; Udine is the elegant Friulian heartland; Aquileia holds one of the ancient world's greatest mosaic floors.
Best souvenirs
Authentic items worth bringing home.
Prosciutto di San Daniele DOP — the finest souvenir from Friuli; buy vacuum-packed at Wolf Sauris prosciuttificio (Via Udine 1, San Daniele) or at the Mercato Ponterosso
Friulian white wines — Ribolla Gialla, Friulano, Malvasia Istriana from Collio or Colli Orientali; available at enotece throughout Trieste and Udine
Montasio cheese DOP — young or aged; available at all markets and many alimentari shops; vacuum packs for travel at €8–€15/kg (~$9–$17)
Gubana cake — the traditional Friulian sweet rolled pastry with nuts, raisins, and grappa; buy at Pasticceria Ducale (Via Aquileia 29, Cividale del Friuli)
Handmade Triestine lace and embroidery — available at Trieste artisan shops on Via del Collegio; small pieces from €15 (~$17)
Speck di Sauris — smoked mountain prosciutto from the German-speaking village of Sauris; vacuum-packed at Prosciuttificio Wolf Sauris (+39 0433 86078)
Terrano wine from the Carso — unique red grape found only on the Carso plateau; bottles from €8–€18 (~$9–$20) at osmizza farm taverns
Aquileia archaeological replicas — miniature mosaics and Roman jewelry copies available at the Aquileia museum shop (Via Roma 1, Aquileia)
Traditional markets
Where locals shop and travellers find treasures.
Mercato di Ponterosso
Fresh produce, Adriatic fish, local cheeses, San Daniele prosciutto, seasonal vegetables
Where: Trieste, Grand Canal
Hours: Mon–Sat 08:00–14:00
Mercato Coperto di Udine
Montasio cheese, Prosciutto di San Daniele, seasonal Friulian produce, Collio wines
Where: Udine historic center
Hours: Mon–Sat 08:00–13:30
Fiera di San Valentino (Udine antiques fair)
Antique Friulian furniture, vintage ceramics, old books, glass
Where: Udine, historic center
Hours: Weekend of 14 February; other antique fairs on first Sunday of the month