Our August trip to Italy was a delightful short escape, this time to the charming Friuli Venezia Giulia region, just across the border. Entering from the north, we made our first stop in Venzone, a captivating fortified village. It was the perfect spot to kick off our adventure with a cup of coffee, soaking in the history and beauty of our surroundings.

Venzone

Cividale del Friuli

We continued our journey through Udine and made a stop in Cividale del Friuli, a peaceful and charming town nestled along the picturesque Natisone River. The town is full of inviting osterias, cafés, and a lively town center, but the real highlight for us was the Devil’s Bridge—a stunning structure that dramatically spans the river, offering breathtaking views.

Palmanova

We made our base near Palmanova, which quickly became our central hub. This unique town, a perfect example of a late Renaissance star fort, is especially stunning from a bird’s-eye view. During our stay, it was Ferragosto, so many restaurants were closed, and the towns were unusually quiet—a peaceful atmosphere we actually enjoyed. Palmanova had the most dining options, so we found ourselves returning there often for coffee and meals.

Trivignano Udinese

We spent a few days in a charming village, staying at Villa Maniago. This dog-friendly Airbnb exceeded our expectations. The historic villa had a unique charm, and our hosts couldn’t have been more welcoming. They run a kennel and raise black and tan bloodhounds, so we were greeted by a friendly pack of about twenty dogs. Though we were initially a bit apprehensive, our dog Casey quickly fit right in, happily running and socializing in the spacious courtyard.

The village itself was tidy and quaint, with historic homes like our villa adding to its special character. The surrounding landscape was equally picturesque, with vineyards and fields of sunflowers and corn creating a beautiful backdrop.

I took my Fujifilm X-T3 on this trip, paired with the Fujinon XF 18-55mm f/2.8-4.0 R LM OIS and the Fujinon XF 23mm f/2 R WR lenses.

I got this fantastic bundle from Fujifilm Slovenija. Reach out to them for great deals on your new camera gear!

Castello di Strassoldo

Just south of Palmanova lies the village of Strassoldo, home to the enchanting Castello di Strassoldo. This fortified complex boasts charming houses, lush gardens, and picturesque watermills. During our visit, the peacefulness was striking—it was beautifully serene and completely empty.

Aquileia

Aquileia, once a thriving Roman city of 100,000 people in the 2nd century, now stands as one of Northern Italy’s most important archaeological treasures. We wandered along the Via Sacra, lined with cypress trees and ancient ruins, imagining the bustling Natisone canal and port that once flourished there. The remarkably preserved Roman forum and scattered residential ruins gave us a glimpse into the city’s storied past.

The Basilica di Santa Maria Assunta, renowned for its historical significance, is home to stunning 4th-century mosaics. Though we didn’t go inside, the basilica’s legacy and importance were felt just standing in its presence.

We thoroughly enjoyed our stay at Villa Maniago, made even better by the warm hospitality of the locals. People on the street were charmed by our dog, with one older man even exclaiming, “Che bella bestia!” as we passed by.

Our host, Sergio, was incredibly kind and helpful, offering us great tips for training Casey. His love for his black-and-tan hounds was unmistakable—each pup from the newest litter was adorably named after a dessert. Mornings often began with the sound of Sergio calling out “Pancake!” and “Strudel!” as he attended to their grooming, a sweet touch that made our stay even more memorable.

Gorizia

On our way home, we stopped in Gorizia to meet a friend and enjoy some gelato. Even though it’s so close, this was my first time visiting. The city is quite charming, with its historic castle and plenty of sights to explore. It’s the perfect spot to spend a sunny day.