10 Dreamy Villages in Friuli-Venezia Giulia

Muggia is an Italian village in Istria, bordering Slovenia, on the arm of Friuli-Venezia Giulia encircling the sea. It's set on a promontory overlooking a bay, with kilometres of coastline equipped with seaside resorts. Admire the expansive view of the Golfo di Trieste (Gulf of Trieste) or soak up the Venetian and Istrian vibe of the white buildings and Gothic embellishments in the streets.

Muggia Vecchia (‘Old Muggia’) on the hill contains the Parco Archeologico (Archaeological Park), with information panels on each find. On the seafront, head to Piazza Marconi and enjoy a coffee or aperitif at an outdoor table. Castello di Muggia (Muggia Castle) is the port's crowning glory, and can be visited during cultural events.

Spilimbergo: a medieval town in the Friulian backcountry known for its artistic treasures. It attracts architecture enthusiasts and students from the prestigious Scuola Mosaicisti del Friuli (Mosaic School of Friuli). Corso Roma runs through the town centre between ancient, frescoed palaces, accessible from Torre Occidentale (West Tower) or Torre Orientale (East Tower). Nearby is Duomo Arcipretale di Santa Maria Maggiore (Papal major Cathedral of Santa Maria Maggiore), home to an organ decorated with works by Giovanni Antonio de’ Sacchis and a chapel featuring sculptures by Pilacorte.

Try some traditional dishes in the local restaurants. There's Frico, a kind of cheese, potato and onion flan, and musetto con la brovada, local sausage with a side of minced turnips and bay leaves.

Cividale del Friuli is a historic town on the banks of the Natisone river. Located in the province of Udine, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is rich in wonders that hark back to an ancient Lombard civilisation. One must-see spot is the Tempietto Longobardo (Lombard Temple), inside Monastero di Santa Maria in Valle (Monastery of Santa Maria in Valle), known for its statues, stucco friezes and other valuable artworks.

Be sure to also visit the Ponte del Diavolo (Devil's Bridge). Destroyed and rebuilt several times, it rises above the Natisone river and offers romantic views of the city. The historic centre is full of places selling local products, as well as artisan and antiques shops. Try strucchi, a local sweet treat.

Palmanova, towards the south of the province of Udine, is a unique example of military architecture. Shaped like a nine-pointed star, its walls have three access points. Porta Udine is the best preserved, with its drawbridge wheels still intact. Piazza Grande, or Piazza d'Arma, is the heart of the town, home to little shops, restaurants and bars with outdoor seating, perfect for kicking back with an aperitif.

In the first week of September, Palmanova is the setting of a historical re-enactment, Palma alle Armi. During this event you can relive town life as it was between the 17th–19th centuries. Hundreds of costumed characters stage sieges and battles, exhibit historic arts and crafts, and sell local specialities.

Fagagna was formed when seven historic hamlets in the province of Udine merged. It's known for its local cheese, made with the highest quality unpasteurised milk. The town stands on a hill and can be reached via an uphill road. It's home to the 15th-century Palazzo della Comunità (Community Palace) and the ruins of an ancient castle, destroyed by a peasant revolt.

In the historic centre, noble residences like Palazzo Asquini and Palazzo Pecile alternate with 13th and 14th-century churches, housing valuable frescoes and ancient organs. Nature lovers should be sure to visit the Oasi Naturalistica Dei Quadris (Natural Oasis of Quadris), home to the protected white stork and hermit ibis species.

Sutrio, in the Bût Valley, is one of the oldest villages in the Carnic Alps. Hemmed in by mountains, it’s characterised by stone architecture with wooden loggias and balconies. The village's historic rural traditions are still very much alive, with several dedicated events throughout the year. For example, don't miss the Festa dei cjarsons, a festival celebrating a local ravioli, and Fasin la mede, an event that recreates hay and sheaf making activities.

The village is known as the Centro Regionale del Mobile (Regional Furniture Centre) for marangones, carpenters who create decorative sculptures for the town and run workshops and studios. The main summer activity is hiking, while snow sports take centre stage in winter.

Cordovado: a medieval village in the Friuli countryside with a small but architecturally rich historic centre. Of its many churches, Parrocchia di Sant'Andrea, or Duomo Antico (Old Cathedral), is worth visiting, as well as the 17th-century Santuario della Madonna delle Grazie (Sanctuary of the Madonna delle Grazie). Noble residences include Casa del Capitano (Captain's House), Palazzo Agricola (Agricola Palace) and Casa Provedoni (Provedoni House).

The latter is described in Ippolito Nievo’s Confessioni di un italiano (Confessions of an Italian), commemorated by his brother Stanislao in the Parco Letterario Ippolito Nievo (Ippolito Nievo Literary Park). Every other year, Cordovado hosts Festa delle Rose (Rose Festival), celebrating a different species every time. Try the local spaccafumo honey, raisin and nut sweet.

Valvasone Arzene, between Pordenone and Udine, is a small town surrounded by a gorgeous rural landscape, in the countryside crossed by the Tagliamento river. In the historic centre are ancient buildings like the Torre delle Ore (Tower of the Hours) and 17th-century Palazzo del Comune (Town Hall) in Piazza Mercato. Don’t miss Castello di Valvasone (Valvasone Castle), Chiesa di San Pietro e Paolo (Church of Saint Peter and Paul), with its 16th-century frescoes, the Duomo (cathedral), or Chiesa del Santissimo Corpo di Cristo (Church of the Holy Christ's Body), boasting a spectacular 16th-century organ.

There's also an ancient water mill, with a perfectly functioning wheel. Culinary specialities include voleson cake and formaggio di latteria (unpasteurised milk cheese).

Venzone is a fortified town surrounded by medieval walls, and was made a Monumento Nazionale (National Monument) in 1965. The urban layout’s the result of successful, impressive restoration work which gave back the 16th-century buildings their strength and finish. Venzone’s famous for an extraordinary discovery. In Cappella di San Michele (Chapel of Saint Michael), which forms part of Duomo di Sant’Andrea Apostolo (Cathedral of Saint Andrew the Apostle), is a medieval tomb housing mummified bodies, formed thanks to the special environmental qualities of the location.

Near Venzone are the trekking paths of the Parco Naturale Regionale delle Prealpi Giulie (Julian Pre-Alps Regional Natural Park), and the Sentiero Celtico (Celtic Way), where you can admire nature and ancient churches.

Strassoldo, in the district of Cervignano del Friuli, is a small village where the past is still very much present. This Friuli village’s home to Castello di Sopra (Upper Castle) and Castello di Sotto (Lower Castle), both surmounted by a tower and surrounded by lush gardens born from a reclaimed swamp.

The main building of the upper fortress is connected to the Chiesa di San Nicolò (Church of San Nicolò) via an arch known as Coretto, a low structure with small windows. The two castles can be visited during the Castelli Aperti (Open Castles) event, which takes place every spring and autumn. Before leaving, we recommend stopping off at the Cà Bolani wine estate to taste some local wine.