Archive for 'Friuli Venezia Giulia'

The pretty town of Pordenone is the main comune of the province of Pordenone in the northeastern Italian region of Friuli-Venezia Giulia. Settlements have dotted the surrounding area since the time of the Romans but the town of Pordenone itself was not actually established until during the Middle Ages, when it was founded as a port town on the Noncello river. In fact, the town's very name comes from the Latin Portus Naonis, meaning “port on the Noncello River”.

Like the rest of Italy, the town passed through plenty of different hands and rules throughout the ages and by the 13th century, it came into the possession of the Habsburg family. It flourished over the next few decades and gained city status in 1314. In the 16th century, it came under the rule of the Republic of Venice and a new port was built in town. Annexed to Italy in 1866, the town further flourished under industrialisation and though the failure of the cotton sector threatened the town's prosperity in the early 20th century, the raising of local firm Zanussi to the status of a world giant of household appliances after WWII helped stabilise the economic situation. In 1968, the city became the capital of the province of the same name.

The Castello di Gorizia, or Castle of Gorizia, is an 11th century beauty located on a hill that both boasts an amazing panoramic view over Gorizia and is positioned close to the heart of its centre. First recorded in a document from 1001, the castle grew in size and power over the years. Today, the building largely reflects enlargements and changes made between the 13th and 16th centuries. However, during World War I the castle was bombed and badly damaged, leaving little more than a ruin and was actually rebuilt in 1934-37, following its original 16th century design. This was effectively executed and the castle still retains an authentic medieval appearance.

The staff here at Easy Reserve (who run the websites Italy Villas, Tuscany Villas, Easy Reserve and more) is made up of both Italians and passionate Italophiles and we thought, who better to give you insight on the best places to visit and the lesser-known, hidden gems in Italy? Here are some of our members of staff's picks of their favourite spots in Italy and why they made them fall in love!

1. Trieste's Piazza Unità d'Italia

One of our staff members is from Venice, has family from the south of Italy and has spent his university years in Bologna but his pick is actually a magical corner of Trieste! Specifically, he singled out the Piazza Unità d'Italia, “because it is surrounded by beautiful buildings and...one side of the piazza is actually the sea, the Gulf of Trieste. So, especially at night, with the lights and everything, there is a really nice atmosphere.”

In this series of posts, we are discussing all the things that you need to know about Prosecco and the best places to try it while holidaying in Italy. This 16th century recreation of a much more ancient wine comes from an area located across 9 provinces in the Northern Italian regions of Veneto and Friuli Venezia Giulia and the best way to learn about it is by visiting a vineyard in person. We have plenty of wonderful vacation rental in Friuli Venezia Giulia or a luxury villa in Veneto and have been rounding up some great vineyards so why not get to planning a holiday to this beautiful part of the country? Once there, you can take out a day (or several!) to visit some vineyards and really start to appreciate Prosecco. Here are some more of our picks of perfect locations.

7. Zonin

Zonin 1821 is one of the most important Italian wine producers and distribute and market still and sparkling wines under the Zonin label from both the original estate in Veneto and the eight others located in Italy and abroad.

In the last few posts, we have been discussing all the things that you need to know about Prosecco and, especially, where you should try it in Italy. Prosecco is a sparkling Italian wine and a 16th century recreation of an ancient wine that comes from an area that is located across 9 provinces in the Northern Italian regions of Veneto and Friuli Venezia Giulia. There is lots to say about it and even more to learn but, the best way to do so is by visiting a vineyard and learning and tasting in person. Just find a vacation rental in Friuli Venezia Giulia or a luxury villa in Veneto and then plan a trip to one of these incredible vineyards so you can get to the important part in all of this - trying some amazing wines!

5. Nino Franco

Nino Franco is one of the oldest wineries in the Valdobbiadene area and was founded in 1919. Its owner was actually also one of the first winemakers to export Prosecco.