Open Castles in Friuli Venezia Giulia

Get your chance to visit a Castle on April 11th and 12th

Get your chance to visit a castle of Friuli Venezia Giulia region on April 11th and 12th, it is time for Open Castles!

You finally can visit for free several private castles of Friuli Venezia Giulia, overlooking the gulf, on the green hills, in the city center, or surrounded by parks. The event is for those who want to discover the most beautiful castles of the region, which hide their secrets behind the front doors: magnificent gardens, halls full of artworks, history and memories of ancient times. Visitors will be personally welcomed by the owners, excellent guides, or by professional tourist guides.

Friuli Venezia Giulia is the only Italian region to have been fortified with so many castles during Middle Age. During the Roman Age its geographical location played a strategic role indeed. The Romans had built a net of fortresses, from which later the Longobards benefited for the defense of the Cividale Dukedom. Other castles were built and run by Germanic families, that later would have become the feudal nerve center of Friuli Venezia Giulia. Other citadels were built in the period of the Patriarchs of Aquileia (1077-1420). In the same period many communities were equipped with fortresses such as Venzone, Gemona, Udine, Cividale, Monfalcone, Trieste and Muggia. During the Venetian domination (1420-1797) no new castles were built, except for Palmanova. Several elements of this defensive system are still in good preservation, while a great number is now in ruin or incorporated by more recent buildings.

Further information on the website consorziocastelli.it

Main pic Castello di Spessa (Gorizia), courtesy of Flickr User TopRural

Visit Trieste: helpful hints

Arrivals

Trieste has a national and international airport, but for transcontinental flights you have to stop in other airports. Otherwise you can arrive in Trieste by trains, buses or cars. At the airport you can get a local train to the city centre (30 minutes ride, 4€), same by bus.

Transports

Trieste is a small city, you can visit it walking or you can choose the public transports. The single tickets costs 1,25€ and it lasts 60 minutes. Something you should probably do is taking the typical Opicina’s tramway, a centenary tiny train running from Oberdan square to Opicina villa. Currently the service is not available, but hopefully it will reopen soon, check it.

What to do

Trieste is the capital city of Friuli Venezia-Giulia region, North Eastern Italy, towards Slovenja. The historical centre is really beautiful, don’t miss Piazza dell’Unità (i.e. the main square, on the dock) and San Giusto’s castle. Miramare Castle deserves a visit too, located a bit farther from the very centre, you can see it perched on the gulf from the main dock.

Nearby, the Roman village of Aquileia is listed between the UNESCO Heritage Sites and if you are fond of active tourism and nature, explore the Natural Reserve Cona Island. Check #italiaslowtour deals page to get a tour in the natural environment near Trieste on a budget.

Every October in the Gulf of Trieste takes place the Barcolana, the largest regatta in the world. Hundreds of sailing boats different in shape and size compete in a non professional race. Such a unique sport event!