Wedged in the corner between Austria and Slovenia, with a very complicated history and Trieste as its capital, this partly autonomous region is Italy with Central European twist and excellent white wines. There is superb ham from San Daniele di Friuli; further east await goulash, frico, jota, cjalzons, and wonderful desserts redolent of the Austro-Hungarian empire: gubana, strudels and more.
The name Friuli is derived from the Roman foundation, Forum Iulii (Julius' Forum), the original name of the town, Cividale del Friuli. Venezia-Giulia refers to the area's former situation in the Venetian empire and the Julian Alps in the northeastern area of Carnia.