Friuli-Venezia Giulia

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 a 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.