Having spent a few years in Friuli, i have been able to visit some local gems that have maintained…read moretheir amazing historical flavor. Palmanova is one such amazing example. Built in the the late 1500s by venetian magnates, this fortress city has maintained its original shape and size. It is a well-preserved Friulian medium-size town/city. If you are looking for modern buildings, this is definitely NOT your place. This place proudly maintains its local flavor (holding many a fair during the summer time). It is quite peaceful and has many an historical places to visit and freshen up on local history. So, grab a detailed Friuli tourists book, or head to the visitors center. Better just yet, consult google-san and yoy won't regret the visit. AND, just grab a bite to eat (ask locals on which is the best restaurant, they know the tiniest but greatest places). Better just yet, get yourself a nice gelato, sit down on a bench in the center of the town and do some people's watching. .. it is endlessly entertaining: specially nonnos playing cards and nonnas knitting.

It's the main square of the city and with its 12.280 m² it's said to be the largest square on a sea…read moreof all Europe. Built under the Austrian-Hungarian Empire it has been remodeled various time during the years, but it's still surrounded by big buildings of more or less the same age: they are so beautiful that you can really spend hours just admiring out their architectural details! It's also a great spot if you like photography, and not just because of those historic buildings surrounding it. As mentioned, the square is right on the Adriatic Sea but it's also surrounded by the Carso hills: the two details combined make always interesting pics. Also, from the square you can witness gorgeous sunsets and if the weather conditions are right, you can even see the Alps on the horizon, which are particularly beautiful when they have snow on their tops! You will always find lots of locals walking on the square: it's one of the favorite places by "Triestini" to relax. It is also used for events, concerts and during Christmas time it is adorned with several light up Christmas trees. As for the rest of the city in general, parking is very difficult, but you can reach the square via public transportation (or even just by foot, depending on your location).

An incredible piazza nestled at the foothills of the Carso opening straight into the source of the…read moreAdriatic. One of the few Grande Italian Piazza's in a major city that open's directly to the sea providing magnificent views of the sea with Mountain peaks on a clear day. The buildings surround the piazza have wonderful Austro-Hungarian design and more or less provide the dividing point between the Italian and Austrian facades that split the city.

Spent most of a rainy day here. Steeped in history. Great view of the Gulf of Trieste and…read moresurrounding area. We purchased tickets for a photography exhibit here. The works of Robert Capa were on display. We were mesmerized by his photos taken in Italy during WW II. There are also several interactive things to do. We decided to have lunch here since it was pouring and were compelled to return to the photo exhibit. Alinarimage has computer set up at the exhibit so you can scroll through thousands of photos of Italy. If you see something you like, you can have it emailed to you at no cost.