Many are the enchanting cities of Friuli located in provinces differing in architecture that offer a variety of tours dedicated to history, culture and art. In Udine, the city in the heart of Friuli recalls the Venetian art through magnificent operas like the frescoes by G. B.Tiepolo found in the Archbishop’s Palace, in Piazza Libertà considered by many as one of the most harmonious Venetian squares in the area, is the Loggia designed by Nicolò Lionello and the Bell Tower designed by Cristoforo da Milano next to the cathedral. Since 1906 the Castle has housed The Civic Museums, History and Art Galleries of Udine, the Parliament Hall with frescoes by Tiepolo, Grassi and Pompeo Amalteo. Villa Manin of Passariano near Codroipo (Udine) is probably one of the most scenic of the various Venetian villas. Built in the 16th century, emphasis must be given to the structure of the complex which recalls Bernini’s plan for St. Peters Square in Rome while the arches recall Paladio’s architectural styles. It is now the seat of one of the most important Contemporary Art Centres. A Coach Museum plus a collection of old weapons are on display for visitors. Cividale del Friuli, the ancient Forum Julii was founded around 50 B.C. by Julius Cesare. Here you can visit the famous little church “Tempietto Longobardo”, a unique and absolute masterpiece of Longobard art and architecture which will soon be part of the Unesco World Heritage. Also the National Archaeological Museum exhibits extraordinary evidences of the past of Cividale and its surrounding territory. Aquileia is an antique Roman colony founded in 181 B.C., declared a World Heritage by Unesco. It is famous for the excavations which have unveiled many artistic treasures like the Early Christian mosaic pavement in the Basilica , the biggest in Europe. Pordenone with its 16th -century “palazzi”, its Romanesque churches, the Gothic and Baroque buildings and the historic centre with its long series of porticoes and frescoed façades, is an ideal place for walks through the streets of the town centre or visits to the main museums of Civic art, Civic Science and the Diocesan Religious Art. In the eastern part of Friuli, the city of Gorizia is located on the Slovenian border and is highly influenced by the Slavic culture. The sites to visit are: the majestic 11th -century Castle (symbol of the city) which houses the Museum of the Great War, the monumental War Memorial of Oslavia where 57,200 first world war soldiers are buried and the Transalpina Square. Towards the south of Gorizia, the Carso plateau extends itself down to Trieste, the charming capital city of the region which overlooks the Adriatic sea. This extreme border land is a meeting point of people of different cultures reflected also in the architecture and monuments. Still today in the typical local Caffès you can feel the atmosphere of the ‘800 where famous writers like Saba, Svevo or Joyce used to meet to discuss and exchange advice and experiences.