Sailing to Friuli-Venezia Giulia

A map of the best ports and anchorages

The coast of Friuli

Friuli-Venezia Giulia’s coastal region is a corner stone of the Adriatic Sea, reflecting a history shaped by traders, invaders, and empires. The ancient Veneti people were among the first to settle here, navigating the marshy coastline and establishing small fishing communities. Their early relationship with the sea laid the foundation for centuries of trade and cultural exchange.

The city of Aquileia

By the 2nd century BC the Romans had their sights on the region, recognising its strategic location. They founded the city of Aquileia, which quickly became one of the most important of the empire. Walking through the ruins of Aquileia today, you can still imagine the markets filled with goods from across the seas, citizens debating politics in the forum, and the imposing silhouette of the basilica rising against the horizon.

The Republic of Venice

One cannot talk about this part of Italy without mentioning the influence of the Republic of Venice. By the late Middle Ages, Venice dominated the Adriatic, and its influence crept along the coastline. The Venetian Republic’s power was reflected in the grand buildings that sprang up, reflecting the opulence and grandeur of their maritime empire.

The salt pans of Grado and Marano Lagunare

The salt pans were another aspect of the region’s history. For centuries, salt was a valuable commodity, often called “white gold”, and its production helped to sustain the economy. The flat expanses of salt pans, stretching toward the horizon, tell a story of labor and trade, where workers harvest salt in much the same way their ancestors had for generations.

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