Look out for your first newsletter in your inbox soon The best of Time Out straight to your inbox We help you navigate a myriad of possibilities Sign up for our newsletter for the best of the city By entering your email address you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and consent to receive emails from Time Out about news Sign up for our email to enjoy your city without spending a thing (as well as some options when you’re feeling flush) By entering your email address you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and consent to receive emails from Time Out about news, events, offers and partner promotions. Worldwide and 940 have been evaluated since its founding Italy’s cities are a thing of beauty, right? Whether you’re wandering the alleyways of Naples or marvelling at the ceiling of the Vatican each one is packed to the walls with history heritage and a whole load of impressive architecture.  But so are the country’s villages, and that’s why, back in 2002, a group of mayors formed the non-profit I Borghi più belli d’Italia (which translates to to spotlight these lovely locations’ beauty According to Fiorello Primi, the president of the association who spoke to Matador Network the tourism in these villages tends to grow by around 8 percent once they’re included Recommended: Italy is launching a series of vintage trains for tourists 32 villages (which must have a population of 15,000 or fewer) were evaluated and scored a Roman-era village in northeast Italy which sits on the banks of the Antisone River the 15th Devil’s Bridge and the UNESCO-protected Lombard Temple.  Perched near the French border is a hilltop village from the mediaeval era called Ceriana for the third Sunday) and you’ll get to experience the town’s yearly pork sausage festival.  Gravina is a stunning walled town which is nestled between a hill and the edge of a ravine in Puglia and Capranica Prenestina is a gorgeous spot boasting steep streets and panoramic views in the Prestini Mountains Read on for the full list of the 13 new villages.  Check out our roundup of Italy’s most beautiful towns and villages.  Did you see that these are the world’s most welcoming cities, according to Booking.com Plus: The best romantic ‘dupes’ for Europe’s most popular Valentine’s Day breaks have been revealed.  Stay in the loop: sign up to our free Time Out Travel newsletter for all the latest travel news and best stuff happening across the world Thanks for subscribing! Look out for your first newsletter in your inbox soon! tiktokfacebooktwitteryoutubeAbout us Contact us COLORADO SPRINGS (FIBA U19 Women’s Basketball World Cup 2017) – Nine of the players who took USA to the top of the podium at the FIBA Americas U18 Women's Championship last year are in contention for a spot in Udine and Cividale del Friuli. Looking to continue an incredible run which has seen the reigning champions post six consecutive titles, USA will be red-hot favorites to land another gold when the FIBA U19 Women's Basketball World Cup tips-off in Italy. USA 33-player squad for FIBA U17 Women’s Basketball World Cup 2017 As usual and due to the sheer depth of talent available, USA Basketball is casting its net wide, with a 33-player squad announced for the trials. They are scheduled to take place between 18 and 21 May at the United States Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs. The nine athletes who delivered success in Chile include leading guard Tyasha Harris, who led the way in assists. Meanwhile a total of 24 players boast previous USA Basketball experience. These include the highly-rated Crystal Dangerfield, who missed out last year due to an injury. She is particularly noteworthy since she was part of the gold-medal winning team in Russia two years ago at the FIBA U19 Women's World Championship Team. Finally, Joyner Holmes captured gold at the FIBA U17 Women's World Championship 2014 in Czech Republic and both Sidney Cooks and Megan Walker teamed up together to reach the Final of the 2016 FIBA 3x3 U18 Women's World Cup. but the dream of playing with her sister and her hero at the Tokyo Olympics remains a realistic prospect for Stephanie Mawuli UDINE/CIVIDALE DEL FRIULI (FIBA U19 Women's Basketball World Cup 2017) - It may only be three years away, but the dream of playing with her sister and her hero at the Tokyo Olympics remains a realistic prospect for Stephanie Mawuli If she continues to post big displays for Japan at the FIBA U19 Women's Basketball World Cup then a senior call-up could come quicker than she thinks Her older sister Evelyn is a given of course but to also line up with WNBA star Ramu Tokashiki would make it the ideal scenario for Mawuli - noted by her emphatic response when asked who she would prefer to play with at the showpiece tournament "It's something that I can always look forward to I am not currently ready or good enough for the senior team," added the forward It was a self-imposed reality-check which might temper the timescale in front of her it certainly doesn't lessen her appetite to make the transition In fact she can already compare notes with her older sibling who is on that journey right now - making her debut in Bengaluru at the FIBA Women's Asia Cup 2017 Indeed she made quite the splash on opening day Fully focused on helping Japan improve to 2-0 with a win against Hungary on Sunday the younger Mawuli confessed she had not been able to follow her sister in action but we do keep in contact with each other online," said Mawuli "I joked with her that I am playing in the bigger tournament anyway because this is a global competition." Mawuli knows about playing on a world stage as she also competed three years ago at the FIBA U17 Women's World Championship in Pilsen when Japan took 7th spot Her role has changed a lot and that means she speaks more confidently than ever about her nation's prospects this time around and what she is able to offer 🤗🤗🤗 🇯🇵's feeling after the win over Australia in their #FIBAU19 opener "I can definitely score more and play even better and this is the aim I have," explained Mawuli having been significant in wins against Australia and Hungary so far "Last time [in Pilsen] I did't play many minutes but this time I am playing more and this is a very good thing "In both games so far in this tournament we have played very well defensively and it has worked for us Now I want us to be in the best four of the competition." Japan conclude their opening phase campaign against Mexico on Tuesday when they will be strong favorites to finish the job and top their Group with a 3-0 record Best in Travel is here! Discover 2025’s destinations The 30 best countries, cities and regions to visit in 2025 Plan your trip with Elsewhere, by Lonely Planet See where a Lonely Planet Membership takes you Subscribe to our weekly newsletters to get the latest travel news, expert advice, and insider recommendations Explore the world with our detailed, insightful guidebooks Stay ahead of the curve with our guidebooks Uncover exciting new ways to explore iconic destinations Every month, we release new books into the wild Search Search Close search menu Explore Best in Travel 2024 Africa Close menu Countries Antarctica Antarctica Close menu Regions Asia Asia Close menu Countries Australia & the Pacific Australia & the Pacific Close menu Countries The Caribbean The Caribbean Close menu Countries Central America Central America Close menu Countries Europe Europe Close menu Countries Middle East Middle East Close menu Countries North America North America Close menu Countries South America South America Close menu Countries Tucked up against the borders of Austria and Slovenia, Friuli Venezia Giulia is not only one of Italy’s hardest-to-pronounce regions Far removed from the crowds that throng Florence, Rome and Venice the region can sometimes feel like a different country thanks to its geographical position and history (it was part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire until 1866) Yet Friuli Venezia Giulia is indeed uniquely Italian a place that relishes its status as an lesser-known underdog and one that packs a powerful cultural and culinary punch the Renaissance-Venetian city has found its footing as a culinary capital It’s a wonderful spot to take in Fruili’s hearty regional fare – and one of Italy’s least known but most delicious gastronomic destinations Here’s all you need to know about Friuli Venezia Giulia.  The weather is most welcoming during Italy’s traditional high season with average highs between 22°C (72°F) and 28° (82°F) While the region isn’t Italy’s best-connected for train travel (one of the reasons why those tourism numbers skew lower) the relatively short distances between cities and attractions make it an ideal area for a road trip Trains do connect Trieste with Cervignano–Aquileia–Grado as well as Udine Gorizia and Venice; buses fill in the gaps quite nicely But there’s no substitute for having your own set of wheels The region has everything – seaside resorts incredible food and culture… – but a surplus of visitors As you relish its off-the-beaten-path cred The pretty riverside town of Cividale del Friuli, 74km (46 miles) north of Trieste, hides one of Europe’s most unique treasures. Constructed in the 8th century, the Tempietto Longobardo (also known as the Oratorio of Santa Maria in Valle) is unlike any other chapel you’re likely to have laid eyes on Once attached to the palace that housed the representative of the Lombard king it was eventually converted into a Benedictine monastery and today stands as Europe’s principal example of Lombard architecture Highlights include extremely rare 8th-century Greek-Byzantine frescoes and haunting wildly realistic high relief sculptures of saints in stucco adding to a feeling that the saints are closing in on you If you’re of the “seen one European church Italians’ love affair with coffee is well known – yet two places take things to another level: Naples and Trieste one of Italy’s most recognized coffee brands the latter has a coffee culture that’s unrivaled in northern Italy – and accordingly one of the country’s most pleasant spots for a quick pick-me up you can order an espresso – but that’s a dead giveaway that you’re not a born-and-raised triestino goccia (espresso with a drop of frothed milk) and so on.  once the stomping grounds of such literary greats as James Joyce coffee-leaf-themed gilt and theatrical mask paintings that once covered the male nudes above them Friulian gastronomy is rich in flavor and heritage Slovenian and Venetian influences that have created some of Italy’s most obscure – but heartiest and tastiest – specialties The region is beloved throughout Italy and worldwide for prosciutto di San Daniele one of the country’s two most coveted hams (the other is prosciutto di Parma) But that doesn’t even scratch the surface of the cast-iron It’s hard to eat anything mediocre in Udine a 760-sq-m (8180-sq-ft) mosaic on the floor depicts a huge range of decorative motifs portraits and allegorical figures that defy easy interpretation This tiled masterpiece is one of Italy’s most mind-blowing works of art Prices in Friuli Venezia Giulia are about 10–20% cheaper than the more expensive neighboring region of Trentino–Alto Adige; expect to pay as much as you would in the rest of northern Italy. For a comfortable stay in decent accommodations, dining in mid-range restaurants and an activity or two, budget roughly €150–175 (US$156–182) per day. Dinner for two in traditional trattoria: €45–60 (US$47–62) Bottle of Il Collio Malvasia: €10–20 (US$10.40–20.80) Beer/pint at a brewery: €4–6 (US$4.16–6.23) she has written for publications such as Delicious she has written travel guides to Italian wine destinations such as Bologna At the heart of the lovely Friuli-Venezia Giulia region in Italy’s extreme northeast authentic city with eye-catching architecture that’s a reminder of more than 350 years of Venetian rule is home to some of Italy’s best-known wine producing areas Udine’s many historic wine bars are wonderful places to enjoy the superb local wines is a prime example of Udine’s Venetian legacy a slope leads up to grassy Piazzale Castello Opposite the ‘castle’ – actually a Renaissance palazzo with some of the city’s many works by Giambattista Tiepolo – is Casa della Contadinanza a scenic spot serving regional wines and traditional specialities including cjarsons: potato pasta with an intriguing filling of greens which has a glorious riverside location and rich heritage dating back to Roman times which has always played a major role in the region’s wine scene where some of the region’s great white blends are made (minimum 50% Friulano Nowadays the abbey’s historic vineyards are managed by leading producer, Livio Felluga are stunning and it’s a good area for walking Rosazzo Abbey was also fundamental to the survival of native red Pignolo (subject of a book by Ben Little) when the variety together with tannic Tazzelenghe and spicy Schioppettino was literally outlawed in favour of more productive grapes Schioppettino has the Rapuzzi family of the Ronchi di Cialla winery to thank for its return to popularity The family has an extraordinary story dating from the early 1970s when novice winemakers Paolo and Dina moved to the country and dived into Schioppettino production defying regulations with cheerful perseverance and far-sightedness Book for a vertical tasting of the incredibly fresh old-vintage Schioppettino plus other wines and enjoy a genuinely warm welcome at the beautifully-restored farmhouse overlooking vines and densely wooded hills Glasses of white wine at Enoteca di Cormòns Atmospheric osterias dot Udine’s appealing piazzas and porticoes where locals pop in any time for wine and snacks such as canapés with local San Daniele ham or dishes including frico (potato and cheese) polenta or musetto e brovada (sausage with pomace-fermented turnip) A structured white Friulano or characterful red Refosco dal Peduncolo Rosso Ribolla Gialla is another go-to white wine and spumante versions are gaining in popularity The local wines and foods are celebrated throughout central Udine each September with the Friuli DOC festival while in mid-October around 100 top international chefs convene for several days of dinners and tastings during the Ein Prosit festival Udine makes a perfect base for exploring the region’s wine areas and Colli Orientali with its beautiful terraced hillside vineyards just east of the city Al Cappello There’s a homely feel to the six cosy en-suite bedrooms decorated in warm colours canapés and a small selection of typical dishes Casale Cjanor This attractive farmhouse restaurant at Fagagna Enjoy gnocchi made with Ribolla Gialla grape-seed flour and pestàt a tasty Slow Food-protected sausage speciality La Baita An excellent cheese shop selling the region’s famous Montasio a cow’s milk cheese aged in perennial brine Try too the crunchy snack version of frico (fried cheese) One of Udine’s traditional osterias with a relaxed market-place vibe The lunch menu is traditional but décor is contemporary at this enoteca which specialises in innovative picks from small producers Tasting Academy Book in advance for an in-depth tasting experience and insights into the local wine scene at the headquarters of the Friuli Colli Orientali e Ramandolo consortium housed in 18th century Villa Nachini Cabassi Important results and discoveries are coming from archaeological excavations inside the oratory of Santa Maria in Valle in Cividale del Friuli The excavations are part of an interdisciplinary set of projects for the analysis restoration and enhancement of the Tempietto one of the major monuments of theearly Middle Ages in Italy It is in fact a building linked to a royal commission and the result of a unified and coherent construction and decorative phase dated to the 8th century a time when theLombard age touched its maturity by mixing Byzantine Oriental and Mediterranean elements in a harmony of languages diverse interventions were carried out ranging from archaeological excavation to seismic safety all painted surfaces and stucco promoted by the Municipal Administration the Superintendence of Archaeology Fine Arts and Landscape of Friuli Venezia Giulia and the Central Institute for Restoration of the Ministry of Culture.These interventions differ in type the proper conservation of the building as part of a broader project planning of restoration and enhancement of the entire complex of Santa Maria in Valle envisaged by the Management Plan of the 2010 World Heritage List - Italia Langobardorum The Lombards in Italy - Places of Power (568-774 AD) carried out by the company Arc-Team srl under the scientific direction of Angela Borzacconi on behalf of the Soprintendenza Archeologia Belle Arti e Paesaggio FVG the first step in the series of interventions allowing to verify and better define the characteristics of the existing archaeological deposit The excavations involved the entire hall of the Tempietto and part of the apsidal area highlighting a situation extremely compromised by repeated excavations conducted in the past that have affected the original stratigraphy: interventions that have characterized all the phases of use of the building up to the numerous archaeological explorations that followed from the late nineteenth century to the 1970s So it was a very difficult excavation due to the presence of significant rehashes to record any evidence and read it in the light of currently available scientific data also in relation to the results of recent investigations carried out in the area of the Monastery with a view to elaborating new knowledge data It was then possible to identify remnants of still-preserved stratigraphy that together with a series of carbon dating (currently in progress) and the study of the archaeological materials found will be able to support both the chronology of the building phases related to the building and the settlement dynamics prior to the construction of the Tempietto the recognition of some masonry related to a building pre-existing the Tempietto already known from previous excavations but never properly documented and understood These are structures defining articulated spaces of a certain width paved with preparations of thick and tenacious mortar that would seem to presuppose the use of heavy stone slabs (perhaps the same ones later used for the Tempietto’s floor plan lent themselves to frequent reuse in connection with the gradual raising of floor plans used during the life stages of the oratory which seems to have some monumental evidence but it seems reasonable to link it to the ancient Gastaldaga Part of that context must later have been obliterated by the construction of that extraordinary cult building used as a palatine chapel erected in the mature Lombard age perhaps in conjunction with a general monumentalization of the power complex later incorporated into the monastery mentioned in the sources from the 9th century onward Tradition has it that the latter was founded by Piltrude whose remains were related to relics discovered in the 13th century during some work on the presbytery of the oratory of Santa Maria because of the strong ideological connotations assumed in that thirteenth-century phase of renewal significantly consolidated Piltrude’s connection with the foundation tradition carried out last December at the conclusion of the investigations in the Tempietto hall brought to light a wooden box containing human remains already known from several reconnaissances (the last of which took place in 1968) and traditionally attributed precisely to Piltrude originally arranged in a sarcophagus assembled in medieval times by reusing sculptural pieces from the Lombard period dating to the 8th century were moved under the altar in recent times These are a selection of skeletal remains pertaining to several individuals Our websites may use cookies to personalize and enhance your experience. By continuing without changing your cookie settings, you agree to this collection. For more information, please see our University Websites Privacy Notice women's basketball team will look to make it seven in a row at the July 22-30 event in Cividale del Friuli and Udine Rising University of Connecticut sophomore Crystal Dangerfield and incoming freshman Megan Walker were named to the 2017 USA Basketball U19 World Cup Team as announced by USA Basketball on Sunday The team was selected by the USA Basketball Junior National Team Committee following four days of trials at the U.S Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs Six-time defending World Cup gold medalists women’s basketball team will look to make it seven gold medals in a row at the July 22-30 event in Cividale del Friuli and Udine The team will return to Colorado Springs July 7 to begin training camp before departing for Italy on July 15 will then compete from July 17-19 in a four-team exhibition tournament against host Italy Latvia and Spain before tipping off 2017 U19 World Cup play July 22 against Mali the squad is comprised of Bella Alarie (Princeton/Bethesda Ill.); Chennedy Carter (Timberview H.S./Arlington Texas);  Tyasha Harris (South Carolina/Noblesville Texas); Kayla Overbeck(Vanderbilt/Newbury Park Calif.); Reili Richardson (Arizona State/Brea Mo.) and Christyn Williams (Central Arkansas Christian School/Little Rock “This group of kids made it a really difficult decision for the committee,” said Jennifer Rizzotti and head coach at George Washington University coachability and maturity gave us a lot of great options to choose from We feel confident that we selected a great 12-member team that will proudly represent the United States in the FIBA U19 World Cup.” the USA will face China on July 23 and cap the preliminary round against host Italy on July 25 Also competing in the 16-nation tournament are Australia teams will be seeded according to group play and all participating teams will advance to the July 26 round of 16 Winners will advance to the July 28 medal quarterfinals while the remaining teams will continue playing out for classification and the gold and bronze medal games are slated for July 30 Including five athletes from the 2016 USA U18 National Team which qualified for the 2017 U19 World Cup by virtue of its 5-0 capture gold at the 2015 FIBA U19 World Cup a total of 10 athletes on the roster boast of USA Basketball experience Returning from the 2016 USA U18 National Team are Boehm This border region of north-east Italy has stayed out of the limelight but offers dramatic Alpine scenery Driving east from Venice along the autostrada it only takes half an hour to leave the tourists behind and cross into the very different world of Friuli This autonomous and proudly independent region is officially known as Friuli-Venezia Giulia a wild and still little-known corner of Italy that has its own language and a host of world-famous wines grown on rolling hillside vineyards Strategically located at the crossroads of central Europe Friuli stretches over Italy’s north-eastern border from the lagoons and sandy beaches of the Adriatic coast to the grand maritime port of Trieste then up into wild Alpine scenery and the border with Austria The first visit here can come as a surprise But it is so easy to fall under the charm of the unspoilt landscape and the warm welcome that many travellers find themselves returning Just as Friuli is very different from the rest of Italy is unlike other Italian cities – more Mitteleuropa Vienna than Venice it has been transformed from a gritty frontier crossing point to a vibrant multicultural hub Let the monumental grandeur of Piazza Unità d’Italia impress you but then fall under Trieste’s more subtle charms: antique stores in the narrow lanes of the ancient Jewish ghetto or just a seat at one of the waterside cafes that line the Canal Grande for an sundowner aperitivo Sunset over Trieste Photograph: Getty Images/iStockphotoThe Adriatic coastline stretches north and west of the city encompassing the family-oriented beach resorts of Grado and Lignano But the main attraction is the awesome natural beauty of immense lagoons that hug the coastline Visitors should explore the waterside walking and bike tracks of Valle Cavanata or head to Marano Lagunare and either follow a guide through the Valle Canal Nuovo nature reserve white-thatched fishermen’s cottages seemingly floating on the wetlands there are the breathtaking Roman mosaics of Aquileia’s Unesco-listed basilica tarts and flans each morning for breakfast Ponte del Diavolo, Cividale. Photograph: AlamyDiscover the place where ice-cream was invented: Valle di Cadore, ItalyRead moreRight at the beginning of the Collio wine route visitors should wander past the medieval arcades and baroque palaces of one of Europe’s unique border cities divided in half since the Cold War from Slovenia’s Nova Gorica The entrance to the town of Cividale could not be more imposing crossing over the majestic 15th-century Ponte del Diavolo with the turquoise river Natisone flowing far below While this still grandiose town was officially founded by Julius Caesar, its roots go back further to the Celts and Lombards (known as Longobardi) vividly documented in the outstanding Archeological Museum which stands in the imposing Piazza del Duomo The scenery changes abruptly a half hour’s drive from Cividale when narrow roads branch off into the wild wooded valleys of Natisone fruity plum gnocchi and home-cured sausages accompanied by the farm’s own artisan wine and beer The cosy oak-beamed osteria Terra & Vini (mains from €10 +39 0481 60028) is always packed with Collio viticoltori feasting off tagliatelle with wild boar ragù while in Cividale the latest hot address is Osteria alla Speranza (mains from €15 The cuisine of the Natisone valley is a mix of Italian and Slovenian influences lazy Sunday lunch at Trattoria alla Posta (Localita Clodig 22 +39 0432 725000) in the frontier village of Clodig serves an eight-course tasting menu for a mere €30 with dishes such as stinging-nettle ravioli slow-cooked veal cheeks with wild mushrooms and a to-die-for grape strudel that stretch into the distance as far as the eye can see There is invariably a raucous crowd around the cellar table as the imposing figure of Graziano Specogna and his son a riverside terrace and hearty regional cuisine with a series of galleries covered with frescoes by Giovanni Battista Tiepolo Friuli’s big foodie stop-off is San Daniele del Friuli artisan production of prosciutto has a reputation that often exceeds the better-known Parma ham The family-run Prosciuttificio Prolongo (prolongo.it) offers fascinating tours in English at €2pp the road quickly rises into the foothills of the rugged Carnia mountains Perfect for hiking and biking in summer and cross-country skiing in winter the two villages of upper and lower Sauris – Sopra and Sotto – resemble a fairytale kingdom with strange mythical sculptures And don’t miss the Alice in Wonderland hamlet of Pesariis with an enchanting museum and 14 monumental clocks displayed throughout the village but its innovative cuisine is a revelation worthy of a Michelin star for dishes such as wild herb tagliatelle with pear and honey Signora Eliana Solari follows more traditional recipes such as a delicate flan of dandelion flowers direct from the family’s organic vegetable farm and though Sauris may seem like a sleepy mountain settlement the Pizzeria Pame Stifl (Sauris di Sopra 3) stays open well after midnight and has a lethal selection of herb grappas an abandoned hamlet whose ancient wooden houses have been transformed into 40 cosy guest apartments Ryanair flies to Trieste from £34 return. Car hire was provided by carrentals.co.uk. For more information about the region go to turismfvg.it. UDINE/CIVIDALE DEL FRIULI (FIBA U19 Women's Basketball World Cup) - Maria Vadeeva and Raisa Musina went to absolute work in the Final of the FIBA U19 Women's Basketball World Cup 2017 on Sunday and the duo proved unstoppable Helping Russia to land their first title at the event in almost three decades their individual plays and particularly their interactions with each other delivered the knockout blow to six-time champions USA Nobody would have argued had Musina been crowned MVP instead of Vadeeva after Russia's famous 86-82 win with both players simply outstanding and showing their full range of skills It also gave a glimpse into what promises to be an exciting future partnership for the senior Russian frontcourt as they try to get back to being one of the leading women's basketball nations in the world flair and almost telepathic understanding was a great start on that journey for Vadeeva and Musina Please enable JS and disable any ad blocker This website is using a security service to protect itself from online attacks The action you just performed triggered the security solution There are several actions that could trigger this block including submitting a certain word or phrase You can email the site owner to let them know you were blocked Please include what you were doing when this page came up and the Cloudflare Ray ID found at the bottom of this page and I'll make any excuse to escape the invading tourist hordes at the weekend not to mention the eye-wateringly expensive restaurants So when friends told me about an autumn food festival Invito a Pranzo ("Come for lunch") in the Natisone valley in Friuli I jumped at the chance to explore one of the wildest most upspoilt corners of northern Italy and discover a unique regional cuisine at knock-down prices in-the-know food lovers flock here from all over Italy unable to resist the temptation of a lazy three- to four-hour lunch – especially when the fixed price for a 10-course tasting menu is just €23 A dozen rustic trattorie and osterie take part in Invito a Pranzo each year this special menu is only offered every Friday Saturday and Sunday from October through to December and you must make a reservation either basic B&Bs or old-fashioned pensione accommodation so it is easy to plan a long weekend that takes in not just a couple of the restaurants but also hiking or mountain biking through thick pine forests such as trout fishing and mushroom picking Photograph: John Brunton for the GuardianNatisone is an isolated mountainous land that divides Italy from Slovenia all of which have low-cost air links with the UK A short drive from Udine brings you to the ancient Roman town of Cividale del Friuli and addresses of the restaurants taking part in Invito a Pranzo rarely give accurate details of their actual location It is impossible not to get lost – satnav doesn't work here – and many winding lanes peter out into dead-ends or lead you over the frontier into Slovenia I headed first for the Trattoria Alla Posta (+39 0432 725000) in the sleepy village of Clodig with an islet in the middle marked by a bright white statue of the Virgin Mary There are probably only 30 to 40 inhabitants in Clodig but just as many cars are parked outside the Posta This trattoria is a gastronomic temple to la cucina casalinga (home cooking) with Maria Gilda Primosig creating dishes in the kitchen that are worthy of a Michelin-starred restaurant She makes wonderful use of autumnal products – wild boar and venison porcini mushrooms and radicchio – then produces her own recipes adding wild herbs she collects in the surrounding forests Her chestnut and porcini soup is unforgettable her blecs (buckwheat pasta) are flavoured with nettles while the first bite of her melt-in-the-mouth strudel shocks – it is filled with pumpkin and pears Maria's cuisine is so fresh and surprising it makes me think of the media hype surrounding new cooking methods in Scandinavia as pioneered by Noma restaurant in Copenhagen; except that here carbon-zero products as creatively as possible Albergo Ristorante Alla Trota, Pulfero. Photograph: John Brunton for the GuardianThe idyllic Albergo alla Trota (via Specognis 10, Pulfero, +39 0432 726006, allatrota.com double rooms €60) sits right on the edge of the Natisone river itself oven-baked with herbs and served with polenta who used to be the local school teacher until she bought the Trota transforming it from the village's general store into a trattoria and albergo Maring has been president of Invito a Pranzo for the past 10 years and she told me that each autumn the event attracts more and more visitors when her Invito menu features 10 different assaggi (tasting dishes) for €23 but then a litre of the surprisingly good vino della casa costs only €9 Lunch at the Trota is served outside on a shady terrace that has panoramic views over the river and pine-clad mountains and while most of the tables are packed with visitors One table is left for villagers who spend the afternoon in an animated game of cards and I found it a bit of a culture shock that none of the locals speaks Italian Driving up into the high mountains that surround Albergo alla Trota, tiny villages seem to pop up in the middle of thick forests – a few houses, a bakery selling the famous local cake, Gubana, and a cosy locale taking part in Invito a Pranzo. Osteria all'Antica in Cras (+39 0432 709052, osteriallantica.com) has a fabulous flower garden and waterside terrace in summer where a pot of polenta is slowly bubbling away ready to be served with a hearty wild boar stew Photograph: John Brunton for the GuardianDon't expect too much in the way of gourmet dining at the simple but friendly Trattoria Ai Buoni Amici (via Tarcetta 76 while San Pietro al Natisone's Enoteca ai Trevi (Via Alpe Adria 118 +39 0432 727454) only serves local cheeses and salamis though it does offer an exceptional cantina of local wines I couldn't resist lunch at Sale e Pepe in Stregna (Via Capoluogo 19 no longer part of Invito – something to do with local politics – but renowned for the highly original cuisine of chef Teresa Covaceuszach Stregna is right on the Slovenian frontier and the place feels like the end of the world but push open the door of Sale e Pepe and you enter a warm where Teresa transforms strange Italian-Slovenian recipes into gourmet dishes Bizna is a rich minestrone soup of potatoes while wild duck is roasted with chocolate and cinnamon And forget the traditional Gubana for dessert as the house speciality is Teresa's take on a crème brûlée leaving the kitchen clouded in fragrant puffs of smoke I got the feeling I was leaving a curious no man's land and coming back into Italy again Invito a Pranzo, Friday, Saturday and Sunday lunch from 1 October– 8 December. By reservation only: +39 04321 714559, invitoapranzo.it UDINE/CIVIDALE DEL FRIULI (FIBA U19 Women's Basketball World Cup 2017) - Alyssa Jerome is still coming to terms with making history for Canada by landing a bronze medal at the FIBA U19 Women's Basketball World Cup The Canada captain had to help pick her team up off the canvas after they were demolished in the Semi-Finals against Russia on Saturday That made their 67-60 triumph in the 3rd-Place Game against Japan on Sunday all the more impressive For the first time in team history, Canada medals at the #FIBAU19 Women's World Cup, beating Japan 🇯🇵 67-60 to earn BRONZE 🥉! #WeAreTeamCanada A post shared by Canada Basketball (@canadabasketballofficial) on Jul 30, 2017 at 11:11am PDT "It was a great battle because Japan are a really good team and it was tough for us. We bounced back from the big loss against Russia to show we can be successful in adversity," she said. "It [the loss to Russia] was such a disappointment and we're glad we could recover and end in this way. But, we got the job done and it has been a great journey for all of us - the players, the coaches and the staff. "It feels amazing and we're excited that we are playing our part in showing that Canada Basketball are on the rise. It was a great tournament, played in great venues and in a great location." UDINE/CIVIDALE DEL FRIULI (FIBA U19 Women's Basketball World Cup 2017) - It was 55 years ago that Pedro Ferrandiz changed the rules of the sport, having first introduced the concept of the 'autocanasta'. The Real Madrid coach came up with the concept of his team scoring in their own basket to extend their chances of victory way back in 1962. It paved the way for rules to be changed for when players put the ball intentionally or otherwise, into their own basket. At the FIBA U19 Women's Basketball World Cup 2017, there was another Spanish connection as, during their game against the Spaniards on Sunday, Russia mistakenly headed down the wrong end of the floor and Daria Kurilchuk dropped a triple through her team's own hoop. Viewers initially saw Russia's score tick over for three more points but, in accordance with FIBA rules, the basket was withdrawn from Russia's tally and two points were awarded to Spain's captain Lucia Alonso, who was on the court at the time.  Italy - Russia beat the USA in a classic Final matchup to win the FIBA U19 Women's Basketball World Cup 2017 UDINE/CIVIDALE DEL FRIULI, Italy (FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup 2017) - Russia beat the USA in a classic Final matchup on Sunday to win the FIBA U19 Women's Basketball World Cup 2017 Russia climbed onto the top step of the podium for the first time in 28 years after edging out the six-time reigning champions 86-82 in a title game that will go down as one of the most exciting in the competition's illustrious history Maria Vadeeva and team captain Raisa Musina led the way for the Russians The former went for 26 points and 18 rebounds while the latter netted a game-high 33 points to claim their first U19 crown since the Soviet Union won it back in 1989 Cheyenne Carter erupted for 31 points for the Americans who came up short of extending their streak of winning this event to seven times in a row Earlier, Canada achieved their first podium finish in the history of the competition by beating Japan 67-60 in the 3rd-Place Game.  Vadeeva was rewarded for her outstanding play throughout the tournament by being named the MVP The Russian star headlined the All-Star Five where she was joined by her teammate Musina, along with Carter and her compatriot Ty Harris and Canada's Laeticia Amihere Final Standings of the FIBA U19 Women's Basketball World Cup 20171 UDINE/CIVIDALE DEL FRIULI (FIBA U19 Women's Basketball World Cup 2017) - Canada are celebrating their best-ever finish at the FIBA U19 Women's Basketball World Cup after beating Japan to third place on Sunday Canada completed their historic moment with a 67-60 victory as they denied their opponents a maiden medal Tight game, ⏰, step back, no problem for @kvanlee_10 😱Latest updates on 📝 https://t.co/0uWpN9HBNQ #FIBAU19 🥉 medal game, @CanBball pic.twitter.com/FJDg6BIhsc Laeticia Amihere excelled with 13 points and 10 rebounds after going 6 of 7 from the floor while Canada also hit buzzer-beaters at the end quarters one Andrey Amador takes lead at Giro d'Italia after Mikel Nieve wins Stage 13APCIVIDALE DEL FRIULI Italy (AP) — Andrey Amador became the first rider from Costa Rica to wear the pink jersey at the Giro d'Italia while Mikel Nieve won the first big mountain stage on Friday Nieve got into a breakaway and launched a solo attack on the third of four categorized climbs in Stage 13 Nieve clocked just over 4 1/2 hours over the 170-kilometer (106-mile) route from Palmanova to Cividale del Friuli Nieve finished 43 seconds ahead of second-place Giovanni Visconti and 1:17 ahead of third-place Vincenzo Nibali who edged overall rival Alejandro Valverde in a sprint for the final podium spot Amador leads previous leader Bob Jungels by 26 seconds "I'll do my best to enjoy this experience," said Amador the son of a Russian mother and a Costa Rican father "The truth is that Alejandro Valverde is very strong and my move to the top spot doesn't change anything It was Nieve's third stage win at a Grand Tour having taken victories at the 2010 Spanish Vuelta and 2011 Giro and it gave Sky some relief after team leader Mikel Landa abandoned due to illness during Stage 10 "Today's attack was kind of planned," Nieve said "To go on the attack for a stage victory was the only thing we could do after Mikel Landa abandoned Visconti fell hard while sprinting against Damiano Cunego for points on the first climb of the day but managed to get medical attention while in the saddle and continue the 2013 Giro winner and 2014 Tour de France champion gained a four-second bonus for his third-place finish and leapfrogged Valverde in the standings Nibali also attempted an attack on the penultimate climb to Cima Porzus but was quickly chased down by Valverde Then Amador showed off his downhill skills at the front on a technical descent Jungels stayed with the other leaders for most of the day but was dropped on the way up to Porzus Sprinters Andre Greipel and Caleb Ewan withdrew before the stage began The stage was held in the Friuli-Venezia Giulia region in northeastern Italy the race's "queen" stage features six classified climbs — including the Passo Pordoi and the Passo Giau — on a spectacular 210-kilometer (131-mile) route through the heart of the Dolomite Range from Alpago to Corvara there's an 11-kilometer (7-mile) mountain time trial from Castelrotto to Alpe di Siusi "We have two very hard days ahead," Amador said "It's great to go into it with the Maglia Rosa (pink jersey)." organizers were working to clear five meters (yards) of snow off the Colle dell'Agnello pass the highest point of the race at an altitude of 2,744 meters (9,000 feet) Friuli-Venezia Giulia is one of the regions with a special statute occupying the north-eastern part of Italy with different socio-cultural characteristics The historical-geographical region of Friuli consists in the provinces of Pordenone while Venezia Giulia includes Trieste and the rest of the province of Gorizia The division between Friuli and Venezia Giulia dates back to ancient times They were united only between 1954 and 1975 It is a land that has allowed different populations to meet where different ethnic and linguistic identities have merged and clashed: Latin It is a richly stratified reality: in its bowels runs the blood of the Romans This rich past is reflected in its many monuments along with the many unsurpassed creations of Nature Your trip to the Friuli region begins with one of the most renowned tourist locations on the Italian peninsula: Lignano Sabbiadoro Lignano offers a modern and well-equipped coast: there are more than forty at night you can enjoy the local nightlife bars and nightclubs that make Lignano a very popular destination for lovers of summer fun One of the unmissable destinations of your Friulian trip is definitely the majestic Miramare Castle in Trieste The building was built at the behest of Archduke Ferdinand Maximilian of Habsburg as a luxurious alcove for himself and his wife the castle offers a spectacular view of the Gulf of Trieste and a beautiful park to visit One of the most fascinating and enigmatic destinations of your Friulian adventure is the Predil lake which occupies a glacial basin near Tarvisio The place is surrounded by a legendary atmosphere But the lakeside resort also offers modern bathing and nautical equipment which make it a sought-after and renowned tourist destination The next stop on our Friulian adventure is Gorizia can be considered the crossroads of three different cultures: Italian witnesses of this cultural complexity: the statue of St the statue of Maximilian of Habsburg and the Obelisk of Calvary But another great attraction of Gorizia are its numerous and well-kept public gardens where you can take long and relaxing walks One of the most beautiful and fascinating places in Friuli Venezia Giulia is the source of the Gorgazzo an underwater cave that will give you a more unique and rare natural spectacle A wonder that has been the object of the imagination of more than one artist One of the most popular destinations in Friuli Venezia Giulia is certainly Cividale del Friuli The city can boast a rich history behind it: founded by Giulio Cesare who baptized it with the name of Forum Julii it was conquered by the Lombards in the 6th century The Lombards made it their own important bulwark enriching the city with numerous monuments: among these the so-called Longobard Tempietto built overhanging the Natisone river is not to be missed A visit to the Michele Gortani Museum of Popular Arts in Tolmezzo represents a unique opportunity to get to know in depth the civilization and culture of the Friuli region of Carnia here you can admire a rich collection of bronze pots precious musical instruments and even a reconstruction of a typical Carnic house are you ready for this beautiful dive into the past Forni di Sopra is one of the precious gems of the Friulian Dolomites Natural Park The first thing you will notice about the picturesque village are its unique houses the splendid landscape of the Dolomites is the backdrop to the characteristic architecture the opportunity to practice your favorite sports Aquileia is one of the most important cities in Friuli Venezia Giulia one of the most luxuriant provinces of the Roman Empire as evidenced by the vast archaeological area Of particular interest is also the Patriarchal Basilica of Santa Maria Assunta where the splendid floor mosaics authentic masterpieces of the genre and the moving Cemetery of the Heroes an important testimony of Contemporary History Your journey ends in the European city of Trieste we invite you to visit the Natural History Museum with its extraordinary collection of natural and artificial beauties The absolute protagonist of your visit will be Antonio one of the most perfectly preserved dinosaurs in the world The EmotionHall Arena is an extraordinary space that will completely overwhelm you Innovative technologies catapult visitors into an exciting experience getting to the heart of the exhibitions and events on offer Not to be missed, from 19 November 2021 to 31 August 2022, Pinocchio - Immersive Art Experience We will be able to relive the magic and atmosphere of Collodi's fairy tale guided by holographic actors playing the various characters We will enter into the heart of a timeless masterpiece a classic for children capable of enchanting adults and children alike EmotionHall's Pinocchio is an immersive journey made digitally but strictly in wood like the most famous puppet on the planet the birth of this eternal work will be re-enacted reliving the enchantment and emotions and the values of the most famous novel of Italian literature it will be exciting to experience first-hand the puppet's adventures as he grows and changes will inevitably step into the role of the wooden child and experience the same feelings Surrounded by fantastic installations and theatrical reproductions Pinocchio by EmotionHall is the emotional experience par excellence for getting to know Pinocchio You can visit the exhibition every day from 10am to 9pm, from 19 November 2021 to 31 August 2022, at Tiare Shopping. Tickets are available on Vivaticket Italia or at the Tiare Shopping Infopoint This unique and innovative exhibition space of about 2,000 square metres is located in the Tiare Shopping Centre in Villesse, in the province of Gorizia. During your shopping in the more than 100 shops you and your children will live a breathtaking experience and unforgettable moments What are you waiting for? Tiare Shopping is open every day, from 9:30 to 22:00- Località Maranuz 2, 34070 Villesse (Gorizia) I collaborated with magazines such as Napoli Nobilissima and History of Art by Maurizio Calvesi publishing some essays on the Neapolitan Baroque and I wrote critical content for several contemporary artists Subscribe to our weekly Newsletter dedicated to the Italian culture Check your email to confirm your subscription and receive special offers Top Attractions Colosseum Santa Maria Maggiore Vatican Museum Uffizi Gallery Pompeii Ruins Milan Cathedral Pantheon Vesuvius Florence Cathedral Sant'Angelo Castle Doge Palace Verona Arena Experiences Positano,Sorrento&Pompeii Tour Chianti Tour& San Gimignano Lake Como from Milan Romantic Sunset Boat Tour in Naples Capri Private Motorboat Tour Private Electric Cart Tour in Rome Abruzzo Basilicata Calabria Campania Emilia Romagna Friuli Venezia Giulia Lazio Liguria Lombardy Marche Molise Piedmont Apulia Sardinia Sicily Tuscany Trentino-Alto Adige Umbria Aosta Valley Veneto Italy like a local Hidden gems How to go to Attractions and Tours Unesco sites Latest news Best Tours and Experiences Art and culture Food and Flavours Best Places to Visit in Italy Places and Tours Exhibitions, events and shows History and Traditions About us Advertise with us Contact us Work with us Rana Abdel Fattah tries to pass Puerto Rico defense – Courtesy of FIBA Official Website Carlos Santana is coming with his band to the Italian city of Čedad (Cividale del Friuli) on July 13 Secure your seat at the legendary guitarist's concert; maybe you'll get lucky and hear Soul Sacrifice live Mexican guitarist Carlos Santana founded a band in 1967 with the name Santana the most iconic music festival in human memory took place - Woodstock Carlos Santana had the opportunity to perform with the band which naturally catapulted them to stardom Santana enrolled in Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and received eight Grammys They have already sold more than 90 million albums and quite a few of their works have climbed to the top of the relevant music charts READ MORE: Nova Rock festival 2016 but in 2013 Carlos announced a reunion of the original cast The same members who played Soul Sacrifice on a dairy farm in New York in 1969 the band will present their 23rd studio album Santana IV The tour has already started in the USA and according to the people there setlists we expect some of theirs here as well evergreens with Oye Como Va and Black Magic Woman at the head From 2004 we research urban trends and inform our community of followers about the latest in lifestyle From year 2023 we offer content in major global languages From 2004 we research urban trends and inform our community of followers daily about the latest in lifestyle style and products that inspire with passion we offer content in major global languages Bologna, 6 April 2025 – The playoff road for the Fortitude, called to collect as many points as possible in the final rush of the A2 championship to avoid the play-in pillory: at PalaDozza Cividale passes 79-86 at the end of a fast-paced and tense match. Bologna now faces the very difficult away match in Forlì. Flats Service Fortitudo Bologna: Ferrucci ne, Bonfiglioli ne, Aradori 11, Gabriel 7, Battistini, Menalo, Bolpin 9, Panni 8, Cusin 4, Mian 19, Fantinelli 9, Freeman 12. Coach Caja. Ueb Gesteco Cividale del Friuli: Lamb 15, Redivo 16, Miani 7, Anumba ne, Mastellari 17, Rota 5, Marangon 7, Berti 2, Ferrari 5, Dell'Agnello 12, Piccionne ne. Coach Pillastrini. Two-Point Shooting: Fortitudo 18/42; Cividale 15/26. Three-Point Shooting: 12/25; 13/35. Free Throws: 7/12; 17/19. Rebounds: 38; 32.