Family Adventures in Friuli-Venezia Giulia

Whispers of the Past, Echoes of Nature

Today was a beautiful exploration of Friuli-Venezia Giulia, a region that continues to surprise and enchant me. It's amazing how much history and natural beauty can be packed into a single day, and I'm so excited to share our adventures. From exploring ancient castles to discovering hidden waterfalls, every moment felt like stepping into a postcard.

Our day began with a delightful breakfast at Antica Osteria Al Ponte in Brazzacco. The aroma of freshly baked bread and strong Italian coffee filled the air, setting the perfect tone for our explorations. We enjoyed a simple yet satisfying meal of local pastries and cappuccino, fueling up for the day ahead. Elena was particularly thrilled with her *cornetto*, a sweet, flaky croissant that she devoured with gusto. Maximilian and I savored the moment, appreciating the quiet charm of the osteria before the day's adventures truly began.


Savor authentic Italian cuisine and exceptional local wines at Antica Osteria Al Ponte in San Daniele del Friuli.

After breakfast, we set off to explore the Castello Savorgnan di Brazzà, a stunning medieval castle that stands as a testament to the region's rich history. As we approached the castle, its formidable stone walls and elegant towers rose majestically against the backdrop of rolling hills and lush landscapes. The views were simply breathtaking, and I couldn't resist snapping a few photos to capture the moment. The castle is steeped in history, and it was once the home of the explorer Pietro Savorgnan di Brazzà. It felt surreal to walk through the same halls where he once lived, imagining the stories and adventures that unfolded within those walls.

Discover the timeless beauty and rich history of Castello Savorgnan di Brazzà in the heart of Italy's stunning landscapes.

Elena was fascinated by the castle's architecture, especially the towers and ramparts. She ran around, pretending to be a princess defending her kingdom. Maximilian, ever the history enthusiast, shared interesting facts about the Savorgnan family and their influence on the region. I learned that the castle dates back to the 11th-12th century and has remained in the Savorgnan family throughout the centuries. It even served as the headquarters for the Austrian army in World War I and was later occupied by Nazi forces during World War II. The castle has a rich botanical heritage and natural habitat, including a park with spectacular trees and a Lombard Chapel of San Michele Arcangelo.

As we wandered through the castle grounds, I couldn't help but feel a sense of awe and wonder. The blend of history, architecture, and natural beauty made it a truly unforgettable experience. It's moments like these that make traveling so rewarding, allowing us to connect with the past and appreciate the beauty of the present.

The best view comes after the hardest climb.

Next on our itinerary was a visit to the Cascate Butines, a series of stunning waterfalls nestled in the heart of the Friulian countryside. After the historical immersion at the Castello, we were all eager to embrace the natural beauty of the region. The drive to the waterfalls was scenic, winding through picturesque villages and verdant forests. The anticipation grew as we neared our destination, the sound of rushing water becoming increasingly audible.

Experience the serenity and breathtaking beauty of Cascate Butines, a stunning waterfall in the heart of Italy's Province of Pordenone.

The hike to the Cascate Butines was relatively easy, making it perfect for a family outing. The trail meandered through lush vegetation, with sunlight filtering through the trees, creating a magical atmosphere. Elena skipped ahead, her laughter echoing through the forest. Maximilian and I followed at a more leisurely pace, enjoying the tranquility of our surroundings. The air was fresh and crisp, carrying the scent of pine and damp earth.

As we rounded a bend in the trail, the first waterfall came into view, and we were immediately captivated by its beauty. The water cascaded down the rocks with a thunderous roar, creating a misty spray that cooled our faces. We continued along the trail, discovering several more waterfalls, each more stunning than the last. Elena was thrilled, splashing in the shallow pools and collecting colorful pebbles.

We spent several hours exploring the Cascate Butines, marveling at the power and beauty of nature. It was a refreshing escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, a chance to reconnect with ourselves and with each other. I couldn't help but reflect on the simple joys of travel, the moments of discovery and wonder that make it all worthwhile.

By lunchtime, we had worked up quite an appetite, so we headed to Ai Bintars in San Daniele del Friuli for a traditional Friulian lunch. This *osteria* is known for its authentic cuisine and warm, inviting atmosphere, and it did not disappoint. As we stepped inside, we were greeted by the friendly staff and the aroma of delicious food.

Experience authentic Italian cuisine at Ai Bintars in San Daniele del Friuli - where tradition meets taste.

We started with a selection of local cured meats and cheeses, including the famous San Daniele prosciutto, which was absolutely divine. The prosciutto was thinly sliced and melt-in-your-mouth tender, with a rich, savory flavor that lingered on the palate. Elena, who is usually a picky eater, surprised us by devouring several slices. Maximilian and I savored every bite, appreciating the quality and craftsmanship of the local ingredients.

For our main courses, we ordered a variety of traditional Friulian dishes. I opted for the *frico*, a crispy cheese and potato pancake that is a regional specialty. Maximilian chose the *gnocchi*, homemade potato dumplings served with a creamy sauce. Elena, of course, wanted pasta. Every dish was bursting with flavor and made with fresh, local ingredients. We washed it all down with a bottle of crisp, white Friulano wine, which complemented the meal perfectly.

The atmosphere at Ai Bintars was warm and convivial, with locals and tourists alike enjoying the delicious food and lively conversation. It felt like stepping into someone's home, a place where you could relax and enjoy the simple pleasures of life. We lingered over our meal, savoring every moment and feeling grateful for the opportunity to experience the authentic flavors of Friuli.

After such a fulfilling lunch, a little *digestivo* was in order. That is why, later in the afternoon, we stopped by Bar Zanzibar in Forni di Sopra for a relaxing drink before dinner. The bar had a laid-back atmosphere, with a mix of locals and tourists enjoying the late afternoon sun. I decided to try a local herbal liqueur, while Maximilian opted for a glass of wine. Elena, of course, was happy with her *succo di frutta*.

Discover Bar Zanzibar in Buja, a charming bar and café offering an inviting atmosphere and delightful beverages, perfect for tourists seeking local culture.

We sat outside, soaking up the atmosphere and watching the world go by. It was a perfect way to unwind after a day of exploring. The sun was warm on our faces, and a gentle breeze rustled through the trees. We chatted about our favorite moments of the day, reminiscing about the castle, the waterfalls, and the delicious food. It was a simple, yet perfect moment, a reminder of the beauty of travel and the joy of spending time with loved ones.

For dinner, we had reservations at Burdidi er Landa, a restaurant known for its traditional Friulian cuisine. As we arrived, we were greeted by the friendly staff and shown to our table. The restaurant had a cozy, rustic atmosphere, with exposed wooden beams and stone walls. It felt like stepping back in time, a place where you could escape the modern world and savor the flavors of the past.

Experience authentic Italian flavors at Burdidi er Landa in Magnano in Riviera—where every meal is a celebration of tradition.

We started with a selection of appetizers, including *salumi misti* (mixed cured meats) and *formaggi locali* (local cheeses). The meats were rich and flavorful, and the cheeses were creamy and tangy. Elena, who is usually a picky eater, surprised us by devouring the *prosciutto crudo* (cured ham). Maximilian and I savored every bite, appreciating the quality and craftsmanship of the local ingredients.

For our main courses, we ordered a variety of traditional Friulian dishes. I opted for the *cjarsons*, a type of sweet and savory dumpling that is a regional specialty. Maximilian chose the *goulash*, a hearty meat stew served with polenta. Elena, of course, wanted pasta. Every dish was bursting with flavor and made with fresh, local ingredients. We washed it all down with a bottle of robust red wine, which complemented the meal perfectly.

The atmosphere at Burdidi er Landa was warm and inviting, with locals and tourists alike enjoying the delicious food and lively conversation. It felt like stepping into someone's home, a place where you could relax and enjoy the simple pleasures of life. We lingered over our meal, savoring every moment and feeling grateful for the opportunity to experience the authentic flavors of Friuli.

As the day drew to a close, I couldn't help but reflect on all that we had experienced. From exploring ancient castles to discovering hidden waterfalls and savoring delicious local cuisine, it had been a day filled with history, natural beauty, and culinary delights. Friuli-Venezia Giulia continues to surprise and enchant me, and I can't wait to see what tomorrow brings. We are planning to visit the Basilica di Santa Maria Assunta and Monte Stella. Until then, *a presto*!