Land of the Romans, Lombards, Venetians and the Habsburgs the Friuli Venezia Giulia region is a hidden treasure to be discovered for its history, customs and hospitable people. Let us focus on a beautiful and charming small town called San Daniele which is said to be the place where the perfect Friulan dialect is spoken and for this, it is also known as the “Little Sienna” (Siena, Tuscany the cradle of the Italian language) .Located among hills and where Prosciutto di San Daniele was born,
this town is considered to be one of the pearls of this entire region. It is internationally known for its unique microclimate, the production of smoked trout and especially for a ham of unique quality and flavor:  Prosciutto di San Daniele.

“Little Sienna” or San Daniele is also home to one of the most prestigious libraries in Italy which still preserves precious manuscripts dating back to the Middle Ages. Another treasure found in the town’s center is “Il Duomo” or main cathedral with one of the most magnificent eighteenth-century façades of Italy. The interior of this cathedral houses the exceptional painting of the Holy Trinity of Pordenone and three other sketches by master painter Giovanni Battista Tiepolo.

In Friuli Venezia Giulia there is always something to celebrate, especially in the month of June! In San Daniele in particular, June is the perfect month to taste its delicious prosciutto as several guided tours focused on its production are organized during this period.

For those who prefer the beautiful colors of autumn, Venzone, a tiny town not far from San Daniele holds its traditional “Festa della Zucca” or festival of the pumpkin which is usually celebrated on the last weekend of October. Here, one can simply stroll through the charming cobble stone tiny roads in the town’s center, taste pumpkins turned into a variety of delicious recipes and listen to fabulous tales about this large orange veggie.