Friuli-Venezia Giulia borders both Austria and Slovenia and has a different look and feel to it than the rest of the regions in Italy. This is best exhibited in the capital of Trieste, which is home to a delightful mix of people, cultures, and architectural styles. As mountains, forests, and alpine lakes dot the region, it's a haven for hiking, skiing, snowboarding. 
Set between Southern, Central, and Eastern Europe, the castles and historic monuments date back to various empires and kingdoms which have ruled the region over the years.