The province accounts for the eastern part of the Veneto Plain as it curves towards the border with Slovenia. To the north and the border with Austria it rises to the Carnic Alps with its alpine meadows and pine forests. Some 20 years ago the area was devas­tated by an earthquake. Some of the most beautiful and verdant scenery in all Italy can be found in this corner of the country, and yet it is hardly visited, and hotels are thin on the ground.

There are some old- fashioned hostelries in Tolmezzo and the beautifully situated spa town of Arta Terme. The main cities are Trieste, with its air of faded grandeur, and Udine, a busy indus­trial town with a lovely old piazza and cathedral. Our small selec­tion of hotels can be found mainly in the west of the province.