In truth, it was Strassoldo that chose me! Sometimes, we don't choose a place; rather, the place itself calls to us with a silent yet irresistible voice. This was the case with Strassoldo, a corner of Friuli where time seems to flow at a different rhythm.
What I love about this area is its uncontrived authenticity.
Here, the crystal-clear spring waters flow through meadows and gardens, creating a landscape of rare beauty.
The air has a special quality, infused with the scents of the Friulian countryside and the history that exudes from every stone.
The seasons in Strassoldo each offer their own magic.
In spring, the gardens explode in a symphony of colours, while summer brings clear skies and warm evenings, perfect for outdoor dinners under the portico.
Autumn paints the ancient trees red and gold, and even winter, with its understated elegance, reveals the true essence of these ancient places.
What makes this area special is the perfect balance between history and nature, between past and present.
Within minutes, you can reach the golden beaches of Grado, the vineyards that produce some of Italy's finest wines, eat excellent trattorias and restaurants and stroll around the UNESCO cities of Aquileia (ancient Roman colony) and Palmanova (the star-shaped fortress built by the Venetians).
But ultimately, it's the sense of peace and belonging I feel here that makes it unique. As if, in some mysterious way, these walls and gardens had been waiting for my arrival to reveal their most authentic soul.