Carnia

Carnia is a historical and geographical region in northeastern Italy, located in the autonomous region of Friuli-Venezia Giulia. It comprises the mountainous area of the Carnic Alps and surrounding valleys, and lies inland from the Adriatic coast. The regional center is Tolmezzo, with other notable towns including Amaro, Sutrio, Forni di Sopra, Forni di Sotto, Ovaro and Arta Terme.

Geographically, Carnia is defined by rugged Alpine terrain, with high peaks such as Monte Coglians (2,782 meters). The landscape features dense forests, pastures, and a network of streams feeding the alpine valleys. The Carnic Alps form the northern boundary of the region and extend toward the border with Austria. The area is characterized by its scenic canyons, rivers, and traditional pastoral land.

Historically, the region was inhabited by the Carni (Carnic) tribes in antiquity, and later came under Roman, medieval, and early modern rule before becoming part of the Republic of Venice, then the Austrian Empire, and finally Italy in 1866. The area retains a distinct cultural identity, with the Friulian language and Carnian dialects spoken alongside Italian. Traditional crafts, especially woodwork and toy-making in Sutrio, and dairy-based farming have long been important.

Today, Carnia is known for its natural landscapes, outdoor recreation, and small-scale agriculture. Tourism emphasizes hiking, skiing, and mountain biking, as well as cultural and historical visits to villages and churches. The name Carnia also appears in geology, with the Carnian stage of the Late Triassic named after rocks from the region.