The lavender harvest in Fruili Venezia Giulia recently concluded with the annual Lavender Festival, held at the spa town of Bibione and the seaside resort of Lignano Sabbiadoro. The area around Venzone, a medieval town 34 km from Udine, produces the prized “Lavender of Venzone”, used in cosmetics, aroma therapy, culinary products and natural medicines worldwide. The Lavender Museum of Venzone documents the production processes and properties of this extraordinary herb, used by the Egyptians in the mummification process and by the Romans to disinfect the water of the public baths.

The lavender farms of Venzone have embarked on a large scale marketing operation aimed at opening a string of distinctive violet-coloured shops all over Italy. The “Lavender Route” has now spread as far south as Lazio, with recent openings in the towns of Ciampino and Nemi.

For information: info@lavandadivenzone.it www.lavandadivenzone.it