Udine

Udine is a charming city in the Friuli-Venezia Giulia region of northeastern Italy, situated near the border with Slovenia and Austria. It is often considered a less-traveled “hidden gem” that offers a mix of Venetian architecture, rich history, and a strong local culture.

Here is a summary of key information about Udine:

Highlights and Things to See

The city’s historical center is compact and easily walkable, featuring beautiful squares and notable buildings:

• Piazza della Libertà: Often described as one of the most beautiful Venetian-style squares on the Italian mainland. It is framed by Renaissance architecture, including the pink-and-white marble Loggia del Lionello (the town hall) and the Loggia di San Giovanni with its clock tower.
• Udine Castle (Castello di Udine): Perched on a hill overlooking the city (legend says it was built by Attila the Hun). The castle houses the City Museums of art and archaeology and offers panoramic views of the city and the Julian Alps.
• Piazza Matteotti (also Piazza San Giacomo): A picturesque square that was once the new market area. It’s surrounded by medieval buildings and is a popular spot for relaxing at cafes and having a glass of wine (“un tajut” in the local Friulian language).
• Udine Cathedral (Duomo di Udine): A large 13th-century church with a Romanesque-Gothic exterior and a Baroque interior featuring frescoes by the famous Venetian painter Giambattista Tiepolo.
• Museo Diocesano e Gallerie del Tiepolo: Located in the Archbishop’s Palace, this museum is famous for its extensive cycle of frescoes and other works by Tiepolo.
• Casa Cavazzini: The city’s Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art.

History and Culture

• Historical Capital of Friuli: Udine has been the historical and institutional capital of the Friuli region since the 13th century, when the Patriarchs of Aquileia moved their seat there.
• Venetian Influence: The city was under the control of the Republic of Venice from 1420 to 1797, which heavily influenced its architecture, particularly its grand squares and palaces.
• Language: While Italian is the official language, many locals also speak Friulian (Furlan), a recognized minority language.
• Wartime Significance: During World War I, Udine served as the headquarters for the Italian High Command and was nicknamed the “War Capital” (Capitale della Guerra).

Local Cuisine

Udine is an excellent place to taste the specialty products of the Friuli region:

• Prosciutto di San Daniele: A renowned air-dried ham produced in the nearby town of San Daniele del Friuli.
• Montasio Cheese: A local mountain cheese.
• Frico: A traditional cheesy and potato dish.
• Wine: The region is famous for its white wines, and stopping for a glass of local wine (a tajut) is a popular local tradition.

Day Trips from Udine

Udine’s central location makes it a great base for exploring the area:

• Cividale del Friuli: A nearby UNESCO World Heritage site known for its Lombard Temple.
• Palmanova: A unique, star-shaped fortress city, also a UNESCO site.
• San Daniele del Friuli: Famous worldwide for its prosciutto.
• Aquileia: A major city of the Roman Empire and a UNESCO World Heritage site with extensive archaeological ruins and a basilica with ancient mosaics.
• Venice and Trieste are both easily reachable by train in about 1.5 to 2 hours.