Things to Do and See in Udine

The capital of the province of the same name, Udine is a very elegant city, rich in history and art. Characterized by squares and picturesque irrigation canals, the historic center features elegant Gothic-Venetian-style palaces, such as the Palazzo Comunale and the Loggia del Lionello. There are many works by one of the greatest artists of the Italian peninsula, Gianbattista Tiepolo, who created the extraordinary frescoes that adorn the Cathedral, the Archbishop’s Palace, and the Oratory of the Purity. You can also admire the city from the hill where the ancient castle stands, home to the Civic Museums, which include various sections such as the Archaeological Museum, the Gallery of Drawings and Prints, the Museum of Photography, the Photo Library, and the Gallery of Ancient Art with precious paintings from the 16th to the 19th centuries. In the rest of the province to the south lies a vast plain where, among mills and small votive churches, are scattered picturesque villages of historical importance such as Palmanova, the nine-pointed fortress city; Codroipo with Villa Manin, the residence of the last Doge of Venice; Clauiano and Aiello, the village of sundials; and Aquileia with its extraordinary Roman and early Christian artifacts. In Passariano, you can admire the majestic Villa Manin, perfectly integrated into the surrounding landscape. To the north, we recommend the Friuli Hills with their picturesque castles and the town of San Daniele—the “little Siena of Friuli” and home to the inimitable prosciutto—as well as the Colli Orientali del Friuli, characterized by castles (in Attimis and Faedis), Art Nouveau villas (in Tarcento), and the chair-making industrial district (Manzano). The Natisone valleys, where Slavic influences are strong, are led by Cividale del Friuli, rich in a remarkable artistic heritage including the famous Lombard chapel—an example of early medieval architecture decorated with frescoes and stucco—the Cathedral, the Devil’s Bridge, and the National Archaeological Museum, which houses a rich collection of objects and artifacts dating from the Roman era to the early Middle Ages. There are numerous ancient castles to visit, such as Valentinis Castle in Tricesimo, Cassacco Castle, and Colloredo di Monte Albano Castle; while, among the places of worship, the ancient Sanctuary of the Blessed Virgin of Castelmonte stands out, situated in a panoramic location among the Julian Pre-Alps and a destination for numerous pilgrimages. Along the coast, Lignano Sabbiadoro is the seaside resort par excellence.