This northeastern Italian city has a charming old town with historic buildings and narrow streets. Nearby, visitors can explore the Friuli wine region and Carnic Alps.
Udine, the historical capital of Friuli in northeastern Italy, charms visitors with its Venetian-style architecture and calm atmosphere. In Piazza della Libertà, you'll find a striking clock tower reminiscent of Venice's St. Mark's Square. Art enthusiasts can admire Tiepolo's masterpieces in several locations around town, including the Patriarchal Palace and the Duomo. Udine also serves as an excellent base for exploring the surrounding Friuli region, where you can taste unique local dishes and sample regional wines.
Exploring Udine's Center
Begin your visit in Piazza della Libertà, Udine's main square. The 15th-century Loggia del Lionello, built in Venetian Gothic style, dominates one side of the square. Across from it stands the clock tower, echoing the design of the one in Venice's St. Mark's Square. From here, walk up the hill to Udine Castle, which houses the city's art galleries. The castle provides views of Udine and, on clear days, you can see all the way to the Adriatic Sea.
Udine's Artistic Treasures
Udine has many impressive artworks, particularly those by the Venetian painter Giambattista Tiepolo. You can see his frescoes in several locations around the city, including the Patriarchal Palace and the Duomo (Cathedral). For a more contemporary art experience, visit Casa Cavazzini, Udine's Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art. The museum displays works by Italian and international artists, including pieces by the Basaldella brothers, who were born in Udine.
Food and Drink in Udine
Udine's culinary scene reflects the unique flavors of Friuli. Try local specialties like frico (a cheese and potato fritter) or cjarsons (sweet and savory filled pasta) at traditional osterias. The city has many wine bars where you can sample regional wines, including the local white Friulano. For a typical Udine experience, join locals for an aperitivo in Piazza Matteotti, also known as Piazza San Giacomo.
Day Trips from Udine
Udine's location makes it a good base for exploring the Friuli region. Visit Cividale del Friuli, a town about 15 km east of Udine, known for its Lombard history and the striking Ponte del Diavolo (Devil's Bridge). San Daniele del Friuli, renowned for its prosciutto production, is another interesting excursion. Here, you can tour prosciutto factories and taste this celebrated ham at its source.
Getting Around Udine
You can easily explore Udine's compact center on foot. The city also has a bus network for reaching outlying areas. If you plan to visit surrounding towns, consider renting a car or using regional trains. Udine's train station has connections to major Italian cities and neighboring countries.
