About Udine

Udine is the capital of Friuli, the guardian of a unique history, which is the result of the crossing of different peoples and culture. It is an elegant and convivial city, where sophisticated architecture exists side-byside with rustic taverns (the “osterie”), with art-packed museums, churches and palazzos, and a culture brought to life by far-reaching events, dedicated to films, literature and gastronomy. This is the place for experiencing authentic Friulian life. The local DNA has been written by many different peoples, and this wealth is expressed in language, gastronomy, in the traditional processing of stone, wood and precious metals, and in ancient religious celebrations.

Udine is dominated by a castle that overlooks the red and brown roofs of the whole city. The view from the hill on which the castle stands extends to the gently rolling hills, which make way for the ravishing panorama of the Prealps and Alps a little further to the north. Whereas to the south, less than an hour’s drive away, there is the Adriatic Sea.

The series of old, brightly coloured, portico-lined piazzas between Piazza Libertà, “the most beautiful Venetian piazza on the mainland” and Piazza Matteotti (or Piazza delle Erbe) have all the atmosphere of an open-air sitting room, and are the very essence of the city.

The city’s art also embraces different eras and genres. The most famous of Udine’s great artists is Giambattista Tiepolo: one of the greatest European masters of the 18th century, who demonstrated the power of his painterly skill in Udine. His works can now be viewed in the Tiepolo Galleries (Palazzo Patriarcale), the cathedral and the church of the Purità.

Moreover, you cannot leave Udine without trying the excellent local wines at one of the countless osterie dotted around the old town, where the local people meet to relax and enjoy life.

For information about the city of Udine and its lands, please visit the following website: Tourism Information