Walking down the streets of the centre of Udine, surrounded by boutiques and buildings from different eras, you’ll discover the heart of Friuli. With elegant buildings and squares, a wealth of artistic and cultural heritage, and the warmth and liveliness of local bars and restaurants, the simple soul of this noble city welcomes visitors.
It’s an unexpected gem, like all of Friuli Venezia Giulia, which is sure to surprise and delight you. What are you waiting for? Start exploring!
How to reach Udine from Lignano Sabbiadoro
By car
Take state road SR354 towards Latisana. Merge onto S.S. 14 towards Muzzana del Turgnano. Once you've passed the centre of Muzzana del Turgnano, turn left on state road SR 353, which will lead to the centre of Udine.
Travel time: 60 minutes
8 things to see and do in and around Udine
Credits Fabrice Gallina
1. Stroll in Piazza della Libertà, exploring its loggias
The oldest square in the city, and certainly the most beautiful Venetian-style square on dry land, Piazza della Libertà extends out at the foot of the Castle of Udine.
The square is in fact surrounded by beauty: the art and structures that stand in the square (like the Carrara fountain, the column with the Lion of St. Mark, the 17th century statues and the statue of peace), are surrounded by other important monuments, such as the Lionello Loggia, the Loggia and Temple of Saint John and the Clock Tower.
Slow down, take your time, and admire this wonderful place, perhaps taking a picture or two and admiring the simplicity of everyday life in the city from the loggias.
2. A walk to the castle
From Piazza della Libertà, an uphill path leads to the top of the hill crowned by the Castle of Udine.
Over the centuries, this building was the head office of the patriarchs and lieutenants of Venice; today it is home to the Castle Museums.
They include the Archaeological Museum, the Risorgimento (both of which feature multimedia-enriched exhibitions), and the Civic Art Gallery with pieces by local and Venetian artists made from the late 14th century up to the early 19th century. Last but not least, there's even the Museum of Photography, whose collections include images by photographers working in and around Udine in the 19th and 20th centuries.
3. Follow in the footsteps of Tiepolo
Udine is the perfect place to admire the work of Giambattista Tiepolo. The Venetian artist came to Udine at the request of the Patriarch at the time to paint the frescoes in the Palazzo Patriarcale. That very building is now home to the Diocesan Museum and the Galleries of Tiepolo, which contain over 700 works, including frescoes, by the Rococo master.
Credits Alessandro Castiglioni
4. A bite in an osteria
After admiring all that art, it's time to concentrate on another cultural element: food and wine, be it the traditional cuisine or everyday fare of the local community.
The osterias of Udine are gathering places, where locals come to chat and enjoy the jovial atmosphere while nibbling on simple plates accompanied by a tajut, a glass of wine.
5. Visit the Dacia Arena
Udine is home to the Udinese football team, which has played in Serie A for over 25 years - a point of pride for the city. Found in the outskirts, the Dacia Arena (formerly called Stadio Friuli) is the recently-enlarged and modernized site of the team's home games.
Football fans will be happy to know that the stadium can be visited as part of the Dacia Arena Tour, a guided tour that allows visitors to discover all the areas and rooms that are usually off limits, from locker rooms to the gym, press room, tunnel and (of course), the football pitch.
[Information about when and how to visit is available by contacting the Promoturismo FVG Infopoint]
6. Relax at Parco del Cormor
For a relaxing pause, a picnic or simply to go for a walk, don’t miss the Parco del Cormor, a large green space often used as a gathering place just outside the city.
Various events are held at Parco del Cormor, from concerts to markets and athletic activities, from entertainment for children to food and wine festivals. The park also features foot and bicycle paths to explore, in touch with nature.
Credits Fabrice Gallina
7. Near Udine: visit the Rivolto Air Base
Rivolto, a small town near Udine, is home to the Rivolto Air Base, which is also the headquarters of PAN, the National Acrobatic Squad, better known as the Frecce Tricolori (Italy's acrobatic flight team).
The base is visitable via group tours with an independent coach (booking ahead directly), or through the tours organized by PromoTurismoFVG in collaboration with the Italian Air Force.
Learn about the world of the Frecce Tricolori up close - it's sure to be a unique, unforgettable experience!
[Information about when and how to visit is available by contacting the Promoturismo FVG Infopoint]
8. Near Udine: exhibitions and concerts at Villa Manin in Passariano
Villa Manin, in the hamlet of Passariano, is a Venetian villa nestled in the countryside of Friuli. It’s one of the largest Venetian villas in Italy and was the prestigious residence of the noble Manin family, including the last Doge of Venice, Ludovico Manin. In 1797, Ludovico Manin witnessed the signing of the Treaty of Campoformio at the villa, with which Napoleon brought the Republic of Venice to a definitive end.
Today, Villa Manin is the site of temporary shows and events, including concerts, held in the large garden in front of the villa.