Nestled in the enchanting region of Friuli Venezia Giulia, Udine captured my heart from the moment I stepped into its historic center. This charming Italian city, often overlooked by travelers rushing between Venice and Austria, reveals its treasures through magnificent piazzas that tell stories of Venetian influence and local pride.
Walking through Udine feels like discovering Italy’s best-kept secret.
Piazza della Libertà stands as the true heart of the city, often considered the most beautiful square in Friuli Venezia Giulia. Locals refer to it as “the most beautiful Venetian square on the mainland.” The stunning architecture surrounding this central gathering place immediately transports you to a bygone era of elegance and cultural significance.
During my three days exploring Udine’s historic squares, I discovered how each piazza has its own character.
From the lively atmosphere of Piazza XX Settembre to the many local names for Piazza Matteotti, these public spaces invite you to slow down and embrace the Friulian way of life. I found myself lingering in cafés, watching locals stroll down Via Mercatovecchio, and admiring the intricate details of buildings that have witnessed centuries of history unfold.
The Heart of Udine: A Stroll Through Piazza della Libertà
Standing in Piazza della Libertà feels like discovering a hidden treasure of Italian architecture. This square is widely considered the most beautiful in Udine and perhaps in all of Friuli Venezia Giulia, showcasing the city’s Venetian heritage through its striking loggias and iconic clock tower.
Renaissance Splendor at Loggia del Lionello
The moment I entered the piazza, my eyes were drawn to the magnificent Loggia del Lionello. This stunning Renaissance building stands as the crown jewel of the square with its multicolored marble facade and elegant arched porticos.
Image source: Tripadvisor
Built in the Venetian Gothic style, the loggia reminds me of Venice’s Doge’s Palace, yet it maintains its own unique character. I spent nearly an hour admiring the intricate details of its columns and the delicate carvings that adorn the exterior.
What makes this structure truly special is how it continues to serve as a gathering place for locals. I noticed people meeting under its arches, sheltering from both sun and rain while enjoying the beauty that surrounds them.
Spiritual Reflections at Oratorio della Purità
Just steps away from the bustling piazza, I discovered the peaceful Oratorio della Purità. This small chapel offers a quiet retreat from the lively square outside.
Image source: Tripadvisor
The oratory’s modest exterior belies the artistic treasures within. As I stepped inside, I was greeted by magnificent frescoes that cover the walls and ceiling, created by the talented Tiepolo.
The contrast between the vibrant public square and this serene spiritual space perfectly captures Udine’s dual nature. I found myself returning several times during my visit, drawn by both the artistic mastery and the contemplative atmosphere.
The natural light filtering through the windows highlights different aspects of the artwork throughout the day, making each visit a unique experience.
Udine’s Civic Pride: Udine Castle and Panoramic Views
Standing majestically atop the city’s highest hill, Udine Castle commands attention as one of Friuli’s most iconic landmarks. The climb may be steep, but the reward of breathtaking views across Northeastern Italy makes every step worthwhile.
History Embedded in Stone
The Castle of Udine isn’t just a pretty face—it’s a time capsule of regional power. Once the impressive seat of the Patriarch of Aquileia and later the Venetian Lieutenant of the Patria del Friuli, these ancient walls have witnessed centuries of changing rulers and fortunes.
I was struck by how the castle’s architecture tells the story of the region’s complex history. The structure has been remarkably preserved, allowing visitors to walk the same halls as medieval patriarchs and Renaissance nobles.
Today, the castle houses the Civici Musei di Udine, offering a fascinating glimpse into local art and history. I spent hours exploring the collections, each room revealing another layer of Udine’s cultural heritage.
Capturing the Vista: Stock Photos and Panoramic Images
The panoramic views from Udine Castle are truly postcard-worthy. On clear days, I could see all the way to the distant Alps, with the rolling Friulian countryside stretched out before me.
The 360-degree vistas make this spot enormously popular for photography. Professional photographers and amateurs alike gather at sunset when the city below is bathed in golden light.
For the best shots, I recommend visiting in early morning or late afternoon when the light is softest. The eastern ramparts offer spectacular sunrise views, while the western side delivers dramatic sunsets over the city’s terracotta rooftops.
Don’t miss the northern viewpoint where, on particularly clear days, you can glimpse the Adriatic Sea shimmering in the distance—a truly magical sight that connects Udine’s hillside perch to the wider world beyond.
Unveiling the Culinary Delights: Prosciutto and Frico
Friuli-Venezia Giulia offers some of Italy’s most distinctive food treasures, with two standouts that capture the region’s culinary soul: the silky prosciutto and the comforting cheese-based frico.
Taste of Tradition: Prosciutto di San Daniele
I discovered that Friuli is home to some of Italy’s finest prosciutto crudo. The crown jewel is Prosciutto di San Daniele, produced in the small town of San Daniele del Friuli. Walking through the aging rooms, I was struck by the sweet, nutty aroma that filled the air.
What makes this prosciutto special is its unique microclimate. The town sits where Alpine and Adriatic air currents meet, creating perfect natural conditions for aging ham.
The process is remarkably simple but requires patience. Local pork legs are salt-cured, then aged for at least 13 months. No additives are used—just sea salt, air, and time.
When thinly sliced, it melts on your tongue with a delicate sweetness that’s distinctly less salty than other Italian prosciutto. I recommend enjoying it simply, with a slice of local bread and a glass of Friulian white wine.
A Flavor of Friuli: Frico Making
One morning, I joined a cooking class to learn about frico, perhaps the most beloved dish of Friulian cuisine. This humble creation has peasant origins but delivers sophisticated flavors.
The classic frico is essentially a crispy cheese pancake made from Montasio, a local cow’s milk cheese. The traditional version combines shredded aged Montasio with potatoes and onions.
My instructor showed me two preparation styles: the thin, crispy version served as an appetizer, and the thicker, softer variety eaten as a main course with polenta. “The secret,” she whispered, “is controlling the heat perfectly.”
I watched as she patiently cooked the mixture until it formed a golden crust. The aroma was irresistible—nutty, savory, and comforting all at once.
Frico’s versatility impressed me. It can be enjoyed alone, paired with cured meats, or served alongside the region’s hearty polenta. Simple ingredients transformed into something truly special—the hallmark of great Italian cuisine.
The Wines of Friuli Venezia Giulia: An Oenophile’s Journey
The northeastern corner of Italy holds some of the country’s most exciting wine treasures, with elegant whites and distinctive reds that remain surprisingly undiscovered by mass tourism.
Discovering the Collio Wine Region
I fell in love with Collio on my first visit to this picturesque wine region. Rolling hills carpeted with vineyards create a stunning backdrop against the Julian Alps. This area’s unique soil, called “ponca,” gives the wines their distinctive mineral character.
The climate here is perfect for winemaking. Cool air from the mountains meets warm breezes from the Adriatic Sea, creating ideal conditions for growing grapes with vibrant acidity and complex flavors.
Many wineries here welcome visitors for tastings. I recommend stopping at family-run estates where you can often meet the winemakers themselves. The wines here show remarkable quality, complexity and elegance that rivals more famous Italian wine regions.
Savoring Friulano, Pinot Grigio, and Ribolla Gialla
Friuli’s signature wines showcase the region’s unique terroir. Friulano (formerly called Tocai) is my personal favorite – crisp and refreshing with almond notes and a subtle bitter finish that pairs perfectly with local prosciutto.
Pinot Grigio from Friuli is nothing like the simple versions you might know. Here it transforms into something extraordinary – rich, full-bodied with pear and apple notes backed by refreshing acidity.
Ribolla Gialla might be the most exciting discovery for wine lovers. This ancient grape produces wines with citrus flavors, floral aromas and a distinctive structure. Some producers make orange wines by fermenting Ribolla with its skins, creating complex wines with tannic structure.
These “Super Whites” demonstrate why Friuli deserves recognition as Italy’s white wine paradise.
From Cividale to Trieste: Exploring Beyond Udine
While Udine captivates with its Venetian charm, the surrounding regions offer equally enchanting experiences. The journey from the medieval town of Cividale del Friuli to the coastal city of Trieste showcases the incredible diversity of Italy’s northeastern corner.
The Historic Charm of Cividale del Friuli
I found Cividale del Friuli to be a true hidden gem just a short drive from Udine. This ancient town founded by Julius Caesar became a UNESCO World Heritage Site thanks to its exceptional Lombard architecture.
Walking across the iconic Devil’s Bridge spanning the emerald Natisone River gave me spectacular views of the town’s medieval core. The Lombard Temple (Tempietto Longobardo) amazed me with its intricate 8th-century frescoes and stucco decorations.
Don’t miss the Archaeological Museum with its collection of Lombard artifacts. I especially loved wandering the narrow cobblestone streets while stopping for a slice of gubana, the local spiral-shaped pastry filled with nuts and dried fruits.
Trieste’s Seascape: A Contrast to the Friuli Hills
Traveling eastward, I reached Trieste. Here, the Adriatic Sea creates a dramatic contrast to the rolling hills of Friuli. This elegant port city feels distinctly different with its Habsburg-era architecture and strong coffee culture.
I spent hours at Piazza Unità d’Italia. It’s Europe’s largest seaside square. Here, I watched boats in the harbor while sipping a capo in b (cappuccino in a small glass). The mix of Italian, Austrian, and Slavic influences is evident everywhere, especially in the cuisine.
On my way to Trieste, I stopped at Aquileia. Here, I explored its magnificent Roman ruins and basilica with extraordinary floor mosaics dating back to the 4th century. The archaeological site offers a fascinating glimpse into the region’s ancient past as a major Roman city.
