How to use the guide?

It’s really easy!

The itinerary I have created is set up so that you have a practical route to explore the city! Before each attraction you will find buttons like the one below 👇🏻👇🏻👇🏻

Example !

Just press over the button and you will be guided with google maps to the next point! Once you reach your destination you can come back to this guide and read or listen to all the information and trivia!

In the next paragraph I will also leave you with a map of the entire route but you won’t need it to explore the city!

If you want to see a demo of how to use the guide, click on the button below 👇🏻👇🏻👇🏻

Show me a demo!
What to do in Udine in a day?

Udine is undoubtedly one of the most fascinating cities in Friuli, often defined as the “good living room” of the region for its elegance and welcoming atmosphere.

I wrote this guide thanks to the support of my friend Ilaria, who I met during a period of study abroad and originally from Udine.

The historic center is characterized by splendid squares and refined buildings, evidence of the period of Venetian domination. In addition to its artistic heritage, Udine is a very dynamic university city, full of bars and restaurants where you can taste the traditional frico, made with potatoes and cheese, accompanied by a “ tajut” or a good glass of local red wine.😀

Our tour will begin at the Cathedral of Udine (click here to get there) and continue for approximately 2 kilometers.  

Ps: if you need anything, feel free to contact me on Whatsapp by clicking here!

And now… let’s go!

The tour!

Map Preview & How to use it

Let me show you the preview of our route! By scrolling the guide you will find buttons to click that will always take you to the next attraction/monument (so this map is just to give you an idea about the itinerary, no need to use it now🤓)!

The yellow markers are the monuments and attractions we will see.

The brown markers are some extras not included in our tour but which you can visit if you have time left.

The red indicators, on the other hand, are some of my favorite restaurants (I tell you more about them at the end)!

I would say we are ready to get started!

Introduction & History of the city

Udine is a city located in the north-eastern part of Italy, capital of the Friuli-Venezia-Giulia region, with a population of approximately 98,000 inhabitants.

The city is also known as the city of Tiepolo, for the large number of works by the famous Italian painter (I’ll tell you more about them later). Let’s start with a bit of history!

Origins and Middle Ages

The first traces of settlements in the area date back to prehistoric times, but Udine began to acquire importance in Roman times, probably as a small outpost. Its real development, however, occurred in the Middle Ages, when it became the political and religious center of Friuli.

In 1238, the Patriarch of Aquileia, Bertoldo di Andechs, moved his residence to Udine, transforming it into the heart of the ecclesiastical power of the region. During this period, the city was enriched with important buildings, including the Castle of Udine, which still dominates the city from the top of the hill.

Venetian Domination

In 1420, Udine came under the rule of the Republic of Venice, marking an era of economic and artistic prosperity. Udine became a key administrative center for Friuli, leaving an architectural imprint evident in its squares and palaces, including Liberty Square, considered the most beautiful Venetian-style in the region.

From the Habsburg Empire to the Unification of Italy

After the fall of the Republic of Venice in 1797, Udine became part of the Austrian Empire, until, in 1866, with the plebiscite of Veneto and Friuli, it was annexed to the Kingdom of Italy.

The World Wars and the Twentieth Century

During the First World War, Udine played a crucial strategic role: it became the headquarters of the Italian army and was called the “War Capital” until the defeat of Caporetto in 1917, when the Italian troops were forced to retreat beyond the Piave.

During the Second World War, the city was the scene of occupations and clashes, first by the Germans and then by the Friulian partisan troops. After the war, Udine became an important economic and cultural center, contributing to the growth and modernization of Friuli.

The origin of the name Udine is uncertain and debated among different hypotheses. Some of the most accredited theories include:

  • Celtic origin : According to this theory, the name could derive from a Celtic term such as “Udi”, which could refer to a hill or a height, since the city developed around its castle.
  • Latin origin : One hypothesis links it to the Latin term “Utinum”, the name with which the city appears in medieval documents. It could derive from “Vetus”, meaning “old”, or from “Udene”, a pre-existing place name.
  • Lombard or Germanic origin : Some scholars suggest a link with the Lombard people, who dominated the area from the 6th century AD, hypothesizing that the name may derive from a Germanic term linked to defense or geographical position.

Slavic origin : Another theory refers to the Slavic populations who inhabited Friuli in medieval times, with the name possibly deriving from a Slavic term similar to “vod-“, meaning “water”, given that the area is rich in rivers.

And now we can start our walking tour! If you still need to get to Cathedral of Udine click on this button! If you are already here, just scroll down a littel bit! 

let's start 🇮🇹 !

A. Cathedral of Udine

The Cathedral of Udine dates back to 1236, when the Patriarch Bertoldo of Andechs-Merania began the construction of the building on the site of a previous church dedicated to Saint Jerome.

In 1257 the place of worship, initially in Franciscan style, was consecrated and dedicated to San Odorico. Subsequent expansions occurred in 1335, when the patriarch Bertrando di San Genesio promoted the construction of the Chapel of the Annunciation and officially dedicated the church to Santa Maria Maggiore.

Over the centuries, the structure underwent several transformations: in the fourteenth century the side chapels were added, while in the sixteenth century, the building acquired a Baroque imprint. In the twentieth century the façade was restored, inspired by the architectural elements of the fourteenth century. Even today, one can admire its suggestive Romanesque-Gothic terracotta façade, enriched by the Portal of Redemption, whose decorative apparatus recalls significant themes of the Christian faith.

The interior of the cathedral is characterised by a Baroque style, the result of the eighteenth-century transformations desired by the Manin family, whose mausoleums are located inside the building.

Particularly impressive are the presbytery and the numerous works of art created by artists of great importance. In the Chapel of the Blessed Sacrament you can admire paintings by Giambattista Tiepolo, along with other decorations and frescoes by important Italian artists of the time.

Adjacent to the cathedral stands the bell tower, built by Cristoforo da Milano in 1441. Originally, its structure was supposed to be more slender and surmounted by the statue of the Madonna, so as to create a symbolic connection with the bell tower of the Castle, where the statue of the Angel is located, thus recalling the Annunciation. However, due to structural problems the project was never completed. At the base of the bell tower is the Cathedral Museum, dedicated to Blessed Bertrando di San Genesio.

The church is open daily from 7am to 12pm and from 4pm to 6:45pm. Admission is free.

Let’s move now to Valvason Morpurgo Palace!

Andiamo 🇮🇹 !

B. Valvason Morpurgo Palace

Valvason Morpurgo Palace in Udine hosts a section of the Modern Art Gallery dedicated to architecture and design in Friuli. It houses archives with original drawings by twentieth-century Friulian architects, such as Raimondo D’Aronco, Pietro Zanini and Emilio Mattioni, as well as design renderings from the Elettrolux Zanussi archive. The palace also hosts thematic exhibitions.

Built in the 18th century, the building has a sober and elegant facade, typical of the neoclassical period, with refined decorative elements. It has a large entrance portal, symmetrical windows and a very large internal courtyard.

Originally embellished by the Valvason counts at the beginning of the nineteenth century, in the mid-century it became the residence of Baron Morpurgo, an influential patron of Udine in the early twentieth century, from whom it later took its name.

In 1969 the building was bequeathed to the Municipality of Udine with the condition that it be used as a museum.

On the main floor, the palace boasts a cycle of frescoes by Giambattista Canal and Giuseppe Borsato, among the most significant expressions of Neoclassicism.

This museum is only open during exhibitions, so I recommend you check there directly.

In addition to the city’s football team, there is a dialect spoken only in this place. Unlike “Friulian” which is the dialect used in much of this region, here we have a specific variant

In this city, in fact, the Udinese dialect prevails, a dialect influenced by the Veneto, the neighboring region. Historically, the Udinese adopted it – and some still use it – to differentiate themselves from the inhabitants of the surrounding areas, especially from the people of Trieste.

We continue until we reach the Cavazzini House Museum!

let's go 🇮🇹 !

C. Cavazzini House Museum

The Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art of Udine is located in Cavazzini House, a historic building located in the heart of the city. This building was acquired by the Municipality thanks to the will of Dante Cavazzini, a Milanese merchant of fabrics and textiles. The will provided for the donation of his residence, Cavazzini House, to the Municipality of Udine, with the intention of transforming it into a museum of modern and contemporary art.

In 1937, Cavazzini established his residence here and entrusted the renovation of the first floor to the architect Ermes Midena, one of the main exponents of European rationalism, who also took care of the furnishings. Some original furniture, together with the wall frescoes created in 1938 by Afro Basaldella, are now part of the museum exhibition.

The transformation of the building into a museum was carried out on the project of Gae Aulenti, who wanted to highlight two important discoveries that emerged during the restoration work: a 16th-century “Venetian” cistern-tank and a deposit of protohistoric ceramics dating back to the Iron Age. In addition, 14th-century frescoes with profane themes were found on the first floor of the building.

 

This museum houses the Maria Luisa and Sante Astaldi collection and the FRIAM collection. The first, donated to the Municipality in 1982, includes about 200 works created between the 1930s and 1960s, with masterpieces by Italian artists such as Giorgio Morandi, Giorgio De Chirico, and Gino Severini. There are also some works by foreign artists, including prints and paintings by Braque and Picasso. The second, instead, collects American works of art donated by the Friul Art and Monuments committee as a gesture of solidarity after the 1976 earthquake. Among the artists represented are Willem de Kooning, Roy Lichtenstein, Sol LeWitt, Donald Judd and Frank Stella.



The museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday from 10 am to 6 pm. It is closed on Mondays. The cost of a full ticket is €7 and can be purchased at the museum ticket office. There are also two other cumulative ticket options. The first allows you to visit the Cavazzini House Museum, the Castle and the Ethnographic Museum of Friuli for €12. The second includes the Castle, Cavazzini House, the Ethnographic Museum of Friuli, the Diocesan Museum and the Tiepolo Galleries for €15. However, this ticket can only be purchased at the Diocesan Museum or the Tiepolo Galleries ticket office.

Now we set off until we reach Liberty Square!
Andiamo 🇮🇹 !

D. Liberty Square

Liberty Square is the oldest square in Udine and represents the beating heart of the city! It is also called “the most beautiful Venetian square on the mainland“.

Located at the foot of the Udine Castle, the square has changed its name several times over the centuries. In the Middle Ages it was known as Wine Square, as a market dedicated to this drink was held there. In 1350 it became Town Hall Square, as it hosted the City Council. With the arrival of the Republic of Venice in 1550, it took the name of Contarena Square, in honor of a Venetian lieutenant. In 1866, with the annexation of Friuli to the Kingdom of Italy, it was named after King Vittorio Emanuele II. Only after the Second World War did it take on its current name.

Several valuable buildings surround the square, including the Loggia del Lionello, which I will tell you about later. Here you can also find the Loggia and the Temple of St. John: the first, designed by Bernardino da Morcote between 1533 and 1535, and the second, dedicated to those who died for their country.

Halfway up the hill between the Lionel Lodge and the Bollani Arch is the Monument to Peace, placed in 1819 to commemorate the Treaty of Campoformio, desired by Napoleon.

The Treaty of Campo Formio was a peace agreement signed on 17 October 1797 between France and Austria at the end of the first Italian campaign of the Napoleonic Wars.

On the opposite side to the monument you can admire the Renaissance fountain by Carrara.

Also standing in the square are the Column of St. Mark’s, erected in 1539, and the Column of Justice, dating back to 1614. Completing the evocative scene are the two seventeenth-century statues of Hercules and Cacus, affectionately known to the people of Udine as Florean and Venturin, which seem to watch over the Lionel Lodge.

Floreàn represents Hercules, symbol of strength and power, while Venturìn embodies Cacus, the cunning and deceitful man.

The City Hall of Udine is an example of Venetian Gothic and represents a symbol of the city’s autonomy.

Built between 1448 and 1456 and designed by the goldsmith Nicolò Lionello. Its architecture is distinguished by the alternating bands of white and pink stone, the elegance of the portico with large arches and its windows.

In the right corner, in a niche decorated with pinnacles and spires, is the statue of the Madonna and Child, holding a model of the castle, destroyed by the earthquake of 1516. This work, dated 1450, is attributed to Bartolomeo Bon.

The Lionel Lodge suffered serious damage in a fire in 1876, but was promptly restored.

A distinctive element of the square is the Clock Tower, built in 1527 by Giovanni da Udine. After the devastating earthquake of 1511, which destroyed the only public clock in the city, it was decided to build a new one. The project for this new clock was presented in 1527 by Giovanni da Udine, a local artist and architect.

At the top are the famous statues of the two Moors, who strike the hours with their unmistakable movement.

It is said that the mechanism of the Tower clock had a mysterious working and that, initially, only a select few knew how to regulate it. Legend has it that anyone who tried to interfere with the functioning of the clock without authorization was struck by a sort of curse that made the clock slow down in an inexplicable way.

Not far away is the Bollani Arch, designed by Andrea Palladio, which stands out from the surrounding buildings for the Lion of St. Mark that dominates it. This is a symbol that refers to the dominion of the Republic of Venice over the city. Udine, in fact, was part of the Veneto territory for centuries, from 1420 until 1797, when the Republic of Venice fell.

Between 1554 and 1556, Udine was governed by Domenico Bollani, Lieutenant of the city. In addition to his political role on behalf of the Republic of Venice, Bollani decided to leave a lasting impression on the city. He therefore built an entrance arch to the castle, commissioning the project to the architect Andrea Palladio, one of the greatest of the time. This arch, which recalled the triumphal arches of antiquity, features a Latin inscription that reads: “Domenico Bollani, Cavaliere Praetore, for the liberation of the province of Friuli from hunger, plague and conspiracies, erected this arch in the year 1556″.

Another interesting detail concerns Bollani’s career: in 1559, he became bishop of Brescia, even though he was not even a priest (an era with decidedly different customs!). He distinguished himself for his charity and courage during the plague epidemic that struck Brescia, following the example of Carlo Borromeo and personally assisting the sick, until his death, which occurred in Borromeo’s arms. It is said that the wings of the Lion, placed above the arch in 1556, were made of copper.

This sixteenth-century Lion was destroyed by the French in 1797, with the fall of Venice. From that moment, the Arch remained without its decoration for about a century and a half. Finally, it was decided to create a new Lion in 1953, by the artist Egisto Caldana. This statue, unlike the original, faced south instead of north to make it more harmonious with the surrounding buildings.

Let’s continue our journey and move to the Castle!

to the castle 🇮🇹 !

E. Udine Castle

Udine Castle is one of the main historical and cultural attractions of the city, located on the hill overlooking the center. Its dominant position offers an extraordinary panoramic view of Udine and the surrounding valley. The castle was founded in the present place in the strong medieval period, but its construction dates back to earlier times, probably to the Lombard period between the 7th and 8th centuries, when the hill was used as a strategic defense point.

The castle as we know it today began to take shape in the 13th century, when Udine became an important city in Friuli. The castle was expanded and renovated several times, especially during the period of Venetian domination, which greatly influenced the architecture of the building.

During the Venetian domination, the castle was used as the seat of the governor and as a symbol of Venetian power in the region. It was a place of political, administrative and military control. In the following years, with the fall of the Republic of Venice and the Austrian domination, the structure underwent some changes. During the Napoleonic period, it was further renovated, but its defensive function gradually decreased.

Today the castle houses the Museum of the Renaissance, the Archaeological Museum, the Museum of Photography and the Gallery of Ancient Art. Among the most famous works, the paintings of Giovanni Antonio de’ Sacchis, known as Pordenone, and numerous objects linked to the history of the city of Udine stand out.
During the Second World War, the castle was used as a shelter and collection center for refugees.

One of the most well-known legends is that of the lady of the castle, a ghost who is said to wander the corridors, looking for her husband who has mysteriously disappeared. Many visitors have claimed to have seen shadows and elusive figures in the rooms of the castle, giving the place an aura of mystery. Let me know if you hear any strange noises during your visit 😀!

The castle is open from Tuesday to Sunday from 10 am to 6 pm. It is closed on Mondays. A single ticket costs €10. There are also two other cumulative ticket options. The first allows you to visit the Cavazzini House Museum, the Castle and the Ethnographic Museum of Friuli for €12. The second includes the Castle, Cavazzini House, the Ethnographic Museum of Friuli, the Diocesan Museum and the Tiepolo Galleries for €15. However, this ticket can only be purchased at the Diocesan Museum or the Tiepolo Galleries ticket office.



A famous local legend tells that Attila, king of the Huns, arrived in Udine during his devastating campaign in Italy in the 5th century. According to tradition, after sacking Aquileia in 452 AD, the leader pushed north and reached the Friulian territory.

It is said that Attila, fascinated by the strategic position of the city, decided to observe the Friulian plain from above. To do so, he ordered his men to pile up rubble, earth and debris, thus creating an artificial hill from which to admire the landscape and his conquests. This hill, according to legend, would be the hill on which the Castle of Udine stands today.

Another version of the story tells that Attila, after having destroyed Aquileia, saw the smoke of the fires rising on the horizon and, climbing this hill, proudly exclaimed: “Aquileia is burning!”.

Of course, this is a legend with no certain historical basis. Scholars believe that the hill is of natural origin or, at most, modeled by man in prehistoric or Roman times. However, the myth of Attila remains one of the most fascinating stories linked to the city of Udine! 😊

Now let’s head towards Manin Gate!

let's go 🇮🇹 !

F. Manin Gate

Porta Manin, also known as Torre di San Bartolomeo or Porta Cividale, is the oldest gate still visible in the city. Built between 1273 and 1299, it was part of the third circle of walls that protected Udine. Although the lower structure has remained intact, the upper floors have been restored over the centuries. The side passages to the gate were opened between 1934 and 1941. This gate represents the traditional access to the historic center coming from the eastern part of the city.

On the external facade of the door, a series of noble coats of arms is visible, although partially illegible.

The frescoes, dating back to around 1350, reveal several symbols, including the escutcheon of the community of Udine with the typical inverted black “V”, the golden eagle of the Holy Roman Empire, a part of the eagle of Aquileia and the lion of the Kingdom of Bohemia.

These coats of arms testify to how Udine was part of a primitive European community under the Holy Roman Empire. They also represent the authority of those who governed the territory on behalf of the Empire, the Church of Aquileia, and the house of the patriarch, at that time Nicholas of Luxembourg, half-brother of Emperor Charles IV.

Let’s reach the Diocesan Museum and the Tiepolo Galleries!

Andiamo 🇮🇹 !

G. Diocesan Museum and the Tiepolo Galleries

The Diocesan Museum and the Tiepolo Galleries are housed in the Patriarchal Palace of Udine.

This palace, which has an eighteenth-century structure, has its roots in the fifteenth century and was the residence of the Patriarchs of Aquileia from 1593 to 1751. Today, it is the residence of the archbishop.

Who was Giambattista Tiepolo?

Let’s talk about Giambattista Tiepolo, one of the most spectacular and scenographic painters of the eighteenth century, and his special bond with Udine! He was born in Venice in 1696 but it is in this city that he began his “rise to success”!

Tiepolo: the master of light and movement

Tiepolo was a true magician of color and perspective. In his works you find angels that flutter, saints with mystical looks and clouds so soft that you want to jump on them. His painting is light, airy, almost cinematic, as if the scenes were moving before your eyes.

But what does Udine have to do with him? Well, Udine is one of the first cities that believed in his talent, giving him the opportunity to demonstrate how extraordinary he was!

Tiepolo in Udine: his “debut” as a superstar

In 1726, still young and eager to make a name for himself, Tiepolo received a very important assignment: to fresco the Patriarchal Palace of Udine. The patriarch at the time, Dionisio Dolfin, had great artistic taste and wanted him to decorate the rooms.

And here Tiepolo lets loose! In the halls of the palace, he paints mythological and religious scenes with overwhelming energy:

  • The Fall of the Rebel Angels – A whirlwind of demons falling from the sky like in an action movie, with special effects worthy of Hollywood.
  • The Stories of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob – In which he uses chiaroscuro to create an almost theatrical lighting.
  • The Adoration of the Magi – A scene where you can feel the warmth of the light, the sparkle of the gold and the splendor of the fabrics.

If you pass through Udine, you absolutely must see these frescoes because they are a riot of color and movement, the true trademark of Tiepolo.

Udine, Tiepolo’s “gym”

We can say that Udine was his great training ground, the place where he refined his style before becoming the “king” of baroque decorations throughout Europe. After Udine, in fact, he worked for Venice, Milan, Madrid and even Germany, leaving his mark wherever he went.

But his bond with Udine remained very strong, so much so that his son, Giandomenico Tiepolo, also followed in his father’s footsteps and worked in the city.

Curiosities about Tiepolo (to act cool with your friends)

  • He had an incredible painting speed: it seems he was able to create large frescoes in record time, without ever losing quality.
  • Did he suffer from vertigo? Some say he wasn’t too fond of heights, but ironically he spent his life painting ceilings!
  • His style was so influential that he was called “the last great painter of the Baroque”, capable of bringing Venetian painting to its maximum expression.

So, if you pass by Udine, look up: you could find yourself immersed in a work of art by Tiepolo, with angels, saints and clouds watching you from above. 😉

The museum’s collection contains about 700 works and includes frescoes by Giambattista Tiepolo made in the 18th century. Tiepolo decorated the ceiling of the Grand Staircase, the Gallery of Guests and the Red Room, commissioned by Patriarch Dionisio Dolfin.

Tiepolo’s first fresco, dated 1726, is entitled “The Fall of the Rebel Angels” and is located on the ceiling of the Grand Staircase. This work, which represents a splendid example of Baroque illusionism, is flanked by eight monochromes that tell episodes from Genesis.

The collaboration between Tiepolo and the patriarch Dolfin continued with the decoration of the Gallery of the Guests, where some biblical episodes important to the patriarch are depicted, including the figures of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. At the center of this gallery is the fresco “Rachel hiding the idols”, a work rich in symbolism that could portray, in addition to Rachel, also Tiepolo himself, his son Giandomenico and his wife Cecilia.

Finally, Tiepolo frescoed the ceiling of the Red Room, where he painted “The Judgement of Solomon” in 1729, depicting the court of King Solomon.

In addition to Tiepolo, the museum also houses works by artists such as Giovanni da Udine, Palma il Giovane and Nicolò Bambini. An entire floor is dedicated to wooden sculpture, with works ranging from the 12th to the 18th century.

Another treasure of the museum is the library of Patriarch Dolfin, which was the first public library in Udine. Here are kept volumes of great value, including illuminated manuscripts, incunabula, Cinquecentine and rare first editions.

The full-price ticket costs €8, otherwise there is a cumulative ticket that includes the Castle, Cavazzini House, the Ethnographic Museum of Friuli, the Diocesan Museum and the Tiepolo Galleries for €15, but this ticket can only be purchased at the Diocesan Museum or the Tiepolo Galleries ticket office.

The site is open from Monday to Sunday from 10 to 13 and from 15 to 18. Closed on Tuesdays. Reservations are required to access the museum. 

A curiosity links the great William Shakespeare to this city! Did the great playwright take inspiration from Luigi Da Porto’s novella to write one of his most famous works? I’m talking about Romeo and Juliet ! This is a historically confirmed fact. However, Luigi Da Porto’s life hides a mysterious and fascinating aspect.

Luigi Da Porto was born in Vicenza in 1458, son of Bernardino Da Porto and Elisabetta Savorgnan. After undertaking a military career, he was appointed commander by the Serenissima and sent to Friuli. In Udine, Luigi joined his mother’s family. It was here, in 1511, that during a masked ball, Luigi fell madly in love with Lucina Savorgnan del Monte, a young debutante. But their love story was not at all simple.

A few days after their first meeting, Luigi and Lucina promised each other marriage. However, in those very days, Udine was shaken by the violent “crudel zobia grassa”, a conflict that saw the elimination of the opponents of the Savorgnan family. Luigi was sent to the front, near the Natisone river, where during a battle he was seriously wounded, reporting paralysis of a hip.

Because of the accident, Luigi Da Porto retreated to his villa in Montorso Vicentino, where he learned that Lucina would be forced to marry her cousin Francesco Savorgnan della Torre. Luigi’s grief led him to write his sad love story in a novella set in Verona in the fourteenth century. It is believed, therefore, that the torment experienced by Da Porto influenced the creation of Shakespeare’s famous work.

On Fat Thursday in 1511, Udine was the scene of one of the most dramatic revolts of the Renaissance, known as Crudel Zobia Grassa (in Venetian) or Crudel Joibe Grasse (in Friulian). The revolt was the culmination of a clash between the Serenissima Republic of Venice and the Austrian Empire, represented by the noble families of Savorgnan and Della Torre. The people, exasperated by internal struggles and economic difficulties, joined forces with the leader Antonio Savorgnan, who led them to victory. During the revolt, many nobles were killed, and their mutilated bodies were left in the streets of the city.

Now let’s go to May 1st Square!

to the square 🇮🇹 !

H. May 1st Square

May 1st Square in Udine is one of the most famous and popular squares in the city, located in the heart of the historic center. The square takes its name from the celebration of the Workers’ Day, which is celebrated every year on May 1st, an event that has deep roots in the trade union movement and in Italian social traditions.

In the past, the square was an important hub for trade, and was used for markets and fairs.

Today the square hosts a variety of public events, such as concerts, fairs and demonstrations, and is also a popular meeting place thanks to the cafés, shops and restaurants that surround it. In and around the square are some of the places of greatest cultural and historical interest in Udine, such as the Teatro Nuovo Giovanni da Udine, which is one of the main theatres in the city, and Via Mercatovecchio, one of the most characteristic and lively streets in the centre, with many shops, clubs and cafés.

Friuli Venezia Giulia is a region renowned for its wines, and among the local traditions the “Tajut ritual” stands out.

This ritual requires that, around mid-morning or just before dinner, the tables of the taverns fill up with Udine residents ready to toast with a glass of wine, accompanied by pleasant conversation. In Friulian, the glass of wine is called Tajut . The origin of the term is not certain, but it could derive from the fact that, in the Middle Ages, wine was mixed with water to disinfect it or was “cut” to reduce its alcohol content. During the Tajut, in addition to wine, you can taste delicacies of Friulian cuisine. Since 1500, the taverns of Udine have carefully selected the products to serve, always guaranteeing high-quality ingredients.

We conclude our visit with the Sanctuary of the Blessed Virgin of Grace!

Andiamo 🇮🇹 !

I. Sanctuary of the Blessed Virgin of Graces

The Sanctuary of the Blessed Virgin of Graces in Udine is one of the most important places of worship in the city. The sanctuary was built in 1500, following the construction of a chapel dedicated to the Blessed Virgin, which quickly became a destination for pilgrimages thanks to the fame of a miraculous image of the Virgin Mary.

According to tradition, the image of the Madonna, initially a simple painted panel, was considered miraculous for its ability to protect the city and its inhabitants.

Over the centuries, the original chapel was enlarged and transformed into a real church, with an architectural intervention that made the sanctuary one of the most significant examples of religious architecture in Friuli Venezia Giulia.

The sanctuary has a simple but elegant façade, typical of Renaissance sacred art, with a decorated portal and a structure that develops on several levels. The interior is enriched with frescoes and decorations that tell the story of the Blessed Virgin of Graces and the numerous miracles attributed to her intercession.

The church also houses several side chapels dedicated to saints and martyrs.

The church is open every day from 7am to 12pm and from 3pm to 7:30 pm except on Sundays when it closes at 6pm. The visit is free.

The growth and affirmation of the city of Udine are closely linked to the Church, in particular to the figure of the Patriarch of Aquileia. A crucial moment in its history occurred in 1222, when the Patriarch Bertolo of Andechs decided to transfer the seat of the patriarchate from Aquileia to Udine. Before this event, the city had seen the passage of various Celtic populations, and was considered a border outpost by the Romans. In 983, the King of Germany Otto II mentioned the city with the name of “Udene”. With the transfer of the patriarchate, Udine became the commercial heart of Friuli Venezia Giulia, gaining increasing prestige. Without the influence of the Church and the Patriarch of Aquileia, Udine would probably have been just a small city in the region. The history of Udine then continues with the domination of the Serenissima, the Napoleonic occupation, the Austrian Empire and finally the annexation to the Kingdom of Italy.

Our tour ends here but before leaving you I want to tell you about the typical dishes of this city!

Typical dishes and where to eat them

I believe that visiting a city without trying its typical dishes is a missed opportunity! This is why together with Ilaria I want to talk to you about the most famous dishes in the city and our favorite restaurants!


A classic of the Friulian tradition, a simple and nutritious dish, ideal to enjoy in any season.


A regional specialty par excellence: musetto, a cotechino obtained from the meat of a pig’s snout, accompanied by brovada, or strips of purple turnips fermented in grape marc and then cooked.

 

One of the most famous cured meats in Italy, produced in the city of the same name which is located right near Udine.


A typical first course, similar to stuffed gnocchi, whose filling varies depending on the valley of origin and the creativity of the cook.

A traditional peasant dish: cheese melted in a pan, often enriched with potatoes or onions, served with polenta.


A tasty appetizer: fresh salami cooked in vinegar, perfect with polenta.


Sweet parcel-shaped pastries filled with grappa and dried fruit, available in two versions: fried or boiled.

A typical dessert from the Natisone valleys, traditionally prepared for holidays and special occasions. It has a snail shape and a leavened dough, with the same rich filling as Strucchi.

Where to eat all these delicacies?

The range of restaurants and venues is truly incredible in Udine. I tested several places and these are my favorites:

Vitello d’Oro: This is the oldest restaurant in the city. Click here to get there! 

Osteria La Ciacarade: Excellent tavern in the city center! Click here to get there! 

Osteria Alla Ghiacciaia: Delicious dishes of Friulian cuisine! Click here to get there! 

Aquila Nera: A typical restaurant that offers excellent food! Click here to get there!  

Hostaria alla Tavernetta: An excellent tavern with a particular charm specialized in typical dishes with frico! Click here to get there! 

Ciò Che C’era: Great sandwich shop if you want to grab a quick bite! Click here to get there! 

Pizzeria Vesuvio Udine: Great pizzeria! Click here to get there! 

Gelateria il Morettino: Great ice cream shop! Click here to get there! 

The end?

Unfortunately, we have finished our tour! However, there are several things around Lucca that you could visit: I’ll leave some tips below!

Cividale del Friuli


A UNESCO heritage site, with the evocative Lombard Temple and the legendary Devil’s Bridge.

San Daniele del Friuli


Famous for its celebrated DOP ham, it is also home to the historic Guarneriana Library and the Cathedral.

Palmanova


A Venetian fortress city with a perfect star-shaped plan, now a UNESCO heritage site.

Venzone


One of the most beautiful villages in Italy, rebuilt after the 1976 earthquake and known for its medieval mummies.

Fusine Lakes


Two crystal-clear alpine lakes, framed by mountains, perfect for hiking and relaxation.

All good things must come to an end😬!

First of all, if you enjoyed the tour will be really important for me to have a review on these platforms (also on the platform where you booked, but these platforms that you find below are fundamental).

You can leave a review (no pressure on you for this⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐) by clicking on these beautiful buttons!

What about a review on Google 🤩? Just click on the logo!

Click on the logo and leave a review on Truspilot 🤩 

I know that it takes time (actually 4 seconds 😬) but for me this part is really important in order to continue this activity 🥰!

If, on the other hand, you had problems, have suggestions on how to improve it, or want to contact me, feel free to write me on WhatsApp by clicking here!

Are you going to visit other cities?

I have prepared different digital guides to enable you to other cities as well. All guides were written in collaboration with locals so that the most authentic stories and advice could be included!

In these digital guides you will find:

  • Itinerary with the highlights of the city (connected with google maps) 📍
  • Historical info, curiosities and funny facts 🤓
  • FOOD TIPS from locals ! Every city has it’s own typical dishes so it’s super important to know about them 😬 Also, thanks to my local friends, you will discover real local restaurants to try them 😋!

I already prepared a special discount for you, you’ll find everything by clicking here!

Again, if need some support or need any extra info, feel free to write me on WhatsApp by clicking here!

Greetings from your Walking Cap!

Matteo