Exploring Udine, Italy: A Weekend Guide to History, Art, and Culture
Tucked away in the northeastern region of Italy lies the charming city of Udine, a treasure trove of history, art, and culture waiting to be discovered. As one of the most important cities in Friuli, Udine is an ideal destination for a weekend getaway or even a day trip from nearby towns like Pordenone or Trieste.
In this article, we’ll take you on a journey through the must-see attractions in Udine, from its stunning cathedral to its impressive museum collections and picturesque streets. So, pack your bags and let’s get started!
Getting Started: Choosing Your Itinerary
When planning your trip to Udine, it’s essential to decide how much time you have available. With so many incredible sights to see, you could easily spend a weekend exploring the city. However, if you’re short on time, a day trip can still be an excellent way to experience the essence of Udine.
Here are some top recommendations for your itinerary:
- Piazza XXVI Luglio: A great starting point, especially if you arrive by car.
- Duomo of Udine: The city’s most important religious location is located here.
- Porta Manin and Via Manin: One of the ancient gates that made up the city walls.
- Diocesan Museum and Tiepolo Galleries: A must-visit for art lovers.
Morning Exploring the Historic Center
Your day begins in Piazza XXVI Luglio, one of the best starting points. Here you have two large parking lots available: Park Moretti (Get directions) and underground Magrini parking (Get directions). From here follow Via Poscolle to reach the Duomo of Udine.
After visiting quickly, take Via Manin, cross Porta Manin, and you can visit the Diocesan Museum and Tiepolo Galleries, with its beautiful frescoed salons.
Conclude the morning in Piazza I Maggio. This is a great place to grab lunch at Love Street Food or enjoy an apéritif in one of the local restaurants in Matteotti Square, known as Piazza San Giacomo.
Afternoon Discovering Udine’s Hidden Gems
In the afternoon, follow the path from the square to the Castle of Udine, seat of the Municipal Museums. Visit the museum, stop at the incredible panorama, and then descend the opposite road, which will take you directly to Liberty Square, where the Lionello Loggia is also located.
Take a stroll along Mercatovecchio Street, and then enjoy an apéritif in one of the local restaurants.
Temple Ossuary and Monument to Resistance
Start the day from Piazza XVII Luglio, one of the best starting points. Here you have two large parking lots available: Park Moretti (Get directions) and underground Magrini parking (Get directions).
The Friuli region being a border region has been the scene of terrible battles, especially during World War I: and within the temple, 21,500 dead are preserved, some never identified. At the entrance you can admire four large statues representing an Alpino, a Fante, an Aviator, and a Marine.
Move to the center of the square to admire the Monument to Resistance, which can be accessed by descending the staircase.
Duomo of Udine
To reach this stage: 10 minutes on foot (Get directions).From Piazza XVII Luglio follow Via Poscolle, which leads to Galleria Bardelli, a gallery dating back to the 800s and housing various shops. From there cross Piazza XX Settembre, where every Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday morning a market is held.
Porta Manin and Via Manin
To reach this stage: 2 minutes on foot (Get directions).After visiting the Duomo, just extend your walk for 2 minutes to follow Via Manin, one of Udine’s most famous streets, rich in shops and workshops. You can follow it all the way up to arrive directly at the Porta Manin.
Diocesan Museum and Tiepolo Galleries
To reach this stage: 10 minutes on foot (Get directions).Last stop of the morning is the famous Diocesan Museum, hosted within the Palazzo Arcivescovile, one of Udine’s most important historical buildings. You can also reach it comfortably on foot.
Udine is also known as the city of Tiepolo and here you can discover why: in addition to visiting the collections of the museum, which consists of over 700 pieces, you can visit the beautiful frescoes and the Piano Nobile with works by the master Giambattista Tiepolo. Don’t miss the Scalone d’onore and Galleria degli Ospiti.
Where to Eat
For lunch, head to Love Street Food in Piazza I Maggio or dinner at Osteria Alla Ghiacciaia on via Antonio Zanon 13.
Conclusion
Udine is a city that will leave you spellbound with its stunning architecture, beautiful frescoes, and rich history. Whether you spend a weekend exploring the city or just take a day trip, this charming town in northeastern Italy has something for everyone.
With so many incredible sights to see and delicious food options to enjoy, Udine is an absolute must-visit destination for any traveler.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Is Udine a good place for families?
Yes, Udine is a great place for families! There are plenty of parks and outdoor spaces where you can spend quality time with your loved ones.
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Can I visit the Temple Ossuary and Monument to Resistance on my own?
Absolutely! The temple and monument are open to visitors at all times, so feel free to explore them on your own or join a guided tour for a deeper understanding of the history and significance.
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Are there any restaurants in Udine that serve traditional Friulian cuisine?
Yes, there are plenty of excellent restaurants in Udine that specialize in traditional Friulian dishes like polenta e fagioli (polenta and beans) or risotto al tartufo (risotto with truffles).
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Can I visit the Diocesan Museum and Tiepolo Galleries during the summer months?
Yes, the museum is open year-round, including during the summer months. However, it’s always a good idea to check the official website for any updates or special exhibitions.
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Are there any guided tours available in Udine that can help me make the most of my visit?
Yes, there are plenty of guided tours available in Udine, ranging from walking tours to bus tours and even bike tours. You can book these tours through local tour operators or online platforms like Viator or GetYourGuide.
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Can I use public transportation to get around Udine?
Yes, Udine has a well-developed public transportation system that includes buses and trams. You can purchase tickets at newsstands or online before your trip.
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Are there any special events or festivals in Udine during the summer months?
Yes, Udine hosts several festivals and events throughout the year, including the Udine Summer Festival, which takes place every August. Be sure to check the official website for more information on upcoming events.
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Can I visit the Temple Ossuary and Monument to Resistance at night?
Unfortunately, the temple and monument are not open at night, so you’ll need to plan your visit during daylight hours.
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Are there any wheelchair-accessible attractions in Udine?
Yes, many of the main attractions in Udine have wheelchair ramps or elevators, making them accessible to visitors with mobility issues.
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Can I use my credit card to buy tickets for museums and attractions in Udine?
Some museums and attractions in Udine may accept credit cards, but it’s always a good idea to check ahead of time to confirm their payment policies.
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