The castle stands on a hill above the old town and combines art collections with a landmark of the city’s history. Visitors with reduced mobility can reach it via lifts accessible from Vicolo Sottomonte. As access arrangements may change, check them before your trip. From here, further discoveries lead to museums, churches, squares and green spaces, each offering different insights into Udine and the culture of Friuli.

Art and history in different locations

In the castle, the Galleria d’Arte Antica displays notable works dating from the 14th to the 19th century. Artists represented include Carpaccio, Caravaggio and Tiepolo. The Museo della Fotografia offers a different perspective on the region’s art history: its collection includes 19th- and 20th-century photographs by photographers who worked in Friuli, including Pignat, Bujatti and Brisighelli.

Casa Cavazzini brings a historic building together with modern and contemporary art. The 16th-century palace houses the Museo d’Arte Moderna e Contemporanea. A glass floor also offers a view of a 16th-century Venetian cistern. A separate historical highlight can be found in the secular frescoes at Palazzo Savorgnan della Bandiera, which date from the second half of the 14th century.

Churches, too, open up different chapters of the city’s history. Construction of the present-day Cattedrale di Santa Maria Annunziata began in 1236. The Chiesa di Sant’Antonio abate was originally a Gothic building from the 14th century and was consecrated in 1354; it contains the tombs of four of the last Patriarchs of Aquileia. Those interested in Tiepolo can seek out works preserved in Udine at the castle, the Museo Diocesano, the Chiesa dell’Oratorio della Purità and the Cattedrale. Admission to the Oratorio della Purità is free; check ticket arrangements before your visit.

The museums are not devoted solely to the visual arts. The Museo Etnografico del Friuli showcases collections on Friulian traditions, folk culture and history. The Museo Friulano di Storia Naturale is a permanent institution that researches, collects, preserves, interprets and exhibits its own heritage. In Udine, art and architectural history thus sit alongside the region’s cultural and natural history.

Squares, a park and everyday Friulian culture

Piazza Matteotti, also known as Piazza San Giacomo, feels like an open-air salon: colourful buildings and elegant arcades frame the square, with tables belonging to historic cafés. Tajut is part of the local food and drink culture: a small glass of Friulian white wine served in the historic centre with ham and typical Friulian cheeses. Alongside its collections, the square and this tradition offer an everyday, culinary perspective on a visit to the city.

For those wanting to include a large green space between cultural stops, Parco del Cormor is Udine’s largest park. It covers about 30 hectares, with densely planted woodland alongside open meadows. The park includes a viewpoint, paths and small roads, as well as a children’s playground. The park is also accessible to people with disabilities.

Cycling route and events

The FVG1 Ciclovia Alpe Adria passes through Udine as part of a route connecting Austria and northern Slovenia with the Friulian Adriatic coast. If you cycle along this route, check the current signage before setting out. It places Udine within a larger route network, while the museums, churches and squares offer their own reasons to get to know the city better.

Events also offer a variety of themes. The Far East Film Festival takes place annually over nine screening days at the Teatro Nuovo Giovanni da Udine. The programme includes retrospectives, talks with leading figures in Asian cinema and a themed meeting on Asian cinema every afternoon. Friuli DOC features concerts, performances, product discoveries, tastings, workshops, sports activities, activities for children, stalls and social gatherings. As the programme and dates for Friuli DOC change each year, check the dates if your trip is planned around the festival.

When choosing a hotel, you might first consider which side of Udine interests you most: art collections and churches, regional culture, events, or combining a city visit with green spaces. Each attraction and experience offers its own highlights; together, they show how varied a stay in Udine can be.

Discover more destinations: Martignacco, Torsa, Prepotto, Lignano Sabbiadoro, Santa Maria la Longa, Cividale Del Friuli, Corno Di Rosazzo, Grimacco, Rive D'arcano, San Pietro Al Natisone, Povoletto, Aquileia, Tarvisio, Savogna di Cividale, Cervignano Del Friuli, Stregna, Udine, Palazzolo Dello Stella, Pradamano, San Daniele Del Friuli, Pontebba, Porpetto, Buttrio, San Leonardo, Terzo D'aquileia, Attimis, Camino Al Tagliamento, Cassacco, Coseano, Faedis, Fagagna, Manzano, Precenicco, Premariacco, Remanzacco, San Giovanni Al Natisone, Palmanova, Forni Avoltri, Flaibano, Trivignano Udinese, Ravascletto, Codroipo, Sutrio, Ragogna, Résiatal, Castions Di Strada, Prato Carnico, Buja, Magnano In Riviera, Villa Santina, Gemona Del Friuli, Sedegliano, Mortegliano, Ruda, Malborghetto Valbruna, Tarcento, Tissano, Bertiolo, Rivignano, Tricesimo, Marano Lagunare, Osoppo, Moggio Udinese, Arta Terme, Ovaro, Sella Nevea, Sauris, Teor, Venzone, Pulfero, Gonars, Forni Di Sopra, Tolmezzo, Nimis, Lauco, Comeglians, Chiopris-Viscone, Socchieve, Tavagnacco, Latisana, Ampezzo, San Giorgio Di Nogaro, Chiusaforte, San Vito Al Torre, Ronchis, Moruzzo, Torviscosa, Lestizza, Lusevera, Torreano, Bicinicco, Majano, Cavazzo Carnico, Paluzza, Villa Vicentina, Treppo Grande, Pavia di Udine, Moimacco, Bagnaria Arsa, Pasian di Prato, Forni di Sotto, Artegna, Aiello del Friuli, Pozzuolo del Friuli, Cepletischis, Castelmonte, Ligosullo, Cornino, Raveo, Nogaredo di Corno, Colloredo di Monte Albano, Sant'Eliseo, Percoto, Taipana, Enemonzo, Passariano, Lavariano, Valbruna, Pocenia, Lateis, Collina, Campoformido, Caporiacco, Polizza, Gorgo, Talmassons, Romans, San Valentino, Valpicetto, Raibl, Sottoselva, Azzano.

For the broader travel overview: Friuli Venezia Giulia.