Ontdek Friuli met je eigen gids / Discover Friuli with your own guide / Scopri il Friuli con la tua guida privata /
Entdecken Sie Friaul mit Ihrer eigenen Fremdenführerin
The biggest province of the region is full of surprises.
The province of Udine
WHAT TO VISIT IN UDINE AND ITS SURROUNDINGS?​
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From the Alps in the north to the sandy beaches of the Adriatic Sea in the south, the province of Udine offers a captivating mix of landscapes and experiences. In just one hour, you can travel through majestic mountains, rolling hills dotted with medieval castles, serene lakes, and vibrant cities—all while enjoying excellent food and wine to end on the shoreline of the Adriatic Sea.
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Start in Udine, the heart of Friuli, with its Venetian charm and the legacy of Tiepolo, the famous Baroque painter who left his mark on the city. Visit Aquileia, once the fourth-largest city of the Roman Empire, home to fascinating ruins and the largest Early Christian Basilica in northern Italy, with its stunning 4th-century mosaic floor—a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
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Discover Cividale del Friuli, the first Lombard duchy and another UNESCO site, or explore Palmanova, a striking star-shaped fortress city built by the Venetians. Don’t miss Villa Manin, a grand 17th-century Venetian villa and the former summer residence of the last Doge of Venice—briefly home to Napoleon Bonaparte.
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Visit San Daniele, renowned for its world-famous ham and the "Sistine Chapel of Friuli." Explore the medieval towns of Gemona and Venzone, beautifully rebuilt after the devastating earthquake of 1976.
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In the northern Carnia region, venture into the mountain villages of Zuglio, a former Roman settlement, and Sauris, known for its Austrian heritage and delicious smoked ham.
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Whether you're a history lover, nature enthusiast, or foodie, Udine and its surroundings have something extraordinary for you to discover!
GUIDED TOUR OF UDINE
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Udine, the capital of its namesake province, is the region's second-largest city with a population of 100,000. Its charming historic center is built around a hill crowned by a 16th-century castle, once home to the Patriarchs and later the Venetian governors. For over 350 years, Udine was part of the Venetian Republic, a heritage still evident in its architecture and unique Venetian charm.
Curious to learn more?
GUIDED TOUR OF AQUILEIA
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Aquileia, once the fourth most important city of the Roman Empire, is now a peaceful village near the coast. It became a UNESCO site in 1998, and visiting this ancient town, it’s clear why.
Here, you can explore extensive archaeological excavations, including the remains of the Roman Forum, a river port with its warehouses and docks, a cemetery, and Roman villas. The highlight is the 11th-century Basilica, built atop the foundations of the first Early Christian Church in Northern Italy. Its 750 m² mosaic floor, dating back to the 4th century, is the largest in Europe.
GUIDED TOUR OF CIVIDALE
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Cividale, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2011, is a town steeped in history. As the first Duchy of the Lombards, it boasts remarkable treasures like the 8th-century Tempietto Longobardo. The picturesque Natisone River divides the town, offering stunning views from the iconic Devil's Bridge, where you can capture breathtaking photos of the river and surrounding Alps.
GUIDED TOUR OF GEMONA & VENZONE
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Gemona and Venzone, two charming medieval villages, share a rich history of hosting pilgrims en route to Rome during the Middle Ages. Later, their strategic location between the Alps and the Tagliamento River turned them into bustling commercial hubs.
In modern history, these towns gained fame after the devastating 1976 earthquake. They were meticulously reconstructed using original materials under the motto "how and where it was." Today, their beautifully restored streets and buildings make it hard to imagine they were ever reduced to rubble.
GUIDED TOUR OF PALMANOVA
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If only a helicopter ride were possible, as Palmanova’s breathtaking nine-pointed star shape is best appreciated from above! This remarkable fortress city, built in the late 16th century by the Venetians, was designed as a defensive stronghold against Austrian and Ottoman invasions.
Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2017, Palmanova’s impressive defensive structures—including moats, bastions, and underground galleries—remain intact and open for exploration. A visit here offers a fascinating glimpse into military ingenuity and Venetian history.
GUIDED TOUR OF SAN DANIELE DEL FRIULI
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Explore the picturesque village of San Daniele del Friuli and its specialty: Il Prosciutto Crudo—a delectable air-dried ham. Thanks to a unique microclimate, this prized delicacy has been traditionally produced here for centuries.
San Daniele is home to around thirty prosciuttifici (ham producers), where visitors can tour the production facilities, savor tastings in cozy restaurants, and purchase ham directly from the source.
Beyond its culinary fame, the village boasts stunning views of the plains below, a charming historic center, the frescoed Sant’Antonio Abate Church (known as the “Sistine Chapel of Friuli”, and the region’s oldest public library.
GUIDED TOUR OF VILLA MANIN
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Step into history and visit the grand Villa Manin, located in the hamlet of Passariano near Codroipo. Once owned by the influential Manin family, this magnificent villa was home to Ludovico Manin, the last Doge of Venice.
In 1797, Napoleon Bonaparte himself stayed here for two months during his campaign in Friuli Venezia Giulia. The Emperor famously remarked that the villa was “too small for an Emperor but too large and too extravagant for a Doge.”
Explore the villa’s opulent architecture and even see the bedroom where Napoleon once slept—a must-see for history and architecture enthusiasts!
GUIDED TOUR OF ZUGLIO
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Discover Zuglio, an ancient Roman settlement founded around 50 B.C. by Julius Caesar. Originally named Julium Carnicum, it was strategically positioned along the vital "Julia Augusta" road, a key route connecting Aquileia in Italy to Klagenfurt in Austria.
Before the Romans, the Celts inhabited this area, leaving behind a rich legacy. Artifacts and artworks from both periods, uncovered during excavations, are now displayed in the local Archaeological Museum. Zuglio offers a fascinating glimpse into its ancient past, making it a must-visit for history enthusiasts.
GUIDED TOUR OF SAURIS
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Nestled in the foothills of the Alps in the Carnia region, Sauris is a hidden gem. Though it's a bit off the beaten path, it's well worth the trip. The narrow mountain roads, full of hairpin bends and tunnels, make the drive an adventure in itself.
If you love mountains, peaceful rural villages, and exceptional smoked ham, Sauris is your destination! The annual 'Sauris in Festa - Festa del Prosciutto' takes place on the second or third weekend of June, celebrating the famous Sauris ham, a delicious rival to the renowned San Daniele ham.
For more details, you can explore the chapter on Friuli's lakes, as Sauris is also known for its stunning lake.
Which places are good to combine in one day In the province of Udine?
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Udine & Cividale
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Udine & Palmanova
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Udine & San Daniele
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Udine & Aquileia
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Udine & Gemona / Venzone
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Udine & Zuglio