WHAT SHOULD YOU CERTAINLY VISIT IN UDINE?

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THE MOST BEAUTIFUL VENETIAN SQUARE ON THE MAINLAND

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The perfect visit of Udine starts on what is called "the most beautiful square built in Venetian style, existing on the mainland" which is Piazza Libertà. The square is located at the foot of the hill where is also located the 15th century town hall "Loggia di Lionello" which looks a lot like the Palace of the Doge in Venice. No surprise because Udine just as the rest of Friuli was dominated for more than 350 year by the Republic of Venice. 

 

Up on the hill you can visit the castle that hosts the City Museums; an art gallery, an archeological museum, an Independence War museum and a large collection of old photographs about Friuli. From the top of the hill you have a stunning view over the surrounding Alps in the north and the historical heart of Udine. 

 

FRESCO'S OF THE BAROQUE PAINTER TIEPOLO

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In the 14th-century cathedral you can admire the works of several local and venetian artists,  the most famous one is the Venetian baroque painter Giovanni Battista Tiepolo, who stayed in Udine several times on the request of the Patriarch. His frescoes can be admired in the Patriarchal Palace, the Cathedral and the little church "Oratorio della Purità" located opposite the Cathedral. Here Tiepolo and his son Giandomenico worked together during his last visit to Udine. It is no wonder that Udine is called the city of Tiepolo.

 

HISTORICAL HEART OF UDINE

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Now it's time to see the real historical city center. The heart of Udine is called  "Piazza San Giacomo". This old market place is surrounded by beautiful elegant palazzi under which arcades a big variety of bars and shops are hidden. This is the place to be for locals and tourists. While sipping on your cappuccino or drinking your aperitivo you can enjoy watching the beautiful buildings, fountain and church. It's the favourite meeting spot for the udinesi who stop  here for a drink with their friends. 

 

PALAZZO PATRIARCALE

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If you want to see more of Tiepolo's work then you should absolutely visit the Patriarchs Palace, now the bishop's palace. In the gallery of Tiepolo you see some of his masterpieces. One floor is completely dedicated to religious wooden medieval art. Please note the opening hours. It is closed from 1 till 3 p.m and on Tuesdays. 

 

CASA CAVAZZINI FOR CONTEMPORARY ART

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Are you more into modern art then Casa Cavazzini is the place for you. This modern and contemporary art museum is housed inside one of the many historical palazzi of Udine. Inside you will be surprised by the modern architecture of the Italian architect Gae Aulenti (born in the province of Udine) and famous for the reconstruction works of the Orsay Museum in Paris.  But that's for another holiday! Casa Cavazzini is closed on Mondays.

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BOOK A GUIDED TOUR IN UDINE

 

A visit to Friuli Venezia Giulia is not complete without a visit to Udine!

Do not hesitate to contact me if you would like to book a guided tour. I will be happy to show you around and tell you much more about Udine. Clicking on the purple button more details appear of what you will see during the guided tour and the rates.