Spilimbergo
On the banks of the Tagliamento: one of Italy's most beautiful villages and the capital of mosaic.
Tour details
Guided tour
Udine
Venetian squares, a castle on the hill and Tiepolo's luminous frescoes
2.5 hoursFriuli Venezia Giulia
Udine is the elegant heart of Friuli: a city of arcades and loggias where Venetian grace meets Habsburg order and a lively café culture. Small enough to explore on foot, it rewards those who slow down and look up.
The story
Our walk begins in Piazza della Libertà, often called the most beautiful Venetian square on the mainland. The pink-and-white Loggia del Lionello faces the Renaissance Loggia di San Giovanni and its clock tower, where two Moors strike the hours, just as in Venice.
Through the Arco Bollani, designed by Andrea Palladio, a covered path climbs to the castle. Legend says the hill was raised by Attila's soldiers, carrying earth in their helmets so their king could watch Aquileia burn. From the top, on clear days, the view reaches the Alps.
Back in the old town we wander along arcaded streets and the quiet rogge, the old water channels, past the cathedral and into Piazza Matteotti, the city's open-air living room. Udine is also the city of the young Giambattista Tiepolo, whose early masterpieces glow in the Patriarchal Palace.
In pictures
What we'll see
- Piazza della LibertàTwo loggias, a clock tower with its Moors and a column crowned by the Lion of St Mark.
- The castle hillA legend involving Attila, a panoramic path and views over red rooftops to the mountains.
- Piazza MatteottiColourful façades, a fountain and café tables: the place where Udine meets.
- Cathedral and TiepoloAltarpieces and frescoes by Tiepolo, and on request the Tiepolo Galleries in the Patriarchal Palace.
A taste of Udine
Finish like a local, with a tajut, a small glass of Friulano or Refosco at the bar counter, and a few slices of San Daniele ham. Hungry? Try frico, the crisp cheese-and-potato speciality, in a traditional osteria.
Ready to discover Udine?
Tell me your dates and group size, and I'll shape the visit around you. It can also be combined with a winery or another town on the same day.
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