Art and architecture in Udine
Udine, a refined North Italian city, effortlessly surrounds you with art and architecture at every corner. It’s the kind of place where just being there makes you feel a touch more cultured.
Due to its proximity to the Austrian and Slovenian borders and its history as part of the Austrian Empire from 1797 to 1866, I expected to see strong Slavic and Germanic influences. However, aside from bilingual street signs in Italian and the Friulian dialect, Udine remains unmistakably Italian. The town’s identity is heavily shaped by 400 years of Venetian rule. A legacy that’s clearly reflected in the art and architecture throughout the historic center. Let me take you on a quick journey through some of Udine’s highlights.
Moorish Arches and Tiepolo Masterpieces
Our exploration began at Piazza XX Settembre, an open square where children played as the soft light of the early evening sun stretched across the scene. The architecture around the piazza reflects several centuries of history. On one side stands the elegant Palazzo Antivari-Kechler, a fine example of neoclassical architecture. Whereas Casetta Veneziana, on the other side of the piazza, showcases beautiful Moorish arches above its windows, a nod to Venice’s influence. As we walked a little further, the arches shifted from Moorish style to the rounded shapes that marked our arrival at the 13th-century Romanesque-Gothic Cathedral.
Inside the cathedral, the great Venetian painter Giambattista Tiepolo decorated the Chapel of the Sacrament. His influence is prominent throughout Udine, with his masterpieces also on display in the Palazzo Patriarcale, the Castle, Palazzo Caiselli, and the Oratorio della Purità. Each location is a must-see for art lovers, offering a deeper dive into Tiepolo’s artistic legacy.
Piazza Libertà and the Manmade Hill
After studying the artworks and the octagonal bell tower, we crossed through a tiny garden and passed under the arcade bridge of Palazzo Valvason Morpurgo, known for its design and architecture exhibits. Within minutes, we arrived at Piazza Libertà, one of Udine’s most stunning public spaces. While Italy is full of beautiful piazzas, Piazza Libertà stands out for its remarkable Venetian-Gothic architecture. The clock tower, reminiscent of the one in Venice’s San Marco Square, faces the elegant Loggia del Lionello, and nearby stands the Arco Bollani, designed by the legendary architect Andrea Palladio.
Palladio’s gate led us to the hill that’s rumored to have been created by Attila the Hu. Supposedly his soldiers carried soil in their helmets to create a rise in the otherwise flat landscape. Reaching the top of the hill, we found an old castle along with a splendid view of the city and surrounding mountains. A sight making the climb more than worthwhile. The hill is crowned by Udine’s old castle, an architectural gem in itself.
Piazza Matteotti and a Taste of Udine
Descending the hill, we made our way to Piazza Matteotti, where the atmosphere shifted from historical contemplation to modern Italian leisure. Here, we enjoyed an Aperol Spritz as we soaked in the vibrant yet relaxed energy of the square. Parents sat under the sprawling arcades while children played freely in the open space, a perfect reflection of Udine’s family-friendly charm. The square is lined with cafés, making it an ideal spot for people-watching while savoring the town’s unique blend of history and contemporary life.
With its compact and walkable historic center, Udine offers an effortless way to immerse yourself in centuries of art, architecture, and culture. Every corner invites exploration, and every café tempts you to pause and take it all in. In Udine, time seems to stand still, allowing you to fully appreciate the beauty that surrounds you.
More to see in and around Friuli-Venezia Giulia than art and architecture in Udine:
Palladio bridge over the river Brenta
This blog post was last updated in October 2024
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I once met a guy from Villach across the border in Austria. He said they would go to Udine for shopping (I suppose sort of like Norwegians go to Sweden, Swedes go to Denmark and Danes go to Germany). Interesting to hear it’s much more to this Italian city.
How funny, I don’t think we heard anyone speak German while we were there.
I could probably hang out at those piazzas for hours. Udine looks like such a beautiful town and a wonderful place to stroll around or spend the day. That cathedral is stunning!
Sure, there’s nothing quite like people watching over a nice glass of spritz.
Another beautiful Italian town that I had not heard of! I would love to take an entire summer and just travel around Italy to visit all of these beautiful places!
I’d certainly recommend that. Though I’m not sure an entire summer would give you all the time you’ll need.
I love to sit, relax and people watch so the piazzas would be perfect for me. Now, climbing the same hill as Attila the Hun would be incredible! Good post, Mette :)
I have to warn you against following Attila the Hun too closely, though. After all he was forced to retire from Italy without ever setting foot south of the Po, and that would be a shame.
Mette, I can easily see why the Udine caught your eye. Love the charm of the piazza and the art – wow! I could happily sip coffee all afternoon and just move from one work to the next.
Me too – such a wonderful way to waste time.
Looks beautiful in Udine! Being surrounded by art and architecture sounds like a great reason to just go! Thanks for sharing!
There is art and architecture galore in all Italian cities, but in my opinion Udine is particularly pretty.
My god, how I love Italy! And especially its small towns.
Me too. There’s always something new to explore and discover.
Grazie per l’articolo e le bellissime foto con il quale si presentano al mondo miei luoghi del cuore.
I’m glad you like it – And took the time to post a response:)
If the heat gets to you, just drive south for 40 minutes to Grado and take a quick dip in the Adriatic; magic.
That’s always an option in most of Italy, and it works brilliantly every time:)