Udine

Access

Udine is well connected thanks to the motorway network ( and ), the railway station that connects it to Trieste, Venice and Austria, and its proximity to Trieste Ronchi dei Legionari airport. Its location also makes it easily accessible for those coming from central Europe.

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Introduction

Udine, capital of the province of the same name, is located in the centre of Friuli-Venezia Giulia, in a position that has always made it a natural crossroads between the Alps and the Adriatic, between the Latin and Slavic worlds. Lying in an area of plain crossed by minor watercourses and not far from the Tagliamento River, the city is dominated by the Castle Hill, a vantage point that recounts the origins and historical identity of the area. Its foundation probably dates back to the Longobard era, but it was under the Patriarchate of Aquileia and then under the Serenissima Republic of Venice that Udine became an important political and economic centre. Today, the city is recognised as the historical and cultural capital of Friuli, a place that combines Venetian architecture, Friulian traditions and a strong international vocation.

Description

The Udine area is flat and fertile, with landscapes marked by vineyards, cultivated fields and the hills that begin a little further north, towards the Julian Pre-Alps. The hill on which the Castle of Udine stands is the city's symbol, shrouded in legends that claim it was created by Attila to admire the burning of Aquileia. The town planning of the historic centre reflects the long Venetian influence: the Loggia del Lionello, the Cathedral and the main squares reveal a style that blends Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque. During the Middle Ages, the city experienced a phase of growth thanks to the Patriarchate of Aquileia, becoming the residence of the patriarch and a religious and political centre of primary importance. With the fall of Aquileia, Udine permanently entered the orbit of the Serenissima (1420), assuming the role of Friuli's capital. During the 20th century, the city was scarred by two world wars, becoming a rear post during the first conflict and a strategic city in the second, but it was able to recover thanks to its position and economic vitality.

The economy of Udine today is diversified, with a productive fabric that ranges from the metalworking industry to the food sector, without forgetting the importance of local crafts. Wine is one of the most representative products, with the renowned grape varieties of the Colli Orientali and Collio not far behind. Friulian cuisine is an integral part of the cultural identity: from San Daniele ham to cheeses such as Montasio, to typical dishes such as frico. Folk traditions survive in village festivals and religious celebrations, while the city hosts cultural events of international scope, including film festivals and literary festivals.

Udine is also a starting point for tourism and hiking: to the north are the trails of the Julian Pre-Alps and the Friulian Dolomites, while to the south you can easily reach the Adriatic Sea. The Castle Hill offers an impressive 360-degree view that stretches from the mountains to the sea, while in the surrounding area there are historic villas, rural villages and food and wine itineraries that tell the story of Friulian culture. Legends linked to the foundation of the hill and folk tales make the town's link with its thousand-year history even more fascinating.

Information

Area: 56.67 km²
Altitude: 113 m
Maximum elevation: 135 m - Colle del Castello
Number of inhabitants: \~ 98,000 as of 31.12.2024
Name in dialect: Udin
Inhabitants name: udinesi
Patron saint: San Ermacora
Bordering municipalities: Tavagnacco, Pagnacco, Martignacco, Pasian di Prato, Campoformido, Pozzuolo del Friuli, Pradamano, Pavia di Udine, Remanzacco, Reana del Rojale
Website: www.comune.udine.it

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