What to see in Udine in 2 days: Friuli's pearl between Tiepolo and traditions

Udine in 2 days: the Mitteleuropean soul of Friuli

Udine is one of those Italian cities almost nobody puts on their list, yet everyone who arrives falls in love. Elegant, compact, with squares reminiscent of Venice and an atmosphere looking towards Vienna and Ljubljana, it is the secret heart of Friuli Venezia Giulia.

Day 1: The historic centre and Tiepolo

Morning

Begin at Piazza Libertà, called the most beautiful Venetian square on the mainland. The Loggia del Lionello in pink and white stone, the Clock Tower with its Moors, the Loggia and the Tempietto of San Giovanni create a harmonious ensemble that takes your breath away.

Climb to the Castle of Udine, reachable from the square through the Arco Bollani (designed by Palladio) and the panoramic ascent. The castle houses the Civic Museums with a rich archaeological section, and the view over the city to the Julian and Carnic Alps is priceless.

Afternoon

Back down, head to the Patriarchal Palace (now the Diocesan Museum). Here Giambattista Tiepolo created between 1726 and 1728 an extraordinary fresco cycle: the Fall of the Rebel Angels on the staircase and the Stories of the Patriarchs in the upper rooms are among his early masterpieces.

Hidden gem: continue to the Oratory of Purity, also frescoed by Tiepolo. It is small, hidden, and almost always empty. The Assumption on the vault is sublime.

Then stroll along Via Mercatovecchio, arcaded and commercial, to Piazza Matteotti (known as Piazza San Giacomo), Udine's living room: cafes, columns, the small church and the perfect atmosphere for a pause.

Evening

Evening in Udine is lived in the osterias. The ritual of the tajut (a small glass of wine) is enjoyed standing, moving from one osteria to the next. Try Via Zanon and the historic osterias around Piazza Matteotti. Frico with polenta and musetto con brovada are unmissable.

Day 2: Historic quarters, modern art and hills

Morning

Explore the historic borghi surrounding the centre. Borgo Grazzano, with its colourful houses along the Roggia canal, has a discreet charm. Borgo Aquileia preserves artisan workshops and an atmosphere from another time.

Visit the Gallery of Modern Art (GAMUD) on the second floor of the Town Hall for a collection spanning from the Macchiaioli to the contemporary, with attention to Friulian artists.

Afternoon

Rent a bicycle (bike sharing active) and pedal to the eastern moraine hills. In fifteen minutes you'll be among the vineyards of Friulian Collio, with wineries producing Friulano, Ribolla Gialla and Picolit.

Hidden gem: Parco del Cormor, west of the city, is a green corridor along the stream where locals go running and walking. No tourist knows it, yet the stream's bends among willows are poetic.

Evening

Close your stay with dinner at an agriturismo just outside the city, where you'll taste Friulian cuisine in its most genuine form: cjarsons (sweet-savoury ravioli), orzotto, gubana. Local wines accompany every course.

Recommended walking routes

• Monumental centre: Piazza Libertà → Castle → Patriarchal Palace → Piazza Matteotti (2 km, 3 hours with visits)
• Borghi walk: Borgo Grazzano → Borgo Aquileia → Giardino Ricasoli → Via Zanon (2.5 km)
• Panoramic ascent: from centre to Castle Hill via Arco Bollani and return via Piazzale del Castello (30 minutes)

Practical tips

• Saturday morning market in Piazza Matteotti is an institution
• Udine is perfectly walkable: the centre is compact and pedestrianised
• In summer the Friuli Doc festival (September) transforms the city into an open-air osteria

Further reading

To plan your stay, see where to stay in Udine, where to eat in Udine and how to get to Udine.