Udine

From the Alps to the sea, exploring mosaics and Baroque villas

Views of the Carnic Alps, villages on gentle slopes, historic villas, lakes and forests, Roman and Lombard ruins and the golden beaches of Lignano Sabbiadoro: all this and more lies in the province of Udine, in the heart of Friuli-Venezia Giulia.

Walking through the historic centre of the capital, which branches out around the castle, you will find the Loggia del Lionello, the Clock Tower, the works of Tiepolo and the Tina Modotti Gallery, dedicated to the great photographer who was born here.

Immersed in a large park is the Baroque-style Villa Manin, the residence of the last doge of Venice. You can admire nature is at its best in the thousand-year-old Tarvisio forest, in Val d’Arzino and by Lake Cornino.

Don’t miss the villages of Spilimbergo, with its splendid 15th-century Palazzo Dipinto, San Daniele del Friuli, to taste its famous prosciutto, the star fort of Palmanova, and Cividale del Friuli, with its Lombard ruins and the famous Devil’s Bridge.

If you love fortresses, we recommend visiting Villalta Castle. To dive into history, head for Aquileia, a very well-preserved Roman city. You’re sure to love the archaeological museum, the Roman Forum, and the Basilica of Santa Maria Assunta, with its mosaic floor and the Crypt of Frescoes.