Udine and Cormons: Ideal Stops on the Way to Veneto

Udine

When travelling, we often pass by towns we know only from the names on highway signs. But behind these names are often interesting places with history and atmosphere worth at least a short stop. One of them is undoubtedly Udine and its surroundings. If Udine is on your way to Veneto, it’s an ideal stop on the way.

The city lies near the borders of Veneto and is the centre of the Friuli-Venezia Giulia region. Historically, it was strongly influenced by the Venetian Republic. This influence is still evident today in the city’s architecture and atmosphere.

The area was settled as early as the Neolithic period, but the first mention of the city dates back to 983.

What to see in Udine

Udine is an ideal stop for a walk while travelling. Most of the main sights are within walking distance. You can easily spend half a day exploring the city, but if you’re short on time, you can walk through the historic centre in an hour.

Piazza della Libert

Piazza della Libertà is one of the most important places in the city of Udine and is often described as one of the most beautiful squares in northern Italy. It is dominated by buildings in the Venetian style, reflecting the long-standing influence of the Venetian Republic.

The most striking part of the square is the impressive Loggia di San Giovanni, together with the Torre dell’Orologio and the adjoining Arco Bollani gate. This complex was created in the 16th century and connects the square with the road leading to the castle. The loggia, with its elegant colonnade, complements the space, while the clock tower, with its decorated dial and figures that strike the time, serves as the focal point of the square.

Arco Bollani is a Late Renaissance-to-Mannerist gate from 1556, whose design is attributed to the architect Andrea Palladio. It is located at the foot of the castle hill and was built in honour of Venice, as recalled by the Lion of Saint Mark placed at the top.  

Castello di Udine

Another landmark of the city of Udine is the castle rising on the artificially piled hill Colle del Castello, from which there is a view of the entire historic centre and the surrounding landscape. This hill is shrouded in legend. According to local lore, it was piled up by Attila the Hun himself so he could watch the destruction of nearby Aquileia. The present appearance of the castle dates back to the 16th century and was designed by Giovanni Fontana.

Over the centuries, it has changed its function. After the Napoleonic wars, it served as barracks; today it houses several museums focused on the region’s history, art, and archaeology.

Piazza Matteotti

Piazza Matteotti, also known as Piazza San Giacomo or Piazza delle Erbe, is an important place in Udine’s historic centre. It originally served as a market space and has retained its lively atmosphere to this day. During the day, the square feels calm, but in the evening it becomes a vibrant hub of social life, with bars and cafés. The landmark is the 14th-century Chiesa di San Giacomo.

Art and culture

Among the most interesting places is Casa Cavazzini, which focuses on modern and contemporary art and connects historic architecture with new artistic movements. Another stop can be the Galleria Tina Modotti, which hosts temporary exhibitions, or the diocesan museum, which houses important collections of sacred art. Among the city’s cultural institutions is the Biblioteca Civica Vincenzo Joppi, the city library, which houses an extensive collection ranging from historic manuscripts to modern materials.

Churches

The city has several sacred buildings worth seeing. The 14th-century cathedral (Duomo) houses works by important artists.

The Oratorio della Purità church stands on the site of the famous Mantica theatre. However, it was not desirable for a theatre to be in the vicinity of the cathedral (Duomo), so it was rebuilt into a church with an oratory on the first floor (a girls’ school). The frescoes were created by Giambattista Tiepolo together with his son.

Udine is an ideal stop on the way to northeastern Italy. It offers a combination of history, culture, and a pleasant atmosphere.

Transport

Udine is located near the A23 (E55) motorway, which runs from Villach in Austria and connects south to the A4 linking Venice and Trieste. About 42 km from the city is Friuli Venezia Giulia Airport. Udine is also an important railway hub with direct connections to Venice, Trieste, and Tarvisio, long-distance trains to Rome, Florence, and Milan, and night services to Salzburg or Vienna. Urban transport is provided by a network of bus lines.

Cormons: A picturesque small town near Udine

Not far from Udine lies Cormons, a picturesque town with a calm atmosphere beneath the vineyards of the Collio area. The landscape of gentle hills is among the most important wine regions of northern Italy and is known primarily for its white wines.

Cormons is an ideal place for a short stop—local restaurants and wine bars offer the chance to taste wines from the surrounding vineyards and enjoy a setting that is also great for photography. Just a few minutes from the centre is the renowned Michelin-starred restaurant La Subida, one of the region’s gastronomic highlights.

The town’s history dates back to the Middle Ages, when it was part of the territory associated with the Patriarchate of Aquileia. Thanks to its location on the border of different spheres of influence, it later came under the influence of Gorizia and the Habsburgs, which was reflected in its development and character.