The city of Udine is situated in the centre of the region, on a group of hills, along the way which connects the South with the NE part of Europe. A legend narrates that the hill surrounded by the Castle of Udine was made by the soil transported in the helmets of Attila’s soldiers, to allow their cruel commander to enjoy the view of Aquileia burst into flames. The territory of Udine had been populated ever since prehistory, as prove the ruins found near the castle. However the first time that Udine is mentioned in a document was in 983, when German Emperor Ottone II gave as presents to the Patriarch of Aquileia, Rodoaldo, the castles of Udine, Buga, Fuganea, Groang e Braitan. The Castrum Utini was mentioned later in 1906, in another document about these donations.
From 1420 Udine became part of Venice Republic. In this period the city suffered Turkish invasion and took part in many battles.
In 1797 the region was occupied by Napoleonic troops, and as a consequence of Treaty of Campoformido, the town passed under Austrian rule. After the failure of 1848 rebellions, in October 1866, Udine became part of the Italian Kingdom.

So to visit Udine means relive its past through an itinerary from Porta Aquileia, decorated by its characteristic Ghibelline battlement, to the Beata Vergine del Carmine, a church of 16^th Century, enriched subsequently with many treasures. Of historical interest also the streets of Aquileia, Vittorio Veneto, Manin, Mercatovecchio with its square: Duomo, San Giacomo and Piazza Liberta’, considered “the most beautiful Venetian square not situated on an island”. The square is bordered by the Loggia del Lionello (1448), a splendid example of Venetian Gothic style, and by the Loggiato di San Giovanni with the Clock Tower, buildings of 16 Century by Giovanni from Udine.
Heart of the city is the Castle, built at the end of 16th Century, today housing the Civic Museum and the History and Art Galleries. Inside its precious collections are enriched by the sumptuous frescos by Pomponio Amalteo, Grassi, Francesco Floreani e Giambattista Tiepolo.

Crossing Via Mercatovecchio, full of beautiful buildings, you reach Piazza Giacomo Matteotti, lively centre of the city, better known as Piazza San Giacomo or Mercato Nuovo.
In the square stands the fountain of Giovanni from Udine pupil of Raffaello, here on the first Sunday of every month, take place a little antique fair.
From Piazzetta Lionello, where stands the Palazzo Comunale by architect Raimondo D’Aronco, You get Piazza del Duomo, where is situated the church dedicated to Saint Mary, with its beautiful sculptures by Torretti, Bernardino da Bissone and Daniele Antonimi and frescos by Vitale da Bologna, Pomponio Amalteo and Giambattista Tiepolo.

Around Udine

In Strassoldo, near to Palmanova, were built two castles restored in 1700: Strassoldo di Sopra and Strassoldo di Sotto.

In Faedis on a slope of Monte Canizza, there is the Castello di Cuccagna, which name derives from dialect form “ciuc” which means round top. From its 12 meters high tower, still well preserved, you can enjoy a wonderful panorama of the surrounding hills spread of vineyards of Ramandolo, Piccolit and Ribolla Gialla.

Originally they were the Castle of Cassacco and the Colloredo of Monte Albano Castle. In 1976 some parts of them were destroyed by the earthquake, but later restored maintaing the original shapes.

Leaving from Tricesimo, along the way to Majano, You can reach the Susans Castle, destroyed many time but finally restored in 18^th Century, when it became an elegant palace hosting congress rooms and a restaurant.

A few kilometers of  distance stands the more exciting Castle of the area, the Arcano Castle, its characteristic shape, with the look-out towers and the embattled communication trench.

In a small district of Codroipo, Villa Manin, is not a Castle but anyway one of the most beautiful historical palace of Friuli. Erected in 1700 is a valid example of an Italian noble palace.
Nowadays it stages concerts and shows.
 

Lignano Sabbiadoro and Marano Lagunare

LIGNANO SABBIADORO

In the middle of the way between Venice and Trieste, in the last decades Lignano, thanks to its 8 Kilometers of sandy beach, became the main seaside resort of the region.

It is very popular place cause of the variety of entertainments available, not only aquatic sports but also golf, tennis, skating, horse riding and a very famous Aqua-park.

MARANO LAGUNARE 

This very small lagoon, in the middle of  North Adriatic Sea, recall to the memory of its visitors a miniature of Venice. Along its narrow roads, stand the Loggia Veneziana, the Palazzo dei Provveditori, the St. Martino church and the suggestive canal/port full of fishermen boats.
Marano facing a wonderful lagoon, one time inhabited by many different animals.
All the activities of the town are strictly linked with the sea, also events and festivals, to remember the party for San Vito, which every year attracts many people.
 

Aquileia

Friuli Venezia Giulia, as an element of meeting of different peoples and cultures, is deeply marked also in its art and architecture. Aquileia, a Roman settlement of North Italy, today still preserves its ancient charm and the memory of its past. This place had an important role for the diffusion of  Christianity from Rome to the Central-East Europe. Symbol of this is the Basilica, ordered by Teodoro Emperor around 310 a.C. The church housing very important works, but the more spectacular is its mosaic flooring, considered the most huge and ancient in the world.

 Everyday remains of its richness come to light, they are all gathered and exhibited in the Paleo-Christian Museum, in the Patriarchate Museum and in the Archeological one.

Archeological Museum, in order, presents one of the biggest collections of Roman glasses.

Also craftsmanship has a primary role especially in its art of mosaics, made by little stones of the Tagliamento River, and the glass realized with the technique of glass-blowing.

The Carnia - not only mountains

People say that this land seems a big hand: the valley crossed by the Tagliamento River represents the hand’s breadth while the fingers are the secondary little valleys excavated by the tributaries of the river.

The famous tourist resort of Forni di Sopra surrounds the valley from the top of Dolomites. The chief town of Carnia province is Tolmezzo, a centre full of elegant shops and handicrafts. Here there is also a very interesting Museum of  Folk Arts and Traditions.

The Val Lumini leads to the delightful village of Sauris, the highest municipality of Friuli, while the Val Degano hosts the little town of Forni Avoltri , the Italian main centre of biathlon.

The Val Pesarina is well-known for the beauty of its natural landscape, with its characteristic town of  Prato Carnico and Pesariis. The Valle of Bût, instead, is famous for its wellness centers, especially Arta Terme , a place with an important thermal spring.
Paluzza is the ideal place for people who loves skiing.
The Valcada with the town of Ravascletto, is considered the homeland of traditional gastronomy. The area is also very important as winter resort, its ski-lift leads directly to the top of Zoncolan Mountain.

The area of Val Pontaiba is a liitle bit wilder, with the gorgeous villages of Treppo Carnico and Ligosullo, while the Chiarsò Valley where stands the beautiful Paularo is the most ancient area of Carnia.

Any time you come, be prepared to spend a pleasant and intense holiday, characterized by sports (from the most traditional like Tennis, Mountain bike and Horse riding to the new one, like Free-climbing, Horse trekking, Canoe and Hang-gliding), by excursions in beautiful natural landscape till the Carnic Alps highs, and, in winter by skiing on wonderful runs not too crowded.

Carnia in order offers: a particular and genuine Gastronomy of which You can keep all the secrets, attending at the cooking course for tourists, Traditions, History and Art (interesting museums, archaeological sites, ancient towns with their architecture in wood or stones). And don’t forget  the Handicraft products made by wood,  wrought iron, ceramics, the traditional velvet slippers of  Friuli and natural products. In the creameries you can buy butter, soft white unsalted cheese made from sheep’s milk and all other kind of typical cheese. The butcher’s shops produce tasty salted pork meats and sausages. In the herbalists’shops you can learn the use of many spontaneous herbs of this area, and the beekeepers, sell honey directly to the visitors.

The Tarvisiano

Tarvisio and its neighbourhoods are in a particular position, between Austria and Slovenia. Crossed the boundary You immediately reach the Lake zone of Carinzia or the Slovenian ski-runs and golf-courses. A huge area for sports, culture and amusements.
It is the ideal place for excursions to the top of Alps, well equipped with its paths and shelters.
Also not trained people could enjoy the relaxing atmosphere of the woods which frame the town.
The best known is the Tre Confini Forest, so called for its position between Italy, Slovenia and Austria. Its 23.000 hectares full of  firs, beeches and pine trees extend  from the area of Tarvisio till the Gail Valley in Carinzia and the Valley of Sava in Slovenia.
The Fusine Lakes are placed in a big Natural Park founded  in 1971 by the Forests Agency of  Friuli Venezia Giulia. Inhabitated by stags, chamois, deers and cocks, the Flora and Fauna of this area are very particular. The Park of Fusine is the most interesting natural place to visit in the region. 
 It takes only few Kilometres to reach Austria and Slovenia from Tarvisio. Crossed Coccau you get in Carinzia, where beautiful thermal resorts are available near Villach. From Fusine instead you can easily reach Slovenia, the gorgeous ski-runs of  Kranjska Gora, or the beautiful lake Bled.