Udine - Friuli-Venezia Giulia

With only a sprinkling of tourists, Udine is a quietly peaceful city found at the center of the Friuli-Venezia Giulia region. Situated along the international route linking the southern and north-eastern parts of Europe, Udine has a cross-cultural feel that is heartily apparent in the flavors of its cuisine. The mountain range hovering around the city has wide appeal with skiers, and provides visitors with opportunities for hiking and other outdoor excursions.

History
Excavations have traced Udine's history all the way back to a possible settlement during the 2nd millennium B.C. However, the earliest mention of the city is found in a charter from the year 983 A.D., where Emperor Otto II places the castle of Udine and other properties in the possession of the Patriarch of the Aquileia family. Around the time of the 13th century, the city underwent a period of rapid growth. However, after the year 1420, the city—along with all of Friuli—became part of the Venetian Republic. During the period between 1472 and 1499, Udine and its surrounding area suffered a number of raids by the Turks. After changing hands a number of times between noble houses, the city was annexed to the Kingdom of Italy on October 2, 1866. And, in 1963, Udine and its province, together with Trieste, Gorizia, and Pordenone, created the self-governing region of Friuli-Venezia Giulia.

Sights
The older area of the city is centered around Piazza della Libertá, a square similar in appearance to a theatrical backdrop (due to its sloped embankment, clock tower, and picturesque statues). The Arcado di San Giovanni provides a covered walkway and a view of the bustle below from its raised vantage point. Other sites to explore are the Loggia del Lionello (built in 1488) and the Arco Bollani (standing in the highest corner of the Piazza). The city's nearby castle, which houses the Civic Museum and the Galleria di Storia ed Arte Antica (Gallery for History and Ancient Art), was once the palace of Venetian governors. The Roman-Gothic Duomo (cathedral) currently displays several paintings by the artist Tiepolo, whose fame has led to Udine's nickname, "the city of Tiepolo." Other works by the Baroque painter can be found in the Oratorio della Puritá, located across from the Duomo.

Cuisine
Udinese cuisine is a blend of Italian, Austrian, and Slovenian influences, with heavy peasant-style dishes that have been slightly modified over the years to appeal to lighter appetites. Local inns and trattorias serve up a variety of tasty snacks and typical recipes, including: il frico, a melted cheese appearing in a variety of forms (spumosa, morbida, filante, croccante), Cjarsòns carnici (fresh ravioli stuffed with fragrant herbs, pine nuts, prunes and raisins, and covered with smoked ricotta), and special stews like brovada e museta, which is prepared with turnips and boiled sausage. Polenta is often served alongside main dishes, and a glass of grappa friulana is the traditional close to a meal.

Shopping
For fashion boutiques, technology stores, or local shops with character, travel down Via Mercatovecchio (literally, "Old Market Street") along the main route through the city. A splendid spot for all types of shopping, this commercial zone is also where the hungry tourist will be able to find anything from the trendiest trattoria to the coziest café.

Transportation
Trains depart daily from the station on Via Europa Unitá to destinations such as Milan, Trieste, Venice, and Vienna (in Austria). Buses leave from the same street, and run to Aquileia, Cividale, Trieste, and Palmanova.