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.
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), Cjarsňns 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.
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.
Shopping
For fashion boutiques, technology stores, or local shops with character, travel
down Via Mercatovechhio (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.
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