Udine Castle — Attraction in Udine

This amazingly refined building sits on the southernmost hill of the Udine territory and has the best panoramic views of the whole city and surrounding area. It is possible to admire the distant hills and their castles from here. The castle can be accessed both from "Piazza Libertà" (though steep stone steps or along a sweeping road followed by a covered walkway) and from "Piazza 1° Maggio" (by a lovely pebbled road that climbs the small woods planted on the castle's hillsides). The walk up to the castle is very pleasant. While the first official mention of a building on this particular hill dates back to the year 983, the present day castle is the result of a 50 year building campaign started in 1517 after the disastrous earthquake of 1511. The building was designed by venetian architect Giovanni Fontana and the interiors were frescoed by Giovanni da Udine, one of Raphael's pupils. Palladio also designed a wonderful arch with Venice's winged lion in Piazza Libertà. The church of "Santa Maria di Castello" is built on the castle grounds and a golden angel stands graciously atop its belltower indicating the wind's direction. The castle was home to one of the world's first parliaments, suppressed by the Napoleonic occupation of 1797. Today the castle is home to various museums and hosts a variety of cultural and recreational activities and continues to be the symbol of Friuli. Visiting the castle is most certainly a must both for locals and for tourists. It's my favorite...

A Hidden Gem in Udine! 🏰

Udine Castle is a must-visit for anyone exploring this charming city! Perched atop a hill, it offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape—perfect for a peaceful afternoon stroll. The walk up to the castle is quite enjoyable, with beautiful greenery and scenic spots along the way.

The history within its walls is fascinating, and the museum inside showcases incredible art and artifacts that give you a deeper appreciation of the region’s rich cultural heritage. The atmosphere is relaxed, and there’s plenty of space to explore without feeling crowded, even on weekends.

There was little to no wait when I visited, which made the experience even more enjoyable. I recommend giving yourself plenty of time to wander and take in the amazing views, and while tickets weren’t a hassle, it might be a good idea to buy them in advance during peak season or holidays.

Whether you’re a history lover or just looking for a serene place to soak in the beauty of Udine, this castle is a fantastic choice. Don’t forget your camera—those panoramic views...

A Castle in the top of a hill in Udine right above the main square of Udine. When I went, there was a slight rain and a huge stage with lot of chairs were set up right in front of the Castle. The Castle houses a Museum as well, which needs ticket to enter. You can either climb through a flight of stairs or the steep incline right to the top. You can fleetingly see the golden statue but I found it difficult to take a snap of it as the angle is very difficult. The sky was full of rain clouds as well. I managed to click the back side of the statue from there and a side view from the road while walking to Piazza I Maggiore garden near the Castle. Overall, a good experience of seeing the entire Udine city...