71km (44 miles) NW of Trieste, 127km (79 miles) NE of Venice
Surrounded by the green, rolling plains of the Friuli, Udine is a delightful small city with a vibrant air, captivating medieval squares and Gothic and Renaissance monuments, and some stunning artworks by the rococo painter Tiepolo. A possession of the Venetian Republic from the 14th century, Udine has enjoyed great prosperity as a major trading center and a crossroads for trade across the Alps, just to the north. The late 18th century saw an Austrian takeover, the 19th century witnessed unification with Italy, and the 20th century brought intense World War II bombings. Through it all, the city's landmarks and distinct character (reflecting Italian, Nordic, and central European influences) have remained intact.
