Udine Castle
Friuli Venezia Giulia
Udine Castle, located atop an artificial hill in the heart of Udine's historic center, is a significant cultural and historical landmark of the Friuli Venezia Giulia region in Italy. The castle stands on a hill whose origins date back to the Bronze Age, approximately 3,000 to 3,500 years ago, making it an ancient man-made relief. The first documented structure on this site was a military fortification mentioned in 983 AD, donated by Emperor Otto II to the Patriarch of Aquileia. The current castle was constructed starting in 1517 after the previous fortress was destroyed by an earthquake in 1511. Notably, Giovanni da Udine, a pupil of Raphael, contributed to the castle's external finishes and the decoration of the Parliament Hall, which hosted one of the world's earliest parliamentary councils, the Patria del Friuli council, until the Napoleonic occupation in 1797. Today, the castle houses the Civic Museums of Udine, including a picture gallery, archaeological and numismatic museum, Risorgimento museum, a gallery of drawings and prints, and the Friulian Photography Museum. Its halls also host temporary exhibitions, and the castle square is a venue for summer concerts and cultural events. The castle is celebrated in literature, notably in Carlo Emilio Gadda's collection of stories titled "Il castello di Udine."
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Tip: Visitors are advised to check the official website for opening hours and special exhibitions. Summer months offer cultural events such as concerts and theater performances in the castle square, providing a lively atmosphere. Purchasing tickets in advance or combined tickets for the civic museums can offer convenience and potential discounts. The castle's hilltop location provides panoramic views of Udine, so visiting on clear days is recommended for photography and sightseeing.
Interesting facts
- •The hill on which Udine Castle stands is an ancient artificial mound created during the Bronze Age, disproving the legend that it was built by Attila the Hun.
- •The castle's Parliament Hall hosted one of the earliest parliamentary councils in the world, the Patria del Friuli council, active until 1797.
- •Giovanni da Udine, a pupil of Raphael, contributed to the castle's Renaissance decorations, including the Parliament Hall.
- •The castle houses a photography museum with over 150,000 images and a university-level library with more than 30,000 volumes.
- •Carlo Emilio Gadda, an Italian writer, dedicated a collection of stories titled "Il castello di Udine" to the castle.
History
The hill on which Udine Castle stands was constructed during the Bronze Age, between 3,500 and 3,000 years ago, making it an ancient artificial mound.
The first recorded fortification on the site dates to 983 AD, when Emperor Otto II donated the castle to the Patriarch of Aquileia.
The original fortress was destroyed by an earthquake in 1511, prompting construction of the current castle beginning in 1517, a process that lasted over 50 years.
Renowned artist Giovanni da Udine contributed to its decoration during the Renaissance period.
The castle served as the seat of the Patria del Friuli council until the Napoleonic occupation in 1797.
Over centuries, the castle has evolved from a military fortification to a cultural hub housing civic museums.
Place Guide
Parliament Hall (Salone del Parlamento)16th century
This grand hall was the meeting place of the Patria del Friuli council, one of the earliest parliamentary institutions in Europe, richly decorated by Giovanni da Udine and Francesco Floreani.
Civic Museums
The castle hosts several museums including a picture gallery, archaeological and numismatic museum, Risorgimento museum, gallery of drawings and prints, and the Friulian Photography Museum with a vast collection of over 150,000 images.
Castle Square
The open area in front of the castle often hosts cultural events such as concerts, exhibitions, and theater performances, especially during summer months.
Contact
Phone: 0432 127 2591
