The city was founded in the 10th century and quickly became the summer residence of the bishops of Aquileia. Their seat, the Castle of Udine, which houses a variety of museums, has been preserved to this day. Udine flourished most during the Venetian rule, which lasted from the 15th to the end of the 18th century. Most of the buildings in the Old Town come from this period.
The heart of Udine is Liberty Square, surrounded by Venetian-style Renaissance buildings. Its most characteristic element is the Loggia del Lionello with its arcades. In the vicinity is the second of the most important squares of the city, Giacomo Matteotti Square with its many restaurants and cafes.
The main attractions of Udine are centered on the castle hill. The castle, which was built for the bishops of Aquileia, and later rebuilt several times, houses the Museum of Photography, the Gallery of Ancient Art, the Risorgimento Museum and the Archaeological Museum. There is also the Romanesque church of Santa Maria di Castello, decorated with medieval frescoes inside.
