Udine

Udine is a city and comune in northeastern Italy, capital of the province of Udine in the Friuli-Venezia Giulia region. Located inland from the Adriatic coast, it functions as an administrative, cultural, and economic center for the Friuli area. The city has about 100,000 residents.

Historically, Udine has Roman origins and was an important center in the medieval Patriarchate of Aquileia. It came under the rule of the Republic of Venice in the 14th–16th centuries, which left a lasting Venetian-Gothic mark on the town's architecture. The Castello di Udine sits on a hill overlooking the city, while the Piazza della Libertà is dominated by the Loggia del Lionello, a landmark example of Venetian architecture.

Among its major buildings are the Cathedral of Santa Maria Annunziata and several medieval churches that define the historic core. The historic center preserves a compact urban layout with arcaded streets and courtyards.

Education and culture: The University of Udine, established in 1970, is the city's principal higher education institution, with faculties spanning humanities, sciences, medicine, and engineering. The city hosts museums, libraries, theaters, and festivals that reflect its regional traditions and its role as a cultural center in Friuli.

Economy and transport: Udine today combines services and manufacturing, with notable activities in food processing, machinery, and logistics. It is served by the Venice–Trieste railway corridor and major roadways; the nearest international airport is Friuli Venezia Giulia Airport at Ronchi dei Legionari. The surrounding Friuli region contributes to its position as a gateway to northeast Italy.