KV Bar Tavagnacco

The first stop of the route is Udine, considered the city of Tiepolo (18th Century), given that it preserves many of his own masterpieces, and those by his son Giandomenico; some of these include the frescoes that decorate the Duomo, the Archbishop's Palace and the Oratory della Purità.

With its squares and charming loggias, the ancient center boasts many elegant buildings in the Gothic-Venetian style, such as Palazzo Comunale and the Loggia del Lionello, evidence of Udine's centuries-old ties with the Most Serene Republic of Venice.

The majestic and sumptuous Udine Castle, situated atop a hill, is rather remarkable. It is the site of the Civic Museums, comprising the Archaeological Museum, the Drawings and Prints Gallery, the Museum of Photography, the Photographic Archive and the Ancient Art Gallery, with precious paintings from the 1500s to 1800s.

In the coastal area, Lignano Sabbiadoro is an ideal touristic destination: miles of beach, clean and calm sea, ideal for a vacation filled with sports, fun and relaxation.

Aquileia is also a big draw for culture seekers: it was one of the main cities of the Roman Empire, later an important clergical center, and an UNESCO World Heritage Site for the value and importance of its art and history. The archaeological site and its Museum render palpable the magnificence of the Roman era, while the structure of the Patriarchal Cathedral and the wonderful mosaics of the Paleochristian Museum provide historical evidence and examples of early Christian art.

Palmanova is another site of remarkable historical relevance. It was founded at the end of the 16th Century in order to protect the possessions of the Venetian Republic; it bears a perfect star-shaped nine-point floor plan, considered a masterpiece in defensive engineering.

Not far away (near Passariano), it is possible to see the majestic Villa Manin, totally incorporated into the surrounding landscape. This elegant mansion of Ludovico Manin, the last Doge of Venice, is also famous as venue of the signing of the historic Treaty of Campoformio (or Campoformido).

In a hilly, castle-dotted zone near the River Natisone rises the charming Cividale, a small village and capital of the first Longobard Duchy. It preserves marvelous artistic and architectonic gems, particularly the famous Longobard Tempietto, a wonderful example of High Middle-Ages architecture decorated with frescoes and stuccoes; followed by the impressive Cathedral and Ponte del Diavolo (Devil's Bridge), with a spectacular view on the river and on its surroundings. Remarkable is also the National Archaeological Museum, with a valuable collection of objects and finds from the Roman and Middle Ages.

Among the numerous religious sites is the Sanctuary of the Blessed Virgin of Castelmonte, situated in the Alpine Foothills; located in a rather panoramic landscape, it is an important pilgrimage site.

Of the other peculiarities of the area, the old castles route should not be missed: it leads to Castello Valentinis in Tricesimo, and Castello of Cassacco or Colloredo in Monte Albano, a sumptuous structure where Ippolito Nievo once lived.