Italy: Udine

Udine is a historic city in Friuli-Venezia Giulia region of northeastern Italy, dating back to Roman times, prominent under the Patriarchate of Aquileia is 11-15th centuries, thriving under Venetian rule in 15-18th centuries, part of the Hapsburg empire for another century, and finally joining the Kingdom of Italy. Lots of attractions here starting with the Piazza Liberta with Loggia del Lionello (a 15th-century Gothic-Venetian town hall with pink and white stripes) and the Loggia di San Giovanni with its clock tower (very much reminiscent of Venice’s Piazza San Marco). A few block further is the 13th century Udine Cathedral with priceless painting inside. There is also colorful Piazza Matteotti and Via Mercatovecchio full of arcaded buildings. Finally don’t miss the Porta Aquileia old city gate and old defensive city walls.