SIPaV 2026
16 - 18 September 2026, Udine
...Benvignûts in Friûl!!!
Udine is at the centre of Friuli, which offers a captivating landscape that combines maritime and mountain elements. The Adriatic coastline features sandy beaches, cliffs, and charming coastal towns. The area is also renowned for its lagoons, which are rich in biodiversity. The hills at the north and west of Udine feature charming villages, where local wineries offer both internationally acclaimed and native wines. Further north the majestic Alps provide breathtaking mountain sceneries with towering peaks, green valleys, and alpine lakes. Besides winter sports, there is a vast network of hiking trails for exploring the local flora and fauna. Moreover, a number of must-see iconic and historical cities, which can be easily reached from Udine by car, train or bus, are listed below.
Udine
Udine is a city with a charming historic center that blends tradition and modernity. A city projected toward the future where you can still breath tradition. The city hosts numerous attractions, including:
Museo d'Arte Moderna e Contemporanea and the Museo Archeologico
Piazza della Libertà: Here you can find the Loggia del Lionello, a symbolic building of Udine with a Venetian Gothic style reminiscent of the Doge’s Palace in Venice.
Piazza Castello: From here you can admire Udine Castle, which overlooks the city and offers a breathtaking panoramic view.
Piazza San Giacomo: Also known as the “Square of Three Names,” it is a historic place with a beautiful fountain at its center.
Udine Cathedral (Duomo di Udine): This Baroque cathedral is an architectural gem not to be missed.
Via Mercatovecchio: A picturesque street lined with shops, cafés, and restaurants.
Piazza XX Settembre: A lively place with markets and cultural events.
The Rogge: Charming canals that run through the historic center.
The gates of Udine: Such as Porta Manin, Porta Aquileia, Porta Villalta, and Porta Torriani—testimonies to the city’s history.
Piazza Primo Maggio: Another fascinating public space.
The city also offers tasty traditional dishes, such as "frico" (a cheese and potato dish) and San Daniele "prosciutto" (cured ham), paired with regional wines. Udine is a city to discover and appreciate, with its cultural richness and authenticity.
Aquileia
Aquileia is an ancient town located in the province of Udine that holds significant cultural and archaeological importance: it was an important city in the Roman Empire, later a primary center for the spread of Christianity in Northern and Eastern Europe, and nowadays it is a UNESCO site since 1998 due to the significance of its archaeological area and the beauty of the floor mosaics it preserves.
Palmanova
Palmanova is one of the most significant models of modern military architecture and the only example of a star-shaped city still fully intact in its nine-pointed form. This layout was meticulously designed in the late 16th century as a military fortress. The town is surrounded by massive defensive walls with nine arrow-shaped bastions radiating from a central piazza, creating a stunning geometric pattern when viewed from above. Since July 9, 2017, Palmanova has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site and since 2018 it has also been recognized as one of the "Most Beautiful Villages" in Italy.
Trieste
Trieste, located near the Slovenian border, is a culturally diverse and historically significant city with a unique character. It is the capital of the Friuli Venezia Giulia Region and was once an important port of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. It features a picturesque waterfront and a bustling harbor due to its maritime tradition. The city showcases a blend of architectural styles, including neoclassical and Habsburg-era buildings, and boasts landmarks such as Miramare Castle and Piazza Unità d'Italia. Trieste has a rich literary heritage, a thriving cultural scene, and a deep-rooted coffee culture. Its cosmopolitan atmosphere is enriched by its diverse population, and the city is surrounded by stunning natural landscapes.
Cividale del Friuli
Rich in late-medieval works of art, Cividale del Friuli is one of the must-see destinations in Friuli Venezia Giulia. It guards invaluable testimonies of its Lombard past and it represents the starting point of the UNESCO itinerary dedicated to the legacy that this mysterious population has passed on to Italy. A visit to the city has to include the NationalArchaeologicalMuseum, the ChristianMuseumand the Treasure of the Cathedral, the precious Lombard Temple and the mysterious CelticHypogeum, a site which was built in many different eras, even if its purpose still today remains unknown. Perhaps it was a burial site during the Celtic period, and maybe it was used as a prison in Roman and Lombard times. Maybe one day we may be able to gain a better understanding of this place but, for now, we can only admire it in silence.
Outdoor Adventures and Food & Wine Experiences
Friuli Venezia Giulia offers a wide range of opportunities for hiking and outdoor activities, making it an ideal destination for nature lovers. Among the most noteworthy areas are Sappada, Val Resia, and the Trieste Karst, each offering unique landscapes, scenic trails, and rich biodiversity. The region is also home to numerous beautiful lakes, including Lago di Barcis, Lago di Cavazzo, Lago di Sauris, Lago di Fusine, and Lago di Cornino, which provide perfect settings for relaxation and exploration. In addition to its natural attractions, Friuli Venezia Giulia boasts a variety of food and wine itineraries, with the Collio and the Colli Orientali standing out in particular for their renowned vineyards and exceptional culinary traditions.
All the activities available in the region are listed on the website TurismoFVG.