In the heart of Udine, the Castle houses the Civic Museums and Galleries of History and Art, a museum complex that gathers centuries of history and artistic masterpieces. From the art gallery with works by Carpaccio and Tiepolo to the archaeological museum with Roman artifacts, each room offers a dive into the past. The photo archive with over 200,000 images and the numismatic cabinet complete the offering.
- Art Gallery with works from the 14th to the 19th century, including Carpaccio, Tiepolo, and Caravaggio.
- Archaeological Museum with artifacts from Aquileia and Numismatic Cabinet with 70,000 coins.
- Friulian Museum of Photography and Gallery of Drawings and Prints.
- Hours: Tuesday-Sunday, 10:30 AM-5:00 PM (winter) or 7:00 PM (summer); ticket €5.
Udine’s Civic Museums and Galleries of History and Art house masterpieces from the 14th to the 19th century, archaeological finds, and a photo archive with over 200,000 images. A fascinating journey in the heart of Udine Castle.
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Introduction
At the top of Colle del Castello in Udine lies a place that holds centuries of history and art: the Civic Museums and Galleries of History and Art. Housed within the city’s castle, these museums are an incredible treasure trove of masterpieces from the 14th to the 19th century, archaeological finds, and a photo archive with over 200,000 images. Wandering through the halls, you’ll feel like you’re traveling through time: from the wooden sculptures of the Ciceri Collection to the Parliament Hall, every corner tells a story. A surprising spot, perfect for anyone wanting to understand the soul of Friuli.
Historical Notes
The castle’s history begins in 983, when Emperor Otto II donated the castrum to the Patriarch of Aquileia. At the end of the 12th century, the patriarchal palace with a triangular tower was built. Between the 13th and 14th centuries, under Patriarch Raimondo della Torre, a new palace with a private chapel and the Parliament Hall was constructed. Since 1906, the castle has housed the civic museums. The 1976 earthquake caused severe damage, but it reopened in 1980 with a new layout. Here is the timeline:
- 983: first mention of the castrum
- Late 12th century: patriarchal palace
- Late 13th century: new palace of Raimondo della Torre
- 1906: opening of the Civic Museums
- 1976: earthquake
- 1980: reopening
The Pinacoteca: Treasures from the 14th to the 19th Century
The pinacoteca occupies the piano nobile and unfolds across 13 rooms that tell the artistic evolution of Friuli. Admire works by Vitale da Bologna, Vittore Carpaccio (with the masterpiece Christ Among Four Angels), Il Pordenone, Pomponio Amalteo, and even a Caravaggio. There are also canvases by Giambattista Tiepolo and Antonio Carneo. Each painting comes from churches and palaces in the region, offering a unique cross-section of local culture. The light streaming in from the castle windows enhances the colors – a truly moving experience.
Archaeology and Photography: Two Worlds to Discover
On the ground floor and mezzanine, the Archaeological Museum displays artifacts from Aquileia and Friuli, with a numismatic section of over 60,000 ancient and medieval coins. Going up to the third floor, the Friulian Museum of Photography surprises you with historical images: landscapes, characters, war events. The photo library holds 200,000 shots, a heritage that documents the life of the region. Two very different collections, but both take you back in time.
Why Visit
Three good reasons: First: it’s a comprehensive museum – art, archaeology, photography, numismatics – all in one place. Second: the location in the castle is spectacular, with views over Udine and the Hall of Parliament that make you feel part of history. Third: the photographic archive is a rarity: 200,000 images telling the story of Friuli. A place that satisfies both the eye and the mind, suitable for families, the curious, and enthusiasts.
When to go
The best time? A weekday afternoon in spring or autumn, when the soft light illuminates the halls and the castle is less crowded. If you go in summer, take advantage of the extended hours until 7:00 PM to enjoy the sunset from the terrace. Avoid Mondays (closed) and, if possible, choose a rainy day – the museum is the perfect refuge to discover treasures without rushing.
Nearby
Just a few steps away, at Via Savorgnana 12, you’ll find Palazzo Valvason Morpurgo, home to the Gallerie del Progetto. Here, you can explore architecture and design archives featuring drawings by Raimondo D’Aronco and other 20th-century masters. A perfect extension for lovers of contemporary art and design. If you have time, don’t miss a stroll through Udine’s city center, between Piazza della Libertà and the Duomo.
Itineraries nearby
💡 Did You Know…?
After the devastating earthquake of 1976, the castle was reopened in 1980 with a modern layout. A curious anecdote: in 2007, Vittore Carpaccio’s painting ‘Christ among Four Angels’ returned to Udine after centuries, restored and brought back to light. It is said that during restoration work a secret letter hidden in the frame was found, but it is only a legend.