Province of Udine

The Province of Udine was a former administrative unit in northeastern Italy that stretched from the Carnic Alps to the Adriatic coast. The terrain included mountain valleys, rolling vineyard hills and flat coastal plains with hundreds of villages and towns scattered across a mix of landscapes.

The Patriarchate of Aquileia controlled this area from 983, establishing church-led rule over several centuries. Venice took power in 1420, bringing new administration that lasted until the Napoleonic invasion in the early 19th century.

Place names here show Romance, Slavic and Germanic roots, reflecting centuries of mixed communities living side by side. Markets and festivals in the larger towns preserve craft traditions such as ham-making in San Daniele and pottery in the area around Cividale.

The area is now a regional decentralization entity centered on Udine, where administrative offices and public services are located. Travelers find information points in larger towns like Cividale and Gemona, with basic services available in most municipalities.

The Tagliamento is one of the few major Alpine rivers that flows freely, without dams or weirs for long stretches. Its wide gravel bed shifts with the seasons, creating habitats that constantly move and change.