Palazzo Antonini

Palazzo Antonini: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Historical Sites in Udine, Italy

Date: 04/07/2025

Introduction

In the heart of Udine, Italy, Palazzo Antonini stands as a testament to the city’s Renaissance heritage and the architectural genius of Andrea Palladio. Commissioned in the mid-16th century by Floriano Antonini, this palatial residence harmoniously fuses the grandeur of an urban palace with the serene elegance of a suburban villa. Today, Palazzo Antonini is celebrated not only for its architectural and artistic significance but also as a dynamic cultural hub under the stewardship of the University of Udine. This guide provides comprehensive information on visiting hours, ticketing, accessibility, and nearby attractions, ensuring you make the most of your visit to this Renaissance landmark (University of Udine, Fondazione Maseri).

Discover Palazzo Antonini: A Renaissance Gem in Udine
Historical Overview
Visitor Information
Guided Tours and Events
Nearby Attractions and Travel Tips
Artistic and Architectural Highlights
Preservation and Contemporary Use
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Useful Links
Plan Your Visit

Discover Palazzo Antonini: A Renaissance Gem in Udine

Palazzo Antonini, located on Via Gemona in Udine’s historic center, offers visitors a glimpse into Friuli’s aristocratic past. The palace is renowned for its distinctive blend of Renaissance architectural rigor and the artistic flourishes added over centuries, making it a must-see for anyone passionate about history, art, or architecture.

Historical Overview

Origins and Commissioning

Commissioned in 1556 by Floriano Antonini, a member of a prominent Udine noble family, Palazzo Antonini was conceived as a showcase of status and sophistication during the city’s Venetian Republic period. Palladio, already famed for his innovative designs, was tasked with creating a residence that balanced urban grandeur with the tranquility of a suburban villa (Fondazione Maseri).

Architectural Vision

Palladio’s design for Palazzo Antonini is characterized by a rectangular plan, loggias on both façades, and a central “Hall of the Four Columns.” The façade features Ionic half-columns and is highlighted in Palladio’s I quattro libri dell’architettura (1570), underscoring its role as a bridge between urban and rural architectural typologies (Light is Dark).

Transformations Over Time

Throughout the 18th and 19th centuries, Palazzo Antonini underwent several modifications. Baroque and neoclassical influences were introduced through frescoes and decorative elements by artists such as Martino Fischer and Luigi Zandomeneghi. In the 20th century, the building served as the Bank of Italy’s Udine branch, leading to further adaptive changes. After the 1976 Friuli earthquake, its art collection was relocated for preservation.

Cultural Significance

The palace has hosted notable figures and events, including Giuseppe Garibaldi’s 1867 speech and important social gatherings. Today, it represents a living archive of Udine’s noble traditions and artistic achievements.

Visitor Information

Opening Hours and Tickets

Regular Visiting Hours: Palazzo Antonini is open to the public from Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM (closed Mondays and major holidays).
Tickets: General admission is €5. University students and staff enjoy free entry; reduced rates are available for students, seniors, and groups.
Special Events: Access may be limited to guided tours or special events; check official sources before your visit.

Accessibility

Palazzo Antonini offers partial wheelchair accessibility, with ramps and elevators for main public areas. Due to the building’s historic nature, some sections may remain inaccessible—contact the University of Udine for up-to-date details.

Getting There

Address: Via Gemona, Udine, Italy
By Foot: A short walk from Piazza Libertà and Udine’s city center.
By Public Transport: Buses stop nearby at Piazza Primo Maggio.
Parking: Public garages such as Parcheggio Stazione and Parcheggio Vittorio Veneto are within walking distance.

Guided Tours and Events

Guided tours—available on weekends and by appointment—offer detailed insights into the palace’s architecture and history. Annual cultural events, exhibitions, and academic programs are regularly held; advance booking is recommended, especially during peak seasons (Udine Tourism Official Website).

Nearby Attractions and Travel Tips

Udine Castle: Offers panoramic city views and civic museums.
Piazza Libertà: Renowned for its Venetian architecture.
Museo Etnografico del Friuli: Explores regional traditions.
Museo Diocesano e Gallerie del Tiepolo: Features Baroque masterpieces.
Dining: Trattorias near the palace serve local Friulian cuisine.

Travel Tip: Spring and autumn are ideal times to visit; combine your palace tour with other historical sites for a fulfilling day.

Artistic and Architectural Highlights

Façade: Symmetrical design with string courses and rusticated base, reminiscent of Florentine palazzi (Catalogo Beni Culturali).
Hall of the Four Columns: Central reception space exemplifying Palladian ideals.
Frescoes and Stuccoes: Works by Giulio Quaglio and Martino Fischer enrich the interiors.
Gardens: Home to one of Italy’s earliest California redwoods, planted in 1867.
Adaptive Reuse: Recent restorations provide spaces for exhibitions and community events (Vicinolontano).

Preservation and Contemporary Use

Since its acquisition by the University of Udine, Palazzo Antonini has been carefully preserved and adapted for academic, cultural, and public uses. Restoration projects focus on maintaining Palladian features while integrating modern amenities for exhibitions, conferences, and community initiatives (Fondazione Maseri).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What are the opening hours?
A: Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM; closed Mondays and major holidays.

Q: How much is admission?
A: General admission €5; free for University of Udine students/staff, with discounts for others.

Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Yes, on weekends and by appointment; booking is recommended.

Q: Is the palace accessible to visitors with disabilities?
A: Main public areas are accessible; check ahead for details.

Q: Can I visit the gardens?
A: Yes, the gardens are open during public events and guided tours.

Q: How do I get tickets?
A: Purchase at the entrance or online via the University of Udine’s website.

Useful Links

Plan Your Visit

Explore the enduring legacy of Renaissance architecture and culture at Palazzo Antonini. For the latest information on visiting hours, tickets, and events, always refer to official sources. Enhance your visit by downloading the Audiala app for audio tours and interactive maps, and follow us on social media for updates and exclusive content.

Images with descriptive alt text are available on the University of Udine’s website to support accessibility and enrich your virtual or in-person experience.