"Just wondered around in the city and stopped at this wonderful loggia. It was a nice cooler day, but I imagine is must be a treat in the hot Summer days."

Csongor Varga

"The waterfall is beautiful, but they have turned it into a children's park and charge 7 euros even if you don't use the park. Also it's cash only! Avoid at all costs!"

Gareth Simpson

"Nestled in the heart of Piazza Libertà in Udine, the Loggia del Lionello is one of the city’s most iconic landmarks, embodying both its architectural elegance and civic pride .

Its roots trace back to 24 January 1441, when Nicolò Savorgnan proposed replacing the city’s humble administrative quarters with a grand new palace that would affirm Udine’s stature among the region’s great cities . After approvals and funding via a dedicated bread tax, work began in 1448, led by goldsmith-architect Nicolò Lionello, in collaboration with master builder Bartolomeo delle Cisterne. Construction concluded around 1456–57 .

Made of alternating bands of pink and white stone, the façade is a stunning example of Venetian‑Gothic style. A portico with ten graceful arches defines its lower section, while the upper level features a central balcony flanked by two triforas and a decorative pentafora, enriched with medallions, bas‑reliefs of evangelists, and religious motifs like the Annunciation .

Trials and Resilience

Over the centuries, the Loggia endured natural and man‑made disasters. A powerful earthquake in 1511 inflicted damage that spurred repairs and enhancements, including structural reinforcements by Giovanni da Udine and architectural contributions like the Sansovino staircase and a Pordenone fresco of the Madonna con Bambino .

In 1685, an accidental fire—started during celebrations of Venice’s victories—destroyed flammable furnishings. Although the building survived, many internal decorations were lost. Repairs followed, and a painting by Giuseppe Ghedina later replaced the original Pordenone work .

The Loggia’s most devastating blow came in 1876, when another fire ravaged parts of the structure. It was faithfully restored by Andrea Scala, preserving the original design while safeguarding its future .

More Than Just Stone

Beyond its architecture, the Loggia served as the seat of the city council and a stage for social and cultural life. Frescoes by Nicolò da Venzone and Gaspare Negro, stained glass by Stefano di Settecastelli, busts of national figures, and meteorological instruments crafted by local artisans now adorn the interior or are preserved in Udine’s civic museums .

A quirky historical detail: an early decoration featured a pulley and beam—used symbolically to hint at more sinister uses like torture in judicial proceedings of that time .

A Story of a Moving Lion

Legend says that one of the lions perched atop the Loggia shifts slightly whenever a just ruler is elected in Udine—a charming tale that connects architecture with civic virtue and keeps locals playfully watching for its movements ever since."

Kemeny S