Torre di Santa Maria
Museum | Udine | Friuli-Venezia Giulia | Italy
The Torre di Santa Maria in Udine, also known as the Torriani Tower, is a historic building originally built in 1295. It was part of Udine's fourth city wall, completed in 1383 to protect the city from attacks. The towers of this wall served as both defensive structures and city gates.
History and significance:
Over the centuries, the Torre di Santa Maria has served various functions. After its military use, it was integrated into a residential building and later used for commercial purposes. In the 1980s, it was used as the "Museo della Città". In 2017, Confindustria Udine began a comprehensive restoration project, which was completed in 2022. The renovated building now houses the "Vetrina dell'Ingegno", an exhibition, educational, and training center.
Architecture:
The Torre di Santa Maria is a four-story building with visible masonry. On the main facade facing Via Zanon, there is a large archway on the ground floor, a triple window opening on the first floor with a central arched window and two side windows. The third floor has a similar window arrangement, while the top floor features a series of four windows repeated on all sides of the tower facade.
Current use:
Today, the Torre di Santa Maria serves as a cultural center organizing exhibitions, educational programs, and events. The "Vetrina dell'Ingegno" inside the tower provides insight into the history and heritage of the region and promotes understanding of local culture and industry.
The Torre di Santa Maria is thus a significant historical and cultural landmark in Udine, reflecting the city's evolution from a medieval fortress to a modern cultural center.
