The town's name derives from the Latin word "Papia" (chestnut). Municipality in the province of Udine, located near its regional capital and due to its particular location, it has contributed to the industrial and urban development of the area. A preferred residential area for several noble families in the past, it features a selection of beautiful villas. Its history, its important artistic, cultural, nature and culinary traditions make of this town a popular touristic destination.
The main center is of Roman origins, as evidenced by its name. At the fall of the Roman Empire, the town suffered the plundering of Barbarian invaders, thus sharing the fate of other localities in the Friuli Region. The first certain document certifying the existence of the settlement dates back to the first half of the XII century, in which the Patriarch of Aquileia, donated the town and part of its lands to the Abbey of Rosazzo, keeping the other territories under his domain. A few years later the other lands were granted to Enrico di Manzano.

Not to miss:
- the Parish of St. Ulderico, inside which is preserved an altarpiece attributed to Odorico Politi, a XVI century altarpiece by Giovanni Floreani and a supped frescoed ceiling depicted by the artist Santi;
- the Church of the Holy Trinity in Risano;
- the Church of San Giovanni of the order of the Battuti;
- the XVII century Villa Caiselli-Carlutti in Coltello, which features a splendid cycle of frescoes of the artist Canal.
- the XVII century Villa Maseri-Florio in Persereano, which is rich in art works;
- the XVII century Farm and Villa Pighin in Risano;
- the XVI century Villa Mantica-Frangipane;
- the XVII century Villa Frattina-Caiselli in Percoto;
- the XV century medieval house in Percoto;
- the XVIII century Villa Beretta in Lauzacco;
- the XVII century Villa Lovaria;
- the XVI century Villa Porcia;
- the Villa Della Porta in Ronchi;
- Villa Kecklera;
- Villa Pozzo.