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Cividale: a melting pot of history: from Celts to Romans and Lombards, a UNESCO gem

WHAT TO SEE IN CIVIDALE: A UNESCO GEM WITH A DEVIL'S BRIDGE

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Cividale del Friuli is a captivating town with a rich history, now a UNESCO World Heritage site. Divided by the crystal-clear Natisone River, it offers stunning views, especially from the "Ponte del Diavolo" (Devil's Bridge). From here, you can enjoy a breathtaking panorama of the town, its surrounding mountains, and the iconic bridge.

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A HISTORICAL TOWN WITH CELTIC ROOTS

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Cividale’s origins go back to the Celts, and the prove of it is an intriguing “Ipogeo Celtico,” an underground cave that once served as both a burial site and later a Roman prison. Only visible during special guided tour.s.

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JULIUS CAESAR'S LEGACY

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In 50 B.C., Julius Caesar transformed this Celtic village into a strategic settlement, naming it "Forum Julii," which eventually gave Friuli its name. The region became a key part of the Roman Empire.

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THE LOMBARD ERA

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In the 6th century, the Lombards made Cividale the first Lombard Duchy in Italy. Their influence remains visible, with stunning treasures such as the "Tempietto Longobardo," a chapel featuring exquisite Oriental-style plasterwork and colorful frescoes. It's inside the Monastery Santa Maria in Valle and I will be happy to show it to you. 

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MUSEUMS AND HISTORICAL ARTIFACTS

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Cividale is also home to fascinating museums, such as the Christian Museum and National Archaeological Museum, where you can admire treasures from the Lombard and Roman periods, including the tomb of a Lombard Duke.

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BOOK A GUIDED TOUR IN CIVIDALE

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To discover Cividale’s hidden treasures, contact me for a guided tour. I’ll be happy to share its fascinating history with you. Click the button for more details and rates.

The highlights of Cividale
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  • Tempietto Longobardo
  • The monastery S. Maria in Valle
  • Museo Archeologico
  • Museo Cristiano 
  • The Cathedral
  • The loggia with the old town hall
  • The statue of Juius Caesar
  • Piazza Paolo Diacono
  • The Devil's bridge
  • The oldest medieval house
  • Ipogeo celtico - Celtic cave
  • The puppet museum 
Good to combine with one of the following sights:
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Pilgrimage Castelmonte

Pilgrimage Castelmonte

Abbey of Corno di Rosazzo

Abbey of Corno di Rosazzo

Abbazia Corno di Rosazzo

Abbazia Corno di Rosazzo

Abbey of Corno di Rosazzo

Abbey of Corno di Rosazzo

Collin wine area

Collin wine area

Cormòns

Cormòns

Collin wine area

Collin wine area

Cividale
EVENT: IL PALIO DI SAN DONATO
 
The weekend nearby August 21 (celebration day of the 
city saint  San Donato) Cividale turns into a medieval battleground where the "Palio di San Donato 'is celebrated. The five historic districts participate in an archery tournament and crossbow shooting in the style of the 14th century. Spectators imagine themselves between medieval-style costumed actors within the old city walls where parades are held, banners are thrown about, medieval music is played and medieval markets can be visit.
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