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Grado, the daughter of Aquileia and the mother of Venice

WHAT TO VISIT IN GRADO?

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GRADO AND ITS ROMAN PAST

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Grado, once a crucial Roman port, is often called the "daughter of Aquileia and the mother of Venice." In Roman times, goods from larger ships were transferred to smaller boats that sailed to Aquileia, the fourth-largest city of the Roman Empire. Grado served as a safe haven during barbarian invasions, and its inhabitants contributed to founding Venice.

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HISTORIC CORE AND CHARMING ALLEYS

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Grado's historic center, once a Roman fortress, features three early Christian churches, two of which still stand. The Sant'Eufemia cathedral dates back to the sixth century and show an impressive mosaic floor! Wander through a maze of charming alleys filled with shops and seafood restaurants. The town is small, making it perfect for a half-day visit, with beautiful views over the Adriatic Sea and the Slovenian coastline.

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THE SUNNY ISLAND

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Known as "Isola del Sole," Grado has been a beach resort since the 19th century, attracting wealthy Austrian families. Today, it's a family-friendly destination with sandy beaches and shallow waters perfect for small children.

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EXPLORE BY BOAT OR BIKE

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Take a boat trip to the island of Barbana in the lagoon, famous for its Marian Sanctuary, or enjoy a bike ride through nature reserves and cultural landmarks. Grado is part of the FVG2 Adriabike cycle route (watch the video on this page), linking Trieste to Venice, and offers scenic routes to Aquileia, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

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DISCOVER THE CONNECTION BETWEEN GRADO AND AQUILEIA

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Grado and Aquileia have been inseparable since Roman times. During a guided tour, you can explore both cities and their fascinating shared history. Click on the purple button for more details

Click on this link for more tourist information about Grado 
The highlights of Grado:
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  • The beaches
  • The lagoon 
  • The Sant'Eufemia church
  • The Santa Maria delle Grazie church
  • The remains of a third basilica on the Biagio Marin square
  • The Baptisery 
  • The Lapidarium, open air museum with remains of stones of the roman and medieval past
  • The museum "museo della pesca"
  • The promenade
  • The excellent (fish) restaurants
  • The historical center with small alleys 
Palmanova

Palmanova

Aquileia

Aquileia

Basilica of Aquileia

Basilica of Aquileia

Isola di Barbana

Isola di Barbana

Cycle paths along the coastline

Cycle paths along the coastline

The fisher villages in the lagoon

The fisher villages in the lagoon

Good to combine with one of the following sights:
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