A lesser-known picturesque town nestled at the base of the Italian Alps, largely overlooked compared to Milan, stands as a genuine hidden treasure
In the heart of the Friuli region, high above the Natisone river and just 10km from the Slovenian border, lies the enchanting town of Cividale del Friuli. This historic gem, once founded by Julius Caesar, served as the first Lombard capital of northern Italy and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Crossing the Ponte del Diavolo, a 15th-century bridge with two asymmetrical arches, transports you to the historic heart of the town. Nestled in a scenic landscape of white water streams and cliffs, this bridge is shrouded in local folklore, with legend stating that the Devil helped in its construction and will take the first soul to cross it.
The Tempietto Longobardo, another important structure in Cividale del Friuli, showcases Lombard refinement. Located within the Monastery of Santa Maria in Valle, this 8th-century Lombard chapel is renowned for its exquisite stucco decorations and Byzantine frescoes. It is a centerpiece of Cividale’s UNESCO World Heritage designation and a masterpiece of early medieval Lombard architecture.
The Duomo di Cividale, a significant church in the town, is an example of Byzantine architecture. Originally built in the 8th century and rebuilt in the 15th century, it houses significant religious art and is associated with the Marian Shrine of Castelmonte, famous for the image of the Blessed Virgin.
A visit to Cividale del Friuli would be incomplete without a trip to the Museo Cristiano (Christian Museum) and Cathedral Treasury. Here, you can find important Lombard era artifacts such as the Altar of Ratchis and the Baptistery of Callisto with its octagonal structure and marble columns. The museum provides deep insight into early medieval Christian art and the Lombard duchy heritage.
The National Archaeological Museum caps off a trip to Cividale del Friuli, offering insights into the lives of the Lombard elites. Highlights of the museum include the funerary furnishings of Duke Gisulf I of Friuli, a major figure of the 6th century, and a reused Roman sarcophagus.
The view from the Ponte del Diavolo is best enjoyed in the early hours of the morning, providing a picturesque start to your day in this historic town. The Museo Archeologico Nazionale, housed in a late 16th-century palace, further enriches the cultural experience of the town, showcasing unearthed remains from the city’s necropolises and the surrounding area, including jewellery, weapons, and everyday objects.
With its combination of Lombard art and architecture, medieval structures, and religious heritage, Cividale del Friuli is a significant historical and cultural destination, recognised as the seat of the first Lombard duchy in Italy. Whether you're a history buff or simply looking for a unique travel experience, Cividale del Friuli offers a captivating journey into the past.
[1] UNESCO World Heritage Centre. (n.d.). Cividale del Friuli, the Longobards in Italy. Retrieved from https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/1034 [2] Cividale del Friuli. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.turismofriuli.it/en/destinations/cividale-del-friuli [3] Castelmonte. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.turismofriuli.it/en/destinations/castelmonte [4] Ponte del Diavolo. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.turismofriuli.it/en/destinations/ponte-del-diavolo-devils-bridge
Embarking on the journey across the Ponte del Diavolo, one can immerse themselves in the rich lifestyle and travel experiences of Cividale del Friuli, a destination offering a unique blend of UNESCO-listed Lombard art, medieval architecture, and religious heritage. The Museo Archeologico Nazionale, housed in a historical palace, further enriches this journey, showcasing artifacts that provide insights into the lives of the Lombard elites.
