| Aquileia | ||
 | ||
| State | Italy | |
|---|---|---|
| Region | Friuli Venezia Giulia | |
| Territory | Friuli | |
| Altitude | 5 m a.s.l. | |
| Surface | 37 km² | |
| Inhabitants | 3.398 (2012 census) | |
| Name inhabitants | Aquileians | |
| Prefix tel | 39 0431 | |
| POSTAL CODE | 33051 | |
| Time zone | UTC 1 | |
| Patron | Saints Ermacora and Fortunato (July 12) | |
Position
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| Institutional website | ||
Aquileia (Aquilee in standard Friulian, Aquilea in Friuli from Gorizia) is a city in the province of Udine in Friuli Venezia Giulia.
To know
Geographical notes
The inhabited area develops around the patriarchal basilica for a radius of about one kilometer, also incorporating the remains of the ancient Roman city, and is crossed by the river Natissa. The southern part of the municipal territory, behind the Grado lagoon, is instead made up of cultivated land (deriving from reclamation) or small patches of plain wood. The hamlet of Belvedere, overlooking the lagoon, hosts two typical examples of pine forests (Pinewood of S. Marc is Pine forest of Bielvedè).
Background
Aquileia has a very long history. It was a Roman colony, founded in 181 BC and later, during the imperial period, it became one of the most important Roman centers on the peninsula. Aquileia was the point of arrival of the ancient via Postumia, which connected it to Genoa. Destroyed by the Huns of Attila in the 5th century, it was then conquered by the Lombards and for centuries it was also disputed by the Byzantines until it lost the patriarchal see. It passed under the dominion of the Serenissima Republic of Venice (from 1420) and then of the Sacred Roman Empire. Even today it is one of the most important archaeological sites in all of northern Italy. Together with the nearby centers of Cividale del Friuli and to the city of Udine was one of the capitals of Friuli Venezia Giulia.
How to orient yourself
Aquileia: full screen map.How to get
By plane
The nearest airports are:
- 1 Friuli-Venezia Giulia Airport, via Aquileia 60 (in Ronchi dei Legionari), ☎ 39 0481 773224. from which buses leave for Aquileia.
- 2 Marco Polo Airport in Venice, viale Galilei (to Tessera), ☎ 39 041 2609260. 120 km away. From Venice you can take the train and arrive at Cervignano
By car
Highway 
A4Venice - Trieste and highway 
A23Tarvisio - Udine. Exit a Palmanova and follow the signs along the SS352 state road. Aquileia is about 17 km from the motorway exit, towards Degree.
On the train
Aquileia has no railway station. The closest station is that of Cervignano, on the line Venice - Trieste, and is about 8 km from the city.
Aquileia has no railway station. The closest station is that of How to get around
What see
Aquileia has an artistic and cultural heritage of enormous importance, so much so that the Basilica and the archaeological area are part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. From the remains of the Roman city to the monastic sites, museums, up to the magnificent Basilica, the city offers visitors the opportunity to immerse themselves in the past and admire well-preserved and fascinating monuments.
- 1 Patriarchal Basilica of Santa Maria Assunta, @[email protected]. It is the main religious building of Aquileia and the ancient cathedral of the patriarchate of the city (suppressed in 1420). The oldest remains date back to the 4th century, while the actual basilica was built in the 11th century and remodeled in the 13th century, although in reality there have been several other changes over the centuries, such as following an earthquake in 1348. on the Piazza del Capitolo, a few steps from the Via Sacra and the remains of the Roman Forum and is flanked by the baptistery and the imposing bell tower 73 meters high. The interior of the basilica is characterized by splendid mosaics, by a reproduction of the Holy Sepulcher built following the medieval chronicles, while in the crypt you can admire frescoes some of which date back to the 9th century.
- Roman forum. The remains of the Forum of Aquileia are located a few steps from the Basilica. It was the ancient square of the Roman city and was located at the intersection between the decumanus and the cardo maximus, probably flanked by arcades or colonnades, shops and other buildings. The excavation of the archaeological area is still in progress although the works began as early as 1934.
- River Port. Aquileia in Roman times also had a large and important river port. The structure dates back to the first century after Christ, but was modified over the following centuries.
- National archeologic museum, Via Roma, 1, ☎ 39 0431 91035, fax: 39 0431 919537, @[email protected]. One of the largest museums in the world on Roman civilization.
- 2 Early Christian National Museum (Location Monastero). Since 1961 it has been housed in a former Benedictine convent. The museum is arranged on three levels in which numerous finds are exhibited such as the remains of the ancient monastery basilica, statues, mosaics and more.
- Burial ground. It is located along via XXIV Maggio. It is the only burial ground found in Aquileia and originally, according to Roman custom, it was placed outside the city. This is a very important area as it provides precise indications regarding the sepulchral techniques and customs of the imperial period.
- The Great Mausoleum. At the crossroads between via XXIV Maggio and via Giulia Augusta. Imposing monument 17 meters high.
Events and parties
- Aquileia in Spring.
What to do
Shopping
- Ca'Tullio, Via Beligna 41, ☎ 39 431 919 700. Excellent wines are produced from the vineyards of the Colli Orientali and Aquileia, both DOC areas. Possible tastings and visits to the cellar.
- Mosaic, Square Chapter 17, ☎ 39 431 919 592, @[email protected]. Pleasant and tasteful place; curated pastry shop attentive to innovations, excellent coffees, artisan ice cream, wine tastings.
How to have fun
Night clubs
- [link previously not working]Augusta Musicafe ', via Giulia Augusta 17, ☎ 39 370 319 5674.
Where to eat
In the center there are several restaurants.
Average prices
- Corallo Restaurant, Via Beligna, 3, ☎ 39 0431 91065.
09:00-15:30, 18:00-22:30. - [link not working]Hostaria Al Parco, via Minut 1, ☎ 39 0431 919444, @[email protected].
- [link not working]La Capannina Restaurant, via Gemina 10, ☎ 39 0431 91019, @[email protected].
- Taberna Marciani, via Roma 10, ☎ 39 340 926 7560.
- Fonzari restaurant, via Giulia Augusta 12, ☎ 39 0431 91036.
- Ancient Aquilea, Via Bertrando De S. Genies, 2, ☎ 39 0431 918825, @[email protected]. Pizzeria restaurant in the heart of the historic center.
09:00-15:30, 18:00-22:30.Where stay
Moderate prices
- Camping Aquileia, via Gemina, 10, ☎ 39 0431 91042, fax: 39 0431 30804, @[email protected].
Average prices
- Hotel Patriarchi, Via Giulia Augusta, 12, ☎ 39 0431 919595, 39 0431 91036, fax: 39 0431 919596, @[email protected].
Safety
How to keep in touch
Around
Near Aquileia there are many other cities to visit. Below is a short list of the closest ones:
- Degree - Formerly a Roman port for the trade of Aquileia, the ancient lagoon city has a very respectable historic center. In contemporary times it has developed an important seaside activity.
- Lignano Sabbiadoro - Seaside center with various leisure opportunities.
- Udine - Main city of the Friuli it is in fact the capital. He took over from Aquileia is Cividale, which were the main cities of the region, when the seat of the Patriarchate of Aquileia was transferred to Udine. It was the capital of Homeland of Friuli until the conquest by Venice which left a considerable architectural imprint on it. Monumental is the central Piazza della Libertà, with harmonious buildings. The Castle, built on the site of the castle of the patriarchs of Aquileia, is a massive sixteenth-century building.
- Palmanova - Fortress city planned by the Venetians in 1593 to defend its borders with the Austrian empire, it is called the starry city for its polygonal star shape with 9 points and it is also heritage UNESCO.
- Trieste - Although devoted to Italianness (it strongly pursued its belonging to Italy when in the post-war period it risked being annexed to the then Yugoslavia) it still maintains a Central European character that comes from its long history as a border city (now from a part, now on the other) and a hinge between the Germanic, Slavic and Latin worlds. Its port is one of the largest in the Adriatic and in Italy; its elegant urban planning, its embrace with the sea and with the mountains behind it make it a destination of great suggestion for artistic and natural beauties.
