Understand

Discover the enchanting town of Cividale del Friuli, a hidden gem nestled in the northeastern corner of Italy. According to traditional tales, the illustrious Julius Caesar himself founded the town, bestowing upon it the name Forum Iulii, which eventually became the name of the entire Friuli region. Digging deeper into history, archaeologists have unveiled remnants of ancient Celtic settlements predating Caesar's arrival. During the Dark Ages, Cividale emerged as the capital of the Lombard invaders, the last wave of barbarians to conquer Italy. Present-day Cividale proudly celebrates its Lombard heritage. In a momentous event in June 2011, Cividale, along with six other Lombard cities, earned the collective title of a World Heritage Site known as Italia Langobardorum. Marvel at the medieval wonders within Cividale, while understanding the elusive information about the five other interconnected locations across Italy. Moreover, Cividale played a significant role as the seat of the Patriarchs of Aquileia, who held feudal authority over Friuli. In 1077, the Patriarchs migrated to Cividale, and later in the 1200s, relocated to Udine, which has since remained the capital of Friuli. Uncover the captivating history of Cividale and its connection to the influential Patriarchs.

Get in

To get to Udine, the provincial capital, you can take a train, which operates about once an hour. The train is operated by the Ferrovia Udine-Cividale, one of Italy's few independent railroads (FUC). If you prefer to travel by bus, there are also buses available, although they have less frequent departures. If you're looking to explore other nearby destinations, there's one bus a day to Gorizia. For those flying into the region, the Ronchi dei Legionari Friuli Venezia Giulia Airport is approximately 40 km away by car. Alternatively, you can fly into the Marco Polo Airport of Venice or Treviso Airport, both of which are about a two-hour drive away from Udine.

Map & Climate

Popular Foods

Pizza Margherita - A classic Italian pizza featuring a thin crust, topped with San Marzano tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, fresh basil, and olive oil. The pizza is typically circular, baked in a wood-fired oven and cut into slices.

Pasta Carbonara - This beloved Italian dish features cooked spaghetti tossed with eggs, pancetta (or bacon), grated cheese (typically Parmesan or Pecorino Romano), and black pepper. The residual heat from the pasta cooks the eggs, creating a creamy, savory sauce that clings to each strand of pasta.

Risotto alla Milanese - A creamy, savory rice dish originating from Milan, made with Carnaroli rice, saffron, butter, and Parmesan cheese. It features a rich, slightly spiced flavor and a smooth, creamy texture.

Historical Appearance

Traditional Male Clothing

Traditional Female Clothing