Aquileia is a UNESCO site in Friuli-Venezia Giulia Italy

Friuli-Venezia Giulia is nestled in the north-eastern part of Italy and has historically served as a crossroads of Latin, Slavic and Germanic cultures. In 181 BC, the Romans founded the city of Aquileia.

1. Friuli-Venezia Guilia is located in the Alpine foothills along the Austrian and Slovenian border. The town of Trieste opens to the Adriatic Sea and is the capital of this delightful region that produces fruity white wines and Ramandolo, a regional desert wine. The area also produces excellent grappas.

(Friulan version) Category:Maps of Friuli-Venezia Giulia Friuli-Venezia Giulia Friuli-Venezia Giulia (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Coat of arms of Friuli–Venezia Giulia (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Aquileia is northwest of Trieste and was an important city for the Roman Empire. It is clocked with ancient ruins and ornate mosaics. Christians were persecuted until Emperor Constantine granted them official status in 313 AD. The early Christians developed a secret symbolic language that is depicted in the mosaics in Aquileia. The Patriarchal Basilica and Archaeological Area in the lower Friuli-Venezia Giulia region are World Heritage Sites. 

Italiano: Udine (Friuli Venezia Giulia – Italy), Porta Aquileia (V cerchia muraria) (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Aquileia’s Basilica was originally built in the 3^rd century and was rebuilt in Romanesque style around the year 1000.  It was destroyed by Attila the Hun in 452 and rebuilt on the ruins of the previous site in 1031.  Magnificent works of art by Bernardino da Bissone and Pellegrino da San Daniele  can be admired in the Basilica.  The Basilica was restored and refurbished to the Gothic style after the earthquake of 1348. Aquileia was a Roman river port and was one of the largest and wealthiest cities of the Early Roman Empire. Visit the ancient Roman columns, villas, baths and temples. Most of the site is intact and has not been excavated.

English: The baptistery of the basilica of the Assumption of St. Mary in Aquileia, in the Province of Udine, Friuli-Venezia Giulia Italiano: Il battistero della basilica di Santa Maria Assunta ad Aquileia, in provincia di Udine, Friuli-Venezia Giulia (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

English: The basilica of the Assumption of St. Mary in Aquileia, in the Province of Udine, Friuli-Venezia Giulia Italiano: La basilica di Santa Maria Assunta ad Aquileia, in provincia di Udine, Friuli-Venezia Giulia (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

“The Patriarchal Basilica Complex is a fascinating archeological site with splendid mosaics that represent the secret language of Christianity. This town played an important role in the spread of Christianity into Central Europe in the early Middle Ages” UNESCO. The crypt of the Basilica has the most interesting Romanesque frescos in the entire Venetian region.

Dr. EveAnn Lovero writes Travel Guide Books to Italy and  Vino Con Vista Travel Guides can be purchased at these sites. 

 To learn more about Italy visit www.vino-con-vista.com

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