What Makes Aquileia the Most Underrated Roman Destination in Italy?
Aquileia is a small municipality in Friuli with just 3,503 inhabitants, located in the southern part of the province of Udine, on the banks of the Natissa River. The town boasts a very ancient past and, together with Ravenna, is one of the most important archaeological sites in all of northeastern Italy. A significant part of Friulian history has its roots in the few kilometers that separate the basilicas of Aquileia and Grado, once the seats of patriarchal power, which survived until the beginning of the fifteenth century. After enduring difficult years due to poverty and poor hygienic-sanitary conditions in the plain where the town stands, the twentieth century marked the town’s revival. Today, it is a tourist destination of inestimable value.
History of Aquileia
Founded by the Romans in 181 BC, Aquileia was a colony of Latin law in the Roman pacification program of Cisalpine Gaul. The city grew rapidly, especially as a commercial hub, thanks to its port system, which ensured connections with the ports of the East, and an efficient road network linking it to major continental routes. Having become a municipium in 89 BC, Aquileia was elevated by Augustus as the capital of the “X Regio Venetia et Histria,” becoming the ninth city of the empire and the fourth in Italy. After the emergence of Christian culture, which tied the city to the Church for centuries, the settlement was destroyed by Attila in 452, only to be rebuilt in the ninth century by Maxentius. In 1420, Venice ended the Patriarchal State, while in 1509, Aquileia came under Habsburg control, which lasted until the end of World War I.
The Basilica of Aquileia
The centuries of domination by the Church of Rome are still evident today in the enchanting Basilica of Aquileia, which, despite various interventions, has substantially retained its 11th-century features. The large Chapter Square allows visitors to appreciate the simple grandeur of the building at a glance: the façade is salient, with a mullioned window; a portico precedes the entrance; the bell tower, built by Poppone in the 12th century, reaches 73 meters in height. Inside, the rich mosaics of the Theodosian north hall stand out. Particularly striking is the large mosaic composed of nine panels framed by acanthus scrolls, which, within geometric clipei, feature schematic portraits of donors and various representations. These artworks, in line with early Christian tradition, symbolize the victory of life over death, light over darkness, and salvific rebirth in Christ.
Other highlights include the presbytery, raised by Marquado at the end of the 14th century, the left transept, where a sarcophagus houses five saints (Canzio, Canzianilla, Proto, Carancio, and Ermacora), and the small apse of the Chapel of St. Hilary, adorned with 12th-century frescoes. In 1998, UNESCO listed the Basilica as a World Heritage Site.
More to Discover
Opposite the basilica, the Pagan Church consists of two rooms with niches and 14th-century frescoes. The baptistery, designed by Cromazio, features an external hexagonal and internal octagonal plan with four niches. The nearby Museum of the Patriarchate houses historical artifacts and a reliquary bust of St. Ermacora. On the basilica’s right side, two columns are all that remain of the imposing Patriarchal Palace, which once featured two large parallel buildings. Around the apse lies the Cemetery of the Fallen, where World War I soldiers are buried.
Museums and Archaeology
Aquileia also boasts two exceptional museums: the Early Christian Museum and the Archaeological Museum. The former spans three floors and presents a rich collection of epigraphic and sculptural works, while the latter, established in 1882, displays finds from the 2nd century BC to the 4th century AD. Equally fascinating are the river port and the Roman houses, located behind the basilica along the Natissa River. The Via Iulia Augusta, the main road axis, crosses the forum and leads to the mausoleum and burial ground, two additional sites of immense historical significance.
Climate and Best Times to Visit
The climate is continental, though the proximity to the sea mitigates the harsh winters and hot summers. Summer highs often exceed 30°C, while winter lows can drop below zero. The best seasons to visit Aquileia are spring and autumn, provided it does not rain.
How to Reach Aquileia
The town is traversed by the SS352 state road, which connects Grado to Udine, about fifty kilometers north. Being extremely small, Aquileia requires no transportation for sightseeing—nearly all attractions can be explored on foot within a day.
Where to Eat in Aquileia
- La Capannina (Via Minut 8): A cozy spot offering authentic Friulian dishes, including polenta and grilled meats.
- Ristorante Patriarchi (Via Giulia Augusta 16): Known for its elegant atmosphere and fresh seafood specialties, inspired by ancient Roman recipes.
- Ai Patriarchi (Piazza Capitolo 4): Try their rich risottos and local wines in a charming, family-friendly environment.
Where to Stay in Aquileia
- Agriturismo La Rosta (Via Case Sparse): Nestled in the countryside, offering rustic yet comfortable accommodations with homemade breakfasts.
- Hotel Patriarchi (Piazza Capitolo 9): Perfect for history enthusiasts, located just steps from the Basilica.
- Villa Mabellini (Via Julia): A boutique villa with modern amenities and close proximity to the archaeological museum.