Cividale del Friuli - Longobards in Italy. Places of the Power (568-774 A.D.)
Cividale del Friuli, Italy
12.09.2021
Cividale del Friuli is a small town located in the northeastern part of Italy, in the region of Friuli-Venezia Giulia. It is known for being the first capital of the Lombard Kingdom in Italy and for its well-preserved medieval architecture. In 2011, Cividale del Friuli was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its cultural and historical significance.
The town was founded by Julius Caesar in 50 BC and was originally named Forum Iulii, after its founder. It became an important trading center during the Roman Empire and was later conquered by the Lombards in the 6th century. During this time, Cividale del Friuli became the capital of the Lombard Kingdom, known as Regnum Italiae, which played a crucial role in the formation of the Italian identity.
One of the main attractions in Cividale del Friuli is the Tempietto Longobardo, a small chapel built in the 8th century by Duke Ratchis in honor of his wife. It is considered one of the best-preserved examples of Lombard architecture in Italy and is adorned with beautiful frescoes that depict scenes from the Bible.
Another must-see in Cividale del Friuli is the Ponte del Diavolo (Devil's Bridge), a medieval bridge that spans over the Natisone River. According to legend, the bridge was built by the devil himself in one night, with the condition that he could claim the soul of the first person who crossed it. However, a clever old woman fooled the devil by sending a dog across the bridge instead.
The town also has a rich cultural heritage, with several museums and galleries showcasing the history and art of Cividale del Friuli. One of the most notable is the National Archaeological Museum, which houses a collection of artifacts from the Roman and Lombard periods.
For those interested in food and wine, Cividale del Friuli offers a variety of local specialties, including prosciutto, salami, and the famous Refosco dal Peduncolo Rosso wine, which has been produced in the region since Roman times.
Cividale del Friuli is a charming town full of history, culture, and delicious food. It is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in exploring the roots of Italian culture and experiencing the beauty of a small Italian town.
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The Longobards in Italy, Places of Power, 568 - 774 A.D. comprises seven groups of important buildings (including fortresses, churches, and monasteries) throughout the Italian Peninsula. They testify to the high achievement of the Lombards, who migrated from northern Europe and developed their own specific culture in Italy where they ruled over vast territories in the 6th to 8th centuries. The Lombards synthesis of architectural styles marked the transition from Antiquity to the European Middle Ages, drawing on the heritage of Ancient Rome, Christian spirituality, Byzantine influence and Germanic northern Europe. The serial property testifies to the Lombards' major role in the spiritual and cultural development of Medieval European Christianity, notably by bolstering the monastic movement.
Cividale del Friuli (Friulian: Cividât, locally Zividât; German: Östrich; Slovene: Čedad) is a town and comune (municipality) in the Regional decentralization entity of Udine, part of the North-Italian region of Friuli-Venezia Giulia. The town lies 135 metres (443 ft) above sea-level in the foothills of the eastern Alps, 15 kilometres (9 mi) by rail from the city of Udine and close to the Slovenian border. It is situated on the river Natisone, which forms a picturesque ravine here. Formerly an important regional power, it is today a quiet, small town that attracts tourists thanks to its medieval center.
Longobards in Italy: Places of Power (568–774 A.D.) (Italian: Longobardi in Italia: i luoghi del potere) is seven groups of historic buildings that reflect the achievements of the Germanic tribe of the Lombards (also referred to as Longobards), who settled in Italy during the sixth century and established a Lombard Kingdom which ended in 774 A.D.
The groups comprise monasteries, church buildings, and fortresses and became UNESCO World Heritage Sites in June 2011 as they testify "to the Lombards' major role in the spiritual and cultural development of Medieval European Christianity".
