It preserves the remains of one of the largest and richest cities of the Roman Empire. Most of which remains to be excavated below the agricultural fields and the urban core: it is, therefore, the largest archaeological reserve of its kind... #UNESCO #tuttitaly
We find one of the best-preserved testimonies of ancient Roman grandeur, just 40 km south of Udine, in Friuli Venezia Giulia. This is the UNESCO site "Archaeological Area of Aquileia and Patriarchal Basilica," where we can admire the remains of one of the largest and wealthiest cities of the Roman Empire.
Some historical hints
Aquileia was founded in 181 BC. as a Roman colony thanks to its strategic position between the port and the hinterland.
It was equipped with a fleet and a mint and became the seat of a Christian community free to profess their faith. From here, thanks to Bishop Teodoro, the evangelization of Istria, the Balkans, and Hungary started.
What to visit
Our visit starts from the ancient Roman city of Aquileia, located close to the city center. Visiting the remains of the Roman Forum of Aquileia, the river port, and the late ancient markets means traveling through time.
Itwould be best to visit the Early Christian Museum and the National Archaeological Museum of Aquileia to observe the precious mosaics discovered during the excavations.
The symbol of the city is also the precious Basilica of Aquileia. In this extraordinary architectural complex, we can admire the most giant floor mosaic in the Western Christian world, with over 750 m² of surface.
The mosaic was unveiled between the end of the 19th century and the first decades of the following century. It is one of the most spectacular remains of the original place of worship, built on the orders of Bishop Theodore immediately after the Edict of Tolerance (313 AD).
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