Cividale del Friuli Travel Guide

Discover the best things to do, see, and eat in Cividale del Friuli, Italy with our comprehensive travel guide. Explore top attractions, beautiful natural areas, hiking routes, delicious food, and more.


A Comprehensive Travel Guide to Cividale del Friuli, Italy

Located in Friuli-Venezia Giulia, in Northeast Italy, Cividale del Friuli is a charming town with roots dating back to the Roman Empire. Known for its captivating history, stunning natural beauty, and delectable cuisine, it offers something for every traveler. In this comprehensive travel guide, we’ve covered everything you need to know to plan an unforgettable trip to Cividale del Friuli.

Introduction to Cividale del Friuli

Founded in 50 BC, Cividale del Friuli was an important military and trade center during the Roman Empire. The town was also the capital of the Lombard Kingdom of Italy in the 6th and 7th centuries. As a result, the town boasts a fascinating mix of Roman and Lombard influences in its architecture and culture.

Today, Cividale del Friuli is known for its picturesque cobblestone streets, charming town center, and incredible natural surroundings. Visitors can explore ancient churches and museums, trek through the surrounding mountains and rivers, indulge in delicious local cuisine, and much more.

List of Places to Visit in Cividale del Friuli

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • UNESCO World Heritage Site: The Lombard Temple. This ancient Lombard chapel, dating back to the 8th century, is located in the town center and is Cividale del Friuli’s most famous attraction. It’s renowned for its stunning architecture, intricate carvings, and well-preserved frescoes.
  • National Archaeological Museum. This museum houses a stunning collection of artifacts from the Roman and Lombard periods, including weapons, jewelry, and pottery. It’s a great place to learn about the town’s rich history.
  • Palazzo dei Provveditori Veneti. This striking palace, built in the 16th century, served as the Venetian governor’s residence in Cividale del Friuli. It now houses the Museum of Christian Art, which features a collection of beautiful frescoes and religious artifacts.
  • Devil’s Bridge. This ancient bridge, built in the 15th century, is a stunning sight that spans the Natisone River. It’s an impressive feat of engineering and has a fascinating legend surrounding it.

Natural Attractions of Cividale del Friuli: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Monte Matajur. Take a hike to the top of this mountain, which offers breathtaking views of the town and surrounding countryside. It’s a challenging climb, but well worth the effort.
  • The Natisone River. This beautiful river runs through the town and offers plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation, including fishing, kayaking, and canoeing.
  • Riserva Naturale Orientata della Val Alba. This natural reserve boasts stunning scenery, including waterfalls and vast forests. It’s a great place for a hike or a picnic.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Cividale del Friuli

  • Sentiero Rilke. This stunning hiking trail winds through the mountains and offers views of the Gulf of Trieste. It’s a challenging hike, but the scenery is well worth it.
  • Alpe Adria Trail. This long-distance hiking trail runs through Cividale del Friuli and connects Austria, Slovenia, and Italy. It’s a great way to explore the surrounding countryside.
  • Bike trail along the Natisone River. This easy bike trail runs alongside the river and is a great way to see the town and surrounding areas at a slower pace.

Best Things to Do in Cividale del Friuli: Activities and Tours

  • Wine Tasting Tour. Friuli-Venezia Giulia is known for its delicious wines, and there are plenty of vineyards and wineries in the surrounding countryside to explore.
  • Cooking Class. Learn how to cook traditional Friulian cuisine with a local chef. There are plenty of cooking classes available in Cividale del Friuli.
  • Walking Tour of the Old Town. Take a guided tour of the town center and learn about Cividale del Friuli’s rich history and culture.

Week-Long Itinerary for Cividale del Friuli

Day 1: Explore the town center and visit the Lombard Temple, National Archaeological Museum, and Palazzo dei Provveditori Veneti.

Day 2: Hike to the top of Monte Matajur for stunning views of the town and surrounding countryside.

Day 3: Take a bike ride along the Natisone River and explore the surrounding countryside.

Day 4: Go wine tasting in the surrounding vineyards and wineries.

Day 5: Take a cooking class and learn how to make traditional Friulian cuisine.

Day 6: Visit the Riserva Naturale Orientata della Val Alba for a hike and picnic.

Day 7: Take a walking tour of the Old Town and learn about the town’s rich history and culture.

Food and Drink Scene of Cividale del Friuli

Must-Try Dishes

  • Gubana. A traditional Friulian pastry made with sugar, raisins, nuts, and grappa.
  • Frico. A dish made with potatoes and cheese, often served as an appetizer.
  • Brovada. A traditional Friulian dish made with turnips.

Local Beverages

  • Friulano. A popular white wine from the Friuli-Venezia Giulia region.
  • Grappa. A traditional Italian brandy made from grapes.

Where to Stay in Cividale del Friuli: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  • Hotel Roma. This centrally-located hotel offers comfortable rooms and a great breakfast.
  • B&B Casa Stucky. This charming bed and breakfast is located in the town center and offers beautiful views of the surrounding mountains.
  • Hostel Cividale. This affordable hostel is great for budget travelers and offers clean, comfortable accommodations.

What to Buy in Cividale del Friuli: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Gubana. This traditional Friulian pastry makes a great gift or souvenir.
  • Wine. Friuli-Venezia Giulia is known for its delicious wines, and there are plenty of vineyards and wineries in the surrounding countryside to explore.
  • Artisanal crafts. There are plenty of local artisans in Cividale del Friuli who create beautiful handmade crafts, including pottery, jewelry, and textiles.

Local Culture and Customs of Cividale del Friuli

Cividale del Friuli is known for its vibrant local culture and customs, including:

  • Traditional Friulian cuisine, which is heavily influenced by neighboring Austria and Slovenia.
  • The local dialect, which is a mix of Italian, German, and Slovenian.
  • Traditional festivals, including the Palio di San Donato and the Spadone del Duomo.

Best Time to Visit Cividale del Friuli

The best time to visit Cividale del Friuli is in the spring or fall when the weather is mild and the crowds are smaller. Summer is peak tourist season, and the town can get crowded and hot.

Do’s and Don’ts of Cividale del Friuli

Do:

  • Try the local cuisine, including Gubana and Frico.
  • Take a hike to the top of Monte Matajur for stunning views of the town and surrounding countryside.
  • Visit the Lombard Temple, National Archaeological Museum, and Palazzo dei Provveditori Veneti.

Don’t:

  • Forget to bring comfortable shoes for all the walking and hiking.
  • Leave without trying the local wine and grappa.
  • Miss the stunning Devil’s Bridge and the Riserva Naturale Orientata della Val Alba.

Safety and Health

Safety in Cividale del Friuli

Cividale del Friuli is a safe town with low crime rates. It’s always a good idea to exercise common sense and take precautions to protect your belongings while traveling.

Health in Cividale del Friuli

The town has several medical clinics and pharmacies in case of emergency. It’s always a good idea to have travel insurance while traveling.

Getting to Cividale del Friuli: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Cividale del Friuli

The closest airport to Cividale del Friuli is Trieste Airport (TRS), which is located about 30 kilometers away.

Bus Stations Near Cividale del Friuli

There are several bus stations in the surrounding area, including Udine and Gorizia.

Other Options

Renting a car is a great way to explore the surrounding countryside.

How to Get Around in Cividale del Friuli

The town center is easily walkable, and there are plenty of bike rental shops in town for exploring the surrounding countryside. Taxis and buses are also available.

Where to Go Next from Cividale del Friuli: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Trieste. This beautiful port city is located about an hour away from Cividale del Friuli and offers stunning architecture and a rich history.
  • Venice. One of Italy’s most famous cities, Venice is located about two hours away from Cividale del Friuli and is a must-visit for any traveler to Italy.
  • The Julian Alps. This stunning mountain range offers breathtaking views and incredible hiking opportunities.

Conclusion

Cividale del Friuli offers a fascinating mix of history, culture, and natural beauty. Whether you’re a history buff, an outdoor enthusiast, or a foodie, there’s something for everyone in this charming town. With our comprehensive travel guide, you’re ready for an unforgettable trip to Cividale del Friuli.

Statue of Julius Caesar in front of the Palazzo Pubblico (town hall) Statue of Julius Caesar in front of the Palazzo Pubblico (town hall)