The human history of Cividale dates back millennia, with archeological evidence indicating the area was inhabited during Paleolithich and Neolithic periods. The town itself was founded by Julius Caesar around 50 BC, who named it Forum Iulii. Later, it served as a capital of the first Lombard duchy in Italy and the the Lombard Temple is considered “the best known expression of the architecture and art of the Lombards in Italy.” In addition to its historical importance and rich cultural history, the town is an excellent base for hiking and biking. Though four days seemed more than sufficient to explore a small town and its surrounding areas, I was a bit skeptical that I would experience all of what Cividale had to offer
My goals for today were pretty modest – an easy morning hike, lunch and a stroll about the town followed by an afternoon catching up on route planning and journaling. There is not much else to add but the pictures.
As an infrequent hiker, I sought advice from All Trails and found a modest five miler that passed through some of the historical sites in the city as well as taking me a bit farther afield and through the nearby town of Sanguarzo before looping back to Cividale.
Starting out along the cobbled streets and walls of the Gastaldaga section, site of the ancient Roman village
The route stayed mainly on small paved roads through the outskirts of town, with an occasional stretch on gravel or along a grassy lane - passing small vineyards, hayfields and fields of wildflowers on the way to Sanguarzo.
The route looped back from Sanguarzo on paved roads, with almost every intersection denoting a cycling or hiking route. Soon I was back in Cividale, passing through the Roman arch on my way home.
Chiesa di San Floreano on the right and the Cimitero di Guspergo the left
Susan CarpenterTo Rachael AndersonMe too - I’ve a lot of middle aged and older women on bikes wearing skirts and doing errands. Reply to this comment 4 months ago
After returning from my walkabout, I cleaned up a bit and headed out for a nice mid-day meal at one of Cividale’s finest restaurants, one I’d found on my handy Michelin app. Alas, Al Monastero was closed for the week and I resorted to what looked to be the best nearby option – a popular spot on Piazza Paolo Diacono.
The morning overcast clouds had lifted and it was a brilliant blue sky day. I explored a bit more of Cividale before heading back home for my afternoon tasks on the balcony. I’d left my camera in the apartment, but the day was perfect for the vibrancy of an iPhone camera.
My second choice for lunch, Caffè Longobardo, served a good but not memorable meal
The Natisone River divides the town of Cividale. Here is a look across the River to Chiesa di Santa Maria dei Battuti. The terrace is front of the church provided a perfect spot from which to look across the river at the older, more historical side of Cividale
The historical area of Cividale. Notable landmarks include the tower of Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta and the Devil's Bridge, which was constructed in the 15th century and later rebuilt after being blown up in WWII by retreating Italian troops
A look up the Natisone River, showing the towers of the Lombard Temple and the Church of San Pietro and San Biagio. You can also see my apartment/balcony on the left - white building, red tiled roof, second floor, turquoise shutter
