Imagine a place where history whispers from ancient stones and nature unfolds in breathtaking vistas. Welcome to Cividale del Friuli, a true gem in Italy's Friuli Venezia Giulia region. This charming town isn't just a destination; it's your perfect starting point to explore the captivating border valleys.
Nestled along the Natisone River, just a stone's throw from Udine, Cividale del Friuli offers a delightful blend of history, culture, and unspoiled nature. It's particularly magical during the Christmas season, when the town glows with festive lights and ancient traditions come alive.
Did you know that Cividale's story begins with Julius Caesar himself? Founded around 50 BC, this town boasts a rich past, where Roman and Lombard influences gracefully coexist. Today, it proudly holds UNESCO World Heritage status, a testament to its historical significance.
But Cividale is more than just its historical center. It's the gateway to the stunning Valli del Natisone, a natural paradise characterized by lush forests and a unique karst landscape. Get ready to discover rolling hills, gentle valleys, and a serene environment perfect for unwinding.
And for those seeking a mountain escape, the Valli del Torre are just a short journey away. This untouched corner of nature offers a wild, pristine experience, especially enchanting during the snowy winter months.
What to See in Cividale del Friuli
Cividale's rich history is deeply intertwined with the Lombards. From 568 AD, it served as the capital of Italy's first Lombard duchy, established by King Alboin. The echoes of this medieval era are palpable throughout the town.
A must-visit is the UNESCO site, known as "The Lombards in Italy. Places of the Power (568-774 AD)." This complex includes:
- The Gastaldaga: A significant historical area.
- The Monastery of Santa Maria in Valle: A beautiful monastic complex.
- The Lombard Temple (Tempietto Longobardo): An extraordinary example of early medieval architecture, built in the 8th century as a royal chapel. It was once home to Benedictine nuns and later became an educational college for young women.
Another important historical nucleus is the Episcopal Complex, created by Patriarch Callisto (737-757 AD). This ensemble of interconnected buildings during the Lombard period features:
- The Basilica of Santa Maria Assunta: The main church.
- The Baptistery of San Giovanni Battista: A significant religious structure.
- The Patriarchal Palace: A residence of historical importance.
Delve deeper into history at the National Archaeological Museum and the Christian Museum and Treasury of the Cathedral. Here, you'll find treasures like the Tegurio of Callisto and the Altar of Ratchis, vital artifacts from the early medieval period.
Beyond the UNESCO sites and museums, Cividale holds two more iconic spots:
- The Celtic Hypogeum: An intriguing network of underground chambers carved into the rock. Its original purpose remains a mystery, adding to its allure.
- The Devil's Bridge (Ponte del Diavolo): This legendary bridge gracefully spans the Natisone River with two daring arches. Standing 22 meters high and 50 meters long, it rests on a massive boulder, rumored to have been placed there by the devil himself.
Cividale del Friuli's Traditions
Cividale's treasures extend to its culinary heritage. Prepare your taste buds for authentic, genuine flavors that truly represent the region.
Don't miss these local delights:
- Gubana: A unique, snail-shaped sweet bread filled with dried fruits and raisins, enhanced by candied citron for a citrusy note.
- Strucchi: Delicious filled pastries. They can be made with shortcrust pastry and fried, or with potato dough if boiled. Enjoy them sprinkled with butter, sugar, and cinnamon. Both Gubana and Strucchi are essential treats, especially during the Christmas holidays.
During the festive season, a visit to the Monastery of Santa Maria in Valle is highly recommended, particularly for its historical Nativity scene. This stunning representation of the Nativity features figures with wax heads and hands and straw bodies, depicting the people who once populated Cividale's streets and markets. Crafted in the late 1800s by the Ursuline nuns in seclusion, it's a truly special sight.
Mark your calendars for the "Messa dello Spadone" (Mass of the Great Sword), celebrated on Epiphany Day in the town's Cathedral. This religious rite's origins and exact meaning are still debated by historians, shrouded in mystery and imaginative interpretations. Nevertheless, it stands as one of Friuli Venezia Giulia's most unique and evocative liturgical ceremonies.
Valli del Natisone: Trails of Nature and Culture
The Valli del Natisone preserve their rich history through centuries-old Slovenian traditions, including special Christmas customs. In San Pietro al Natisone, considered the capital of the Valli del Natisone and located at the valley's entrance towards the border, the "Ancient Gestures for a New Christmas" market takes place.
This vibrant market, featuring over 100 local artists, artisans, and agricultural producers from the area, Slovenia, and the wider Friuli Venezia Giulia region, is a fantastic opportunity to find unique Christmas gifts. Discover handmade crafts made from natural materials, including wood carvings, woolen knitwear, wicker baskets, felt objects, bags, hats, and a variety of local food products like apples, honey, wine, cheeses, cured meats, and traditional sweets.
From San Pietro, embark on explorations into the Valli del Natisone. Particularly interesting are the trails along World War I trenches, including those from the "Seventh Battle of the Isonzo," a prelude to the defeat at Caporetto. History intertwines with nature in this idyllic setting, with paths winding through valleys that are home to diverse wildlife such as roe deer, wild boar, hares, and foxes.
These routes are perfect for:
- Hiking: Enjoy scenic walks.
- Mountain Biking: Explore the terrain on two wheels.
- Horseback Riding: Experience the landscape from a different perspective.
The karst landscape also invites you to explore the underground world. The Valli del Natisone are renowned for their caving opportunities. Don't miss the suggestive Grotta di San Giovanni d’Antro in Pulfero. This ancient cavity provided shelter in antiquity and became a place of worship from the 8th century.
Inside this natural wonder, you'll find:
- A chapel: A sacred space within the cave.
- A precious 18th-century wooden altar: Created in the Slovenian style, it features 16th-century statues attributed to Giovanni Martini's workshop.
For culture enthusiasts, thematic trails like the Gadda Trail and the Artists of Guziranje Trail offer unique insights. During the Christmas season, a visit to the Sanctuary of the Madonna di Castelmonte in Prepotto is a must. Located on the "Via dei Monti Sacri," a cross-border tourism project between Italy and Slovenia, this sanctuary is breathtaking.
From December 8, 2025, to February 2, 2026 (Candlemas Day), the sanctuary hosts a nativity scene within a crypt. Renewed annually with creativity and faith by the Capuchin friars and their friends, it's a beautiful spiritual experience.
Valli del Torre: A Mountain and Snow Escape
Journeying from Cividale del Friuli, you'll ascend into the natural paradise of the Valli del Torre. Here, wild nature reigns supreme, with waters carving out karst streams and stunning waterfalls, like the Rio Boncic in the Campo di Bonis plain.
This pristine area is ideal for outdoor sports, boasting rich biodiversity and fascinating wildlife to observe respectfully.
In the warmer months, the Valli del Torre are popular for:
- Hang Gliding and Paragliding: Take to the skies for incredible views.
- Horseback Riding and Mountain Biking: Explore scenic routes.
- Caving and Sport Climbing: Challenge yourself in the natural environment.
During winter, the Valli del Torre transform into a snowy wonderland, perfect for:
- Snowshoeing: Wander through the snow-covered landscapes.
- Cross-Country Skiing: Enjoy circular ski routes.
Weather permitting, the Gran Monte chain offers breathtaking panoramic views stretching from the Carnic and Julian Alps all the way to the Adriatic Sea. Another spectacular viewpoint is Monte Matajur (1641 meters above sea level), one of Friuli Venezia Giulia's most striking destinations, situated on the border with Slovenia in the Julian Prealps.
Its accessibility and the stunning summit views make Monte Matajur a paradise for hikers, cyclists, photographers, and nature lovers year-round. At the summit stands the chapel dedicated to Christ the Redeemer, built in 1957 on the ruins of a previous monument destroyed during the Caporetto offensive. It’s a place for contemplation, with a vast panorama encompassing the Julian Alps to the Adriatic, under a sky frequented by griffons and golden eagles, guardians of this beautiful and spiritual natural haven.
For more information on the Christmas program in Cividale and Friuli Venezia Giulia, explore turismofvg.it.
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