Lombard atmospheres
Founded by Giulio Cesare under the name of Forum Iulii – where the name Friuli comes from – in 568 BC, Cividale became seat of the first Lombard duchy in Italy and subsequently the residence of the patriarchs of Aquileia for several centuries.

The city preserves remarkable Lombard evidence, first of all the Tempietto (small temple), one of the most extraordinary and mysterious early medieval constructions in the western world. Other treasures are preserved at the two town museums: the altarcommissioned by duke Ratchis and the baptistery of patriarch Calixtus can be seen at the precious Christian Museum of the Cathedral, whereas the National Archaeological Museum displays the grave goods of Cividale's Lombard necropolises.
 UNESCO World Heritage
This historic and artistic heritage was recognised by UNESCO in 2011, placing Cividale at the beginning of the Longobard route, an itinerary that allows the discovery of a series of outstanding treasures, even if they are not well known, right from the border with Friuli Venezia Giulia.

Yet even without these treasures Cividale would still be well worth a visit to see its most recent display: CIPS is a centre devoted to marionettes by the Cividale-born Vittorio Podrecca, the greatest Italian artist of marionette theatre.

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