Cividale

Cividale del Friuli is a historic town in Friuli-Venezia Giulia, in the province of Udine, traditionally founded by Julius Caesar under the name Forum Iulii, from which the region's name derives. Its medieval centre is built around the Ponte del Diavolo, an iconic bridge spanning the clear, turquoise waters of the Natisone river. The town houses the Tempietto Longobardo, an outstanding example of early medieval Lombard art, inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list as part of the Lombards in Italy sites. The Duomo, dedicated to the Assumption, and the National Archaeological Museum add to the local heritage, which spans Celtic, Roman and Lombard remains. Cobbled lanes, arcades and small squares make for pleasant walking exploration. Cividale lies within a well-regarded wine-growing area, close to the Colli Orientali del Friuli vineyards and not far from the Slovenian border, making it a convenient base for exploring nearby vineyards and villages. Local gastronomy features specialities such as gubana, a traditional Friulian pastry. The town remains a notable cultural and historical stop in north-eastern Italy.