Cividale del Friuli
Cividale del Friuli is a charming town located in the northeastern region of Italy, in the province of Udine, Friuli Venezia Giulia. Founded by Julius Caesar in 50 BC, it was originally known as Forum Iulii, which later lent its name to the entire region of Friuli. The town is rich in history and culture, boasting a variety of architectural and archaeological treasures. Among its most notable landmarks is the Tempietto Longobardo, a small Lombard temple dating back to the 8th century, renowned for its intricate stucco decorations. Another significant site is the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, with its impressive altarpiece by the Renaissance painter Pellegrino da San Daniele. Cividale del Friuli is also home to the National Archaeological Museum, which offers a deep dive into the town's ancient past, including its Roman and Lombard periods.