UNESCO, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, grants recognition to sites that meet specific criteria (6 cultural criteria and 4 natural criteria). These sites are considered to have "outstanding universal value" and contribute to the preservation of world culture and history.
Being included in this prestigious list is an honor and a commitment for a destination. This was the case for Aquileia, which was included in UNESCO's World Heritage List in 1998 (the first in Friuli-Venezia Giulia).
There were three criteria that made it deserving of this recognition:
Criterion III: Unique Testimony of a Cultural Tradition.
Aquileia was one of the largest and wealthiest cities of the Ancient Roman Empire. Founded in 181 B.C., it played a key role in the expansion of the Empire along the upper Adriatic, the eastern Alps, and the Istrian regions. This city served as both a military garrison and a commercial and administrative center, as evidenced by the presence of a mint, a fleet, and other significant public and private buildings.
Criterion IV: Extraordinary Example of a Roman City.
Much of the ancient city of Aquileia remains intact and buried, making it the most complete example of a preserved Roman city in the Mediterranean area. This is an extraordinary example of architecture and human history.
Criterion VI: Association with Important Events or Traditions.
The Patriarchal Basilica of Aquileia is a symbol of the spread of Christianity in Europe in the early Middle Ages. The basilica and the baptistery are connected with the evangelization of Istria, the Balkans, Hungary, and territories extending to the Danube, making Aquileia one of the major episcopal seats of Christendom.
Whether you are passionate about history and archaeology or not, a visit to Aquileia is a must, especially since it is only 30 minutes away by bike from Grado (60 stadiums, as the Romans used to say, which is equivalent to 11 km).
Points of interest:
Being included in this prestigious list is an honor and a commitment for a destination. This was the case for Aquileia, which was included in UNESCO's World Heritage List in 1998 (the first in Friuli-Venezia Giulia).
There were three criteria that made it deserving of this recognition:
Criterion III: Unique Testimony of a Cultural Tradition.
Aquileia was one of the largest and wealthiest cities of the Ancient Roman Empire. Founded in 181 B.C., it played a key role in the expansion of the Empire along the upper Adriatic, the eastern Alps, and the Istrian regions. This city served as both a military garrison and a commercial and administrative center, as evidenced by the presence of a mint, a fleet, and other significant public and private buildings.
Criterion IV: Extraordinary Example of a Roman City.
Much of the ancient city of Aquileia remains intact and buried, making it the most complete example of a preserved Roman city in the Mediterranean area. This is an extraordinary example of architecture and human history.
Criterion VI: Association with Important Events or Traditions.
The Patriarchal Basilica of Aquileia is a symbol of the spread of Christianity in Europe in the early Middle Ages. The basilica and the baptistery are connected with the evangelization of Istria, the Balkans, Hungary, and territories extending to the Danube, making Aquileia one of the major episcopal seats of Christendom.
Whether you are passionate about history and archaeology or not, a visit to Aquileia is a must, especially since it is only 30 minutes away by bike from Grado (60 stadiums, as the Romans used to say, which is equivalent to 11 km).
Points of interest:
- Basilica of Santa Maria Assunta
- Sued Halle
- National Early Christian Museum
- National Archaeological Museum
- Roman Forum
- River Port
- Necropolis
