Archaeological Area and the Patriarchal Basilica of Aquileia

One of the largest and wealthiest cities of the Early Roman Empire

Located at the northern end of the Adriatic Sea on the Natissa (Natiso) River, the property includes the Archaeological Area and the Patriarchal Basilica of Aquileia. The Roman city dates from 181 BCE and became one of the largest and wealthiest cities in the early Roman Empire until it was sacked and destroyed in 452 by the Huns led by Attila.

The city was a major trading centre connecting the Mediterranean to Central Europe. Aquileia’s wealth and status within the empire was reflected in its magnificent public buildings and private residences many of which survive as archaeological remains. The archaeological area, covering 155 hectares, includes part of the forum and its Roman basilica (courthouse), the late antique horrea, one of the sets of baths and two luxurious residential complexes.

Outside the late Roman city walls, the entire course of which has been located and part of which stills survives, excavations have also revealed a cemetery with some impressive funerary monuments. Below ground archaeological remains of the amphitheatre and the circus have also been preserved.

The most striking remains of the Roman city are those of the port installations, a long row of warehouses and quays that stretch along the bank of the river. These were incorporated into the 4th century defences, substantial traces of which can be seen today. The dominant feature of Aquileia is the Basilica, erected, primarily, in the early-Christian period.

The imposing mosaic floor dates back to the Theodorian church built at the beginning of the 4th century and rebuilt between the 11th and 14th century according to the Romanesque and Gothic style. Most of Aquileia remains unexcavated beneath fields and, as a result, constitutes a unique archaeological reserve.

Its Patriarchal Basilica is an outstanding building that houses an exceptional work of art in its mosaic pavement and also played a key role in the evangelization of a large region of central Europe. It became the seat of a Patriarchate which survived until 1751.

An emblematic symbol of all ancient Roman cities, the forum was the place where all the main trading, leisure and administrative activities of Aquileia were concentrated. Here stood the comitium (where the city's public meetings took place) and a temple erected by triumvir Titus Annius Luscus.

In the 1st century AD, Aquileia was a thriving city, lying at a crossroads for trade goods travelling between the Mediterranean Sea and mainland Europe. Several monumental works, including the river port built on the Natiso cum Turro river bear evidence of such wealth. In Antiquity, the river ran to the east of the city and its bed was almost 50 metres wide.

Comprising three floors and twelve rooms, the National Archaeological Museum of Aquileia bears evidence to the long tradition of collection and classification of archaeological finds started in Aquileia in the 18th century.

Basilica, baptistery, and südhalle

The dominant feature of Aquileia is the Basilica, erected, primarily, in the early-Christian period with its imposing mosaic floor.

Theodorian church built at the beginning of the 4th century and rebuilt between the 11th and 14th century according to the Romanesque and Gothic style.

A beautiful example of the crypt's frescoes.

Open Days

Aquileia is famous for its crucial position at a crossroads of civilizations and trade, as well as for its role as a strategic military outpost in the Roman Empire.

The city today preserves very important archaeological evidence of its glorious past. In spring and summer, join the scholars to explore the Roman metropolis like you've never seen it.

Open Days to archaeological areas are organized by Fondazione Aquileia, the Direction of Archaeology, Fine Arts and Landscape of Friuli Venezia Giulia and the Universities of Padua, Trieste and Udine. You'll be admitted to areas not yet open to the public, led by archaeologists throughout ancient stories and precious finds.

These exceptionally open areas include: the Great Baths complex, with its stunning 4th century mosaic floors stretching over an area of more than two hectares and a half; the so-called “House of the Wounded Beasts”, a rich patrician house found in the residential district to the north of the city, featuring a mosaic with scenes of hunting and wounded animals; the Byzantine walls, a set of triangular ramparts built to defend the neighbourhood of the Basilica.