Cividale

Cividale del Friuli, often simply referred to as Cividale, is a town and comune in the province of Udine, in the Friuli-Venezia Giulia region of northeastern Italy. It is situated on the Natisone River, a tributary of the Torre River. Historically, Cividale played a significant role as the capital of the Lombard Duchy of Cividale, founded by Duke Gisulf I in the early 6th century. This period left a lasting architectural and cultural legacy, most notably the Tempietto Longobardo, a remarkable example of Lombard architecture.

The town's strategic location made it an important center for trade and administration throughout various historical periods. Its name, Cividale, is derived from the Latin "civitas," meaning city, reflecting its former importance. During the Venetian Republic's rule, it continued to be a notable administrative and religious center.

Today, Cividale del Friuli is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, sharing this designation with other Lombard sites in Italy. The Tempietto Longobardo, along with the Christian Museum, houses a collection of Lombard artifacts and art. The Ponte del Diavolo, or Devil's Bridge, a medieval stone bridge spanning the Natisone River, is another iconic landmark. The town preserves a charming historic center with narrow streets and ancient buildings, attracting visitors interested in history, art, and culture. The surrounding area is known for its viticulture, producing notable Friulian wines.