Surroundings, excursions, day trips and itineraries for Lignano

Trieste is the most important city of Friuli Venezia Giulia and is only about 90 kilometers away from Lignano. The foundation of Trieste goes back to ancient history. In the Roman Empire the city was famous and significant due to its port. The architectural remains of this time can still be discovered today throughout the city. Trieste resisted the old rival Venice until the city became a protectorate under Habsburg rule when it was the most important seaport in the Adriatic Sea. Trieste saved its autonomy as a free port until it was finally and definitely tied to Italy after a few years as a free territory. Up until today Trieste has remained an important seaport and a is still a major junction and access point to the north. The Habsburg style palaces and buildings now host museums and theaters. Monuments of international significance can be found in the squares and the streets of Trieste as well as in the surroundings. The most renown ones are the Castle Miramare, the Castle Sangiusto and the light house of victory "Faro della Vittoria". The traditional atmosphere opened towards modernity and that's why Trieste is now a lively center.

50 kilometers away from Lignano is Aquileia, a little city which is tremendously important for its history. Aquileia was a Roman colony in the year 180 BC and the domicile of the Christian church of Rome. The city walls were destroyed in the year 450 by Attila. According to the legend it were the refugees from Aquileia who founded Venezia afterwards. Aquileia was rebuilt and several sieges followed: by the Lombards, the Venetian Republic, the Holy Roman Empire, the Austrian-Hungarian Empire until it was finally tied to Italy after World War I. Today, Aquileia is the most important archeological excavation site in northern Italy. An antique river port, sepulchers, streets and the Roman Basilica constructed in the year 312 can be admired. The masterly crafted mosaic that has been remained in great condition, leaves each visitor breathless. The museum hosts many pieces from the Roman period such as equipment, mosaics, memorial tablets, statues and other treasures.

40 kilometers away from Lignano you can witness one of the most beautiful monuments of Venetian architecture, the "Villa Manin of Passariano", a marvellous Venetian villa of the last Doge of Venice Ludovico Manin, grandson of the noble Antonio Manin from Friuli, who constructed the villa in the 17th century. The bloodline of Manin, whose origins go as far back as to the year 1000, reconstructed the villa over the centuries and added more parts to the main complex as well as built an extension in the 17th and 18th century. Artwork and sculptures originating from the period "Barchesse" as well as the elevation of the main building and the chapel can be admired today. Napoleon Bonaparte stayed overnight at Villa Manin with Giuseppina when he signed the Contract of Campoformio. Today, the villa is the headquarter of the tourism agency of the Region of Friuli Venezia Giulia. Other than hosting art exhibitions, Villa Manin is the location of other cultural events such as concerts that attract a international audience.

Situated only 50 kilometers away from Lignano is Palmanova, the fortress city in the center of Friuli Venezia Giulia. Situated in a strategically favourable position, Palmanova was rebuilt by the Republic of Venice in the year 1600 to protect the citizens from the Turks. Later Palmanova fell into the hands of the Austrians and later to Napoleon. Each regime expanded the fort even more. The architecture is representative for and is one of the few examples of a city fort in the shape of a star; in Italy it's truly unique. Palmanova has nine angles and three round walls and has been declared a national monument site. The main attractions are the pentagonal square from which five streets lead to the five major buildings of the city. One of them is the museum hosting many illustrations of the civil and military history as well as the foundation of the city in World War II. Thus, Palmanova remains a magnet for visitors from various countries also due to its many historical, cultural, religious, culinary and sports events.

Cividale was once called "Forum Iulii" and is located only 80 kilometers away from Lignano. This city was founded in the year 50 BC by Julius Caesar whose statue stands in "Piazza del Duomo". Celtic ruins show that Cividale had been a settlement long before Julius Ceasar arrived. The Lombards founded a dukedom under King Alboino that is still traceable today. During the eight century under the regime of the Franks, the city got its name "Civitas Autriae" which was turned into "Cividale" as it is still called today. The city became the domicile of the Friulian patriarchate after the hegemony of the Venetian Republic. Many ruins of the various regimes can still be found today such as the hypogeum of the Celtics, the temple of the Lombards, the church with its significant art works, the „Palazzo dei Provveditori“ which is dedicated to Palladio any many important pieces to be seen at the archeological museum. A visitors' magnet of more modern times is the devil's bridge, the so called „Ponte del Diavolo“. According to the legend, the devil himself built this bridge and requested the first pedestrian's soul.

Gorizia, is the border town to Slovenia, and is situated about 70 kilometers away from Lignano. The city is a symbol of Austrian irredentism. Even though there are mainly testimonials from the Roman Empire and Gorizia got its name in the year 1000, the origin of this city, however, goes way back to the Middles Ages. In the more modern history, Gorizia was a shire, a protectorate and a territory of Habsburg until its liberation in the year 1918. This enchanting city is known for its charming atmosphere. The mild climate and the citizens' cordiality make Gorizia a perfect place to live. The medieval castle has been rebuilt according to the original layout and has later been transformed into a museum. Together with the "Museum of the Great War" (Museo della Grande Guerra) it attracts many tourists and historians. Visitors can walk in the medieval streets and taste some of the culinary specialties such as small doughnuts, cakes, strudel known as "Putizza", plum gnocchi, goulash of course a typical wine from the region.

Udine is the historical city of Friuli Venezia Giulia and is situated 70 kilometers away from Lignano; it is the capital of the region. Starting with the prehistorical roots, the city has gained more and more importance over the centuries: at the invasion of Aquileia and the Lombards until it became finally a city with a castle in the year 1000 when it got its name Utinum from which derives the name Udine. It was the second city of the Republic of Venice and still shows the typical Venetian style architecture. Later Udine became part of Italy. There are many important monuments, most of all the castle, dominating the city from above a hill. The gothic-venetian building "La Loggia del Lionello" is known for its tower clock, liberty square is only one of many beautiful squares allowing a view of one of the many churches and other significant buildings planned by famous architects such as Massari.

Venice, the city that is still called "La Serenissima" is only about 110 kilometers away from Lignano. Venezia is the pearl of the Adriatic Sea that UNESCO declared a world heritage site, this is one of the most beautiful cities thanks to its urban planning in the water as well as its many culture and art treasures. Venezia and Rome are together the most visited cities in the world. "La Serenissima" was founded by exiled persons in the year 525 who built the city on poles and on the little islands in the lagoon. Venice grew bigger and bigger over time and in the following centuries finally became a Sea Republic and economic power, that remained its hegemony up until it fell under Napoleon. The squares of Venice and the architectural style are still admired today. Only by motorboat, taxi boats or by one of the world famous gondolas and then by foot you can reach the magnificent squares of Venice. Any visitor who comes here feels like being in another era and in another world rich of romantic atmosphere – Venice will always be the dream of any lovers