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Friuli Venezia Giulia

Udine

Aquileia

Basilica of Santa Maria Assunta of Aquileia

Discover

Places to see

Italy

Friuli Venezia Giulia

Udine

Aquileia

Basilica of Santa Maria Assunta of Aquileia

Highlight • Religious Site

Basilica of Santa Maria Assunta of Aquileia

Recommended by 31 hikers out of 33

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Location: Aquileia, Udine, Friuli Venezia Giulia, Italy

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Best Hikes to Basilica of Santa Maria Assunta of Aquileia

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1. From Barbana Island to Aquileia via waterbus and foot

8.98km

02:16

10m

Waterbus journey from sacred Barbana island to UNESCO Aquileia with ancient Christian mosaics.

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Intermediate

4.8

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2. Grado Seafront Promenade – Old Town Alleyways loop from Aquileia

28.7km

07:15

40m

Expert hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Expert

4.7

(3)

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3. Basilica of Aquileia – Roman Forum of Aquileia loop from Aquileia

3.68km

00:56

10m

Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Easy

Tips

Alberto Lionking

November 2, 2023

The Basilica Santa Maria Assunta is the largest and most admired monument of ancient Aquileia. What we see today is the result of various renovations and expansions carried out over the centuries, which however have not compromised the solemnity of the building and the charm that it still exerts on visitors.
The true jewel of the basilica is the floor mosaic, which covered the two large worship halls built in the early 4th century. The mosaic in the southern hall, which corresponds to the current basilica, with its 750 m2 is the largest in the Western Christian world. For almost a third of its extension it is dedicated to the story of Jonah and is surprising for the richness and precision of the details.
The north hall instead corresponds to the current crypt of the excavations: some of the surviving mosaics, visible around the foundations of the bell tower built at the beginning of the 11th century, are particularly accurate and still mysterious in their symbolism. The crypt of the frescoes, however, dates back to the 9th century and is decorated with images from the 12th century which present a singular union between the Christian arts of the East and the West.
In the period April-September it is possible to climb the bell tower, over 70 meters high, which offers a view over the entire city and the surrounding plain up to the sea.
The basilica complex also includes the baptistery and its south hall.

Translated by Google •

🌿 Seit1984 ⚒️

October 12, 2025

🕰️ Historical Overview
Origin: Built as early as 313 AD following the Edict of Milan, which ended the persecution of Christians.

Bishop Theodore: Initiated the construction of a basilica with the famous mosaic floor around 300 AD – financed by parish donations.

Patriarch Poppo: Rebuilt in the 11th century (1021–1031) based on the model of St. Michael's Church in Hildesheim – a rare transfer of North German architecture to Friuli.

🏛️ Architecture & Furnishings
Style: Romanesque-Gothic with a length of 65.5 meters, a width of 30 meters, and a height of 23 meters.

Porch: From the 9th century, once connected to the early Christian baptistery.

Campanile: Over 70 meters high, partly built from stones from the Roman amphitheater.

Interior: Three naves, wooden coffered ceiling from 1526, frescoes from several eras.

🖼️ Mosaics & Crypts
Theodoric Mosaics: Largest early Christian mosaic in Europe (approx. 750m²) – with scenes from the life of Christ, symbolic animals, and allegorical depictions.

Crypts:

Under the apse: Relics and frescoes.

To the left of the main portal: Archaeological excavations and Roman foundations.

🧭 Experience Value
UNESCO World Heritage: Since 1998, expanded in 2017 and 2018.

Domus & Bishop's Palace: Next to the basilica – with Roman mosaics, apse hall, and late antique walls.

Organ: Donated by Emperor Franz Joseph I for the 50th anniversary of his accession to the throne – made in Vienna

Translated by Google •

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Tuesday 4 November

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Location: Aquileia, Udine, Friuli Venezia Giulia, Italy

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Basilica of Santa Maria Assunta of Aquileia

1. From Barbana Island to Aquileia via waterbus and foot

2. Grado Seafront Promenade – Old Town Alleyways loop from Aquileia

3. Basilica of Aquileia – Roman Forum of Aquileia loop from Aquileia

Other Popular Places to Check Out

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