Cividale del Friuli:
Our Lady’s Image and the Historic Town of Cividale
Cividale del Friuli : Our Lady’s Image and the Historic Town of Cividale
Step into the spiritual and cultural heart of Cividale del Friuli, one of Italy’s most historic and enchanting towns. This guided walking tour invites you to explore sacred traditions, medieval heritage, and the revered image of Our Lady that has inspired devotion for centuries. From ancient Lombard treasures to serene religious sites, you’ll uncover the deep faith and rich history that shaped this UNESCO-recognized town. Whether you’re on pilgrimage or discovering the stories behind Cividale’s timeless beauty, this experience will stay with you long after your visit.
Tour Highlights
Visit the revered Sanctuary of Our Lady’s Image, home to one of Cividale’s most cherished Marian devotions.
Explore the historic center of Cividale del Friuli, founded by Julius Caesar and shaped by centuries of faith and tradition.
Discover the Tempietto Longobardo, one of the finest surviving masterpieces of Lombard architecture and spirituality.
Walk across the iconic Devil’s Bridge (Ponte del Diavolo) and enjoy breathtaking views of the Natisone River.
Wander through medieval streets filled with ancient charm, artisan shops, and sacred landmarks.
Visit important religious and historical sites linked to Marian devotion, local saints, and the town’s deep Christian roots.
Learn about Cividale’s UNESCO-recognized Lombard heritage and its role as a center of medieval spirituality.
Conclude your journey with a peaceful moment of reflection near the Sanctuary, taking in the town’s gentle beauty and spiritual atmosphere.
More Information
Duration : 2 Hours
Language : 
English | 
French | 
Spanish | 
German | 
Italian | 
Portuguese | 
Polish
Tour Inclusions : Experienced tour guide, Entrance to key religious and historical sites in Cividale del Friuli, Small-group experience
Tour Exclusions : Personal expenses, hotel pickup, Food and drinks, Transportation to/from Cividale del Friuli, Optional donations, Entrance fees not specified
Distance : Approximately 1.5 km walking
Accessibility : Not wheelchair accessible
Meeting Point : Please arrive 10 minutes early at the entrance of the Sanctuary of Our Lady’s Image in Cividale del Friuli. Your guide will meet you at the main doorway of the sanctuary. A Google Maps link will be provided for easy navigation.
Cividale del Friuli : Our Lady’s Image and the Historic Town of Cividale
Discover the spiritual and historical treasures of Cividale del Friuli on this enriching walking tour centered around Our Lady’s Image and the ancient medieval town. Begin your journey at one of Cividale’s cherished Marian sites, where devotion to the Blessed Virgin has deep roots and continues to inspire pilgrims today.
Explore the historic heart of Cividale, founded by the Lombards and recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Wander through medieval streets, stone bridges, and ancient squares that reveal centuries of culture, Christian heritage, and artistic tradition.
Visit the famous Devil’s Bridge (Ponte del Diavolo), an iconic symbol of the town, offering stunning views of the Natisone River as it flows through the gorge. Learn about the legends and faith-filled stories surrounding this remarkable structure.
Continue to the town’s spiritual landmarks, where sacred art, Marian devotion, and centuries-old traditions come together. Admire ancient frescoes, chapels, and the deep Christian identity that shaped the community throughout the ages.
As you walk through the charming medieval center, your guide will share stories of saints, miracles, and the historical moments that transformed Cividale into one of northern Italy’s most significant spiritual destinations.
Your tour concludes near the Marian site, allowing time for quiet reflection, prayer, or personal devotion. Leave with a richer understanding of Our Lady’s Image, the town’s sacred heritage, and the enduring faith woven into the history of Cividale del Friuli.
Cividale del Friuli : Our Lady’s Image and the Historic Town of Cividale
Nestled in the rolling hills of northeastern Italy, Cividale del Friuli is a treasure of Christian heritage, medieval architecture, and deep spiritual devotion. Founded by Julius Caesar and later shaped by the Lombards, this UNESCO-recognized town offers pilgrims and travelers a unique encounter with sacred history, breathtaking art, and timeless Marian devotion. Among its most cherished sites is the revered Image of Our Lady, a symbol of protection and grace for the people of Cividale across the centuries. The town’s ancient churches, chapels, and sanctuaries preserve this profound devotion, making Cividale a spiritual landmark in the Friuli-Venezia Giulia region.
Our Lady’s Image in Cividale
Cividale is home to centuries-old traditions honoring the Blessed Virgin Mary. The venerated Image of Our Lady, honored by locals and pilgrims alike, reflects the town’s deep Marian spirituality, expressed through sacred art, ancient frescoes, and longstanding religious practices. Devotees have come here for generations seeking comfort, healing, and inspiration before this holy image, which remains an anchor of faith at the heart of the town.
The Historic Christian Roots of Cividale
Cividale holds a unique place in Christian history. It was the first Lombard duchy in Italy and a center of early medieval spirituality. The town’s historic core reveals a rich legacy of churches, monasteries, and religious institutions that shaped its cultural and spiritual identity. The Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, the Christian Museum, and the Tempietto Longobardo—widely considered one of the finest examples of early medieval religious architecture—offer deep insights into the Christian artistry and devotion of the early centuries.
Tempietto Longobardo (Lombard Temple)
One of Cividale’s greatest treasures is the Tempietto Longobardo, a masterpiece of Lombard spirituality and craftsmanship dating to the 8th century. Inside, visitors encounter delicate stucco angels, sacred iconography, and architectural details that reveal the sophisticated Christian culture of the Lombards. This sacred space stands as a testament to the enduring faith of the early medieval communities who shaped the region.
The Legend of the Devil’s Bridge
Crossing the Ponte del Diavolo (Devil’s Bridge) is one of Cividale’s most iconic experiences. Spanning the Natisone River, this medieval stone bridge is bound to a local legend involving a pact with the devil, later overcome by faith. Today, it remains a powerful symbol of the town, offering sweeping views of the emerald waters and the historic center.
Pilgrimage and the Spiritual Landscape
Cividale has long been a destination for pilgrims traveling through northern Italy. Its Marian shrines, ancient churches, and sacred art provide pathways for contemplation and prayer. The surrounding hills, medieval streets, and riverside paths offer a serene environment for spiritual reflection. Whether visiting the Image of Our Lady, exploring the Tempietto Longobardo, or simply walking through the historic center, travelers encounter a living expression of faith woven into the town’s very foundations.
A Living Connection Between Faith and History
Today, Cividale del Friuli continues to welcome visitors seeking spiritual enrichment, historical insight, or peaceful exploration. The town’s sacred sites, religious traditions, and timeless Marian devotion make it a true jewel of Christian heritage. Whether you come for pilgrimage, reflection, or discovery, Cividale offers an unforgettable journey through faith, history, and the enduring beauty of Italy’s spiritual past.
- Dress Code: Dress with an appropriate dress code for religious sites
- Walking & Terrain: The tour involves walking approximately 1.2–1.5 km over cobblestone streets, some gentle slopes, and uneven surfaces. Comfortable walking shoes are essential.
- Weather & Clothing: Bolsena’s weather can vary—dress in layers and bring a hat, sunscreen, and water, especially in warmer months.
- Respectful Conduct: Many stops include sacred sites like the Basilica, catacombs, and chapels. Please maintain respectful silence and follow the guide’s instructions.
- Photography: Photos are welcome except where restricted inside sacred areas. Please respect local customs and signage.
- Accessibility: If you have mobility concerns, please inform us before booking so we can assist or recommend alternatives.
- Language: The tour is conducted in the selected at the reservation stage. Private or multilingual guide options are available upon request.
- Health & Safety: Please follow any current health protocols. Inform your guide of allergies or medical needs.
- Local Etiquette: Bolsena is a living community with religious traditions—please be courteous to locals and worshippers.
- Kids: Kids must be accompanied by an adult.
- Minimum Participants: The tour requires a minimum number of participants to operate. If this requirement is not met, the tour may be rescheduled, cancelled, or rearranged as a private tour, with any additional costs to be agreed upon.
- Weather Conditions: Our tours operate in all weather conditions; however, in the event of adverse or unsafe weather, the tour may be cancelled, rescheduled, or modified for safety reasons. In such cases, suitable alternative arrangements or remedies will be considered depending on the circumstances.
Personal Items: Carry light; a small bag or backpack for water, camera, and essentials is recommended.
- Full Refund: The tour can be canceled up to 24 hours in advance of the experience start time for a full refund
- Time Zone: Local time is applied in the event of cancellation.
- Changes: Any changes to be made before 24 hours to the departure
- No Refund: Any changes or cancellations made within 24 hours of the tour start time will not be eligible for a refund.
- Group Size: The tour requires a minimum number of participants to operate. If this requirement is not met, the tour may be rescheduled, cancelled, or rearranged as a private tour, with any additional costs to be agreed upon. A full refund will be provided if the tour is cancelled due to the minimum number of participants.
🧭 Plan Your Visit to Cividale del Friuli
Discover the easiest ways to reach, stay, and explore Cividale del Friuli — a historic town rich in faith, medieval charm, and Italian heritage. Travel times are approximate and may vary with schedules and traffic.
🤝 Airport Meet & Assist Services
For a smooth travel experience, take advantage of Meet & Assist services available for arrivals and departures at major airports, including Venice Marco Polo (VCE), Trieste (TRS), and Treviso (TSF).
A dedicated assistant will greet you, assist with luggage, check-in, and security, ensuring a stress-free start or end to your journey.
Note: service is provided only within the airport.
✈️ By Air
Venice Marco Polo (VCE) – ~150 km | Trieste (TRS) – ~90 km
Approx. 1.5–2 hours by car or taxi.
From either airport, rent a car or take a train via Udine to Cividale del Friuli.
🚆 By Train
Nearest Station: Cividale del Friuli
From Udine: ~30 minutes | From Venice: ~2.5–3 hours (with transfer at Udine)
🚗 By Car
Drive along scenic regional roads connecting Udine, Venice, and Trieste.
From Udine: ~30 km (~30 minutes)
From Trieste: ~90 km (~1.5 hours)
Free and paid parking available near the town center and main churches.
🚌 By Bus
Regional buses connect Cividale del Friuli with Udine and neighboring towns. Timetables vary — check in advance.
🚖 By Taxi / Private Transfer
Direct transfers from airports or nearby cities are available. Ideal for small groups or travelers with luggage.
🚶♀️ On Foot / Locally
Cividale del Friuli is a compact, walkable town. All main attractions — the Image of Our Lady, Tempietto Longobardo, Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, and historic streets — are easily explored on foot.
🏨 Where to Stay in Cividale del Friuli
Choose from boutique hotels, guesthouses, or family-run B&Bs within walking distance of the historic center.
🏨 Hotels & B&Bs | 🏡 Unique Local Stays
🎟️ Experiences & Activities
Explore local spiritual and cultural treasures, guided tours, and nearby historic sites to make your visit unforgettable.
🎟️ Book Tours & Activities
🎒 Travel Essentials
Be prepared for walking tours through Cividale’s medieval streets and sacred sites.
👟 Comfortable walking shoes & gear
🧳 Travel insurance
✝️ Religious & Devotional Items
Even if you cannot visit in person, bring home authentic Catholic devotional items inspired by the Image of Our Lady and other sacred traditions of Cividale.
🕊️ Religious gifts & souvenirs
⚠️ Note
All times, prices, and details are approximate and may vary depending on schedules, seasons, or provider updates. Always check current travel information before booking.
💡 Travel Tip
Combine train + local taxi or rental car for the smoothest arrival from Venice, Udine, or Trieste — the perfect blend of comfort and flexibility.
Discover the places that matter most to you, even if you’re staying only a short time.
We create fully personalised pilgrimage routes and custom tours designed around your faith, interests and schedule. Whether you want to visit a sacred shrine, a historic basilica, a monastery on a hilltop, or a lesser-known religious site that few travellers reach, we’ll make it possible.
To help you save time, we can arrange private pickup from the airports, ports, Rail Stations or directly from your accommodation. Our team ensures you have direct, stress-free access to the religious destinations you may not have another chance to visit again.
Every itinerary is crafted with care: Private transfers to and from holy sites, Flexible schedules for prayer, reflection, and guided visits, Local experts to share history, spirituality, and traditions, Tailor-made tours for individuals, couples, families, or parish groups
If there’s a special tour or pilgrimage tied to a destination close to your heart, let us know — we’ll create a meaningful journey crafted just for you. Contact us to get a quotation for your personalised tour request.
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Work With Us as a Tour Guide in Cividale del Friuli
We’re looking for licensed tour guides to help visitors explore the rich faith, history, and beauty of Cividale del Friuli. Share the stories of the Image of Our Lady, historic churches, medieval streets, and cultural landmarks with pilgrims and travelers alike.
If you have experience guiding visitors through sacred and historic sites in Cividale, we’d love to hear from you.
Contact us to join our team of expert tour guides.
Partner with Us
We’re always looking to collaborate with travel agencies, pilgrimage organizers, and Catholic organizations to bring faith-based tours to more pilgrims. Partner with us to offer authentic Catholic pilgrimage experiences, expand your offerings, and deliver unforgettable journeys to sacred sites.