The name Grado comes from the Latin gradus, meaning port. The Romans founded this city on the sea, and equipped it with an impressive military outpost. Today, the ancient castrum corresponds to the lively town center, which conserves the Venetian urban plan formed by narrow waterways and small squares. The Basilica of Sant'Eufemia, which served as the cathedral of the patriarchate of Aquileia for over eight hundred years, was built in 579 according to the wishes of the Bishop Elia, on the site of a Palaeo-Christian basilica. Visitors to the church are greeted by a pale brick façade and a bell tower on the top of which there is a bronze statue of the Archangel St Michael.
Inside the church, comprised of a nave and two aisles, one finds an impressive 6th century mosaic pavement covering some 700sqm and characterized by a series of geometric motifs. Behind the basilica there is the Lapidary Museum in which precious pieces of statues and epigraphs dating back to the Roman, Palaeo-Christian, and late middle ages are conserved. To the left of the basilica, there is an octagonal baptistery, which also contains an exquisite mosaic. The Basilica of Santa Maria delle Grazie is another of Grado's architectural treasures; constructed on two levels, the building was initiated in the 4th century by the Bishop Cromazio, to be completed some two centuries later by Elia. Although very little is left of the mosaic pavement of the Basilica della Corte, that which remains can be visited thanks to a system of raised walkways.
Once on the SS 352 highway, after just 11 kms, we come to Aquileia. Founded by the Roman Senate in 181 B.C., after the edict of Constantinople the town became a site of great religious importance and seat of the patriarchate. Traces of the Roman empire can still be seen, including the remains of the Roman forum, clearly visible from the SS 352 highway. The 11th century Basilica of the Patriarchs is the true jewel of Aquilea. This imposing Romanesque church was erected by the Patriarch Poppo on the site of a 9th century basilica which had been built on land occupied by an even earlier 4th century Palaeo-Christian complex. With its 760sqm of mosaics dating back to the Palaeo-Christian period, the Basilica of the Patriarchs boasts the largest mosaic pavement in the Christian West: offering a veritable catechism by images.
In the neighboring Museum of the Patriarch there are a number of fascinating exhibits. The mosaics inside the Monastero Basilica make this ancient 5th century house of worship, subsequently transformed in Benedictine monastery and, much later, in store for agricultural equipment, well worthy of visit. In the nearby Palaeo-Christian Museum there are a number of mosaics once belonging to those churches which have now fallen in to a state of ruin. The National Archaeological Museum contains numerous artefacts dating back to the Roman period, including a magnificent sailing vessel.
Visitors to Palmanova are inevitably struck by the town's Renaissance urban plan, based on a nine pointed star with, at its center, a hexagonal piazza dominated by Palmanova's 17th century cathedral. The town is accessed via three monumental gateways.
Following indications for Passariano, we come to the splendid Villa Manin. The palace, initiated in the 17th century, was once home to Ludovico Manin elected the last Doge of Venice in 1789. It was here that Napoleon signed the Campoformio Treaty, whereby the Republic of Venice was assigned to the Austrian Empire. Today the Villa provides the elegant venue for an important collection of contemporary artwork and the Carriage Museum.
