Tempietto Longobardo (Cividale) - Image 1
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Tempietto Longobardo Cividale

4.5
·848 reviews·Cividale del Friuli, Italy

A UNESCO World Heritage gem, this 8th-century Lombard temple boasts stunning stucco reliefs and Byzantine frescoes.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, better photos

CrowdLow
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Tempietto Longobardo (Cividale) - Image 1

Tempietto Longobardo Cividale

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, better photos

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A UNESCO World Heritage gem, this 8th-century Lombard temple boasts stunning stucco reliefs and Byzantine frescoes.

4.5
(848 reviews)

"A small jewel, mostly if you love ancient art."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Go early or late

Beat the crowds for a more peaceful visit and better photo opportunities.

🎫 Clarify ticket inclusions

Ticket combinations can be confusing; ensure you know what you're paying for.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Intricate Stucco Work

Intricate Stucco Work

Interior walls

Marvel at the delicate stucco reliefs, a testament to Lombardic artistry and Byzantine influence.

Byzantine Frescoes

Byzantine Frescoes

Interior walls and ceiling

Be captivated by the vibrant, detailed frescoes that offer a glimpse into medieval religious art.

Lombardic Architectural Gem

Lombardic Architectural Gem

Exterior and interior

Experience a unique example of early medieval architecture, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing Your Visit for Tranquility

To truly appreciate the Tempietto Longobardo's intricate stucco and frescoes, aim for weekdays outside peak tourist hours. Early mornings or late afternoons offer a more serene experience, allowing you to absorb the historical ambiance without the crowds.

Understanding Your Ticket Options

While the Tempietto Longobardo is a must-see, ticket combinations can be confusing. Some visitors report not having their tickets checked, leading to uncertainty about what's included. Clarify your ticket's scope to ensure you don't miss any associated exhibits.

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, better photos
Crowd
Low
When
Weekday afternoons
Why
Quieter atmosphere
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

✨ 5 MERAVIGLIE NASCOSTE DEL FRIULI VENEZIA GIULIA ✨ Hai mai esplorato il lato più selvaggio e suggestivo di questa regione? Ecco 5 luoghi che sembrano usciti da una fiaba: 📍 Laghi di Fusine – Due specchi d’acqua incastonati tra le Alpi Giulie. Silenzio, boschi e riflessi perfetti. 📍 Ponte del Diavolo – Cividale del Friuli – Leggende antiche e una vista mozzafiato sul Natisone nel cuore di una citt...
@miledodevski_photography
9.9K likes • 124.8K views

🎯 Go early or late

Beat the crowds for a more peaceful visit and better photo opportunities. TikTok

🎫 Clarify ticket inclusions

Ticket combinations can be confusing; ensure you know what you're paying for. Reddit

Il “Tempietto Longobardo “ di Cividale del Friuli (UD) è tra i capolavori dell’ arte medievale italiana e Patrimonio UNESCO. Le sue origini e funzioni sono ancora incerte. La costruzione si fa risalire alla metà dell’VIII secolo e probabilmente aveva funzione di cappella palatina, successivamente divenne oratorio delle monache del Monastero di Santa Maria della Valle. Gli affreschi che lo deco...
medievaleggiando_
0 likes • 4.5K views
Il nostro splendido Tempietto Longobardo visitato da @medievaleggiando_
culturacividale
90 likes • 1.6K views

🗣️ Brush up on Italian/English

Signage may be limited in other languages, impacting historical context. Reddit

⏳ Take your time

This small jewel deserves a leisurely exploration to appreciate its details. Reddit

#Cividale riabbraccia uno dei suoi simboli: il Tempietto #Longobardo finalmente restituito alla comunità in tutto il suo splendore! 🏛️ Dopo quasi 9 anni di lavori, analisi e restauri, questa antica testimonianza della storia della nostra Regione rinasce con i vividi colori degli affreschi e la bellezza del coro ligneo. 👏 Che bello festeggiare questo momento proprio in occasione dei 14 anni dal ri...
sergiobini68
63 likes • 3.2K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Go early or late

Beat the crowds for a more peaceful visit and better photo opportunities. TikTok

🎫 Clarify ticket inclusions

Ticket combinations can be confusing; ensure you know what you're paying for. Reddit

🗣️ Brush up on Italian/English

Signage may be limited in other languages, impacting historical context. Reddit

⏳ Take your time

This small jewel deserves a leisurely exploration to appreciate its details. Reddit

✨ Admire the frescoes

The vibrant Byzantine frescoes are a highlight not to be missed. Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.5
(848 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise the Tempietto Longobardo as a beautiful and historically significant site, particularly admiring its intricate stucco work and vibrant frescoes. However, some find the ticketing system confusing and note that signage can be lacking in English, potentially diminishing the experience for non-Italian speakers.

"Since 25 years there have been no nuns living there
Interesting to see how they lived and the rules they had to respect
Beautiful art exhibition available"

N P

"A very nice building and exhibition, a must see in Cividale del Friuli. The only disturbing was that the ticket combinations are confusing.
Nobody asked for our tickets and extra tickets along our walk, and we did'nt know what is the extra ticket for."

RRoberto76

"I suspect this might be interesting but for a non-italian speaker the signage is woeful so you are left with few dates and zero context. Renovation/repair is still ongoing and nobody seems to have taken much interest in the interpretive side of presenting this piece of history."

Michael Jones

What People Like

Beautiful art and architecture
Intricate stucco details
Vibrant frescoes

What People Dislike

Confusing ticket combinations
Limited English signage

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Tempietto Longobardo is located in Cividale del Friuli. If arriving by car, look for parking in the town center. Public transport options might involve regional buses from nearby cities like Udine. Walking is easy once you are in Cividale as the town is compact. TikTok

Cividale del Friuli is accessible by regional train and bus services. It's a popular day trip destination from Udine and other towns in the Friuli Venezia Giulia region. TikTok

Cividale del Friuli is best explored on foot. The Tempietto Longobardo is centrally located, making it easy to combine with visits to other historical sites in the town. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Entry to the Tempietto Longobardo typically costs around 4 euros, often as part of a combination ticket for local attractions. It's advisable to check current pricing upon arrival. Reddit

Information on specific discounts is not widely available, but it's always worth inquiring about potential concessions for students, seniors, or groups at the ticket office. Reddit

Opening hours can vary seasonally and may be affected by ongoing renovations. It's recommended to check the official local tourism website or inquire locally for the most up-to-date information. Instagram

While some attractions offer online booking, it's not always guaranteed for smaller historical sites like the Tempietto Longobardo. Purchasing tickets on-site is usually the most straightforward method. Reddit

Ticket combinations can be confusing. Some visitors have noted that it's unclear what extra tickets are for, so clarify what your admission covers to ensure you experience all available exhibits. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

The Tempietto Longobardo is renowned for its exceptional stucco work and Byzantine frescoes, representing a significant example of Lombardic art and architecture from the 8th century. It's a UNESCO World Heritage site. Instagram+1

While the historical and artistic significance might be more appreciated by adults, children can still find the intricate details and stories interesting. It's a relatively small site, so it won't be overwhelming. Instagram

Dating back to the mid-8th century, it's a rare surviving example of Lombardic architecture, likely serving as a palatine chapel. Its art reflects the fusion of Lombard, Byzantine, and early medieval styles. Instagram+1

Information on regular guided tours is not always readily available. However, local tourist offices might offer information on private guides or specific tour days. Reddit

Use a wide-angle lens to capture the interior spaces and details of the frescoes and stucco. Be mindful of lighting conditions and any restrictions on flash photography. TikTokInstagram

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Cividale del Friuli offers numerous trattorias, cafes, and restaurants serving local Friulian cuisine. You'll find plenty of options within walking distance of the Tempietto. Reddit

Expect traditional Friulian dishes, often featuring polenta, cured meats, cheeses, and hearty stews. Local wines are also a highlight. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Photography is generally allowed, but flash might be prohibited to protect the delicate frescoes. Always check for signage or ask staff before using flash. TikTok

Focus on the intricate stucco details and the vibrant colors of the frescoes. The altar area and the choir stalls offer particularly photogenic scenes. Instagram

Drone usage is typically restricted in historical and urban areas due to privacy and safety regulations. It's best to assume drone photography is not permitted. TikTok

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

While the Tempietto Longobardo is a historical site, its visual richness can still engage younger visitors. The intricate stucco work and colorful frescoes might spark curiosity about ancient art and stories. Encourage children to look for specific shapes or figures within the decorations. The town of Cividale itself offers more open spaces and the intriguing Ponte del Diavolo which can be more captivating for kids. TikTokInstagram

To make the visit more enjoyable, consider a shorter visit focused on the most visually striking elements. Bringing a small sketchbook for children to draw what they see can also enhance their engagement. Remember that signage might be primarily in Italian, so a brief explanation beforehand can set the stage. Reddit

🏛️ History & Art Enthusiasts

For those passionate about history and art, the Tempietto Longobardo is an unmissable destination. Its status as a UNESCO World Heritage site speaks volumes about its significance. Delve into the architectural fusion of Lombardic, Byzantine, and Romanesque styles, and spend time deciphering the narratives within the stucco reliefs and frescoes. Instagram+1

Consider researching the historical context of the Lombards in Italy before your visit to fully appreciate the Tempietto's place in history. Visiting other Lombard sites in Cividale, such as the Monastery of Santa Maria in Valle, will provide a more comprehensive understanding of this fascinating period. Reddit

🚶 Solo Travelers

The Tempietto Longobardo offers a contemplative experience perfect for solo travelers. Its relatively small size allows for an intimate encounter with history and art without feeling rushed. Take your time to absorb the details and reflect on the centuries of history contained within its walls. Reddit

Cividale del Friuli is a safe and walkable town, making it ideal for solo exploration. You can easily combine a visit to the Tempietto with a wander through the town, enjoying local cafes and the scenic river views. Engaging with local information or a brief guidebook can enrich your understanding, especially if signage is limited. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Artistry of the Tempietto Longobardo

The Tempietto Longobardo is a small but incredibly significant architectural and artistic marvel. Dating from the mid-8th century, it stands as one of the most important surviving examples of Lombardic art in Italy. Its construction is attributed to the Lombard dukes of Cividale, and it likely served as a palatine chapel or a private oratory for the monastery of Santa Maria in Valle. The building showcases a fascinating blend of influences, incorporating elements of late Roman, Byzantine, and Germanic traditions. Instagram+1

The interior is particularly breathtaking, adorned with exquisite stucco reliefs that depict intricate patterns, floral motifs, and figurative scenes. These stucco works are remarkably well-preserved and offer a rare insight into the craftsmanship of the era. Complementing the stucco are the vibrant Byzantine frescoes, which, despite some fading over centuries, still retain much of their original color and detail. These frescoes often depict religious scenes and figures, adding a layer of spiritual narrative to the visual splendor. Instagram+1

Recognized for its unique historical and artistic value, the Tempietto Longobardo is part of the UNESCO World Heritage serial site 'Longobards in Italy: Places of the Power (568–774)'. This designation underscores its importance not just as a local treasure but as a site of international cultural significance. Visiting the Tempietto offers a profound connection to early medieval history and art, making it a compelling destination for history buffs and art enthusiasts alike. Instagram

Navigating Cividale del Friuli and its UNESCO Sites

Cividale del Friuli itself is a charming town steeped in history, and the Tempietto Longobardo is just one piece of its rich heritage. The town was founded by Julius Caesar and later became a significant center for the Lombards. Exploring Cividale involves wandering through its medieval streets, discovering ancient bridges like the Ponte del Diavolo (Devil's Bridge), and visiting other historical churches and museums. TikTok

The Tempietto is part of a larger UNESCO designation that includes several Lombard sites across Italy. In Cividale, other key Lombard sites include the Monastery of Santa Maria in Valle, where the Tempietto is located, and the Cattedrale di Santa Maria Assunta, which houses Lombard artifacts. The town's layout and many of its structures still bear the imprint of its Lombard past, making it a living museum. Instagram+1

When visiting, consider dedicating ample time to explore Cividale beyond just the Tempietto. Many visitors recommend taking a leisurely stroll to soak in the atmosphere and discover hidden historical gems. The town's compact nature makes it ideal for walking, allowing you to easily connect the various historical sites and appreciate the continuity of its long history. Reddit

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