Tempietto Longobardo Cividale
A UNESCO World Heritage gem, this 8th-century Lombard temple boasts stunning stucco reliefs and Byzantine frescoes.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Fewer crowds, better photos
Tempietto Longobardo Cividale
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A UNESCO World Heritage gem, this 8th-century Lombard temple boasts stunning stucco reliefs and Byzantine frescoes.
"A small jewel, mostly if you love ancient art."
🎯 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.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Intricate Stucco Work
Interior walls
Marvel at the delicate stucco reliefs, a testament to Lombardic artistry and Byzantine influence.
Byzantine Frescoes
Interior walls and ceiling
Be captivated by the vibrant, detailed frescoes that offer a glimpse into medieval religious art.
Lombardic Architectural Gem
Exterior and interior
Experience a unique example of early medieval architecture, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit for Tranquility
Understanding Your Ticket Options
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 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.
🗣️ Brush up on Italian/English
Signage may be limited in other languages, impacting historical context.
⏳ Take your time
This small jewel deserves a leisurely exploration to appreciate its details.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 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.
🗣️ Brush up on Italian/English
Signage may be limited in other languages, impacting historical context.
⏳ Take your time
This small jewel deserves a leisurely exploration to appreciate its details.
✨ Admire the frescoes
The vibrant Byzantine frescoes are a highlight not to be missed.
What Travellers Say
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
What People Dislike
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.
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.
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.
🎫 🎫 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
🎫 🧭 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.
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.
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.
Information on regular guided tours is not always readily available. However, local tourist offices might offer information on private guides or specific tour days.
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.
🍽️ 🍽️ 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.
Expect traditional Friulian dishes, often featuring polenta, cured meats, cheeses, and hearty stews. Local wines are also a highlight.
📸 📸 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.
Focus on the intricate stucco details and the vibrant colors of the frescoes. The altar area and the choir stalls offer particularly photogenic scenes.
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.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
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.
🏛️ History & Art Enthusiasts
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.
🚶 Solo Travelers
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.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Artistry of the Tempietto Longobardo
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.
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.
Navigating Cividale del Friuli and its UNESCO Sites
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.
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.


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