The best running trails around Fiumicello Villa Vicentina

The Basilica of Santa Maria Assunta in Aquileia is a masterpiece of inestimable historical value, known primarily for housing the largest early Christian mosaic in the Western world. Dating back to the 4th century AD, this extraordinary floor work covers over 750 square meters and narrates, through colored tesserae, biblical scenes such as the cycle of Jonah and complex symbolisms like the struggle between the rooster and the turtle. Beyond the mosaics, the Basilica is an architectural palimpsest where the Romanesque style blends with Gothic and Renaissance elements. Of great suggestion are the Crypt of the Frescoes, with 12th-century Byzantine paintings, and the Crypt of the Excavations, which allows walking over the remains of the ancient Theodorean structures. The majestic bell tower, which dominates the Friulian plain, was built in the 11th century using marble recovered from the Roman amphitheater, a symbol of the indissoluble link between the imperial city and its Christian heritage.

Aquileia, the gateway to the East of the Roman Empire... today there are many testimonies of the greatness of this small town which, in the time of the empire, was the 9th largest city....

The old station of Aquileia, soon to be restored. Historic stage of the journey of the Unknown Soldier's body.

The Isonzo Municipal Park, established by the Municipality of Turriaco in 2000, is a green oasis immersed in the natural environment surrounding this important river. In recent years, it has undergone several enhancement and redevelopment interventions: vegetation, cycle paths, picnic areas, a playground, and a fitness trail. In the same context, one of the most important completed projects is the "Ciclabili dei cantautori" (Singer-songwriters' cycle paths), which involves the creation of an urban network of cycle paths linked to the names of great Italian singer-songwriters. In December 2018, two cycle paths were inaugurated, named after Luigi Tenco (Tenco) and Fabrizio De Andrè (Faber), each approximately 1.5 km long, connecting the urban area with neighboring towns. In September 2019, a third cycle path followed, named after Giorgio Gaber, which leads to the park's trails. Of particular interest are "El Corridor", a work created with recycled materials by the artist Giuliano Cecone, located on the Tenco cycle path, and the pump track facility, a safe artificial course made up of bumps, turns, and jumps, for two-wheeled vehicles. The Municipality of Turriaco was thus able to receive the "Comune Ciclabile" (Cycling Municipality) recognition in 2019, capable of promoting and enhancing the beauty and activities that exist in the territory. Between 2021 and 2024, two further routes were completed: the one dedicated to Mia Martini (Mimì), which branches off from the one named after Giorgio Gaber, and the one dedicated to Raffaella Carrà (Carrà), which connects via Marconi with via Oberdan.

🛤️ Via Sacra – The Sacred Way Origin: The present-day Via Sacra was created as a footpath in 1934, but follows the course of the ancient riverbed of the Natisone and Torre rivers. Function: Connects the Basilica of Santa Maria Assunta with the river port and the excavation sites of Fondo Cossar and Fondo Pasqualis. Atmosphere: Lined with cypress trees, with exposed reliefs, inscriptions, and port structures – an archaeological walk through the Roman trading world. ⚓ Ancient River Port (Porto Fluviale) Location: Along the Via Sacra, on the western bank of the former river. Size: Over 380 meters of preserved quays – one of the best-preserved Roman inland ports in Europe. Structure: Two levels of quays – for different water levels and ship types. Mooring loops: Stone blocks with holes drilled for mooring boats. Warehouses (Horrea): Directly behind the quays, with ramps leading into the city. Traces of play: Board games carved into the stone by dockworkers – a charming detail of everyday life. 🧱 Traces of defense Late antique walls: From the 4th century onwards, the port facilities were integrated into the city's defenses – with towers and reinforcements. Sieges: Evidence of reconstruction during the attacks by Maximinus Thrax (238 AD) and Julian the Apostate (361 AD)

The entrance to the gravel path along the ancient harbor of Aquileia. The path is lined with numerous archaeological finds and numerous information panels about past events. Cycling is prohibited.

An interesting historical encounter. A gravel path runs along the ancient harbor, lined with ancient stones, and features numerous information panels detailing past events.

A beautiful, shady section of the trail, paved and asphalted. The path leads through a campsite and is very quiet outside of the summer months. As usual, the asphalt is slightly raised in places due to tree roots.