'The second Rome': this is how Aquileia has been called because of the many archaeological remains and artefacts brought to light here. This city was a major river trade centre and played a fundamental role in history, so much so that it was one of the most important in the Empire. Moreover, it was Aquileia that was chosen by the evangelist St Mark as the centre for the spread of Christianity in Europe! Visit the Roman remains of this city, discovering its forum, the river port and the cemetery of the heroes, and then move on to the interior of the splendid Basilica of Santa Maria Assunta: this is the most admired monument in Aquileia and the result of several reconstructions and extensions carried out over the centuries, which have not, however, compromised the solemnity of the building and the fascination it still exerts on visitors. The 750-square-metre floor mosaic of the southern hall is the largest in the Western Christian world and will leave you breathless. Finally, we will also discover the crypts of the excavations and frescoes with its unique combination of Eastern and Western Christian arts. Following this, we will dedicate ourselves to a tasting of local wines: accompanied, of course, by snacks!
