by InTrieste
The ancient Roman city of Aquileia Archaeological Area and Patriarchal Basilica, one of the most important archaeological sites in northern Italy, is entering a new phase of excavation, restoration and development, backed by regional authorities and a public-private foundation that manages the UNESCO site.
During a visit to Aquileia last week, Massimiliano Fedriga, president of the Friuli Venezia Giulia Regional Government, reaffirmed the region’s commitment to supporting the work of the Fondazione Aquileia, which oversees the management and enhancement of the archaeological areas.
“Aquileia represents a heritage of inestimable value for Friuli Venezia Giulia and for the entire country,” Mr. Fedriga said after meeting with the foundation’s president, Roberto Corciulo, and other officials. The regional administration, he added, intends to continue providing annual financial support while also promoting specific initiatives aimed at developing the site.
Founded as a Roman colony in 181 B.C., Aquileia became one of the most important cities of the Roman Empire and a major commercial hub linking the Mediterranean to Central Europe. Today the remains of its forum, river port, markets and residential districts form a sprawling archaeological landscape that earned UNESCO World Heritage status in 1998.
According to figures presented during the meeting, the site recorded more than 266,000 ticketed entries and nearly 460,000 total visits to its archaeological areas in 2015, highlighting its growing importance as a cultural tourism destination in northeastern Italy.
Officials also reviewed progress on the foundation’s 2023–2028 management plan, which includes 46 projects aimed at improving conservation, research and visitor services. As of late 2024, roughly one-third of the initiatives had been completed, while nearly half were already underway.
Regional leaders emphasized the importance of communicating archaeological discoveries and milestones to the public. “It is essential to recognize those who work well, as the foundation is doing,” Mr. Fedriga said. “At the same time, it is necessary to promptly share the objectives achieved and the discoveries made at a site that often produces exceptional findings.”
One such discovery came during excavations of the ancient forum, where archaeologists uncovered a small hoard of gold and silver jewelry. Scholars believe the valuables were buried in a pit between the fifth and sixth centuries A.D., likely hidden during a time of instability as the Western Roman Empire was collapsing.
The archaeological research underway involves teams from several universities, including those of University of Verona, University of Trieste, Ca’ Foscari University of Venice, University of Padua and University of Udine. Current excavations are focusing on sites such as the Casa delle Bestie Ferite, the Roman theater, the Pasqualis Fund area with the ancient markets, the Casa dei Putti Danzanti and the large thermal baths complex.
Alongside the research efforts, a series of restoration and infrastructure projects is reshaping the visitor experience. The conservation restoration of Palazzo Brunner, recently completed, now houses the administrative offices of the foundation.
Other projects nearing completion include the restoration of columns, paving and steps in the archaeological “shops” area — a project valued at €2.5 million — as well as the construction of a new campus and guesthouse for researchers, estimated at €1.4 million. Additional works involve the protective covering of a mosaic known as the “floral carpet,” improvements to the grounds around Palazzo Brunner and new structures designed to accommodate school groups.
Among the most ambitious undertakings are the restoration of the ancient river port, the forum and the monumental thermal baths complex, with a total investment of approximately €15 million.
Regional authorities say the long-term success of the site will depend not only on public funding but also on private investment. Mr. Fedriga noted that the regional government has been working with financial partners and asset management firms to encourage infrastructure, tourism and real-estate development linked to cultural heritage.
The management of Aquileia’s state-owned archaeological areas was entrusted to the foundation under a 2008 agreement between the Italian state and the region, recently renewed through 2051.
For local officials and archaeologists alike, the hope is that the combination of research, restoration and investment will further reveal the story of a city that once ranked among the most important in the Roman world — and ensure that its remains continue to draw scholars and visitors for decades to come.
