"Women's Sqare" by night

Paolo Diacono Square is one of the most important and historically significant squares in Cividale del Friuli, a town located in the Friuli-Venezia Giulia region of Italy. The square is named after Paul the Deacon, a Lombard historian and writer of the 8th century, known for his work "Historia Langobardorum," which narrates the history of the Lombard people.

### History of Piazza Paolo Diacono

#### Roman Era
Cividale del Friuli, originally called Forum Iulii, was founded by the Romans in 50 BC and became an important administrative and commercial center. Piazza Paolo Diacono is located in the heart of Cividale's historic center, and although there are no direct Roman remains in the square, the entire area is rich in archaeological evidence dating back to that era.

#### Lombard Period
After the fall of the Western Roman Empire, the Lombards conquered northern Italy in the 6th century and chose Cividale as the capital of their duchy in Friuli. Piazza Paolo Diacono is closely associated with this era, thanks to the figure of Paul the Deacon, who was a monk and historian at the court of the Lombard king Desiderius. The square symbolizes the cultural and historical significance of the Lombards in the region.

#### Middle Ages and Renaissance
During the Middle Ages, Cividale del Friuli continued to grow as an ecclesiastical and commercial center. Piazza Paolo Diacono, with its narrow streets and medieval houses, reflects the architecture and urban planning of that era. In the Renaissance, the square and the town were influenced by Venetian art and architecture, as Cividale was part of the Republic of Venice.

#### Modern Era
Over the centuries, Piazza Paolo Diacono has maintained its central role in the social and cultural life of Cividale del Friuli. Today, the square is a meeting point for residents and a place of interest for tourists. It is surrounded by historic buildings, shops, cafes, and restaurants that create a lively and welcoming atmosphere.

#### Monuments and Attractions
Among the main points of interest in and around the square are:
- **The Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta:** A cathedral with medieval origins, but rebuilt in Renaissance style.
- **The Palazzo dei Provveditori Veneti:** A historic building that houses the National Archaeological Museum, with artifacts that tell the ancient history of Cividale.
- **The Devil's Bridge:** A medieval bridge that crosses the Natisone River, linked to numerous local legends.

• The Lombard Temple with the Ursuline Cloister: An important testimony of Lombard architecture, located near the square, with a splendid cloister that was part of the Ursuline monastery.
• The Podrecca Puppet Museum: A museum dedicated to the tradition of puppetry, displaying the collection of Vittorio Podrecca, a famous Italian puppeteer.
• The De Martiis Collection in Palazzo de Nordis: An important art collection housed in Palazzo de Nordis, which includes significant historical and artistic works collected by Luigi and Pio De Martiis.

### Events and Culture
Piazza Paolo Diacono often hosts cultural events, markets, and festivals that celebrate the rich history and tradition of Cividale del Friuli. The square, with its historical and cultural importance, continues to be a living symbol of the town and its Lombard and Venetian heritage.

Europe / Italy

Lat: 46° 5' 40.465" N
Long: 13° 25' 50.904" E

→ maps.google.com [EXT]

Precision is: High. Pinpoints the exact spot.

Theta Ricoh Theta Z1 - sort of homemade stand - Theta Stitcher - Photoshop - PtGui - Pano2Vr