Last Day on the Road
Saturday September 8, 2018
Sunny and warm, the weather improves as we get closer to the coast. The first few kilometers after we leave Palmanova aren't too interesting as we ride a gravel path between fields, but we are avoiding traffic so we stick to the signposted Alpe-Adria route. Then we are again on a dedicated bike path next to the road, much more pleasant.
About midway we reach Aquilea. I haven't done my homework and have no idea what is awaiting us. I'm glad we don't just ignorantly sail by. Aquileia was founded as a colony by the Romans in 180 BC and has a long and rich history. It is one of the main archeological sites of Northern Italy and is probably the largest Roman city yet to be excavated. The Roman mosaics and Byzantine frescoes are amazing.
From Aquileia it's not far to Grado. This is a popular stretch for cyclists on organized tours but it is off-season and not crowded. It might be different when more people are on vacation. Then comes the big moment when we get our first view of the Mediterranean. We made it! To reach Grado you cross the lagoon on a narrow strip of land. It's beautiful, we are very excited and I take many selfies of Janos and myself.
Grado is touristy, but here too we benefit from it being off-season and it isn't too crowded. Actually, it's very nice. There are quaint old streets in the center and some Roman ruins, as well. Before we check in at our hotel, we stop for something to eat and a celebratory glass of wine, sparkling white wine on tap which is a specialty of Friuli. Our hotel is on the harbor and from our window we can see the boats in the marina.
About midway we reach Aquilea. I haven't done my homework and have no idea what is awaiting us. I'm glad we don't just ignorantly sail by. Aquileia was founded as a colony by the Romans in 180 BC and has a long and rich history. It is one of the main archeological sites of Northern Italy and is probably the largest Roman city yet to be excavated. The Roman mosaics and Byzantine frescoes are amazing.
From Aquileia it's not far to Grado. This is a popular stretch for cyclists on organized tours but it is off-season and not crowded. It might be different when more people are on vacation. Then comes the big moment when we get our first view of the Mediterranean. We made it! To reach Grado you cross the lagoon on a narrow strip of land. It's beautiful, we are very excited and I take many selfies of Janos and myself.
Grado is touristy, but here too we benefit from it being off-season and it isn't too crowded. Actually, it's very nice. There are quaint old streets in the center and some Roman ruins, as well. Before we check in at our hotel, we stop for something to eat and a celebratory glass of wine, sparkling white wine on tap which is a specialty of Friuli. Our hotel is on the harbor and from our window we can see the boats in the marina.
Leaving Palmanova
The park surrounding Palmanova
And another view - I really liked Palmanova.
We are getting close to the coast now.
Now we are on an excellent bike path all the way to the coast.
Hey, stop! Aquileia! What we didn't know but later read in the Internet: Traces of the magnificent Roman Empire rest here in Aquileia.
The Patriarchal Basilica with its baptistery and majestic bell tower.
The oldest nucleus is formed by the Paleochristian Room, built in the 4th Century A.D. by the Bishop Teodoro, with support from the Emperor Constantine.
The floor mosaics both inside and outside the basilica are magnificent. The basilica also provides access to the Crypt of Frescoes, decorated with rare Byzantine frescoes. Unfortunately, I had my quirky special effects lens on my camera when we went inside. Sorry not to have better pictures. I think we must return.
We made it.
I am excited and take many selfies.
Crossing the lagoon to Grado
We celebrate.
End of the line
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