A day in Concordia Sagittaria discovering its Roman and Early Christian past
Located just a few kilometres from the Friulian and Venetian coast, and nestled along the Lemene River, Concordia Sagittaria is a small town that once played a key role in the Roman Empire. It was founded as a military outpost to defend the borders from barbarian invasions, but over time it gained importance thanks to its strategic position and the presence of an arrow factory (sagitte, from which the town gets its name). Like the rest of the Empire, Christianity spread here as well: this Christian heritage is today represented by an important archaeological area located at the foot of the Cathedral.
A walk through Concordia Sagittaria is a delight for anyone with a passion for Italian architecture, history and culture.
6 things to do and see in Concordia Sagittaria
1. Visit the archaeological area
At the base of the Cathedral, in the heart of the town, lies one of the most fascinating archaeological sites in the region, with remains from the Roman and Early Christian periods.
You can admire it from above at the balustrade next to the Cathedral, but stepping inside is like travelling back in time: ancient mosaics, the foundations of basilicas, and stone-paved streets still bearing the grooves of Roman carts.
🎟️ Opening times available on the official website.
🔎 Other sites to visit: the Roman baths and walls, the Roman bridge in Via San Pietro, and Roman houses and wells in Via dei Pozzi Romani and Parco dei Signini.
2. Enter the Cathedral of Saint Stephen
The majestic Cathedral dedicated to Saint Stephen the Protomartyr dominates the historic centre.
Its origins date back to the 4th century with the "Basilica Apostolorum", but it was destroyed and rebuilt several times: burned by the Huns in 452, flooded in 589, and later reconstructed and expanded over the centuries.
In the early 1900s, a new facade inspired by the Church of San Zaccaria in Venice was added, along with the Chapel of the Martyrs, which houses a crypt containing important relics.
3. Discover the Civic Museum
Behind the Cathedral, on the ground floor of the civic library, is the Civic Museum, which holds artefacts found during excavations of the early Christian complex and surrounding area.
👉 The cultural association "Rufino Turranio" organizes guided tours and educational workshops, including visits to archaeological areas and the nearby Concordiese Archaeological Museum in Portogruaro.
4. Take a boat trip on the Lemene and the Litoranea Veneta
The area around Concordia is rich in canals and navigable waterways, and just a short distance away you can reach the sea and charming places like Caorle and La Brussa.
From here, you can take boat excursions to explore the river and lagoon environments of Eastern Veneto: traditional fishermen’s huts, local fauna, ever-changing landscapes, and authentic flavours of the region.
5. Join the Gara dee Batee
One of the most beloved local traditions is the Gara dee Batee, a rowing regatta usually held on the last Sunday of September along the Lemene River, where participants row standing up, in the traditional Venetian style once used by fishermen.
At the same time, a fish festival takes place, with typical local dishes served in outdoor food stalls.
6. Explore Portogruaro
Just minutes away from Concordia, Portogruaro is also accessible on foot or by bike via a cycle path that runs along the Lemene River.
Its medieval town centre enchants visitors with Venetian-style buildings, elegant arcades, and picturesque riverside views.
Learn more on the page dedicated to Portogruaro.
🚗 By car
Follow the S.R. 354 towards Latisana. Shortly before the locality of Paludo, turn left onto Via Mauro and continue along the Tagliamento River embankment until you reach a traffic light. Here, turn left onto the SS14 towards Portogruaro. Take the exit for Viale Trieste and follow the road to the centre of Portogruaro. At the third roundabout, turn left into Borgo Sant’Agnese, then left again onto Via Reghena. In a few minutes, you’ll arrive at the Cathedral of Concordia Sagittaria.
🕒 Approximate travel time: 35 minutes
