Concordia Sagittaria between Antiquity, the Basilica and the Lemene

Ancient Traces at the Cathedral

Concordia Sagittaria brings together early Christian religious history, Roman architecture and the landscape along the Lemene within a compact thematic area. Beneath the cathedral, the archaeological site includes the remains of a three-nave early Christian basilica with a geometric mosaic floor and a raised presbytery bench. The same site also preserves a well-preserved paved section of the Roman Via Annia and the remains of the bishop's palace.

At the Via delle Terme archaeological site, you can see a section of the northeastern city wall and an Augustan side gate. The thermal complex there went through several phases of use between the 1st and 3rd centuries AD and included a caldarium and a tepidarium. The caldarium covered approximately 100 m². Its mosaic floor was later replaced with marble slabs, while the walls were decorated with figurative frescoes.

You can also encounter notable evidence of the Roman city outside these sites. The Roman bridge dates from the Augustan period and stands over an old riverbed of the Reghena near the entrance of the Via Annia into Concordia. In Parco dei Signini, several rooms of the Domus dei Signini are visible with their floors, opposite the Via dei Pozzi Romani. The Domus dei Signini archaeological site comprises the remains of three Roman houses built in four construction phases. The Augustan phase includes rooms with opus signinum and a black-and-white mosaic.

Cathedral, Accessibility and Urban History

The Cathedral of Concordia Sagittaria stands on the banks of the Lemene River and is dedicated to Saint Stephen, the Protomartyr. The original cathedral, known as the Basilica Apostolorum, was consecrated in 389 (?) by Saint Chromatius, Bishop of Aquileia. The present basilica was commissioned by Bishop Antonio III Feletto in 1466. A lift and ramps are available for access to the upper exhibition area and the lower section of the early Christian basilica at the cathedral site.

River Landscape, Cycle Path and Wetland

The Lemene shapes more than just the location of the cathedral. GiraLemene is a 38-kilometre cultural and natural heritage cycle and walking route along the Lemene River. The continuous route connects Gruaro, Portogruaro, Concordia Sagittaria and Caorle. This also allows Concordia Sagittaria to be viewed in the context of a longer route through river landscapes, historic towns and nature experiences.

The Bosco delle Lame is a distinct natural highlight. The area covers 24 hectares, including eight hectares of wetland, and has a high level of biodiversity. Together with the course of the Lemene, this part of Concordia Sagittaria is particularly appealing if you would like to combine historical sightseeing with cycling or walking routes and a landscape featuring wetlands.

Festivals and Local Cuisine

The local character also includes the Festa dei Ragazzi, which has been documented in Concordia Sagittaria for sixty years and brings together children, young people, families, supervisors and volunteers. The event Il Fiume Lemene – la renga includes, on the two Sundays, 15 and 22 February, a guided tour of ancient Concordia, the Roman city, as well as a tasting based on Renga.

The Renga Tour presents the local gastronomic tradition of Concordia Sagittaria through a cicchetti tour. During the tour, restaurateurs create various cicchetti as a tribute to the dish Renga, which has historically been associated with the city. Alongside the basilica, mosaics and Roman buildings, regional cuisine and community events are therefore also a focus of your stay.

Other destinations for planning your trip include Vigonovo, Lido Di Venezia, Gruaro, Eraclea, Valli, Ca' Lino, Mira and Cavarzere.

For the broader travel overview: Venice.