Aquileia | European Archaeology Days
Open Day ad Aquileia
PROGRAMME 12–14 June Aquileia, Treasures of an Ancient Roman Metropolis: Walking Tour with Audio Guide Throughout the European Archaeology Days weekend, a free audio guide service — provided by PromoTurismoFVG — will be available to explore one of Italy's most important archaeological sites at your own pace.
The audio guide can be collected at the PromoTurismoFVG Infopoint (via Giulia Augusta 11) from 9.00 to 16.00. For further information: info.aquileia@promoturismo.fvg.it — 0431 919491.
FRIDAY 12 JUNE
PRESENTATION THE XRCulture PROJECT AND ITS APPLICATIONS: 3D DIGITALISATION FOR MUSEUMS Time: 10.00–13.00 Venue: Museo Archeologico Nazionale, via Roma 1
Presentation day for the results of the European project XRCulture. XRCulture is a European project that uses new technologies such as artificial intelligence and extended reality (XR) to create high-quality 3D models, immersive experiences and innovative tools for the understanding of cultural heritage in museums and cultural institutions across Europe. The project involves the collaboration of the Ministry of Culture and the ICCD (Central Institute for Cataloguing and Documentation), with the participation of numerous Italian and international partners, who will present their findings to the public. Free admission, booking required: museoaquileiaeventi@cultura.gov.it — 0431 91016. Organised by: Museo Archeologico Nazionale di Aquileia, in collaboration with ICCD
INAUGURATION RESTORING FORM TO LOST THINGS. THE AQUILEIA DIATRETA CUP Time: 15.15 Venue: Museo Archeologico Nazionale di Aquileia, via Roma 1
Inauguration of the experimental holographic display case created as part of the XRCulture – eXplore & Reuse 3D cultural heritage within the Data Space project. Free admission, booking required: museoaquileiaeventi@cultura.gov.it — 0431 91016. Organised by: Museo Archeologico Nazionale di Aquileia, in collaboration with ICCD
OPENING CONCERT OF THE 2026 CONCERTI IN BASILICA SEASON Time: 20.45 Venue: Basilica Patriarcale di Aquileia
The Basilica Patriarcale di Aquileia has been organising its own concert season for thirty-eight consecutive editions. This year's opening concert takes place on 12 June. Free admission, booking required on Eventbrite. Full details at: www.basilicadiaquileia.it Organised by: Fondazione Società per la Conservazione della Basilica di Aquileia
SATURDAY 13 JUNE
Shinrin Yoku FOREST BATHING IN THE ARCHAEOLOGICAL AREA OF THE ANCIENT RIVER PORT OF AQUILEIA Time: 10.00 Meeting point: Piazza Capitolo at 9.50
The term Shinrin-yoku (森林浴, "Forest bathing") was coined in 1982 and promotes the awakening of the senses through slowness, sounds, textures, scents and breathing in nature. Since 2025, the FVG Forest Therapy Station, together with leading Japanese experts and the International Society of Forest Therapy, has been offering Forest Bathing not only as a one-off activity but as a gradual path back to nature — the ShinrinYoku-Dō 森林浴道 — generating psychological and physiological benefits that last over time, fostering a true partnership between humans and the natural world.
Recommended clothing: suitable for walks in nature — trainers or hiking boots, long trousers, long-sleeved shirt or t-shirt, fleece or jumper, jacket, waterproof; optional: a small mat or blanket. No animals admitted. Minimum age: 16 (minors must be accompanied by a registered adult). Free admission, booking required (max 20 people) on Eventbrite @FondazioneAquileia. Info: www.fondazioneaquileia.it Organised by: Fondazione Aquileia and Stazione di Terapia Forestale FVG-ITALIA, Eco&Salute Soc. Coop.
EXPERIMENTAL GLASS-WORKING WITH A "ROMAN" KILN Time: 10.30–13.00 / 15.00–19.00 Venue: Late-antique market archaeological area (Fondo Pasqualis)
Demonstrations of ancient glass-working techniques (free blowing, mould blowing, mosaic glasswork, etc.) using a wood-fired "Roman" kiln, with master glassblowers trained in the Murano tradition. Free admission, no booking required. Info: assaquileia@libero.it Organised by: Fondazione Aquileia and Associazione Nazionale per Aquileia APS
GUIDED WALK HUNTING FOR SPOLIA Time: 10.30–12.30 Meeting point: Casa Bertoli, via Popone 6
A guided walk through the centre of Aquileia to learn how to read the fabric of buildings and identify fragments of ancient Roman material recovered and reused in their construction. Free admission, booking required (max 30 places): assaquileia@libero.it Organised by: Associazione Nazionale per Aquileia APS
ARCHEO OPEN DAY GUIDED VISITS WITH ARCHAEOLOGISTS TO THE EXCAVATION SITES Time: 10.30–13.00 / 16.30–19.00
Archaeologists and conservators from Fondazione Aquileia and partner universities welcome visitors to share new discoveries, recent finds, and the stories and customs of ancient Aquileia.
Archaeological areas: Forum – Decumanus and Zigzag Walls – Great Baths – Roman Theatre – Ancient River Port – Ancient Markets (Fondo Pasqualis) – Roman townhouses (Fondo CAL) – Domus dei Putti Danzanti.
Free admission, no booking required.
Organised by: Fondazione Aquileia, University of Padua, University of Verona, University of Trieste, University of Udine, Soprintendenza Archeologia Belle Arti e Paesaggio per il FVG.
LECTURE THE COLOUR OF WONDER: THE DIATRETA CUP FROM THE DOMUS DEI PUTTI DANZANTI BETWEEN REALITY AND THE DIGITAL Time: 11.00 Venue: Museo Archeologico Nazionale di Aquileia, via Roma 1
A lecture by Emanuela Murgia on the diatreta glass fragment uncovered by the University of Trieste team during excavations at the Domus dei Putti Danzanti, on public display for the first time on the occasion of the 2026 European Archaeology Days. Following the lecture, the holographic display case created as part of the XRCulture project will be on view throughout the weekend. Free admission, booking required: museoaquileiaeventi@cultura.gov.it — 0431 91016. Organised by: Museo Archeologico Nazionale di Aquileia, in collaboration with the University of Trieste – Department of Humanities and Fondazione Aquileia
EXHIBITION XRCulture: A HOLOGRAPHIC DISPLAY CASE IN THE SERVICE OF MUSEUM COLLECTIONS Time: 12.00–17.00 Venue: Museo Archeologico Nazionale, via Roma 1
Exhibition of the experimental holographic display case created as part of the XRCulture – eXplore & Reuse 3D cultural heritage within the Data Space project. Technicians and archaeologists involved in the project will be present. Admission included in museum entry ticket. Info: museoaquileiaeventi@cultura.gov.it — 0431 91016. Organised by: Museo Archeologico Nazionale di Aquileia, in collaboration with ICCD
GUIDED VISIT BELOW THE SURFACE Time: 12.00 Venue: Museo Archeologico Nazionale di Aquileia, via Roma 1
Guided visit to the museum's storage areas, open to the public. Admission included in museum entry ticket. Info: museoaquileiaeventi@cultura.gov.it — 0431 91016. Organised by: Museo Archeologico Nazionale di Aquileia
GUIDED VISIT REDISCOVERING CASA BERTOLI: ARCHITECTURE AND DECORATION Time: 15.30–19.00. Guided tours every 30 minutes. Last entry at 18.30. Venue: Casa Bertoli, via Patriarca Popone 6
A guided visit to the home of canon Giandomenico Bertoli, father of archaeological research in Aquileia, exploring its architecture, medieval frescoes and inscribed stones. Free admission, no booking required. Info: assaquileia@libero.it Organised by: Associazione Nazionale per Aquileia APS and Soprintendenza ABAP per il FVG
Shinrin Yoku FOREST BATHING IN THE ARCHAEOLOGICAL AREA OF THE ANCIENT RIVER PORT OF AQUILEIA Time: 16.00 Meeting point: Piazza Capitolo at 15.50
(See description above.) Free admission, booking required (max 20 people) on Eventbrite @FondazioneAquileia. Info: www.fondazioneaquileia.it Organised by: Fondazione Aquileia and Stazione di Terapia Forestale FVG-ITALIA, Eco&Salute Soc. Coop.
SYMPOSIUM THE ROMAN DOMUS OF TITUS MACRO IN AQUILEIA: RESTORATION, PROTECTION AND ENHANCEMENT Time: 17.00 Venue: Domus di Tito Macro
Institutional greetings:
Emanuele Zorino, Mayor of Aquileia Mario Anzil, Vice-President and Councillor for Culture and Sport, Friuli Venezia Giulia Region
Speakers:
Cristiano Tiussi, Director of Fondazione Aquileia
Eugenio Vassallo, architect
Pierluigi Grandinetti, architect
Paola Ventura, Superintendent SABAP for FVG
Jacopo Bonetto, Full Professor, University of Padua
Free admission, no booking required, subject to availability
WALK SALVATION THROUGH REUSE: THE STORY OF A MONASTERY THAT BECAME A MUSEUM Time: 20.30 Meeting point: Piazza Pirano, Aquileia
Buildings often live many lives and tell many stories — as does the ancient Benedictine monastery of Aquileia, today home to the Early Christian Museum. Free admission, booking recommended: prolocoaquileia@libero.it Organised by: Pro Loco Aquileia APS
SUNDAY 14 JUNE
EXHIBITION XRCulture: A HOLOGRAPHIC DISPLAY CASE IN THE SERVICE OF MUSEUM COLLECTIONS Time: 10.00–17.00 Venue: Museo Archeologico Nazionale, via Roma 1
Exhibition of the experimental holographic display case created as part of the XRCulture – eXplore & Reuse 3D cultural heritage within the Data Space project. Technicians and archaeologists involved in the project will be present. Admission included in museum entry ticket. Info: museoaquileiaeventi@cultura.gov.it — 0431 91016. Organised by: Museo Archeologico Nazionale di Aquileia, in collaboration with ICCD
EXPERIMENTAL GLASS-WORKING WITH A "ROMAN" KILN Time: 10.30–13.00 / 15.00–17.00 Venue: Late-antique market archaeological area (Fondo Pasqualis)
Demonstrations of ancient glass-working techniques (free blowing, mould blowing, mosaic glasswork, etc.) using a wood-fired "Roman" kiln, with master glassblowers trained in the Murano tradition. Free admission, no booking required. Info: assaquileia@libero.it Organised by: Fondazione Aquileia and Associazione Nazionale per Aquileia APS
"THE VOICES OF ART" READINGS FROM THE BOOK "Il Milite Ignoto e il Cimitero degli Eroi di Aquileia", Treviso, ZeL Edizioni, 2024 Time: 20.15 Meeting point: Piazza Capitolo (event then moves inside the Cemetery of Heroes)
A multi-voice reading of letters and official documents from the First World War relating to the founding and development of the Cemetery of Heroes. Free admission, booking required: storia.aquileia@gmail.com (max 40 participants per session) Organised by: Soprintendenza Archivistica del Friuli Venezia Giulia and Fogolar Furlan di Aquileia
Info
Data: from 12 June 2026 to 14 June 2026
Luogo: Vari luoghi
Indirizzo: Aquileia - Piazza Capitolo