Guide of Grado, Italy

Grado Places And Charm, Italy

Notably different than Lignano Sabbiadoro, the known and popular seaside holiday resort located in the province of Udine, much loved by young people for its entertainment and attractions, Grado is characterised by the fascination of its ancient history, its harbor in the picturesque and reclassified old city centre, the sunny beaches facing south, its thermal baths, the enhancement of its pedestrian areas and bike paths and, naturally, for its wonderful lagoon landscape in which it is immersed and which makes the atmosphere so unique and attractive.

To watch the boats returning to port or leaving for the open sea, to watch the beautiful sunset over the lagoon or watch the passing parade of vessels during the traditional religious celebration of the Perdon, the Brioni Shore is a privileged place. The headquarters of the Italian Naval League of Grado and the Ausonia Canoe Club, which organize fun sailing classes for children, are found on this shore.

The old town centre of Grado, declared by UNESCO as a historical and archaeological heritage site, preserves its fascinating identity of Roman castrum. The octagonal Roman Baptistery with its Lapidary containing precious Roman and early Christian findings overlooks the Square of Patriarchs, and is located beside the Basilica of Santa Maria delle Grazie and the Basilica of S. Eufemia. The Sanctuary of Barbana is a great player for the traditional celebration of the Perdòn. A suggestive procession leaves from the Basilica of Sant'Eufemia to bring the Our Lady of Barbana, escorted by decorated fishermen boats and waved on by cheering crowds, to the island where the sanctuary with the same name is found. This impressive place in the lagoon of Grado, where there is also a bar and restaurant, can be reached by the boat leaving from the landing-stage of theIsland of Schiusa, near the bus station and the entrance of the limited traffic town centre of Grado. Other fascinating places in the Grado lagoon accessible only by boat are the islands of Anfora and Porto Buso, charming fishermen villages.

In the Port of Mandracchio, in the heart of Grado, there are elegant hotels and ice cream shops. This is a picturesque place with old charm and where sail boats and fishing boats are moored. The more demanding motor boats are found in the marine facilities such as Porto San Vito. The Graisana, a festival of sports, music and traditions is held each year at the port.

The Dam, dedicated to Nazario Sauro, a war hero, offers an extraordinary walk along the promenade with a view on the gulf of Trieste and the coast of Istria. When leaving from the centre of town, this promenade leads to the Costa Azzurra beach. Here at the light house you can order an aperitif and enjoy the spectacle of the sun setting in the lagoon.

The archaeological site of Aquileia, declared by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, is a few minutes from Grado. Here you can visit the Holy Sepulchre, the Massenziana crypt and the Scavi crypt, the ruins of the roman forum and the river port, the archaeological museum and the mosaics of the Basilica. Aquileia can be reached by bike through the bike path.