CIVIDALE DEL FRIULI

town, Udine province, Friuli-Venezia Giulia region, northeastern Italy, on the Natisone River just northeast of Udine city. Founded in Roman times as Forum Julii, perhaps by Julius Caesar, it gave its name to, and was the capital of, Friuli, the first Lombard duchy formed in Italy. From 730 to 1238 it was the residence of the patriarchs of Aquileia. It fell to Venice with the rest of Friuli in 141920. Paul the Deacon (c. 720799) and the actress Adelaide Ristori (18221906) were born there. Cividale del Friuli has some interesting relics from the 8th century, including the octagonal baptistery, the chapel (Tempietto) of the nunnery of Sta. Maria in Valle, and the altar of the church of S. Martino. Other notable landmarks include the cathedral (rebuilt 1458 and 1502), the Ponte del Diavolo (Devil's Bridge; 1442) over the river, the national archaeological museum with Gothic and Lombard antiquities, and several medieval churches and palaces. Cividale del Friuli is a commercial centre with light manufactures. Pop. (1990 est.) mun., 11,081.