Oratorio di Santa Maria in Valle, or The Tempietto Longobardo
Explore more nearby places in Friuli Venezia Giulia, Italy

The Oratory of Santa Maria, traditionally referred to as the Tempietto longobardo, is established in Valle. On the north-eastern edge of Cividale del Friuli in the Italian province of Udine, you will find an inspiring and perfectly preserved temple erected under the Lombards’ rule.

It is believed to be the most exquisite example of Lombard architecture surviving in Italy that resembles forms and techniques found in the Roman, Ottonian, Lombardy, and Carolingian art.

What is there to observe and encounter in the Oratorio di Santa Maria? Let us tell you about our first-hand experience in exploring one of the finest off-beat places in Italy. 

The History and Cultural Significance of Oratorio di Santa Maria 

The Oratory was constructed in the 8th century as a part of the Episcopal complex at Cividale del Friuli. It resembles the achievements of the Longobards on Italian lands and the positive relations between Europe and Arab-Muslim countries during those times. 

The Monastery of Santa Maria in Valle and the Lombard Temple were declared UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 2011 as part of the extended section “Italia Langobardorum. Places of power (568 – 774)”. It includes an overall of seven architectural, pictorial, and sculptural sites that preserve the essential monumental and artistic testimonies of the period and express Lombard culture’s universality at its peak.

The Architecture of Oratorio di Santa Maria 

The temple’s exterior is rhythmic and externally punctuated by a set of arches that outline the building’s simple cubic volumes. It has a large portal delineated by an arc and is yet accessed by a side entrance that is reached by passing through a room built in medieval times, probably with a sacristy purpose.

All in all, the temple’s exterior is relatively modest, contrary to the interior, which is the core of its beauty and enchantment. 

The Fascinating Interior of Tempietto Longobardo

Oratorio di Santa Maria is overflowed with vibrant decorations made of sophisticated substances. These include floral stucco decorations, fresco wall-paintings, marble wall revetments, captivating stone sculptures, and exquisite mosaics. 

One of the most fundamental parts of the interior is The so-called “Tomb of Piltrude.” It comprises two sculptural fragments of the Lombard period dating back to the third quarter of the eighth century. Legend has it that the remains of the abbess Piltrude were preserved in the sarcophagus called with the same name. This is the root of the story of Pilturde herself as the founder of the Monastery.

Planning Your Visit to Oratorio di Santa Maria 

Before your visit, a reservation is required. Tourists can enjoy a number of additional services such as guided tours, audio guides, and a bookshop with various volumes to buy and relish. 

The site also offers some individual educational activities for children, families, and tourists of all ages. Your appointment can be arranged in Italian, English, German, French, or Slovenian.

Keep in mind that taking photos and audiovisual recordings inside the Longobard Temple is forbidden.

Tempietto longobardo, Via Monastero Maggiore, Cividale del Friuli, Province of Udine, Italy

Where is it on the Map?

Tempietto longobardo, Via Monastero Maggiore, Cividale del Friuli, Province of Udine, Italy

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Explore more nearby places in Friuli Venezia Giulia, Italy
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The Oratory of Santa Maria, traditionally referred to as the Tempietto longobardo, is established in Valle. On the north-eastern edge of Cividale del Friuli in the Italian province of Udine, you will find an inspiring and perfectly preserved temple erected under the Lombards’ rule.

It is believed to be the most exquisite example of Lombard architecture surviving in Italy that resembles forms and techniques found in the Roman, Ottonian, Lombardy, and Carolingian art.

What is there to observe and encounter in the Oratorio di Santa Maria? Let us tell you about our first-hand experience in exploring one of the finest off-beat places in Italy. 

The History and Cultural Significance of Oratorio di Santa Maria 

The Oratory was constructed in the 8th century as a part of the Episcopal complex at Cividale del Friuli. It resembles the achievements of the Longobards on Italian lands and the positive relations between Europe and Arab-Muslim countries during those times. 

The Monastery of Santa Maria in Valle and the Lombard Temple were declared UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 2011 as part of the extended section “Italia Langobardorum. Places of power (568 – 774)”. It includes an overall of seven architectural, pictorial, and sculptural sites that preserve the essential monumental and artistic testimonies of the period and express Lombard culture’s universality at its peak.

The Architecture of Oratorio di Santa Maria 

The temple’s exterior is rhythmic and externally punctuated by a set of arches that outline the building’s simple cubic volumes. It has a large portal delineated by an arc and is yet accessed by a side entrance that is reached by passing through a room built in medieval times, probably with a sacristy purpose.

All in all, the temple’s exterior is relatively modest, contrary to the interior, which is the core of its beauty and enchantment. 

The Fascinating Interior of Tempietto Longobardo

Oratorio di Santa Maria is overflowed with vibrant decorations made of sophisticated substances. These include floral stucco decorations, fresco wall-paintings, marble wall revetments, captivating stone sculptures, and exquisite mosaics. 

One of the most fundamental parts of the interior is The so-called “Tomb of Piltrude.” It comprises two sculptural fragments of the Lombard period dating back to the third quarter of the eighth century. Legend has it that the remains of the abbess Piltrude were preserved in the sarcophagus called with the same name. This is the root of the story of Pilturde herself as the founder of the Monastery.

Planning Your Visit to Oratorio di Santa Maria 

Before your visit, a reservation is required. Tourists can enjoy a number of additional services such as guided tours, audio guides, and a bookshop with various volumes to buy and relish. 

The site also offers some individual educational activities for children, families, and tourists of all ages. Your appointment can be arranged in Italian, English, German, French, or Slovenian.

Keep in mind that taking photos and audiovisual recordings inside the Longobard Temple is forbidden.

Tempietto longobardo, Via Monastero Maggiore, Cividale del Friuli, Province of Udine, Italy

Where is it on the Map?

Tempietto longobardo, Via Monastero Maggiore, Cividale del Friuli, Province of Udine, Italy

Explore more places in Europe

See more in Can't retrieve term. In case if you changed taxonomy slug for this term, please update widget settings to use new taxonomy slug.
Explore more nearby places in Friuli Venezia Giulia, Italy

The Oratory of Santa Maria, traditionally referred to as the Tempietto longobardo, is established in Valle. On the north-eastern edge of Cividale del Friuli in the Italian province of Udine, you will find an inspiring and perfectly preserved temple erected under the Lombards’ rule.

It is believed to be the most exquisite example of Lombard architecture surviving in Italy that resembles forms and techniques found in the Roman, Ottonian, Lombardy, and Carolingian art.

What is there to observe and encounter in the Oratorio di Santa Maria? Let us tell you about our first-hand experience in exploring one of the finest off-beat places in Italy. 

The History and Cultural Significance of Oratorio di Santa Maria 

The Oratory was constructed in the 8th century as a part of the Episcopal complex at Cividale del Friuli. It resembles the achievements of the Longobards on Italian lands and the positive relations between Europe and Arab-Muslim countries during those times. 

The Monastery of Santa Maria in Valle and the Lombard Temple were declared UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 2011 as part of the extended section “Italia Langobardorum. Places of power (568 – 774)”. It includes an overall of seven architectural, pictorial, and sculptural sites that preserve the essential monumental and artistic testimonies of the period and express Lombard culture’s universality at its peak.

The Architecture of Oratorio di Santa Maria 

The temple’s exterior is rhythmic and externally punctuated by a set of arches that outline the building’s simple cubic volumes. It has a large portal delineated by an arc and is yet accessed by a side entrance that is reached by passing through a room built in medieval times, probably with a sacristy purpose.

All in all, the temple’s exterior is relatively modest, contrary to the interior, which is the core of its beauty and enchantment. 

The Fascinating Interior of Tempietto Longobardo

Oratorio di Santa Maria is overflowed with vibrant decorations made of sophisticated substances. These include floral stucco decorations, fresco wall-paintings, marble wall revetments, captivating stone sculptures, and exquisite mosaics. 

One of the most fundamental parts of the interior is The so-called “Tomb of Piltrude.” It comprises two sculptural fragments of the Lombard period dating back to the third quarter of the eighth century. Legend has it that the remains of the abbess Piltrude were preserved in the sarcophagus called with the same name. This is the root of the story of Pilturde herself as the founder of the Monastery.

Planning Your Visit to Oratorio di Santa Maria 

Before your visit, a reservation is required. Tourists can enjoy a number of additional services such as guided tours, audio guides, and a bookshop with various volumes to buy and relish. 

The site also offers some individual educational activities for children, families, and tourists of all ages. Your appointment can be arranged in Italian, English, German, French, or Slovenian.

Keep in mind that taking photos and audiovisual recordings inside the Longobard Temple is forbidden.

Tempietto longobardo, Via Monastero Maggiore, Cividale del Friuli, Province of Udine, Italy

Where is it on the Map?

Tempietto longobardo, Via Monastero Maggiore, Cividale del Friuli, Province of Udine, Italy

Explore more places in Europe

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