A Roman centre. Here Longobard princes built the abbey of Santa Maria in Silvis, where Benedictine monks settled in the early 8th century. What remains of the ancient monastery is a jewel of medieval art and architecture: the Basilica with its courtyard and a cycle of frescoes by Giotto. In the crypt there is a valuable bas-relief of the Annunciation and the sarcophagus of St. Anastasia, a master piece of Longobard art from the 8th century. On the atrium portal of the church the coat of arms of Pietro Barbo, the future pope Paul II, is carved. The distance from Lignano is about 42 km., in ca. 36 minutes is attainable by car. |