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This designation encompasses fortresses, ancient churches, and fascinating monasteries, which bear witness to the significant influence of the Longobards on the cultural and architectural evolution of the Italian peninsula. The Longobard fortresses are exemplary of advanced defensive architecture of that era, such as the Castello di Brescia and the Castello di Cividale. These monuments narrate the military and political history of the time, emphasizing Longobard dominance in various parts of Italy.
Ancient Longobard churches, such as the Basilica of San Salvatore in Spoleto and the Tempietto Longobardo in Cividale del Friuli, showcase the deep Longobard influence on religious art and architecture. These structures feature distinct characteristics, including cross-shaped plans and sculptural decorations, representing Longobard cultural identity and a convergence of artistic influences of the period.
The fascinating Longobard monasteries, like the Monastery of San Salvatore in Brescia, played a crucial role in religious and social life. These monasteries were centers of culture and spirituality, contributing to evangelization and the cultural advancement of society at that time.
The inclusion of "The Longobards in Italy: Places of Power (568-774 A.D.)" in the UNESCO World Heritage list underscores the importance of preserving this extraordinary historical and artistic heritage, which testifies to the Longobards' interest and skill in enriching Italian history and identity.
The Lombards in Italy: Places of Power (568-774 AD) is a serial site recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2011. This ensemble of seven locations in Italy offers a unique testimony to the culture and civilization of the Lombards, a Germanic people who left a lasting mark on Italian history during the Middle Ages. The sites include religious complexes, architectural works, and fortifications that reflect the power and influence of the Lombards between the 6th and 8th centuries.
The Lombards were a Germanic tribe that settled in Italy in 568 AD after crossing Central Europe. Under the leadership of King Alboin, they conquered much of northern and central Italy, founding the Lombard Kingdom. Their rule lasted until 774 AD when they were defeated by the Franks led by Charlemagne.
During their reign, the Lombards developed a distinctive culture that combined Germanic, Roman, and Christian elements. This culture manifested itself through art, architecture, and social organization, profoundly influencing Italian history and culture.
The serial site "The Lombards in Italy" comprises seven locations distributed across different Italian regions, each offering a unique view of Lombard civilization and its influence on the Italian territory.
Cividale del Friuli was one of the first capitals of the Lombard Duchy of Friuli. The city preserves significant testimonies of Lombard culture, including the area of the Lombard Temple and the crypt of the cathedral.
Brescia was an important administrative and religious center for the Lombards. The monastic complex of San Salvatore-Santa Giulia is one of the main examples of their religious architecture.
Castelseprio is an ancient Lombard settlement located in the province of Varese. The site is known for its archaeological ruins and remains of religious buildings.
Spoleto is an ancient city in Umbria that was an important Lombard duchy. The city preserves numerous testimonies of their presence.
Campello sul Clitunno is a small municipality near Spoleto, known for the Tempietto sul Clitunno, one of the most important testimonies of Lombard culture in Umbria.
Benevento was one of the main Lombard duchies in southern Italy. The city hosts numerous monuments that reflect the legacy of the Lombards.
Monte Sant'Angelo is a major pilgrimage center located in the Gargano. The town is famous for the Sanctuary of San Michele Arcangelo, linked to Lombard devotion.
The Lombard sites in Italy represent one of the most significant phases of Italian medieval history, reflecting the transition from antiquity to the Middle Ages. The Lombards, through their art, architecture, and social organization, contributed to shaping Italian and European culture.
These sites are a testament to the Lombards' ability to assimilate and transform Roman, Christian, and Germanic cultural elements, creating a distinctive culture that has left a lasting imprint on the Italian territory.
In 2011, UNESCO recognized the Lombard sites in Italy as a World Heritage Site, highlighting their universal value as a testament to Lombard civilization. This recognition promotes the conservation and enhancement of these sites, ensuring the protection of their extraordinary historical and cultural riches.
The inclusion on the World Heritage list emphasizes the importance of these places as custodians of a fundamental part of European history and cultural heritage.
Visiting the Lombard sites in Italy offers a unique opportunity to explore the history and culture of a fascinating era. Each site provides a different experience, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the legacy of the Lombards and discover their influences on Italian culture.
The Lombard sites are distributed across various Italian regions, each easily accessible thanks to a well-developed transport network:
To make the most of your visit to the Lombard sites in Italy, here are some useful tips:
The Lombards in Italy represent a fundamental part of Italian history and culture, offering a fascinating journey through the legacy of a people who helped shape the face of medieval Europe. These sites are living testimonies of a time of change and innovation, uniting past and present in a unique and unforgettable experience.
Exploring the Lombard sites in Italy means immersing yourself in a cultural heritage of immense value, discovering the roots of a civilization that has left a lasting imprint on Italian and European history. A journey to these places is an opportunity to experience Italian history and culture in all its glory, admiring the architecture, art, and culture that continue to inspire generations of visitors.
