Concordia Sagittaria: A city over 2000 years old

Concordia Sagittaria and Emperor Augustus

In the northeast of Veneto, just a few kilometres from Portogruaro, lies Concordia Sagittaria, a quiet historical town that you might easily pass by. But beneath its pavement and among the houses lies a piece of Roman history over 2000 years old. Back then, the place was called Iulia Concordia and was founded by Octavian himself (later known as Emperor Augustus) for retired Roman soldiers. The name “Concordia,” meaning “harmony,” was meant to symbolise the new order after the civil wars.

The city was established on the important Via Annia road, which connected major cities like Aquileia, Padua, and Ravenna. Thanks to this, Concordia became an important point for transport, administration, and culture.

Archaeological Layer of the Roman City

In the area of today’s Via dei Pozzi Romani street, three residential houses from the Roman period were uncovered during the second half of the 20th century. One of them, known as domus dei Signini, underwent development until the 4th century AD. Parts of its structure, walls, mosaics, and technical elements have been preserved.

Of particular interest is the preserved hypocaust, a Roman underfloor heating system. Hot air from a furnace flowed under the floor, circulating between brick supports and heating the rooms. This system was a technical standard of the higher Roman society, commonly found in villas and baths.

One of the most interesting moments comes when looking at the original mosaics that once covered the floors of the living rooms. They depict classic patterns, many of which are still used today. This is truly a great example of the meaning of the word timelessness. To glimpse into the living space of people who lived here almost two thousand years ago and yet recognise elements close to the present creates a truly powerful experience. It is not just a record of history, but also its presence in the details.

Other houses in the area revealed courtyards with wells, remnants of walls, and urban infrastructure, including a section of the main Roman street, the Cardo Maximus. The archaeological park thus allows perceiving the houses in their urban context, as part of a living city structure.

Other Places of the Roman City
Besides houses and mosaics, you will also find remains of Roman baths (on Via delle Terme street), part of the city walls, and two original wells in the area. In Signini Park, there is a hint of the layout of a Roman theatre, and nearby stands a Roman bridge with three preserved arches (Via San Pietro).

Christian Layer and Spiritual Significance

From the 4th century, Concordia Sagittaria began to play the role of a spiritual centre. A bishopric, basilica, and baptistery were established here.

Under the Cathedral of St. Stephen (Celso Costantini Square), there is access to an early Christian complex with a preserved Trichora, remnants of the original cemetery, and flooring from the Apostolorum Maior basilica. On the northern side, there is also a preserved section of the original Via Annia.

The Romanesque-Byzantine baptistery near the 11th-century tower is rare because it has preserved its original decoration – the only such case in this region.

Contemporary Landscape and Historical Continuity

Today, the individual layers of the past in Concordia remain readable. The Town Hall (Palazzo Municipale) is built on Roman foundations. Across the Lemene River, a fragment of a Roman stone bridge has been preserved. In the very centre, it is possible to observe the connection of historical structures with everyday city life.

In some cafes or shops, you may notice that parts of the walls or floors refer to the historical layers beneath the city. It is not just decoration – the city truly lives with these traces.

On the ground floor and first floor of the town hall, there are museum rooms where you can view an exhibition with other finds for free, including a map of Concordia, sundials, and items from tombs and residential quarters.

Winter Season and Atmosphere

The winter season adds a special calm and charm to the town. Especially when the lights on the Christmas tree light up in the evening, and Christmas markets are held in the square. The town feels very cozy, almost intimate and magical. The archaeological park and Roman monuments remain part of the everyday city space, and in the winter light and Christmas atmosphere of a slower pace, they are even more impressive.

Practical Information

Significant Locations:

• Archaeological Park (Via dei Pozzi Romani) – three Roman houses, hypocaust, mosaics, parts of Roman streets
• Domus dei Signini – a representative Roman house with mosaic floors
• Basilica of St. Stephen (Basilica di Santo Stefano) and baptistery (Battistero)
• Scavo della Porta Urbis – uncovered remains of the city gate
• Roman bridge over Lemene (Ponte Romano)
• Town Hall with mosaic – Palazzo Municipale + museum rooms
• Remains of theatre, baths, and walls (Via delle Terme, Signini park)
• Preserved Via Annia (near the cathedral)

Accessibility:

• 2 km from Portogruaro (on foot, by bike, or by car)
• 25 minutes by car from Caorle
• 45 minutes by car from Venice (Mestre)
• By train to Portogruaro-Caorle station, then local bus or on foot
• Pedestrian and cycling path along the Lemene River directly connects Concordia with Portogruaro
• Parking is easy, mostly free

Parking in the town is hassle-free, mostly free. The area is also accessible by bike paths along the Lemene River.

Attractions in the Surroundings:

• Portogruaro – Venetian architecture, museums, historical centre.
• Aquileia – Roman ruins, basilica, museum (45 min by car).
• Caorle – seaside town with a historical core.
• Bibione, Lignano – seaside recreational areas.
• Vallevecchia – a natural lagoon suitable for walking and cycling trips.