GRADO
TIP
The island of Barbana is a good destination for a half-day trip. The peaceful 6th century sanctuary includes a beautiful church, a snack bar and a gift shop. The island, inhabited by friars, is famous for its near silence. There is regular boat service year round.
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Today
Born as a seaport in Roman times (it served mighty Aquileia and the hinterland), it's still an important fishing port today. Besides being a popular beach resort since the late 1800s, it is well known as a thermal spa. Small but compact and self-sufficient, it has hotels, lots of vacation rentals, a convention center and a lively city center with shops, cafes, restaurants and nightlife. Grado maintains a year-round population of just under 10,000.
A brief history
Grado grew in importance in the 5th century when the Archbishops of Aquileia fled to the safety of the island amid the barbaric invasions of Atilla and the Huns. Later, its history follows the same lines as Trieste and Gorizia. It fell under Austrian rule for centuries and was a top resort during the days of the Austro-Hungarian empire. Even Emperor Franz Josef went to the beach in Grado. Still a destination for many Austrians who, along with Germans and Scandinavians, often own their own summer places. It was returned to Italy in 1918, after the end of World War I.
The old town
This is the part of Grado that truly makes it stand out among other beach resorts. Its mix of alleys and squares is accessible to pedestrians and bicycles only. The cobbled streets conjure images of interior Venice, and the flower boxes that line the picturesque buildings transport you into another time. The old city’s central square features three well-preserved monuments that stand almost next to one another (the church of Santa Eufemia (consecrated in 579 A.D.), the smaller church of Santa Maria delle Grazie (5th century) and the Baptistery of the same period.
When to go
Grado is an ideal vacation spot May through September, with June through August being the busiest time of the year. Perhaps the most colorful event is the 'Festa del Perdon', a blessing that takes place the first Sunday in July. In a continuous tradition dating to 1237, a parade of boats, mostly from the fishing fleet, go in procession from the harbor through the canals to the Sanctuary of Barbana on a small island only a few kilometers away. There are lots of smaller events focused on wine, fish, art and music, mostly during the summer.
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