The sunny island, the first landing place of ancient navigators of the Adriatic, was already appreciated in Roman times as the main port of the important city of Aquileia.
To see the Old Port and the historical center of archaeological importance, founded on the ancient Roman castrum.
The historic center is closed to traffic, consisting of streets and campielli, churches and finds from the Roman period.
The history of the island of Grado is linked to those of two illustrious cities: Aquileia and Venice. Of the Roman emporium of Aquileia Grado it was a maritime port, refuge and finally the main antagonist.
Of Venice it was the "mother" from the historical and religious point of view (it gave her the patriarchal title).
During the fifth and sixth centuries AD, due to recurrent barbarian incursions and the dangers of the sea, Grado da isola became a fortress: the Castrum Gradense.
It was here that the Aquileian bishops found refuge by building churches with a splendid architectural style.
Of the ancient walls of the Castrum today you can admire the impressive foundations and part of the elevation. The late-Roman urban plan is still legible in the streets of the old city and in its topography.