I went to Aquileia on a stifling day in July 2015 on my way from the Longobard town of Cividale del Friuli to Trieste Airport, which is located nearby. The tourist information office gave us a map showing that the components of the World Heritage Site were all within easy walking distance of one another. Aquileia's aren’t the most exciting Roman ruins, but they are at least free to wander around.

The centrepiece basilica complex is a rewarding visit. Be sure to go inside the smaller of the two crypts, where you will see primitive but riotously colourful frescos adorning the walls and ceilings. There is not much to see from the top of the belltower, but the 760 sq metre mosaic in the basilica is not to be missed.

I wasn't as impressed by Aquileia as some of the other reviewers, but it is a perfectly pleasant town and an interesting site for its long and distinguished history.