Discovering the hidden
heritage of the Adriatic
Diomede is the digital hub for a cross-border journey connecting Italy and Croatia through centuries of shared history. Born out of the VALUE project, an Interreg Italy–Croatia initiative, this platform brings to life the archaeological and cultural landscapes of the Upper Adriatic — from the Italian lagoons and deltas to the Croatian islands and coastal towns — through interactive maps, themed itineraries and storytelling tools.
With VALUE Plus, the journey continues and expands. New communities and territories are joining the network, the platform is being enhanced for greater accessibility and usability, and a shared cross-border strategy is taking shape. Together, the two projects are building a living atlas of Adriatic heritage — which belongs to everyone.
Be smart like Ploče e Vransko
Explore the interactive map
General map
Discover the 5 districts
Po Delta Cultural District
Cres-Lošinj Cultural District
Medulin Cultural District
Capo di Leuca Cultural District
Recommended thematic itineraries
Roman Presence in the Upper Adriatic
This theme traces the history of the Roman presence in the Upper Adriatic, exploring villas, necropolises, centuriation, waterways, ports and industrial areas. The thematic tour connects settlements, trade routes and coastal landscapes that have now been profoundly transformed.
Medulin – Roman Presence in the Upper Adriatic
The historical and tourist trail takes visitors around the most significant Roman-era sites in the municipality of Medulin. The route begins at the Vižula Archaeological Park, with the remains of a Roman villa and the Villa of Crispo, and continues to the remains of Roman residential complexes in Paltana Bay, Bijeca Bay, and on the islets of Fineri, Ceja and Bodulaš, as well as to the ancient shipwreck in Debeljak Bay. The route then continues to the sites of Pošesi, Pineta and Punta Kašteja, Mukalba and Burle, which bear witness to the vibrant life, productive activities and daily routines of the ancient inhabitants.
Bassa Romagna – Roman Presence in the Upper Adriatic
The itinerary tracing the legacy of Roman civilisation in Bassa Romagna begins in the territory of ancient Romandiola, or Romagna Estense. The term ‘Romandiola’ was used to refer to the part of the Romagna region under the rule of the House of Este (between 1440 and 1598), comprising, amongst others, Bagnacavallo, Cotignola and Massa Lombarda, where traces of the ancient Roman centuriation system can still be found. The territory of Bassa Romagna was colonised by the Romans between the 2nd century BC and the 2nd century AD. Setting off from Bagnacavallo, we come across the ancient 7th-century parish church of San Pietro in Sylvis, which stands within the ancient Roman centuriation.
Delta Po Veneto – Roman Presence in the Upper Adriatic
In the Veneto section of the Po Delta, where rivers, lagoons and landform a constantly changing landscape, traces of the Roman presence remain, bearing witness to a past in which this area served as a key link between the Po hinterland and the Adriatic Sea. Even in Roman times, the network of waterways and land routes facilitated trade and travel, contributing to the development of towns such as Adria, an ancient port and a hub for cultural exchange
Ravenna – Roman Presence in the Upper Adriatic
The route is divided into two sections: the southern section, which runs from Ravenna towards Comacchio, follows the ancient Fossa Augusta before continuing along the course of the Padus; and the northern section, which continues northwards along the ancient coastline. The southern section passes through all the major known centres of Roman settlement in the area, such as the aforementioned Fossa Augusta lagoon canal with its villas, and the towns of San Giovanni, Ostellato, Dogato and Rovereto, before continuing on to the monumental necropolis at Voghenza and ending in the south-eastern part of Ferrara.
Water Landscapes
This theme highlights the water landscapes of the Po Delta and the reclaimed lands, which have been transformed since the 16th century by canals, water pumps, embankments and hydraulic structures. This section explores the relationship between communities, water management, fishing, salt production and work in the wetlands.
Water Landscapes: Exploring the Grande Bonifica Area
The route winds through the lands of the Po Delta, recounting the great era of land reclamation between the 19th and 20th centuries, with its water pumps, canals and hydraulic works. From Ferrara and Argenta, with their museums dedicated to land reclamation and the river valleys, the route continues towards Alfonsine and Bagnacavallo, through wetlands and eco-museums, to Comacchio, where you can discover the tradition of eel fishing. The route continues to Codigoro and Gorino, taking in water pumps, monuments and historic water towers, before concluding at the Land Reclamation Museum at Ca’ Vendramin, in the Veneto Delta.
The Middle Ages and the Great Centers of Spirituality
This theme encompasses sacred sites, parish churches, churches, abbeys and pilgrimage routes that bear witness to the spread of medieval spirituality. This section links religious centres, devotional architecture and historic landscapes associated with the Christian heritage of the region.
Bassa Romagna – The Middle Ages and the Great Centers of Spirituality
This itinerary through Lower Romagna takes you on a journey of discovery through churches and oratories rich in sacred frescoes – true hidden treasures far from the major towns. The route begins at the Pieve di San Pietro in Sylvis in Bagnacavallo, with its exquisite 14th-century frescoes, continues to Lugo with the Oratory of Croce Coperta and the Church of the Ascension, both adorned with significant pictorial cycles, and concludes in Cotignola at the Church of San Francesco, which houses 16th-century frescoes, works by the Zaganelli brothers and the historic Sforza chapel. Optional stop: the Sanctuary of the Madonna del Bosco in Alfonsine.
Medulin – The Middle Ages and the Great Centers of Spirituality
The spiritual-historical route “The Middle Ages and Great Centers of Spirituality” guides visitors through key sacred monuments that testify to the development of Christian spirituality, church organization, and everyday religious life in the area of the Municipality of Medulin from the Middle Ages onward. The route begins at the Parish Church of St. Agnes, Virgin and Martyr in Medulin, the central place of religious life in the community, next to which once stood the Church of Sts. Cosmas and Damian, built as a filial church and closely connected to the development of the medieval parish.
Acient Leuca – The Middle Ages and the Great Centers of Spirituality
The route follows the final stretch of the Via dei Pellegrini towards Santa Maria di Leuca, along the ancient Messapian and Roman route. Suitable for walking or cycling, it starts at the Sanctuary of Santa Marina in Ruggiano, passes through the Leuca Piccola complex – a historic stopping place for pilgrims – and ends at the small rural church of San Pietro in Giuliano di Lecce, linked to the ancient city of Vereto and the tradition of the Apostle Peter’s visit.
Ferrara – The Middle Ages and the Great Centers of Spirituality
The route, which follows the late-antique course of the Po di Primaro starting from Ferrara, heads south-east through the centre of Sant’Egidio, where the 12th-century Santuario del Poggetto stands, and, before reaching Argenta – home to the 6th-century Pieve di San Giorgio – it turns off towards Benvignante, where one finds the sumptuous Delizia commissioned by Duke Borso d’Este in 1464.
The Byzantines and mosaics
This theme highlights the Byzantine and mosaic heritage of the Adriatic, with particular reference to Ravenna and the archaeological sites in the Croatian region. The proposed analysis highlights the evolution of mosaic art in relation to art, power, spirituality and the representation of space.
Ravenna – The Byzantines and mosaics
The itinerary takes in the city of Ravenna, capital of the Western Roman Empire and later a centre of Byzantine power, where one of the world’s most important collections of mosaics is preserved. It begins at the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia and continues towards the Basilica of San Vitale and the Neonian Baptistery, before reaching the Arian Baptistery, the Basilica of Sant’Apollinare Nuovo, the Archbishop’s Chapel and the Mausoleum of Theodoric.
Medulin – The Byzantines and mosaics
This itinerary takes you on a journey of discovery through the Roman mosaics of the Medulin area. Starting at the Roman villa at Vižula, with its elegant geometric mosaics from the Augustan and Hadrianic periods, the route continues to the villa at Pomer, where exquisite polychrome mosaics bear witness to the artistic taste and luxury of Imperial Rome in Istria.
Contemporary mosaics
The theme explores the dialogue between the ancient tradition of mosaic art and its contemporary reinterpretations. Museums, urban installations, workshops and artistic projects showcase the mosaic as a language that is still very much alive, capable of revitalising the cultural identity of places.
Ravenna – Contemporary mosaics
The itinerary explores Ravenna through the dialogue between ancient and contemporary mosaics. Starting from the MAR – the city’s art museum – and the International Centre for Mosaic Documentation, the route winds its way through works of public art, street art and artisan workshops, ending at the Museo Classis Ravenna, where the mosaic tradition continues to be revitalised through the language of contemporary art.
Medulin – Contemporary mosaics
The itinerary combines archaeology, contemporary art and community involvement in the Medulin area. Starting at the Vižula Archaeological Park, which features workshops inspired by the Roman heritage, the route continues to Pomer, where there is a replica of a 2nd-century Roman mosaic, and concludes in Banjole, at the Medulin Municipal History Park, an open-air museum that traces the area’s development from prehistory to the present day.
The Renaissance Period and the Influence of Venice
This theme explores the Renaissance and Venetian heritage along the Adriatic coast, through palaces, loggias, city gates, villas, aqueducts, and civil and religious architecture. This section highlights Venice’s role in shaping urban, political and cultural landscapes.
The Renaissance period, the influence of Venice and the aqueducts
Renaissance Itinerary: from Pile to Zaton – A journey centred on water, power and leisure. The Renaissance walk begins at the Pile Gate, Dubrovnik’s main western entrance, where control over space and people during the era of the Republic of Dubrovnik found its highest expression. Immediately adjacent stands the Great Onofrio’s Fountain, the monumental terminus of the Renaissance aqueduct completed in 1438, a symbol of the Republic’s technological and organisational power.
Under the Wing of the Lion: Venice’s Legacy in Cres
The walking tour takes you through the historic centre of Cres, offering an insight into the period of Venetian rule amongst palaces, squares and fortifications. From Palazzo Arsan, now the Cres Museum, the route leads to the town’s Loggia, the Clock Tower and the Venetian gates bearing the Lion of St Mark, before ending in the cloister of the Convent of St Francis and at the Tower of Cres, the last remaining part of the town’s ancient defensive walls.
Osor under Venice: A walk through the Renaissance Metropolis
The itinerary takes you through Osor, an ancient town situated between the islands of Cres and Lošinj, to explore its Renaissance heritage linked to Venetian rule. The route takes in the Cathedral of the Assumption of Mary, the town walls, the ruins of the Monastery of Santa Maria degli Angeli and the monument to the marten, a symbol of the town’s historic ties with Venice. The tour concludes in this ‘open-air museum’, amidst historic architecture and sculptures by leading Croatian artists.
Rural Landscapes
This theme highlights rural landscapes as places of enduring significance, where traces of the Messapian, Roman and medieval periods intertwine with olive groves, dry-stone walls, footpaths and small places of worship. The themed trail illustrates the relationship between settlement, agriculture and the region’s history.
Ancient Leuca – Vereto: Messapian, Roman and Medieval
The route crosses the Vereto hill, in the Patù area, taking in the ancient Messapian, Roman and medieval town. Amidst footpaths, dry-stone walls and olive groves, visitors can explore the Church of the Madonna di Vereto, the crypt of Sant’Elia, the bay of San Gregorio with its ancient landing stage, and the Centopietre archaeological site. The route ends in the historic centre of Patù, at the Vereto Archaeological Museum, which houses important artefacts relating to Messapian and Roman history and culture.
Emporia and Trade Routes in the Ancient World
The theme explores the ancient trading centres, ports and trade routes that linked the Po Valley, the Delta and the Adriatic. This section traces the routes of trade, navigation and the movement of goods, people and cultures from the Etruscan era to the Roman period.
Emporia and Trade Routes in the Ancient World – Travelling from Classis to the Delta
The itinerary follows the ancient route of a Roman merchant ship, from the port of Classe to the Comacchio Lagoons. Passing through the historic waterways, the Fossa Augusta, the pialasse and the coastal pine forest, the route illustrates the relationship between navigation, the local area and trade in antiquity, ending at the Museo Delta Antico in Comacchio.
Emporia and Trade Routes in the Ancient World
The route follows the ancient course of the Po di Spina and the Etruscan-era coastline, taking in the sites associated with the civilisation of Spina. Starting from the Comacchio Open-Air Museum, which recreates an ancient Etruscan settlement, the route passes through the necropolises and continues towards Massenzatica, Adria and the archaeological site of San Basilio, bearing witness to the continuity between the Etruscan, Roman and early Christian periods.
Island & Natural Trails
This theme explores island and nature trails through coastal landscapes, scenic footpaths, small villages, outlying islands and archaeological sites. The section invites visitors to experience the archipelago at a leisurely pace, weaving together nature, history, local traditions and maritime identity.
The Sacred Path of Osoršćica: from the peaks to the Canal of the Empires
The route crosses the ‘mountainous backbone’ of the island of Lošinj along the Via Apsirtides, combining nature, panoramic views and ancient legends. From Nerezine, home to the Renaissance church of St Mary Magdalene, the route climbs towards the chapel of St Nicholas and Mount Televrin, the island’s highest peak, passing through caves linked to the tradition of St Gaudentius. The descent leads to the historic town of Osor, crossing the Roman Kavuada Canal and passing through its old town, amidst walls, sculptures and reminders of its Venetian past.
Vitality Heritage: A Trail Through History and Aromatic Landscapes
The route crosses the island of Lošinj, combining natural landscapes, history and Mediterranean traditions. From the Osor Bridge and the Privlaka Canal – testaments to the relationship between man and the sea – the route continues towards the Čikat pine forest, the cradle of health tourism, and the Garden of Fragrances, rich in local aromatic plants. Following the coastline, the route takes you to Veli Lošinj, with its historic tower, and on to the Providenca viewpoint, from where you can admire the entire archipelago in a striking blend of nature and cultural heritage.
Through Waves and Time: A Slow Exploration of the Small Islands
The itinerary begins at the port of Mali Lošinj and takes you on a journey of discovery through the smaller islands of the archipelago, amidst the sea, nature and history. The cruise calls at the islets of Vela and Mala Orjula, linked to the discovery of the ancient Apoxyomenos, continues on to Unije, with its rural landscapes and stone houses, and reaches Susak, an island unique for its sandy soil, Benedictine tower, vineyards and folk traditions. The return to Mali Lošinj brings to a close a journey through the identity, culture and landscapes of the archipelago.
How about a cross-border
tourist package?
During the Value Plus project’s study trips, 36 Italian and Croatian students from Ravenna, Cres and Mali Lošinj explored the two regions, met with local stakeholders and worked in mixed groups for over 120 hours. The result? Four proposals for cross-border tourist packages, designed by the students to showcase the culture, nature and sustainability of the Italy–Croatia region — each with its own target audience and unique style.
City to island
Nine days of sport and nature, from the Classe Pine Forest to the Tramuntana trails: running, cycling, kayaking and sailing to explore the Adriatic on the move, from Ravenna to the wild heart of Cres.
Two cities one sea
A simple, accessible and sustainable journey: inclusive routes, tactile mosaics and barrier-free beaches link Ravenna and Lošinj. Because travel really should be for everyone.
Tutti Frutti
Ten days on the road for young people aged 18 to 25: monuments, festivals, amusement parks and beaches, from Ravenna and Ferrara to Cres and Lošinj.
No stress in Ravenna and Cres
The ideal family holiday: nine days exploring the mosaics of Ravenna, the Po Delta and the coves of Cres, with workshops, animals to discover and authentic flavours. Culture, relaxation and zero stress