The starting point of the first stage is Piazza Capitolo in Aquileia. Today, it is a town of around 3,000 inhabitants, but 2,000 years ago it was one of the most important metropolises of the Roman Empire. We recommend that you spend at least half a day visiting the archaeological sites, the National Archaeological Museum and, of course, the Basilica with its remarkable mosaics dating back to the beginning of the 4th century, the Romanesque apse from the 11th century and the frescoes in the crypt painted in the second half of the 12th century.

The first steps take you along the so-called Sacred Way (Via Sacra), where you can admire the excavations of the ancient harbour canal, and soon you reach the settlement of Monastero, which also has a very rich history. On the site of a basilica dating from the late 5th century and a monastery that was here for about a thousand years until it was suppressed at the end of the 18th century, there is now an impressive early Christian museum with a remarkable collection of tombstones.

From Monastero, we follow the roads that cross the Aquileian countryside, passing through the village of San Lorenzo with its beautiful Romanesque church, through the centre of Fiumicella, all the way to the banks of the river Soča. After crossing the bridge in Pieris, we head across the fields towards the village of Škocjan ob Soči, where, if necessary, overnight accommodation can be found. Here, too, you should not miss the archaeological excavations and the memorials of the young martyrs, Saints Kanci Kancijan and Kancijanila, who were killed here during Diocletian's persecution of the Christians.

After walking through Pieris and the centre of Turjak (pay attention to your orientation!), we approach the river Soča and continue along its left bank towards the finish of the first stage.