The fortress of Palmanova is not only a gem of military art but also a model town, in the shape of a perfectly symmetrical nine-pointed star. A bulwark of the renaissance concept of ideal town wanted by the Venetian Government to defend the eastern border.

Palmanova World Heritage Site

Palmanova is a fortress city designed and built by the Republic of Venice in a start-shaped pattern to defend the borders of the region from foreign threats, especially from the Turks. It was inscribed as part of the Venetian Works of Defence between the 16th and 17th Centuries UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2017.

Evening view of Piazza Grande, the main plaza in the center of Palmanova. – © Massimo Crivellari / Archive PromoTurismoFVG

Porta Aquileia, the southern gate to the city of Palmanova – © lianem / Shutterstock

Udine Gate entrance to Palmanova – © Alessio Buldrin - Foto e Grafica Immagini Srl

View inside Cividale Gate of Palmanova – © Alessio Buldrin- Foto e Grafica Immagini Srl

Evening view of Piazza Grande, the main plaza in the center of Palmanova. – © Massimo Crivellari / Archive PromoTurismoFVG

Keep in mind that to reach the historical centre of Palmanova you can choose to go through three monumental gates, called Aquileia, Udine and Cividale, and, wherever you are coming from, the outlet point is the hexagonal Piazza Grande, the old parade ground. You will be stunned by the perfection of this place.

Orthophoto of the City Fortress of Palmanova – © Municipality of Palmanova

Standing in front of Porta Cividale then you can get a glimpse of the three types of fortifications that surround the city, the bulwark, bastions, the moat, Napoleonic counterguards and lunettes. You have no idea what it looks like? Find out with us and take your time to walk across the paths which are plotted along the ramparts.

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