Palmanova is a UNESCO Renaissance city and an extraordinary masterpiece of military architecture, just over an hour by car from Venice.
The power of the number three
A fortress town preserved in extraordinary condition, built by the Republic of Venice in 1593 to counter the expansionist aims of the Habsburgs of Austria and the raids of the Turks, in 2017 Palmanova is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city is enclosed within three concentric circling walls in the shape of a perfect nine-pointed star. These have three monumental entrance gates, and the city is considered a model of the ideal Renaissance city and an extraordinary example of military architecture.
An impregnable fortress and invisible city
The Piazza Grande, or main square, has a hexagonal structure and is the heart of the historical centre and fortress, as well as being the hub of city life. Known as the Piazza d'Armi, this vast parade ground houses an interesting museum with life size reproductions of the tools and machines used to build Palmanova’s Fortress. The city’s strictly geometric structure and star shape make it a significant example of well-preserved military architecture but what makes it even more extraordinary is that it was an invisible city. Built lower than the horizon line, Palmanova was hidden from enemy eyes and, thanks to the distant hills and mountains and the outer walls that were covered by earth and vegetation, the city was totally camouflaged, making it one of the most impregnable fortresses in Europe.
A city shrouded in mystery and legend
With its nine-pointed star shape, Palmanova has always been shrouded in mystery as it is a city based on the number three and its multiples. In fact the star has nine points on its bastions and encircling walls. There are three access gates to the city, the Porta Udine, Porta Cividale and Porta Aquileia, and it has 18 radial roads and six main roads, while the main square is six-sided. So who can doubt that three is Palmanova’s lucky number?
An annual October folk festival
Palmanova is crisscrossed by a system of underground tunnels, some of which can be visited. Also worth visiting are the Cathedral and the Loggia dei Mercanti, as are the Palace of the Provveditore Generale, which today houses the Town Hall dating back to 1598, and the Historical Military Museum. Every year on 7 October to celebrate its patron saint Santa Justina the austere old city takes on a festive air with colourful street stalls selling local arts and crafts, street food and performances.
