Ontdek Friuli met je eigen gids / Discover Friuli with your own guide / Scopri il Friuli con la tua guida privata /
Entdecken Sie Friaul mit Ihrer eigenen Fremdenführerin
The nine-pointed 16th century fortress built by the Venetians
WHAT TO SEE IN PALMANOVA?
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VENETIAN STAR-SHAPED FORTRESS
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Palmanova, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a masterpiece of Venetian military architecture. Built in 1593, its unique nine-pointed star shape was designed to defend against invasions from the Turks and the Austrian Empire, featuring advanced fortifications like moats, bastions, ramparts, and lift bridges. This fortress city was one of the most modern defense systems of its time.
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NAPOLEON'S LEGACY
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Although rarely attacked, Palmanova’s strategic location caught Napoleon’s eye during his Italian campaign. Between 1797 and 1813, he expanded the city's fortifications, adding a third ring known as “Lunette di Napoleone.” He also renamed the city, adding "Nova" to signify its renewal under his rule.
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WALK ON THE RAMPARTS
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The best way to experience Palmanova is to walk along its ramparts, exploring the old moats and fortifications. Don’t miss the chance to visit the underground defense gallery, "Galleria Contromina," which reveals the city's military history.
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SHOPPING & MARKET DAY
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If you’re visiting on a Monday, enjoy the lively market day in the central square. Also, just a short distance away, you’ll find the Palmanova Outlet, where you can shop for Italian brands at great prices.
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BOOK A GUIDED TOUR
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A visit to Palmanova is a must when in Friuli Venezia Giulia. Contact me to book a guided tour, and I’ll show you the fascinating history of this star-shaped fortress city.
The highlights of Palmanova:
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The ramparts
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The underground defense gallery "contromina"
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The bastions
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The Piazza Grande
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The historical buildings surrounding the main square
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The Cathedral
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The three access gates
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The historical museum
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The military museum
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The market on Mondays
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 Palmanova Outlet |
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 Grado |
 Udine |
 Aquileia |
 Castello Strassoldo |
Event: Palma alle Armi - The historical re-enactment
On the first weekend of September, Palmanova comes alive with the great historical re-enactment AD 1615.
Palma alle Armi (Palma at arms): around 1000 (!) actors in 17th century costume bring us back to the beginning of the war between Habsburg Austria and the Republic of Venice until the fall of Venice to Napoleon in 1797.
