Palmanova is a one-of-a-kind destination with an unmistakable identity. Designed from the ground up as the ideal city, it features a striking nine-pointed star shape when viewed from above. But what was its purpose, and why was it inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2017?
Read on to uncover the secrets of this remarkable tourist destination, nestled in Friuli Venezia Giulia (Udine).
The nine-pointed star: an ideal city
Palmanova was conceived as the ideal city, but what does that mean? It was designed to be both an impregnable fortress and an aesthetic masterpiece, blending beauty and harmony with exceptional military functionality. Achieving such a vision wasn’t simple, but the innovative nine-pointed star layout made it possible.
Why was there such a need for an unassailable yet beautiful city? To answer that, we must delve into its origins and the context that necessitated such an extraordinary project.
The history of Palmanova
To understand the reasons behind Palmanova’s unique design, we must revisit the turbulent history of Northern Italy. Founded in 1593 by the Republic of Venice, the city was the brainchild of the era’s best architects and engineers.
At the time, Venice’s geopolitical situation was precarious. Its territories bordered those of the powerful Habsburg Empire, and some Venetian lands were entirely surrounded by Habsburg-controlled regions. Tensions and potential conflicts loomed constantly.
To safeguard its dominion, the Venetian Senate built an impregnable fortress—a fortified city with multiple defensive rings, bastions, and ramparts that would make it impenetrable.
The star’s points served a critical defensive purpose. These bastions deflected cannonballs, reducing their impact, while defensive cannons were stationed at their summits.
Connecting the bastions were nine curtain walls, robust defensive structures further protected by nine falsabraghe, or lower defensive walls. This intricate fortification system made Palmanova a symbol of 16th-century military architecture.
Unfortunately, the fortress fell to Austrian forces in 1797, remaining under their control until 1866, when it was reclaimed and annexed into the Kingdom of Italy.
On July 9, 2017, Palmanova’s fortress was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site as part of the serial transnational listing, “Venetian Works of Defence Between the 16th and 17th Centuries.” Since 2018, it has also been recognized among the “Most Beautiful Villages in Italy.”
What to see in Palmanova
Church of the Most Holy Redeemer (Chiesa del Santissimo Redentore)
Palmanova’s primary church, completed in 1636, is not only a place of worship but also a stunning architectural landmark. Dominating the town’s central Piazza Grande, the cathedral is the most imposing structure in the village.
Italian churches often double as forgotten museums, housing significant artworks and religious artifacts. This church is no exception, featuring masterpieces such as:
- Virgin with Child Jesus and Saints Mark and Justina
- Exaltation of the Relics of Saint Spyridon by Pietro Bainville
- Saint Lucy by Padovanino
Historical military museum
If you want to see original military uniforms and war relics from Palmanova’s foundation through World War II, this museum is a must-visit. It also serves as the starting point for an in-depth exploration of the city’s defensive structures, including curtain walls, bastions, falsabraghe, and moats.
Make this hidden gem part of your next Italian adventure, and discover why it continues to shine as one of the most unique towns in the world!
