Visiting the countermining tunnel and the Donato bulwark.
Palmanova is surrounded by a complex set of fortifications that is organised in three different circles of defensive structures. These were built in three different periods: the first one when the fortress was founded (1593-1620), the second in the 17th century (1665-1683) and the third one at the time of Napoleon (1806-1809). The defence lines consist of embankments supported by stone or brickwork, by nine bulwarks (aka bastions), curtain walls, ramparts and ravelins. The city plan of the fortress is arranged on radial axes: six streets radiate from the hexagonal square three of which lead to the only three access gates thus defining the town sections while the other three roads end near the first circle of walls and form neighbourhoods.
The Historic Park of Bastions consists of a million and a half square metres (16 million square feet) of parkland, offering permanent meadows with a variety of flora that includes thyme, chives, bladder campion, dandelion and St John’s wort; and fauna amongst which we find kingfishers, grey herons, great tits, mallards and common moorhens. Visitors will be able to go at the discovery of this environment- located outside the fortifications - by walking or riding a city bike, mountain bike or a horse. The paths offer endless panoramic views and highlights like the waterfalls that feed the moat, the picturesque aqueduct bridge, the weeping willow grove by Cividale Gate, the Donato bulwark and the Countermining tunnel.
The Historic Park of Bastions consists of a million and a half square metres (16 million square feet) of parkland, offering permanent meadows with a variety of flora that includes thyme, chives, bladder campion, dandelion and St John’s wort; and fauna amongst which we find kingfishers, grey herons, great tits, mallards and common moorhens. Visitors will be able to go at the discovery of this environment- located outside the fortifications - by walking or riding a city bike, mountain bike or a horse. The paths offer endless panoramic views and highlights like the waterfalls that feed the moat, the picturesque aqueduct bridge, the weeping willow grove by Cividale Gate, the Donato bulwark and the Countermining tunnel.
The Donato bulwark
The bulwark is shaped like an arrow and - together with the other eight bulwarks – forms the nine-pointed star that characterises Palmanova’s distinctive shape and constitutes its global claim to fame. On the corners of the bulwark there are two blockhouses (loggias) to house the guards. The loggia of the Donato bulwark, located between Udine and Cividale gates, can be visited during events and guided tours that take place annually.
The countermine tunnels
Under Palmanova’s entire system of fortifications lies a network of tunnels, some of which are still passable. The tunnels that were built under the ravelins were named “countermine tunnels”, because in the event of enemy incursions they could be “mined” and blown up to stem enemy advance. Between Udine and Cividale gates one can visit a well-equipped and lit section of the countermine tunnel.
The tourist office sells tickets to the countermining tunnel and to the Donato bastion.
For information
Infopoint Palmanova
Borgo Udine, 4
Tel. 0039 0432 921548
Info.palmanova@promoturismo.fvg.it
The bulwark is shaped like an arrow and - together with the other eight bulwarks – forms the nine-pointed star that characterises Palmanova’s distinctive shape and constitutes its global claim to fame. On the corners of the bulwark there are two blockhouses (loggias) to house the guards. The loggia of the Donato bulwark, located between Udine and Cividale gates, can be visited during events and guided tours that take place annually.
The countermine tunnels
Under Palmanova’s entire system of fortifications lies a network of tunnels, some of which are still passable. The tunnels that were built under the ravelins were named “countermine tunnels”, because in the event of enemy incursions they could be “mined” and blown up to stem enemy advance. Between Udine and Cividale gates one can visit a well-equipped and lit section of the countermine tunnel.
The tourist office sells tickets to the countermining tunnel and to the Donato bastion.
For information
Infopoint Palmanova
Borgo Udine, 4
Tel. 0039 0432 921548
Info.palmanova@promoturismo.fvg.it
Udine - Grado