Palmanova with its 7 km-long fortifications is considered a "unicum" in Europe
It was built in 1593 by the Venetian Republic with a layout in the shape of a perfect 9-pointed star, complete with three monumental access gates. Palmanova perfectly combines the Renaissance Ideal City with a paragon of military architecture. The Piazza Grande (Big Square), a vast hexagonal parade ground, is home to a permanent exhibition called Instruments and Artificial Machines Used to Build the Palma Fortress, showcasing life-sized copies of some of the machines used during the construction of Palmanova. The Piazza has always been at the heart of the fortress-town’s military and civilian life. It is encircled by statues depicting some of the Provveditori that governed it, and the stone platform that occupies its middle is dominated by a towering central flagpole. Along the square’s perimeter you will find all the main historic buildings, such as the Doge’s Cathedral, the Palace of the Provveditore General, the Palace of the Governor of Arms, the Loggia of Gran Guardia and the Mount of Piety Building.
The Palace of the Provveditore General is now the town hall. When it was built in 1598 it accommodated the Provveditore’s family, as well as his secretary, the chancery and a whole retinue of servants. The Loggia of Gran Guardia, with its three tall arches, was built between 1599 and 1601 to house military troops and the Provveditore’s Guard Corps. Here you can find the original wooden doors of one of the city gates. Next to it there is the Merchants’ Loggia which now shelters a monument by artist Marcello Mascherini called “The Martyr of the Resistance”.
The Doge’s Cathedral was built in the first half of the 17th century. The façade is embellished with gigantic half-columns and with statues of Christ the Redeemer, St. Mark, St. Justine and the Venetian Lion. The church’s interior boasts numerous works of art from the 16th and 17th centuries. One of the most remarkable is the Pala delle Milizie altarpiece by Alessandro Varotari (a.k.a. Padovanino). Other noteworthy altarpieces are the ones by Pomponio Amalteao, Frenchman Pietro Bainville, Pietro Pini and Giovanni Cosattini. The latter became a renowned portrait artist at the Hapsburg court in Vienna. Later centuries (19th and 20th) saw the addition of works by Pompeo Randi da Forlì, Leonardo Rigo, Giuseppe Comuzzi, Domenico Fabris and Fred Pittino. The exquisite wooden statue of the Madonna and Child is from the 16th century and is attributed to Martino, brother of the better-known Domenico da Tolmezzo.
The Palace of the Provveditore General is now the town hall. When it was built in 1598 it accommodated the Provveditore’s family, as well as his secretary, the chancery and a whole retinue of servants. The Loggia of Gran Guardia, with its three tall arches, was built between 1599 and 1601 to house military troops and the Provveditore’s Guard Corps. Here you can find the original wooden doors of one of the city gates. Next to it there is the Merchants’ Loggia which now shelters a monument by artist Marcello Mascherini called “The Martyr of the Resistance”.
The Doge’s Cathedral was built in the first half of the 17th century. The façade is embellished with gigantic half-columns and with statues of Christ the Redeemer, St. Mark, St. Justine and the Venetian Lion. The church’s interior boasts numerous works of art from the 16th and 17th centuries. One of the most remarkable is the Pala delle Milizie altarpiece by Alessandro Varotari (a.k.a. Padovanino). Other noteworthy altarpieces are the ones by Pomponio Amalteao, Frenchman Pietro Bainville, Pietro Pini and Giovanni Cosattini. The latter became a renowned portrait artist at the Hapsburg court in Vienna. Later centuries (19th and 20th) saw the addition of works by Pompeo Randi da Forlì, Leonardo Rigo, Giuseppe Comuzzi, Domenico Fabris and Fred Pittino. The exquisite wooden statue of the Madonna and Child is from the 16th century and is attributed to Martino, brother of the better-known Domenico da Tolmezzo.
The Mount of Piety was built in the 14th century to curb the activity of unscrupulous moneylenders. Today’s building was completed in 1829 and it can be recognised by the statue of Piety lodged on one of its corners.
The Napoleonic powder magazines are another feature of great interest. They have an oblong shape and they were used to store ammunition. Today they have been converted into venues for temporary exhibitions.
On the first weekend of September Palmanova springs back to life with its massive historical re-enactment called A.D. 1615, Palma to Arms, commemorating the war between Austria and the Venetian Republic. The latter ruled Friuli from 1420 until 1797. Another important event is the horse show that takes place every year in September among the town’s fortifications.
Curiosities
When arriving in Palma, French troops destroyed as many symbols of the Venetian Republic as they could find, particularly the Venetian lions, which were only reinstated to their original place at a much later time. One of the lions featured on a fresco placed on a pillar along the outer wall of the cathedral facing Contrada Donato, managed to elude the destructive fury of the Napoleonic troops alongside the lion located outside Aquileia Gate.
In the tourist office you’ll be able to use some special viewing equipment that allows you to enjoy an immersive video with aerial views of the fortress. Audio-guide devices and bicycles are also available for those who are keen to enjoy a physical tour of the fortress.
For Information
Infopoint Palmanova
Borgo Udine 4
Palmanova
Tel. 0039 0432 924815
Info.palmanova@promoturismo.fvg.it
The Napoleonic powder magazines are another feature of great interest. They have an oblong shape and they were used to store ammunition. Today they have been converted into venues for temporary exhibitions.
On the first weekend of September Palmanova springs back to life with its massive historical re-enactment called A.D. 1615, Palma to Arms, commemorating the war between Austria and the Venetian Republic. The latter ruled Friuli from 1420 until 1797. Another important event is the horse show that takes place every year in September among the town’s fortifications.
Curiosities
When arriving in Palma, French troops destroyed as many symbols of the Venetian Republic as they could find, particularly the Venetian lions, which were only reinstated to their original place at a much later time. One of the lions featured on a fresco placed on a pillar along the outer wall of the cathedral facing Contrada Donato, managed to elude the destructive fury of the Napoleonic troops alongside the lion located outside Aquileia Gate.
In the tourist office you’ll be able to use some special viewing equipment that allows you to enjoy an immersive video with aerial views of the fortress. Audio-guide devices and bicycles are also available for those who are keen to enjoy a physical tour of the fortress.
For Information
Infopoint Palmanova
Borgo Udine 4
Palmanova
Tel. 0039 0432 924815
Info.palmanova@promoturismo.fvg.it
Udine - Grado