It lies in the middle of the Friulan plain, at about 13 miles from Udine ; it was built in 1593 by the Republic of Venice to keep at bay the Turks and Austrians threatening the easternmost border. Palmanova's plan recalls the "ideal town" as described by Renaissance philosophers and essayists, even if in this case the architects privileged its prospective military role. Besides, in order to enable this fortress-town to face successfully the menace of the fire arms and war techniques of that time, they built protruding wedge-shaped bastions in the corners of the nonagonal plan so to allow a cross-defence when using guns or other weapons. The triple boundary walls, which give the town the characteristic star shape, were built in different ages :the first and second one were put up by the Republic of Venice, the third one by Napoleon, who also gave the town its name.
Palmanova, the ideal fortress-town, was never taken into consideration for its originary strategic aim , except for the short period of Napoleon's rule.
The town still boasts the original plan and access to it is provided by three monumental gateways located beyond the moat : the Aquileia Gate, built in 1598, the Udine and Cividale gate, built in 1605.
Interesting places:
Piazza Grande: it is the wide central hexagonal square from which Borgo Udine, Borgo Cividale, Borgo Aquileia radiate and lead to the homonimous gates.
Duomo: facing Piazza Grande . It was probably designed by Vincenzo Scamozzi (1602).
The Military History Museum, sited in Borgo Cividale, by the gateway. It hosts a collection of military uniforms from 1593 to World War 2.Open daily from 9 to 12 am and from 2 to 4 pm (from 4 to 6 pm in Summer). Closed on Sunday afternoons.
The Civic History Museum, located at 4, Borgo Udine. Documents, weapons and antiques testifying this town's life are on display. Open daily from 10 to 12 am, Sunday excl.
