This star-shaped fortress town, built in 1593, has three rings of defensive walls and 18 bastions. Its geometric layout and Renaissance military architecture remain intact today.
Palmanova, a Renaissance fortress town in northeastern Italy, has a unique nine-pointed star layout with three rings of fortification walls. Walk through the 16th-century Porta Udine gate to reach the hexagonal Piazza Grande, where the 17th-century Duomo rises 50 meters high. The Military History Museum displays Renaissance weapons and battle maps, while the 7-kilometer fortress walls offer walking and cycling paths with views across the Friuli countryside.
Exploring the Star Fortress
The geometric design of Palmanova follows Renaissance military principles, with three concentric rings of walls and nine arrow-shaped ramparts. Each rampart extends outward to create strategic defensive positions. You can walk or cycle the 7-kilometer wall circuit, passing through stone tunnels that connected soldiers to different sections of the fortress. Look for the original cannon positions and guard posts along your route.
Central Piazza and Architecture
The hexagonal Piazza Grande sits at the center of six radiating streets laid out in precise geometric patterns. The Duomo, completed in 1636, contains several 17th-century Venetian paintings, including works by Giambattista Pittoni. Three monumental gates control access to the town: Porta Udine, Porta Cividale, and Porta Aquileia. Each gate has distinct 16th-century stone carvings and original wooden doors.
Military History Museum
Inside the Civic History Museum, you'll find exhibits chronicling Palmanova's military role from 1593 to 1945. The collection includes 16th-century matchlock muskets, Napoleonic uniforms, and detailed fortress construction plans. Touch screens and scale models demonstrate how soldiers defended the star-shaped fortifications against attacking forces.
Events and Festivals
During the first weekend of September, hundreds of historical reenactors gather for A.D. 1615 Palma alle Armi, recreating military life during the Ottoman-Habsburg wars. The Game Fortress Comic & Movie Festival in July brings cosplay competitions and gaming tournaments to the historic center. The Festival of the Redeemer celebrates local traditions with food stalls selling regional specialties like frico (cheese crisps) and cjarsons (herb-filled pasta).
Getting to Palmanova
Take the A23 (Udine-Tarvisio) or A4 (Turin-Trieste) motorway to reach Palmanova. The train station is 2 miles from the center, with trains running every hour to Udine (20 minutes) and Cervignano (15 minutes). Venice is 90 minutes away by car, and the coastal town of Grado is a 30-minute drive.
