Palmanova - Venetian Works of Defence between the 16th and 17th Centuries: Stato da Terra – Western Stato da Mar
Palmanova, Italy
13.09.2021
Palmanova is a charming town located in the northeastern region of Italy, known as Friuli-Venezia Giulia. This town is situated in the province of Udine and is approximately 25 kilometers from the city of Udine. Palmanova is a unique destination that stands out for its distinctive star-shaped layout, which is still visible in the city's architecture.
The town was founded in the late 16th century by the Venetian Republic as a strategic military outpost. Its star-shaped design was intended to provide maximum protection to the city and its inhabitants during times of war. Today, this layout has become one of the main attractions of Palmanova, making it a popular destination for history and architecture enthusiasts.
The city's main square, Piazza Grande, is the heart of Palmanova and is surrounded by beautiful buildings, including the Cathedral of St. George and the Town Hall. The square is also home to a weekly market where visitors can find a variety of local products and crafts.
One of the most fascinating aspects of Palmanova is its well-preserved defensive walls that surround the city. These walls were built in the 17th century and are still intact, providing a glimpse into the city's past. Visitors can walk along the walls and enjoy stunning views of the surrounding countryside.
Aside from its historical and architectural charm, Palmanova also offers a variety of activities for tourists. The town is surrounded by vineyards and is known for its production of high-quality wines. Visitors can take a tour of the local wineries or enjoy a wine tasting session while overlooking the picturesque landscape.
For those looking for a bit of relaxation, Palmanova is also home to several thermal spas. These spas offer a range of treatments and therapies, making it the perfect place to unwind and rejuvenate.
In addition to its beauty and attractions, Palmanova also boasts a rich culinary scene. The town is known for its delicious Friulian cuisine, which is a fusion of Italian, Austrian, and Slavic influences. Visitors can indulge in local specialties such as frico (a cheese and potato dish) and prosciutto di San Daniele (cured ham).
In conclusion, Palmanova is a hidden gem in Italy that offers a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. From its star-shaped layout and impressive defensive walls to its delicious cuisine and thermal spas, there is something for everyone in this charming town. Whether you are a history buff, a food lover, or simply seeking a relaxing getaway, Palmanova is a must-visit destination in Italy.
This property consists of 6 components of defence works in Italy, Croatia and Montenegro, spanning more than 1,000 km between the Lombard region of Italy and the eastern Adriatic Coast. The fortifications throughout the Stato da Terra protected the Republic of Venice from other European powers to the northwest and those of the Stato da Mar protected the sea routes and ports in the Adriatic Sea to the Levant. They were necessary to support the expansion and authority of the Serenissima. The introduction of gunpowder led to significant shifts in military techniques and architecture that are reflected in the design of so-called alla moderna / bastioned, fortifications, which were to spread throughout Europe.
Palmanova (Friulian: Palme) is a town and comune (municipality) in the Regional decentralization entity of Udine in Friuli-Venezia Giulia, northeast Italy. The town is an example of a star fort of the late Renaissance, built up by the Venetian Republic in 1593.
The fortifications were included in UNESCO's World Heritage Site list as part of Venetian Works of Defence between the 16th and 17th centuries: Stato da Terra – western Stato da Mar in 2017. Palmanova is one of I Borghi più belli d'Italia ("The most beautiful villages of Italy").
Venetian Works of Defence between the 16th and 17th centuries: Stato da Terra – Western Stato da Mar is a UNESCO World Heritage Site comprising six bastion forts built by the Republic of Venice on its mainland domains (Stato da Terra) and its Domains of the Sea (Stato da Màr).
With the increase in firearm warfare in the early modern period of gunpowder when the cannon came to dominate the battlefield, came significant shifts in military strategy and fort design. One of these changes was the development of the bastion fort, or alla moderna fortifications, with a polygon-shaped fortress with bulwarks at the corners. These designs originated from the Republic of Venice, but would soon spread throughout Europe and remain the standard for defence until the 19th century. In 2017, six of these fortifications in Italy, Croatia, and Montenegro were inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list. These six sites provide quintessential examples of this fort design, demonstrate the influence of Renaissance-era Venice, and pay testimony to a major advancement in the history of warfare.
