Palmanova - Venetian Works of Defence between the 16th and 17th Centuries: Stato da Terra – Western Stato da Mar
Palmanova, Italy
13.09.2021
Palmanova – A Unique Star Fortification in Italy
The town of Palmanova, located in the northeastern Italian region of Friuli-Venezia Giulia, is a true gem of the Renaissance period. Its distinct layout of a nine-pointed star, surrounded by massive walls and a moat, earned it the nickname "The Star City." But Palmanova is not only aesthetically pleasing, it also holds a significant place in history as a prime example of a planned military town and a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1996.
The origins of Palmanova date back to the late 16th century, when the Republic of Venice was facing constant threats from the Ottoman Empire. The Venetian Republic commissioned the construction of a new fortified city, strategically located between the cities of Udine and Aquileia. The town was designed by the famous architect Vincenzo Scamozzi and built in a record time of only nine years, from 1593 to 1602.
The unique star-shaped layout of Palmanova was not only aesthetically pleasing, but also highly functional. The nine points of the star were designed to allow for better defense and easier access to the city for its inhabitants. Each point was equipped with a gate, and the central point housed the main square, the Piazza Grande, which served as a market and a meeting place for the citizens.
Over the centuries, Palmanova played a crucial role in many conflicts, including the Napoleonic Wars and World War I. Despite several attempts to conquer the city, it remained undefeated until 1917, when it was occupied by Austro-Hungarian troops. Today, Palmanova is a peaceful town, but its rich history is still visible in its well-preserved fortifications and historic buildings.
The main attractions of Palmanova include the three main gates, Porta Udine, Porta Cividale and Porta Aquileia, each with its unique design and historical significance. The Piazza Grande, with its charming Venetian-style buildings, is also a must-see for visitors. The town also has several interesting museums, such as the Palmanova City Museum and the Military Museum, which offer insights into the town's history and heritage.
Palmanova's unique star-shaped layout and its important role in history make it a must-visit destination for history and architecture enthusiasts. Its inclusion in the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1996 further highlights its significance and makes it a popular tourist destination in Italy.
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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.
