Ravelins and the Countermine Gallery
The ravelins, nine in total, are part of the second line of defense of the fortress of Palmanova.
They were built outside the moat, in front of the curtains.
Their construction, completed in 1682, was decided to keep enemy fire away from the fortress, ensuring the town center from the increased range of cannons. The entire bastioned wall of Palmanova is traversed, in its underground, by a system of galleries, some of which can be walked through and visited. The galleries built inside the ravelins were called “countermine” galleries because, if necessary, they could be "mined" and exploded to damage approaching enemies.
The audioguides
From the Infopoint to the galleries - Distance 800 meters, 10 minutes walk
Audioguide: provided directly at the entrance of the galleries, subject to availability. To start the tour, it is necessary to turn on the audioguide using the lever on the lower edge of the device. Once started, click the central button ("PLAY") to select the video mode.
The seven audio tracks of the audioguide will then be directly accessible. Playback will start by clicking PLAY again. At each point of interest near the Gallery, the corresponding audio track number is displayed. Track 1, introductory, can be started at the aqueduct of Porta Udine.
The traces
1. Under the Venetian aqueduct
Introduction to the Fortress, the water paths, the waterfall, the walls, and the galleries.
2. Entrance of the Gallery
The gallery system and the limestone concretions.
3. The niches and cave pearls
The pisolites, cave pearls, and the niches for the gunpowder barrels.
4. The first intersection
The brick vaults and the complex system of counter-mine galleries
5. The mysterious side gallery
The ammunition storage, the Venetian units of measurement
6. The works of the Galleries
The construction methods and the function of the protruding bricks
7. The Venetian writings
The writings of the Venetian miners and the mystery of the galleries under the Fortress.
Reservations and hours
The "Galleria di Contromina Veneziana" can be visited on Saturdays and Sundays (morning and afternoon) or during dedicated events. To find out the opening hours and book a visit, you can contact the Infopoint Palmanova of Promoturismo FVG (Borgo Udine, 4, Palmanova - tel. 0432 924815 info.palmanova@promoturismo.fvg.it). Groups larger than 15 people (reservation required at the Infopoint) can also access on other days and times. The cost of the visit is 2 euros per person. Free with FVG Card and for children under 16, tour guides, journalists, one group leader for every 25 paying visitors, people with disabilities, and companions (in case of non-self-sufficiency).