The bastion park: the first circle
Palmanova represents an example of an ideal city.
Designed in the shape of a nine-pointed star for military and defensive purposes, it was conceived as a true war machine: the number and size of its bastions were determined based on the range of the cannons of the time.
Even the gates, with their characteristic structure, had a prominent defensive role and were the only buildings visible from outside the fortress.
The defensive works were reinforced over the centuries, with the construction, by the Republic of Venice, of a second wall (1665-1683).
Between 1806 and 1809, a third was also built by Napoleon Bonaparte. Walking in the Parco dei Bastioni allows one to observe the perfect geometry of the defensive structures created, discover the tunnels that allowed the troops to move or defend the fortress, and learn about the mysteries of a unique place that still hides many secrets.
The First circle (1593-1620): in the late sixteenth century, Venetian architects built massive embankments giving the walls the shape of arrowhead bastions and connected them with curtains. The result was a nine-sided polygon with bastions protruding at the vertices so they could defend each other. The entire circuit was further protected by a wide moat, and to enter the city, three entrances were located at the center of as many curtains. (info taken from www.palmanova.it Arte Video Palmanova)
The second circle
The Second Circle (1665-1683): in the mid-seventeenth century, the Serenissima raised nine more bastions (ravelins) beyond the moat. The first ravelins to be built were those in front of the access gates, always the weakest point of any fortress. (info taken from www.palmanova.it Arte Video Palmanova)
The third circle
The Third Circle (1806-1809): Napoleon Bonaparte decided to modernize the war machine Palmanova and the most visible imprint were the nine lunettes, or bastions, surrounded by a dry moat, which could keep enemy artillery batteries further away. (info taken from www.palmanova.it Arte Video Palmanova)
The Historical Park of the Bastions and the Galleries
(info taken from www.promoturismo.fvg.it
The Historical Park of the Bastions and the Galleries represent the most significant and probably most interesting part for visitors of the fortress of Palmanova.
The city is surrounded by three circles of fortifications, dating respectively to the period of the foundation (1593 – 1620), the 17th century (1665 – 1683), and the Napoleonic period (1806 – 1809). There are many fortified elements and types of embankments recognizable in the Historical Park: bastions, curtains, ravelins, false brays, lunettes, esplanades, counter gates testify to the evolution of military architecture over time. The cycling and pedestrian paths of the Park, well illustrated by specific signage, are suitable for everyone.
The underground galleries date back to the 17th century. They were used to reach enemy positions and dig under them a chamber that could be filled with gunpowder and blown up. Some galleries are now equipped and can be visited with the help of an audio guide.
Historical Park of the Bastions
Entrances corresponding to the three access gates to the city
Opening hours
Always accessible
Entrance ticket
Free
Venetian Countermine Gallery
Entrance: exit from Porta Udine and take the first path on the right, under the aqueduct, and continue for about 200 meters. The access to the gallery is on the left
Summer opening hours (until October 28, 2018):
Saturday and Sunday: 10.00 – 12.00 / 16.00 – 19.00
Winter opening hours (November 3, 2018 - March 30, 2019):
Saturday and Sunday: 10.00 - 12.00 / 14.00 - 17.00
Entrance ticket
Full: 2 €
Free with FVGCard
Free: children under 16, tour guides, journalists, one group leader every 25 paying visitors, people with disabilities and their companions, in case of non-self-sufficiency.
For groups larger than 15 people, reservation is required via email at: info.palmanova@promoturismo.fvg.it, indicating the group leader, the number of participants, the visit time, and a telephone contact.
Groups can book on other days and/or times at least one week before the arrival date.
Information and ticket office:
Infopoint PromoTurismoFVG - Palmanova
Borgo Udine, 4 - Palmanova
Tel. +39 0432 924815
toll-free number: 800 016 044
info.palmanova@promoturismo.fvg.it