Palmanova

Palmanova – extraordinary symmetrical city-fortress in Italy

Palmanova is a fortified city with a population of about 5,400 people, located in the northeast of the country about 25 km south of Udine, was laid in the late 16th century, with the direct support of the government of the Venetian Republic. Palmanova was to become a model of the city-fortress.Later, the residents themselves tried to realize the utopian idea that symmetry really helps people to live and develop. The shape of the nine-cornered star was formed in such a way that any of the nine “corners” could get support and help from an adjacent “corner” in case of an attack. The city could be reached through one of the three gates. Inside the city consists of three “ring-levels”. The author of the project of the fortress city was the famous Italian architect Vincenzo Scamozzi.

Palmanova

October 7, 1593, the first stone of the new fortress was laid, named the “star city” due to its form of a nine-cornered star.

Palmanova

Palmanova was conceived mainly as a defensive structure to strengthen the borders and prevent the invasion of the Turks: the number of bastions and the length of the sides of the fortress were calculated taking into account the long-range guns of that time.

Palmanova

At the time of the Venetian rule, the fortress was supplied with two rings of fortifications with curtains, earthen ramparts, moats and ravelins, which protected three approaches to the city – from the side of Udine, Cividale and Aquileia.

Palmanova

In 1797, the Austrian army deceived into the fortress. But the Austrians did not have time to enjoy the victory, as the Frenchman captured the fortress. After the signing of the Campo-Formia Peace Treaty, Palmanova again moved to the Austrians, who held her for several years.

Palmanova

In 1805, the French entered the fortress, and during this period a third circle of fortifications appeared. In 1814 the city-star again returned to the Habsburgs.

Palmanova

During the Austrian rule (1815-1866) the Public Theater was built, which became the main distributor of Risorgimento ideas.

Palmanova

In 1848, the townspeople led by General Tsukki revolted against the Austrians. In 1866, Palmanova joined the Italian kingdom.

Palmanova

During the First World War, the fortress became the center of distribution and supply of the army. After the Battle of Caporetto, the city was set on fire by the retreating troops of the Italian army.

Palmanova

By decree of the President of the Italian Republic in 1960, Palmanova was proclaimed a National Monument.

Palmanova

Palmanova

Palmanova

Palmanova

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