Palmanova is a one-of-a-kind destination with an unmistakable identity. Designed from the ground up as the ideal city , it features a striking nine-pointed star shape when viewed from above . But what was its purpose, and why was it inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2017? Read on to uncover the secrets of this remarkable tourist destination, nestled in Friuli Venezia Giulia ( Udine ).
The nine-pointed star: an ideal city Palmanova was conceived as the ideal city , but what does that mean? It was designed to be both an impregnable fortress and an aesthetic masterpiece , blending beauty and harmony with exceptional military functionality. Achieving such a vision wasn’t simple, but the innovative nine-pointed star layout made it possible. Why was there such a need for an unassailable yet beautiful city? To answer that, we must delve into its origins and the context that necessitated such an extraordinary project.
The history of Palmanova To understand the reasons behind Palmanova’s unique design, we must revisit the turbulent history of Northern Italy. Founded in 1593 by the Republic of Venice , the city was the brainchild of the era’s best architects and engineers. At the time, Venice’s geopolitical situation was precarious.
Its territories bordered those of the powerful Habsburg Empire, and some Venetian lands were entirely surrounded by Habsburg-controlled regions . Tensions and potential conflicts loomed constantly. To safeguard its dominion, the Venetian .