Former Montezemolo Barracks – Temporarily closed for restoration

From a Renaissance military barracks to a national centre for the restoration and conservation of works of art

Façade of the former Montezemolo Barracks, with an arched entrance and stone coats of arms.

Tourist introduction

The former Montezemolo Barracks is an imposing historic building that tells centuries of military life in Palmanova. Built at the end of the 16th century as a depot for ammunition and food supplies, it was expanded over the following decades and transformed into military barracks during the 19th century. The complex is now set to become part of the “Recovery Art” project, supported by the European Union (PNRR funds) and the Italian Ministry of Culture. It will host an art storage facility, restoration laboratories, research areas and exhibition spaces, becoming an important cultural hub for the entire north-eastern area of Italy.

Historical facts

The imposing building known as the “Deposito delle Munizioni” (Ammunition Depot) or “Fontego Pubblico” (Public Warehouse for food supplies), also called the Arsenal, began construction in 1596 under the General Governor Zuanne Bembo and was enlarged between 1616 and 1617.
To the left of the entrance stands a commemorative plaque with the coat of arms celebrating the virtues of the General Governor Giovanni Nani, who oversaw the enlargement of the building in 1625.
Inside the complex were stored ammunition, food supplies, tools and spare artillery gun carriages.
During the 19th century, the building was converted into military barracks and took the name Montezemolo Barracks. It remained in use until the mid-1990s, most recently housing the Pozzuolo Brigade.
The former Montezemolo Barracks is now one of the five national sites selected for the “Recovery Art” project, supported by the European Union and the Italian Ministry of Culture and funded through the PNRR programme.
The project includes the redevelopment of more than 50,000 square metres of the building to create storage spaces for damaged works of art, restoration laboratories, research facilities and exhibition areas, establishing the site as a major cultural centre for north-eastern Italy.