FAQ – FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
When was Palmanova founded?
Palmanova is a Renaissance city founded by the Venetian Republic in 1593, with the aim of creating an impregnable fortress. That’s why the Venetians gathered the best military engineers of that time to design a city in the shape of a nine-pointed star.
Why is Palmanova so famous?
Palmanova is one of the most important models of military architecture in the modern age, with its nine-pointed star shape, which has remained untouched by time. Precisely because of its uniqueness and integrity, the fortress city has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2017, one of the most beautiful villages in Italy and a National Monument since 1960.
When did Palmanova become a UNESCO World Heritage Site?
Palmanova has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site, since 9 July 2017. It is part of the transnational site “Venetian Works of Defence between the 16th and 17th Centuries: Stato da Terra – Western Stato da Mar” together with the cities of Bergamo and Peschiera del Garda in Italy, Zara and Sebenico for Croazia and Cattaro for Montenegro. It is one of the best preserved examples of military architecture and an ideal Renaissance city.
How can I arrive in Palmanova?
The only accesses to Palmanova fortress are the three gates: Porta Udine, Porta Cividale and Porta Aquileia.
How can I reach Palmanova?
Palmanova is placed in a very strategic position, at the centre of Friuli Venezia Giulia. You can easily get around the region using different means of transport:
– A4 Highways (from-to Venezia, Trieste), A23 (from-to Udine, Tarvisio) and 352 highway
– Bus Service ARRIVA UDINE – Autoservizi FVG (TPL FVG)
urban centre:
Rota Polveriera
Borgo Cividale 42 (Coop)
Outside the centre:
via della Stazione 11
– Train Line – Udine – Cervignano del Friuli
– Trieste Airport (35 Km.), Ronchi dei Legionari (GO), Via Aquileia 46, 34077
What are the Ramparts of Palmanova?
Ramparts are a set of defensive structures, consisting of a polygonal embankment contained in a perimeter of large walls which at that time were used as a protection from the enemies’attacks. The fortified town, built in the shape of a nine-pointed star, is made up of three concentric walls. Two of them – made up of nine bastions and nine ravelins – were built by the Republic of Venice, while the third, the most external one, is characterized by nine lunettes, added by Napoleon at the beginning of the 19th century.
Which are the most interesting places to visit in Palmanova?
The Doge Cathedral Church of Santissimo Redentore
Piazza Grande, with the historical buildings and the 11 statues of the General Governors
The Military Historical Museum in Porta Cividale
The Historical Park of the Bastions
The Ravelin and countermine galleries
The Austro-Hungarian cemetery
What is the Multimedia Video Room of Palmanova?
The multimedia video room of Borgo Udine 4 in Palmanova is a space set up with video mapping and projections, which tells the story of the starry city from its origins to our days through a journey made up of places, people and events.
Info and Reservations: Infopoint PromoTurismo FVG
Tel. +39 0432 924815
Email: info.palmanova@promoturismo.fvg.it
What can I see in the Main Square?
In Piazza Grande you can find the banner located at the center of the square, the eleven statues of the Governors and the Cathedral of Santissimo Redentore, as well as many other historical buildings.
What can I do in Palmanova?
In Palmanova you can go walking, horse riding or cycling along the ramparts and – in addition to the various coffee bars and restaurants all around the city – there are some places where you can relax surrounded by nature.
Where can I stay in Palmanova?
The options are various: there are hotels, apartments, B&Bs and guest houses – Choose the one that suits you best on:
Where can I eat something in Palmanova?
Palmanova has a great variety of restaurants, pizzerias, bars and bistros all around the city:
Can I take public transport to get around town?
Considering that the distance between the entrance gates and Piazza Grande is approximately 300 m, the best way to get around Palmanova is on foot. However, for those arriving from outside, there is a train station and a bus stop. There are no buses in the city.
Are there any special events during the week?
Every Monday, for the entire morning, a Street Market is held in Piazza Grande. Here you can find a wide range of goods and objects (clothes, shoes, food, etc.). The traditional Market gets bigger every second Monday of the month thanks to the Flea Market held in the three main streets of the city.
From the middle of September to the first days of October, in the Main Square there is also a fun fair full of attractions for children and teenagers.
The most important event from a cultural point of view is the historical reenactment, held on the first weekend of September, which annually alternates the seventeenth century and the Napoleonic period.
How can I book a guided tour?
To book your guided tour, contact the Infopoint PromoTurismo FVG in Borgo Udine (tel. 0432 924815; Mail: info.palmanova@promoturismo.fvg.it).
Are all the guided tours suitable for disabled people?
Disabled people can easily access all the attractions of the Main Square. However, on the ramparts the terrain might be rugged and steep. For this reason, it is recommended to go with an assistant and a manual wheelchair.
When can I visit the Ramparts of Palmanova?
Guided tours and visits have a specific timetable and must be booked. However, you can take a tour of the ramparts at any time, but be careful: at night there is a reduced visibility because of the lack of artificial lights.
Who can I ask or contact for questions or information?
Infopoint PromoTurismo FVG
Borgo Udine, 4 – 33057 Palmanova
Tel. +39 0432 924815
Email: info.palmanova@promoturismo.fvg.it
Are there any important cities near Palmanova?
The main cities to visit near Palmanova are Aquileia, Grado, Trieste, Udine and Cividale. The cheapest way to get there is by bus, the fastest by car or taxi.
For more info: www.turismofvg.it
Where can I park in Palmanova? Are there forbidden areas for cars?
Except for some parking disc areas, in Palmanova you can park for free all along the city streets. The only pedestrian areas are Piazza Grande and the first section of the three “Borghi” (the main streets of the city).