Countermine Tunnels of the Ravelin and Donato Bastion

Among tunnels, secrets and military strategies: the underground heart of the fortress, between galleries and mystery.

Countermine tunnel with a brick vault and an illuminated walkway.

Tourist introduction

Descending into the Underground Countermine Tunnels means entering the secret spaces of Palmanova, where soldiers defended the fortress and lived hidden from enemy sight. Today, this underground route allows visitors to discover the ingenious defensive system of the fortress through passages, tunnels and underground chambers. A fascinating experience combining history, mystery and adventure, offering the chance to explore Palmanova from an unexpected perspective.

Historical facts

RAVELINS
The ravelins form part of the second defensive line of the fortress of Palmanova. There are nine of them, positioned beyond the moat in front of the curtain walls. Their construction, designed by engineer Verneda, was commissioned by the Venetian Senate in response to the increased range of heavy artillery, which had reduced the effectiveness of previous defensive systems. The entire project was completed in 1682.

THE UNDERGROUND COUNTERMINE TUNNELS
Beneath the entire bastioned walls of Palmanova runs a complex system of underground tunnels, some of which can still be explored and visited today.
The tunnels built inside the ravelins were known as “countermine tunnels” because, if necessary, they could be mined and blown up during an attack in order to damage approaching enemy troops.

THE UNDERGROUND TUNNELS OF RAVELIN No. 2
The Underground Countermine Tunnels of Ravelin No. 2 (north-western ravelin), through a 550-metre underground route, allow visitors to discover the defensive system of the star-shaped city.
The experience becomes immersive thanks to audio guides and Augmented Reality characters (available in Italian, English and German) accompanying visitors along the route while telling stories, military strategies and curiosities about Venetian Palmanova.
The route leads to the Sortie Tunnel, from which visitors ascend inside Donato Bastion, reaching the guard lodge and a striking belvedere: a panoramic viewpoint offering a new perspective over the fortress-city and its surrounding landscape.
Link to EXPERIENCE 1 – COUNTERMINE TUNNELS OF RAVELIN 2R AND DONATO BASTION