The Three Fortified Rings

The bastions of Palmanova are a masterpiece of military engineering and a testament to Venice’s once-impenetrable defensive system. These colossal earthworks draw the iconic nine-pointed star shape, today a green oasis ideal for walking and trekking through history. Along the ramparts, visitors encounter guard lodges, powder magazines and panoramic viewpoints offering breathtaking views over the city, the moat and the Roggia di Palma. A journey through history, military architecture and nature, where every corner reveals the brilliance of Venetian and Napoleonic defensive design.

BASTION

Also known as bulwark (“baluardo”), a bastion is an earthwork with a characteristic arrow-shaped plan forming the first of the three defensive rings that create the unmistakable nine-pointed star. It is built with a stone and brick facing, rising up to 7 metres in height. A stone cordon is visible along the structure, marking the “magistral line” that indicates the original ground level.

BASTION WITH SORTIE LODGE

At the corners of the bastion, known as “ears” (“orecchioni”), there were two soldiers’ lodges.
The one on the left included a sortie ramp leading directly outside the fortress.
The one on the right was used as a guard and shelter room for troops and was equipped with a fireplace and several niches for lighting. Today, this space is occasionally used for historical reenactments.

GUNPOWDER RESERVE

To the left, ascending the bastion, there is a small underground structure called a “Gunpowder reserve”, used for storing gunpowder.

VIEWPOINT OF CAVALIERE

From the “Belvedere del Cavaliere”, located between Porta Aquileia and Bastione Foscarini, it is possible to admire the entire fortification system designed first by Venetian engineers and later adapted by the Napoleonic military.

MOAT

The moat surrounds the entire fortress for about 4 kilometres, between the first and second ring of walls. Originally a dry moat, it was used to drain unhealthy water from the city. Later fed by the Roggia di Palma, it became an additional defensive barrier preventing enemy approach. This highly complex engineering work, with its mechanical systems and level differences, still allows water flow today and represents an important micro-habitat for many species of flora and fauna.

VIEWPOINT OF THE WILLOWS

Located between Bastione Villachiara and the south-eastern Rivellino, this viewpoint (“Belvedere dei Salici”) offers a privileged observation point over the defensive system, providing a full view of bastions, moat and Roggia di Palma between the first and second defensive rings.

Not accessible for visitors with motor disabilities.

Accessible for visitors with sensory disabilities accompanied by an assistant, and visitors with intellectual and psychological disabilities