The Ramparts of Palmanova are one of the most remarkable examples of European military architecture and engineering. These impressive fortifications form the famous nine-pointed star shape of the fortress city, a symbol of the Republic of Venice and now part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site "Venetian Works of Defence between the 16th and 17th Centuries: Stato da Terra and Western Stato da Mar."
Walking along the patrol path offers a journey through the history of the Fortress of Palmanova, passing bastions, guard lodges, gunpowder magazines and scenic viewpoints overlooking the city, its moat and the Roggia di Palma canal. Today, the Ramparts Park is a vast green area crossed by well-marked walking and cycling routes suitable for visitors of all ages, providing an ideal way to discover the historical and natural heritage of the star-shaped city.
The impressive defensive system consists of three rings of fortifications built in different periods. The first dates back to the city's foundation (1593-1620), the second was constructed during the 17th century (1665-1683), and the third was completed during the Napoleonic era (1806-1809). Together, they tell over two centuries of evolution in European military engineering and defence techniques.
Among the most fascinating features of the fortress are the Underground Countermine Tunnels, built in the 17th century to protect the city from enemy attacks. These underground passages enabled soldiers to reach enemy positions and excavate chambers designed to hold gunpowder charges, forming part of a sophisticated underground warfare system.
Today, visitors can explore approximately 550 metres of restored tunnels, enjoying an immersive experience in some of Palmanova's most hidden spaces. The route is enhanced by multilingual audio guides and augmented reality content available in Italian, English and German, leading visitors through passages, tunnels and underground chambers while explaining the ingenious defensive system of the fortress city.
At the end of the visit, the route ascends the Donato Bastion through the historic sortie tunnel, reaching the former guard lodge and panoramic viewpoint. From here, visitors can admire from above the perfect geometry of Palmanova's star-shaped urban plan and its extraordinary fortifications.
Saturday and Sunday
9am – 12am / 4pm - 7pm (last entry is one hour before closing time)
Opening times from 10 to 23 august:
Monday 10 and 17 august: 9-12 17-19
Tuesday 11 and 18 august 9-12 17-19
Wednesday 12 and 19 august CLOSED
Thursday 13 and 20 august: 9-12 and 17-19
Friday 14 and 21 august: 9-12 and 17-19
Saturday 15 and 22 august: 9-12 and 16-19
Sunday 16 and 23 august: 9-12 and 16-19
Opening on request for groups (min. 10 people) by contacting the Infopoint Palmanova to +39 0432-924815, e-mail info.palmanova@promoturismo.fvg.it.
ENTRANCE TICKET TO THE VENETIAN GALLERIES OF RIVELLINO AND DONATO BASTION
Price: € 5,00
Free: FVGcard holders, children < 14 years old, tourist guides, tour leaders, journalists, one group leader every 25 paying people, teachers accompanying school groups, disabled people and caregivers of non-self-sufficient people.
ENTRANCE TICKET TO THE VENETIAN GALLERIES OF RIVELLINO AND DONATO BASTION + MULTIMEDIA ROOM + VIRTUALIFT
Price: € 12,00
Free: children < 14 years old, tourist guides, tour leaders, journalists, one group leader every 25 paying people, teachers accompanying school groups, disabled people and caregivers of non-self-sufficient people
Infopoint Palmanova
Borgo Udine, 4
info.palmanova@promoturismo.fvg.it
ph. +39 0432 924815
