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Palmanova XR

A journey through time thanks to Virtual Reality
Immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the Venetian era along the
ramparts Palmanova’s impenetrable Fortress
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Embark on a fascinating journey through time and relive the atmosphere of the Fortress ramparts in the Venetian era thanks to Virtual Reality. A series of 360° immersive stereoscopic videos recreates life moments at the time of the Serenissima along the city walls. If you are in Palmanova, find and frame the PalmanovaXR QR codes with your smartphone. You will enjoy panoramic videos on the spot, also using cardboard glasses, and discover life scenes set right in the places you are looking at.

Discover the bastions of Palmanova at the time of the Serenissima

1

Rivellino Gallery

The Austrian troops are attacking the Fortress and the men of the Serenissima are strenuously standing. To stop the enemy's advance, it is necessary to detonate the ravelins, the underground tunnels built inside the second defensive line. Above the outposts, the sentinels observe the movements of the Austrian army and signal the right moment to act.
2

Donato Bulwark: the “Big Ear”

The nine bulwarks, with their unmistakable arrowhead shape, are the first circle of the three defensive walls of the Fortress. This structure allows the soldiers to gather and prepare without being seen by the enemy. In this way, they can leave the city with horses and weapons through the wide sortie tunnel, and eventually counterattack by surprise.
3

The Poterna of Garzoni Bulwark

To provide refreshment to the soldiers on duty, the “poterna” (a hidden portal in the gallery) is set up like a tavern: one can find drinks, a warm fireplace, even tables dedicated to card games or to the morra. But beware of excesses. Scams and cheating are eventually discovered, and officers know well where to find soldiers who violate the strict rules of military conduct.
4

Bivouac outside the poterna of the Garzoni Bulwark

During a momentary truce, the troops set up a bivouac in front of the bastion loggia. Under the watchful gaze of the guards, there are those who prepare the armaments, those who practice shooting or fencing, but also those who improvise as lute players, performing in front of the villagers. Finally, some people rest, by taking a nice nap.
5

Willow Belvedere

The idyllic landscape of the belvedere that runs along the moat of Porta Aquileia, between the first and the second circle of walls, turns into a dreadful arena where two couples of gentlemen engage in knife fights. Love, money, and power: these are the main motives that lead to compete in merciless duels.
6

Borgo Udine Waterfalls

In this place flows the roggia di Palma (Palma canal), which ends into the moat and feeds the Venetian Fortress waterworks. The canal is the place to carry out various daily activities, such as washing clothes and socializing by sharing the delightful outdoor spaces. Even in peacetime, the armed surveillance within the walls remains necessary.
7

The flight over the Fortress

In the air with a spectacular 360° view of the city of Palmanova: the perfect, impenetrable city, protective and safe for those who live within the walls, and even recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. The aerial view will allow you to appreciate the geometries, the ingenious engineering, and the architectural solutions, that still today amaze Palmanova's visitors.

Discover the route of the Countermine Gallery and Baluardo Donato

Explore the military routes of the Fortress, from the Rivellino tunnels, through a 550-meter underground passage, then climb up the Baluardo to the guard lodge. Experience audio and augmented reality content on a guided tour, for adults or children, where you can meet historical figures such as the Provveditore di Palma or the miners who built the tunnels.

Countermine Gallery

The entire bastioned wall of Palmanova's ravelins is crossed underground by a system of tunnels, some of which can be walked through and visited. These mysterious tunnels can now be visited thanks to an innovative guided tour. Here, ancient Venetian miners and key figures in the construction of the fortress will accompany you on an exciting journey through history, full of curiosities.

Donato Bastion

The nine bastions are part of the fortress's first defensive circle: arrowheads that create the world-famous nine-pointed star shape of Palmanova. Discover Donato Bastion, one of the nine points, thanks to audio content and AR characters that will accompany you on your journey, illustrating the wonders of the fortress's defensive system.
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How to get there

From the Infopoint in Borgo Udine 4, about 600m (10 minutes on foot). Outside Porta Udine, go under the arches of the Venetian aqueduct and continue for about 300 meters (5 minutes by bike) following the path along the moat.

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What you will find

Discover the contents and the map of the route by downloading the PDF

Download the PDF