The Friulian people are especially proud of their homeland and love sharing its beauty with anyone curious to discover it, perhaps over a good glass of wine. That’s why, with this article, we’d like to help you plan your vacation in Friuli Venezia Giulia, starting from the place closest to us: Palmanova. It’s widely known as both a “fortress” and “star-shaped” city. The first nickname comes from the fact that it still represents an example of modern-era military architecture; the second is clear if you look at its star-shaped layout with nine points. If you’re planning to explore Friuli Venezia Giulia, you can’t miss this destination. Palmanova, recognized in 2018 as one of Italy’s most beautiful villages, was founded in 1593 to defend the Friulian territory from Turkish raids and the Habsburgs’ expansionist goals. The persistence, still typical of the people in this region, and the three different concentric walls built in three distinct historical periods fulfilled this mission admirably. In fact, Palmanova served as a fortress three times over the centuries: twice underthe Republic of Venice and once under the command of His Majesty Napoleon Bonaparte. As you can imagine, Palmanova stands out as a historical gem, its atmosphere evoking centuries of adventures and conquests.
We recommend getting lost among the city streets and freely experiencing this journey back in time. Palmanova’s core is formed by star-shaped walls, as noted, but you’ll also find the Bastions, which you can climb for breathtaking views of the city and surroundings, perfect for your selfie of the day! Got the shot? Great—now head back through the streets of the centerto the main square, Piazza Grande, where you’ll see the imposing clock tower. This is the heart of the city, where shops, cafés, pastry shops, and bars bring the local scene to life. Don’t miss the Cathedral of San Marco, a splendid example of Baroque architecture, and take time to plan a visit to the “Museo Storico Militare” (Historical Military Museum), where you’ll trace the city’s past through weapons, uniforms, and historical documents.
Palmanova’s appeal goes beyond its imposing walls and bastions. The“star-shaped” city also hosts music, shows, and entertainment. In fact,during the summer season, Palmanova turns into a real stage for national and international artists. Though it’s a small yet great gem worthy of your attention, Palmanova is only one of the many places that enrich the cultural heritage of Friuli Venezia Giulia. We hope this article has piqued your curiosity and that we’ll soon see you strolling along the streets of this charming city. If you’re already looking for a countryside retreat in Palmanova, or you want to know where to stay in Udine and the surrounding area with an excellent price-quality ratio, we can only recommend our establishment. Mulino Miceu is an agritourism lodging in Aiello del Friuli, immersed in nature, just eight kilometers from the star-shaped city. The entire building has been restored from an ancient 16th-century mill and is perfect for those seeking a peaceful, quiet vacation. If you’re planning your trip to Friuli Venezia Giulia, Mulino Miceu is a great choice because it’s in a strategic location, near manypoints of interest such as Aquileia, Grado, and the majestic Castle of Udine. Do you want to book your stay? Fill out the form or call us. We’ll be delighted to welcome you to our oasis of peace, where silence is music.