The Fortress Town of Palmanova isn’t the largest town in Italy nor the country’s most popular destination. However, it’s — without a shadow of a doubt — one of the most interesting places in Italy itself and Europe as a whole.

The Ideal Renaissance City

Built in the region of Friuli by the Venetians during the 16th century to protect their lands from Ottoman raids and the Habsburgs, Palmanova has a unique geometrical shape. It’s designed after the utopian model of the ideal Renaissance city.

The concept of a walled-city perfectly geometric in shape was immensely popular among European artists, scholars, and philosophers of the time. So when Venetians, architects, and builders were given the opportunity to build an entire town from the grounds up, they didn’t hesitate to try to bring this idea of life.

The town of Palma was established on October 7th, 1593 — the day that the Venetians defeated the Ottoman invaders in the Battle of Lepanto some two decades earlier. It was constructed in the shape of a nine-pointed star and features three nine-sided ring roads intersecting the streets, which begin from the main square at the center of the fortress.

The Fortress Walls Were Built Later

The first set of walls were completed in the 1620s, while the second wall-ring was constructed several decades later. The most external fortifications were built between 1806 and 1813 when the town was under Napoleonic rule. It was then that the settlement was renamed Palmanova, which translates to “New Palma.”

Palmanova has survived many wars since it was founded and amazingly has managed to retain its one-of-a-kind shape to this day. It currently has an estimated population of 5,500 people and is regarded by experts as the best-preserved and finest example of Renaissance town planning.

If you’re ever in the northeastern parts of Italy, make sure to include this magical town into your itinerary as it will offer you a memorable and long-lasting experience.

With vaccinations showing positive effects, people are getting ready to travel again. Some countries have eased restrictions to make travel for some countries a possibility. Some people have already made up a list of places that they wish to go to. What about you? Have you decided where you want to go yet? If you have not, we can help you. Below is a list of places that you can visit and turn your travel plans into reality.

Alentejo, Portugal

The scenic views of Alentejo are unending in this quaint region of Portugal. You can see it all by cycling past lighthouses, fishing villages, beaches, castles, wineries, or even the farmers’ market. The calming sunsets and soft hills will just make a trip a really memorable one.

Alta, Norway

You may know this place as the ‘aurora borealis city. This Scandinavian region provides some of the best views of the northern lights. Apart from glass igloos, this area also has artic dome hotels which give you a clear and stunning view of the sky. While you travel to this place, you can go snowshoeing, dog-sledding, and go for rides on reindeer sleighs.

Algeria

Take in the sights of the Roman ruins at this Mediterranean country, head to the Hoggar Mountains, or visit the Sahara Desert. There is no dearth of things to do in this country. You will have to get a visa but once you do, you will be able to explore all seven of UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites.

Bhutan

If you are visiting Bhutan, be sure to get a guide, who will explain the stories behind all the cultural and religious sites. Be sure to trek to the Tiger’s Nest located in Paro valley. It is a Buddhist monastery and at 900 meters will give you a view of the entire valley. It’s breathtaking!

Assam, India

Assam is located to the east of India and is close to the Himalayas. While you are here, you can visit the Kaziranga National Park and spot the Indian one-horned rhinoceros. You can follow this up by exploring the forest of Hoollongapar Gibbon Sanctuary. Do not forget to visit the tea plantation as these estates make for a lovely view.