Palmanova is unique because its floor plan is geometrically perfect, to the point that it looks almost "nonhuman" in its view from above. It is shaped like a nine-pointed star. It is surrounded by walls and moats that for about seven kilometers form this harmonious frame. Six streets converge toward the center, a hexagonal square, so perfect that inside it is easy to be confused, being confronted with an almost identical 360-degree panorama. It is the city of "numerology" par excellence having:
9-pointed star as its plan
9 fortress ramparts and circles of walls
3 gateways facing Cividale, Aquileia and Udine
18 radial streets of which 6 are the main ones
The central hexagonal square
Basically turns out to be built on the number 3.
In any case, even before it was built, it was planned to entrust its design to the absolute genius, Leonardo Da Vinci, who, however, refused the commission because he was busy in Milan. Historical documents state that he nonetheless paid a visit to the site, and who knows, maybe even just his advice gave rise to the whole complex. We do not know if he actually drew even a draft, perhaps concealed and then reused without his name.
On October 7, 1593, the foundation stone was laid on the design by Giulio Savorgnan and Marcantonio Martinengo.
It was built at the behest of the Most Serene Republic of Venice, which said it was built exclusively for military purposes. But its shape is too original for that to be the only reason.
Of interest is the Piazza d’Armi or Piazza Grande, the perfectly hexagonal central square. In the center is a 6-sided plinth of Istrian stone from which the banner rises. At the mouth of each street branching off from here are 11 statues representing the Provveditori General of the fortress. The individual events linking each personage are not known, but it is believed that they were carved in gratitude for some event.
Also around the entire perimeter of the square runs a small canal filled with water. This has a strong symbolic value because it enhances the center of Palmanova as a pure, clean, safe area because it is surrounded by water.
Thus Palmanova, in addition to standing out as a Great Fortress, also had the appellation of a place of salvation, if it was conceived to defend the body, why not, it could also defend the soul.
There are then 6 phrases on the sides of the plinth in the center of the square that make one think:
"Do not do to your neighbor what you would not want done to you."
"People herein constituted your ruler"
"Whoever desires the return of ancient slavery shall remain a victim under this tree"
"War against tyrants and peace to the peoples"
"Brotherhood is the main consequence of equality of freedom and justice"
"People enjoy your rights but never forget your duties"
Palmanova also had a heart; it was not meant to house only military personnel, but was designed to contain as many as 20,000 inhabitants, families willing to live within it. But it was unsuccessful because no one went to live there.
