Venetian Works of Defence Between the 16th and 17th Centuries
the historic Republic of Venice's works to protect its borders
Photo: Peschiera del Garda, Veneto
Latest page update: 24 January 2025
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By: Dion Protani
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The Venetian Works of Defence Between the 16th and 17th Centuries: Stato da Terra - Western Stato da Mar was announced as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2017 and refers to three systems of defensive fortifications in Italy and three elsewhere.
In Italy the three sites are Peschiera del Garda, Palmanova and Bergamo with the remaining sites in Croatia and Montenegro. |
Bergamo, located in Lombardy, northern Italy, is a city renowned for its rich history and stunning architecture. It is uniquely divided into two parts: the medieval Città Alta, perched on a hill, and the modern Città Bassa below.
Bergamo’s Città Alta is a key site in the UNESCO World Heritage listing Venetian Works of Defence Between the 16th and 17th Centuries: Stato da Terra - Western Stato da Mar. Its impressive Venetian Walls, built in the 16th century, showcase the city's strategic importance during Venetian rule. These fortifications, with gates, bastions, and panoramic views, exemplify Renaissance military engineering. |
Palmanova is a remarkable star-shaped fortress town located in the Friuli Venezia Giulia region of northeastern Italy, near Udine.
Built by the Venetians in 1593, it was designed as a perfect Renaissance city with a nine-pointed star layout for optimal defence. The town’s geometric streets converge on the central Piazza Grande, surrounded by historic buildings and landmarks. Palmanova’s formidable fortifications include bastions, ramparts, and three monumental gates, showcasing advanced military architecture. Originally built to defend against Ottoman invasions, the town later played a role in Napoleonic and Austrian history. |
Peschiera del Garda is a historic town located at the southern tip of Lake Garda in the Veneto region of northern Italy.
Known for its well-preserved fortress, the town played a key role in military defence during the Venetian Republic and later under Austrian rule. The fortress, built in the 16th century, is characterized by its star-shaped walls and extensive canals. Peschiera’s charming old town is surrounded by impressive defensive structures and is a gateway to the lake’s beauty. |
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