Magic Town

Palmanova is a unique town, in which it is completely designed upon the number three and its multiples. The central square is a perfect hexagon from whose sides eighteen streets spread, six of which lead straightaway from the town centre to the perimetrical walls. The walls are built in the shape of a nine-pointed star with nine bastions making up the points. The town has three gates which point towards the cities of Cividale, Aquileia and Udine, one every other main street. While flying to the nearby Trieste - Ronchi dei Legionari airport, it is an impressing sight to behold from above.
The town lies in a valley which is lower than the surrounding land, so Palmanova is very difficult to spot until you get in its proximity. The city was designed by Giulio Savorgnan and construction begun on October 7th, 1593. It was built as a fortress to withstand potential Ottoman invasions. As it was designed to protect the people, it was intended also to protect their souls and soothe their minds: for this purpose, a narrow hexagonal canal was built around the central square so that flowing water could keep the area pure. Six pillars were built and six enlightening maxims were engraved in their basements.
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In the photo is the Dogal Cathedral of Saint Justine, on the central square.

Photo: Me