GRADO
TIP
The town comes alive year-round on Tuesday mornings for the open-air market in the center piazza, where you can buy clothing, accessories, housewares, fruits, vegetables and prepared foods. Most shops and restaurants are closed on Wednesdays, but many of the cafes remain open.
OTHER DAY TRIPS
Aquileia
Gorizia
Miramare
Trieste
Venezia (Venice)
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The history
Young by Italian standards, Palmanova was founded in 1593 by the Venetians to protect their territory from the Turks, who were advancing through the Balkans. As it turned out, the Turks never attacked it. Palmanova remained part of the Republic of Venice until the beginning of the 19th century, when it became part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. It was united to the new independent kingdom of Italy in 1866. It was heavily shelled during the 1st World War, and sustained some damage during WWII as well.
The architecture
The city-fortress of Palmanova is a beautifully preserved example of Renaissance military architecture and urban planning. It's shaped like a nine-pointed star, with ramparts, bastions and three gates (it can only be entered only through these gates) and a network of streets in the form of spokes. At the center is the large Piazza d'Armi (or Piazza Grande) and in the geometric center of the square is the well. Declared a National Monument, no building can be higher than the bastions. Up to this day, it cannot be seen from a distance.
The sites
Ramparts and bastions can be visited (only on foot, of course). The Duomo (Chiesa del Redentore) built in 1603 is worth a visit and so is the small Museo Civico in Borgo Udine (period weapons, old charts, etc.).
If you visit
It's fully functional town, with banks, shops, restaurants and lots of cafes surrounding the piazza. For dinner, two of the local favorites are I Gambero and Gennaro. Each July, a weekend is dedicated to historical recreation and re-enactments, including costumes, carts and weapons. Each October a carnival is held in the Piazza to celebrate St. Giustina, the patron saint.
Getting there
Gettin there from Grado is easy. By car, drive straight north through the towns of Aquileia and Cervignano, enter through Porta Aquileia (Southern Gate). The town is small, but mark the name of the street, because they all look alike. The distance is 22km.
By bus, you want the SAF buses from from the Grado bus station. Service is frequent. The cost is a little over 2 Euros one way. Tickets can be bought on the bus, but there is a small supplement, so buy them at the bus station or at some newsstands in town.
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