You might know Venice for its gondolas and canals, but the Venetian Republic was also brilliant in military engineering.
The Venetian Fortresses include 6 sites across 3 countries: 3 of them located in northern Italy (Bergamo, Peschiera del Garda and Palmanova) and all of them were officially recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Sites back in 2017.
Travel Tip: If you love the outdoors, look into the Via del Leone (The Lion’s Way). A scenic cycle route that connects these 3 unique Italian gems, offering a perfect blend of history, heritage, and fresh air!
Find the complete list below:
- Bergamo, Italy: a fortress on the top of a hill.
- Peschiera del Garda, Italy: a pentagonal fortress surrounded by water.
- Palmanova, Italy: a star-shaped utopian city with nine points.
- Zadar, Croatia: a gateway to the sea.
- Šibenik, Croatia: a triangular seafort.
- Kotor, Montenegro: a fortified city with walls climbing the cliffs.
Bergamo: a fortress on the top of a hill
Bergamo, known as Bergem in the local dialect, is a city split in 2 parts: Città Alta, the historic upper town enclosed by the walls, and Città Bassa, the modern city.
While many cities were conquered by Venice, Bergamo actually chose to join the Venetian Republic. For the locals, Venice represented more than just military power; it meant commerce, art, and better quality of life.
Everything in the Città Alta feels like a Renaissance dream with its cobbled streets and ancient stone buildings. It’s a truly authentic place that time has left unchanged.
Where to stay in Bergamo: Palazzo Santo Spirito
Things to do in Bergamo:
- The funicolare: take the charming funicolare (cable car) to glide from the modern city to the Città alta.
- The walls: go on a nice walk along the sixteenth-century walls. Over 5km, they enclose the upper town and are completely walkable, offering a beautiful panoramic view. It’s also the perfect place to catch for sunset!
- Campanone: enjoy Bergamo from above from the top of the Civic Tower.
- The Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore: don’t let the exterior fool you. While it looks austere and Romanesque on the outside, the interior is a breathtaking explosion of Baroque art and intricate frescoes. Do not miss Colleoni Chapel next door.
- Stracciatella gelato: did you know stracciatella flavor (melted chocolate in gelato) was created in Bergamo in 1961? La Marianna is the original shop where the magic began, and honestly, it’s some of the best gelato I’ve ever had in Italy.
- Cooking class: one of the coolest activities in Bergamo is joining a cooking class! We created the typical casoncelli at Nonna Alda restaurant.
- Try Bergamasco traditional food: for the best casoncelli and scarpinocc in town, book a table at Nonna Alda or Ol Giopì.
- Museums: Bergamo is bustling with art. Do not miss Academia Carrara, one of the most prestigious galleries in Italy housing masterpieces by Tiziano, Rafaello and many more. Right across the street, visit the GAMeC museum for contemporary art.
Peschiera del Garda, a fortress surrounded by water
Sitting on the southern shore of Lake Garda, Italy’s biggest lake, Peschiera is a marvel of design. While Bergamo sits high on a hill, this fortress is built on islands and is completely surrounded by the bright waters of the Mincio River, and designed in a pentagon shape.
The town’s name and its coat of arms, featuring two eels, celebrate the rich fishing history of the lake. Today, it has transformed into a charming destination that blends history with stunning landscapes and lakeside relaxation.
Where to stay in Peschiera del Garda: Hotel Bell’arrivo by Dori
Things to do in Peschiera del Garda:
- Boat tour: the best way to experience Peschiera is by boat. You can tour the walls from the water, seeing exactly how the fortress was designed.
- Aperol spritz: after a walk through the historic center, find a spot overlooking the canal for an Aperol Spritz and simply enjoy la dolce vita.
- For wine lovers: a pairing menu at Sapori in Cantina followed by a visit to the Fraccaroli Winery is a must. They focus on ecological, sustainable practices, producing crisp whites that reflect their unique terroir.
Palmanova, a star-shaped fortress
While Bergamo and Peschiera adapted to the natural terrain, Palmanova was a planned city. Founded in 1593, it was designed to be the ultimate utopian city: a perfect, symmetrical nine-pointed star. Walking through the city feels like stepping inside a giant puzzle, designed to be the ultimate defensive machine of the Venetian Republic.
Palmanova is the only example of a planned city in the world that has remained completely intact. It is considered one of the most important examples of modern military architecture and was officially named one of the Most Beautiful Villages in Italy.
To truly understand its power, you can walk the tunnels (the counter-mine galleries) and climb the high defensive walls to see the nine-pointed star from a soldier’s perspective.
Where to stay in Palmanova: Hotel Ai Dogi
Final thoughts
If you’re looking to escape the typical tourist trails, this route through Northern Italy’s UNESCO fortresses is the answer. Combining world-class history with scenic cycling paths, the Venetian fortresses offer an active way to experience the region’s heritage.
Travel tip: fly into Milan and out of Venice to create a seamless journey to connect these cities..