Nomination Format - Compressed Ilovepdf Compressed

THE VENETIAN WORKS
OF DEFENCE
BETWEEN 15TH AND 17TH
CENTURIES
UNESCO WHL NOMINATION FORMAT

The distinctive feature of the Serenissima
was the organization of a multinational
state, made up of several varied peoples
united in their diversity.
A preview of the idea of Europe to come?
We like to think so.
Laspetto caratterizzante la Serenissima

quello di avere organizzato uno stato
multinazionale, costituito da popoli tra
di loro molto diversi ma uniti nella loro
diversit.
Unanticipazione dellidea di Europa che
sarebbe venuta?
Ci piace pensarlo.
Posebna osobina Serenisime je bila

organizacija multinacionalne drave,
sacinjene od drugacijih ljudi, ujedinjenih
u njihovoj razliitosti.
Prethodnica budue ideje Evrope?
Mi se slaemo
The mayors of the involved

municipalities
TABLE OF CONTENTS
4
1. IDENTIFICATION OF THE PROPERTY_____________________________9
1.a State Parties __________________________________________________________ 11
1.b State, Province or Region ________________________________________________ 11
1.b.1 Italy ______________________________________________________________ 11
1.b.2 Croatia ____________________________________________________________ 11
1.b.3 Montenegro ________________________________________________________ 11
1.c Name of Property ______________________________________________________ 11
1.d Area and geographical coordinates of the Property ___________________________ 11
1.d.1 Italy________________________________________________________________12
1.d.2 Croatia _____________________________________________________________ 13
1.d.3 Montenegro ________________________________________________________ 13
1.e Maps and plans, showing the boundaries of the Nominated Property and buffer zone 14
1.e.1 Localisation and identification of the Property _______________________________ 15
1.e.2 Boundaries of the Nominated Property and buffer zone _______________________ 20
1.f Area of Nominated property and proposed buffer zone________________________ 48
2. DESCRIPTION________________________________________________51
2.a Description of the Property ______________________________________________ 53
2.a.1 Introduction ________________________________________________________ 53
2.a.2 Glossary ___________________________________________________________ 54
2.a.3 Description of the whole property ______________________________________ 57
2.a.4 Description of the specific components___________________________________66
2.a.1.1 Fortified city of Peschiera del Garda_____________________________________ 80
2.b History and development _______________________________________________ 204
2.b.1 Introduction ______________________________________________________ 204
2.b.2 Summary of the historical events of the Republic of Venice _________________ 205
2.b.3 History and development of the Property _______________________________ 207
2.b.4 History of the specific components ____________________________________ 215
3. JUSTIFICATION FOR INSCRIPTION______________________________319

3.a.1 Brief synthesis _____________________________________________________ 321
3.a.2 Criteria under which inscription is _____________________________________ 322
proposed and justification for inscription under these criteria ______________ 322
3.a.3 Statement of integrity _______________________________________________ 334
3.a.3 Statement of authenticity ____________________________________________ 338
3.a.5 Protection and management requirements ______________________________ 340
5
TABLE OF CONTENTS
3.b Comparative analysis __________________________________________________ 342

3.c Proposed Statement of Outstanding Universal Value _________________________ 357
3.c.1 Brief synthesis _____________________________________________________ 357
3.c.2 Justification for criteria ______________________________________________ 358
3.c.3 Statement of integrity _______________________________________________ 358
3.c.4 Statement of authenticity ____________________________________________ 359
5.c.5 Requirements for protection and management __________________________ 359
4. STATE OF CONSERVATION AND FACTORS AFFECTING THE PROPERTY 361

4.a Present state of conservation ____________________________________________ 363
4.a.1 The general state of conservation of the Property _________________________ 363
4.a.2 The state of conservation of specific components _________________________ 363
4.b Factors affecting the Property ___________________________________________ 388
4.b.1 Development pressures _____________________________________________ 388
4.b.2 Environmental pressures _____________________________________________ 390
4.b.3 Natural disasters and risk preparedness ________________________________ 392
4.b.4 Responsible visitation at World Heritage sites ___________________________ 394
4.b.5 Number of inhabitants within the property and the buffer zone _____________ 399
5. PROTECTION AND MANAGEMENT OF THE PROPERTY _____________401

5.a Ownership ___________________________________________________________ 403
5.a.1 Proprietary structure of the specific components ________________________ 403
5.b Protective designation _________________________________________________ 412
5.b.1 International protection measures _____________________________________ 412
5.b.2 Protection measures of the specific components _________________________ 413
5.c Means of implementing protective measures _______________________________ 423
5.c.1 Means of implementing specific protective measures of the participating States 423
5.d Existing plans related to municipality and region in which the proposed Property
is located _____________________________________________________________426
5.d.1 Existing plans in the specific components _______________________________ 426
5.e Property management plan or other management system ____________________ 445
5.f Sources and levels of finance ____________________________________________ 445
5.f.1 General sources of finance ___________________________________________ 445
5.f.2 Sources of finance of the specific components __________________________ 447
5.g Sources of expertise and training in conservation and management techniques __ 450
5.g.1 Availability of competence and training projects of the specific components __ 450
6
5.h Visitor facilities and infrastructure ________________________________________ 455
5.h.1 Facilities and services for each component ______________________________ 455
5.i Policies and programmes related to the presentation and promotion of the
property_____________________________________________________________ 469
5.j Staffing levels and expertise (professional, technical maintenance) _____________ 471
5.j.1 Staffing levels for each specific component______________________________ 472
6. MONITORING_________________________________________________475
6.a Key indicators for measuring the state of conservation _______________________ 479
6.b Administrative arrangements for monitoring the property ____________________ 490
6.c Results of previous reporting exercises ____________________________________ 491
7. DOCUMENTATION_____________________________________________493
7.a Photographs and audiovisual image inventory and authorization form__________ 495
7.b Texts relating to protective designation, copies of property management plans or
documented management systems and extracts of the other plans relevant to
the property _________________________________________________________ 504
7.c Form and date of most recent records or inventory of property ________________ 504
7.d Address where inventory, records and archives are held ______________________ 505
7.d.1 Italy__________________________________________________________________505
7.d.2 Croatia ___________________________________________________________ 506
7.d.3 Montenegro ______________________________________________________ 507
7.e Bibliography _________________________________________________________ 508
8. CONTACT ____________________________________________________517
8.a Preparer _________________________________________________________________ 519
8.b Official local institutions/agencies ____________________________________________ 519
8.c Other local institutions/agencies _____________________________________________ 520
8.d Official web address _______________________________________________________ 522
9. SIGNATURE ON BEHALF OF THE STATE PARTY______________________525
CREDITS________________________________________________________529
7
1.
IDENTIFICATION
OF THE
PROPERTY
1. IDENTIFICATION OF THE PROPERTY
1. IDENTIFICATION OF THE PROPERTY_____________________________9

1.a State Parties __________________________________________________________ 11
1.b State, Province or Region ________________________________________________ 11
1.b.1 Italy ______________________________________________________________ 11
1.b.2 Croatia ____________________________________________________________ 11
1.b.3 Montenegro ________________________________________________________ 11
1.c Name of Property ______________________________________________________ 11
1.d Area and geographical coordinates of the Property ___________________________ 11
1.d.1 Italy________________________________________________________________12
1.d.2 Croatia _____________________________________________________________ 13
1.d.3 Montenegro ________________________________________________________ 13
1.e Maps and plans, showing the boundaries of the Nominated Property and buffer zone 14
1.e.1 Localisation and identification of the Property _______________________________ 15
1.e.2 Boundaries of the Nominated Property and buffer zone _______________________ 20
1.f Area of Nominated property and proposed buffer zone________________________ 48
10
1.a State Parties 1.b.3 Montenegro
The Nominated Property is made of fifteen component The Nominated Property involves three municipalities
parts and involves three countries: of Montenegro:
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1.b State, Province or Region 1.c Name of Property

Venetian Works of Defence between 15th and 17th
1.b.1 Italy Centuries
The Nominated Property involves three Italian regions,

and four municipalities: 1.d Area and geographical
t3FHJPO-PNCBSEJB .VOJDJQBMJUZPG#FSHBNP coordinates of the Property
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The total area of the Nominated property is 420,91 ha.
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The total area of the buffer zones selected is 72005,64
Palmanova.
ha.
Coordinates of the central point of the whole
1.b.2 Croatia Nominated property: 142533 E, 43578 N
The following tables illustrate the Id for each of the
The Nominated Property involves four Croatian regions fifteen componentsparts, as well the localization and
(Counties). area. Please note:
t5IFHFPHSBQIJDBMDPPSEJOBUFTNBSLUIFDFOUFS
t3FHJPO;BEBS$PVOUZ $JUZPG;BEBS point of each component part of Property.
t3FHJPOJCFOJL,OJO$PVOUZ t%BUBSFRVFTUJOTFDUJPOGPGUIF0QFSBUJPOBM
t3FHJPO4QMJU%BMNBUJB$PVOUZ $JUZPG)WBS Guidelines (area of the single component parts)
t 3FHJPO %VCSPWOJL/FSFUWB $PVOUZ $JUZ PG are already included in the following tables of
Korula. chapter 1.d.
11
1.d.1 Italy
Id n Name of the Belonging Region Coordinates Area of Area of the Map n

component to a local of the central Nominated buffer zone
part system point of component
component part part
*5 Fortified city Lombardia E 93949 119,61 ha 446,07 ha 1.e.2.1
of Bergamo N 454212 1.e.2.2
*5 Fortified city Veneto E 104139 36,67 ha 143,85 ha 1.e.2.3

of Peschiera N 452620 1.e.2.4
del Garda
*5B Arsenale, Defensive Veneto E 122112 31,69 ha 70148,32 ha* 1.e.2.5
Venezia System N 452609 1.e.2.9
of City of
Venezia
*5 Fort of St Defensive Veneto E 122252 3,06 ha 70148,32 ha* 1.e.2.6
03b Andrea, System N 452605 1.e.2.9
Venezia of City of
Venezia
*5D Poveglia Defensive Veneto E 121953 0,27 ha 70148,32 ha* 1.e.2.7
Octagon, System N 452259 1.e.2.9
Venezia of City of
Venezia
*5 Alberoni Defensive Veneto E 121825 0,25 ha 70148,32 ha* 1.e.2.8
03d Octagon, System N 452052 1.e.2.9
Venezia of City of
Venezia
*5 City Fortress Friuli Venezia E 131835 193,73 ha 296,27 ha 1.e.2.10
of Palmanova Giulia N 455422 1.e.2.11
* Buffer zone shared by the four components of the Defensive System of City of Venezia.
12
1.d.2 Croatia
Id n Name of the Belonging County Coordinates Area of Area of the Map n

component to a local of the central Nominated buffer zone
part system point of component
component part part
)3 Defensive ;BEBS$PVOUZ E 151331 11,19 ha 240,45 ha 1.e.2.12
System of N 440655 1.e.2.13
;BEBS
)3 Fort of JCFOJL,OJO E 155120 0,85 ha 523,79 ha 1.e.2.14
St. Nikola, County N 434315 1.e.2.15
4JCFOJL,OJO
County
)3B Fortica Defensive 4QMJU%BMNBUJB E 162633 1,44 ha 36,52 ha** 1.e.2.16
Fortress, System of County N 431027 1.e.2.18
Hvar Hvar
)3C Arsenal with Defensive 4QMJU%BMNBUJB E 162627 1,37 ha 36,52 ha** 1.e.2.17
built quay of System of County N 431018 1.e.2.18
port, Hvar Hvar
)3 Fortified city %VCSPWOJL E 170809 3,86 ha 59,24 ha 1.e.2.19
of Korula Neretva N 425743 1.e.2.20
County
** Buffer zone shared by the two components of the Defensive System of Hvar
1.d.3 Montenegro
Id n Name of the Municipality Coordinates Area of Area of the Map n

component part of the central Nominated buffer zone
point of component
component part part
./& Forte Mare, Herceg Novi Herceg Novi E 183209 0,07 ha 5,68 ha 1.e.2.21
N 422700 1.e.2.22
./& Fortified city of Kotor Kotor E 184619 16,32 ha 99,19 ha 1.e.2.23

N 422525 1.e.2.24
./& Fortified city of Ulcinj Ulcinj E 191205 0,54 ha 6,26 ha 1.e.2.25

N 415529 1.e.2.26
13
1.e Maps and plans, showing the

boundaries of the Nominated property
and buffer zone
The components of the Venetian Works of Defence Croatia

between 15th and 17th Centuries are situated in the three
European countries of Italy, Croatia and Montenegro. F )3%FGFOTJWF4ZTUFNPG;BEBS
F )3%FGFOTJWF4ZTUFNPG;BEBS #VFS
Maps from 1.e.1.1 to 1.e.1.5 give an overview of the zone)
localization of the property Venetian Works of Defence F )3'PSUPG4U/JLPMB 4JCFOJL,OJO
between 15th and 17th Centuries in a wider context County
(Europe and single nations). The boundaries of the F )3'PSUPG4U/JLPMB 4JCFOJL,OJO
Nominated property and buffer zone can be found on County (Buffer zone)
figures from 1.e.2.1 onward. F )3B'PSUJDB'PSUSFTT )WBS
F )3C"STFOBMXJUICVJMURVBZPGQPSU
The same maps are available in wider formats in the Hvar
Cartographic Atlas annexed to the Nomination Format. 1.e.2.18 Defensive System of Hvar (Buffer zone)
F )3'PSUJFEDJUZPG,PSVMB
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Maps index: Montenegro

1.e.1 Localization and identification of the Property
1.e.1.1 Localization of the Site F ./&'PSUF.BSF )FSDFH/PWJ
1.e.1.2 Identification of the whole Property F ./&'PSUF.BSF )FSDFH/PWJ #VFS
1.e.1.3 Italian components zone)
1.e.1.4 Croatian components F ./&'PSUJFEDJUZPG,PUPS
1.e.1.5 Montenegrin components F ./&'PSUJFEDJUZPG,PUPS #VFS[POF
F ./&'PSUJFEDJUZPG6MDJOK
1.e.2 Boundaries of the Nominated property and F ./&'PSUJFEDJUZPG6MDJOK #VFS[POF
buffer zone.
Italy
F *5'PSUJFEDJUZPG#FSHBNP
F *5'PSUJFEDJUZPG#FSHBNP #VFS[POF
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(Buffer zone)
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F *5C'PSUPG4U"OESFB 7FOJDF
F *5D1PWFHMJB0DUBHPO 7FOJDF
F *5E"MCFSPOJ0DUBHPO 7FOJDF
1.e.2.9 Defensive System of City of Venezia(Buffer
zone)
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F *5$JUZ'PSUSFTTPG1BMNBOPWB #VFS
zone)
14
1.e. MAPS AND PLANS,SHOWING THE BOUNDARIES OF THE
NOMINATED PROPRERTY AND BUFFER ZONE
1.e.1 Localization and identification of the

Property
1.e.1.1 Localization of the Site
15
1.e.1.2 Identification of the whole Property
16
1.e.1.3 Italian components
17
1.e.1.4 Croatian components
18
1.e.1.5 Montenegrin components
19
1.e.2 Boundaries of the Nominated property

and buffer zone
F *5'PSUJFEDJUZPG#FSHBNP
20
F *5'PSUJFEDJUZPG#FSHBNP #VFS[POF
21
22
F *5'PSUJFEDJUZPG1FTDIJFSBEFM(BSEB #VFS[POF
23
F *5B"STFOBMF 7FOF[JB
24
F *5C'PSUPGSt Andrea, Venezia
25
F *5D1PWFHMJB0DUBHPO 7FOF[JB
26
F *5E"MCFSPOJ0DUBHPO 7FOF[JB
27
1.e.2.9 Defensive System of City of Venezia (Buffer zone)
28
29
F *5$JUZ'PSUSFTTPG1BMNBOPWB
30
F *5$JUZ'PSUSFTTPG1BMNBOPWB #VFS[POF
31
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32
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33
F )3Fort of St. Nikola, ibenik- Knin County,OJO$PVOUZ
34
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35
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36
F )3C"STFOBMXJUICVJMURVBZPGQPSU )WBS
37
1.e.2.18 Defensive System of Hvar (Buffer zone)
38
39
F )3'PSUJFEDJUZPG,PSVMB
40
F )3'PSUJFEDJUZPG,PSVMB #VFS[POF
41
F ./&'PSUF.BSF )FSDFH/PWJ
42
F ./&'PSUF.BSF )FSDFH/PWJ #VFS[POF
43
F ./&'PSUJFEDJUZPG,PUPS
44
F ./&'PSUJFEDJUZPG,PUPS #VFS[POF
45
F ./&'PSUJFEDJUZPG6MDJOK
46
F ./&'PSUJFEDJUZPG6MDJOK #VFS[POF
47
1.f Area of Nominated property and

proposed buffer zone
Data request in section 1.f of the Operational Guidelines
(area of the single component parts) are already
included in the tables of chapter 1.d.
48
49
2.
DESCRIPTION
2. DESCRIPTION
2. DESCRIPTION________________________________________________51
2.a Description of the Property ______________________________________________ 53
2.a.1 Introduction ________________________________________________________ 53
2.a.2 Glossary ___________________________________________________________ 54
2.a.3 Description of the whole property ______________________________________ 57
2.a.4 Description of the specific components___________________________________66
2.a.1.1 Fortified city of Peschiera del Garda_____________________________________ 80
2.b History and development _______________________________________________ 204
2.b.1 Introduction ______________________________________________________ 204
2.b.2 Summary of the historical events of the Republic of Venice _________________ 205
2.b.3 History and development of the Property _______________________________ 207
2.b.4 History of the specific components ____________________________________ 215
52
2.a DESCRIPTION OF THE PROPERTY
2.a Description of the Property the field of civil and military arts. The architecture and,
more generally, the constructive vicissitudes of the
fifteen alla moderna Fortress fully express this plurality
2.a.1 Introduction of aspects.
The grand project is fully identified in the fertile season
The defensive system created by the Republic of of construction of alla moderna military architecture,
Venice between the 15th and 17th centuries, form which developed starting from the dissemination of
a transnational serial site between Italy, Croatia and artilleries following the discovery of gunpowder. The
Montenegro. The 15 components chosen reveal the most famous literary works written since the beginning
site to be an exceptional fortified network conceived on of the 16th century, as well as the studies carried out
the basis of an innovative system project which brings during the last twenty years by the most authoritative
together distant geographic environments together, scientific community, focus on the unprecedented
also on a cultural level. The colossal dimensions of the destructive capacity of the new firearms within the
operation, the methods and instruments used, the scope of previously unthinkable combat techniques.
quality and durability of the results, are the multiple The important analyses reserve a significant amount of
values behind the grand defensive project which space to the fundamental role played in this sphere by
was to become an international benchmark (see chap. Venetian military architecture (see chap. 7.e).
BD). Consequently, this nomination file uses information
The impressive modern age programme marked a supplied by the most original and significant researches,
turnaround in the very long history of the Republic of compared with numerous direct and indirect reports
Venice (see chap. 2.b.2
UIF NPTU FWJEFOU PVUDPNF PG kept in situ.
this renewal is the remarkable fortified alla moderna Observing the requisites of integrity and authenticity,
heritage which illustrates the definite supersedence the selection illustrates the complexity of the defensive
of medieval defensive structures. These fortifications QSPKFDUWJBUIFUZQPMPHJDBMEJWFSTJUZ HFPNPSQIPMPHJDBM
formed functional war machines which were also variety and functional specificity of each individual
examples of the finest architecture, expressions of a component (see chap. 3.b).
cultured and refined civilisation, ahead of its time in
53
2. DESCRIPTION
2.a.2 Glossary
The complexity of the defensive elements that make part in relation to the whole. To make things easier,
up alla moderna military architecture, regardless of a selection of the recurrent terms used to describe
the natural conditions of the site, requires a glossary of Venices defensive works is offered below:
terms to understand the role, position and form of each
NAME EXPLANATION
Antemural " XBMM PS PVUFSXPSL TVSSPVOEJOH BOE QSPUFDUJOH B DBTUMF JO TPNF MBUF NFEJFWBM
Antemurale documents the word barbican was used to denote an antemurale.
Arsenal Shipyard for the building and repair of warships. In Venetian dialect, arzan, from
Arsenale UIF"SBCiEBSBTTJOBIw
Baluardo see Bastion.
Bastion A work projecting outwards from the main walls of a defensive enceinte, designed
to enable the garrison to see and defend the adjacent perimeter together with
the area in front of the ramparts. In its embryonic form, the bastion can be found
in both cylindrical and polygonal form. The polygonal form was perfected by the
Italian engineers of the late 15th and early 16th centuries, transforming it into a
pentagonal work with two faces, two flanks and a gorge.
Battery A platform usually protected by a parapet, for cannon and mortars.
Batteria
Bucintoro A ship representing the Republic of Venice. It was trimmed with wooden decorations
covered in pure gold leaf.
Casemate A vaulted chamber built in the thickness of the ramparts and used as a barrack or
Casamatta gun position (firing through embrasures). Interior gun chamber behind a fort wall.
The gun was fired through a protected opening in the wall (casemate). Casemates
protected the guns and gunners and allowed a forts guns to be arranged in
multiple levels.
Cavalier A raised earth platform, built on a bastion or curtain wall, designed to mount
Cavaliere artillery and to command the surrounding ground.
Corderie Area within the Arsenal reserved for the construction of ropes.
Cordon A projecting course along the junction of a parapet and scarp forming a junction
Redondone for the change in building materials and an obstacle to scaling the wall.
Counterscarp The outer wall of the ditch facing the ramparts.
Controscarpa
Covertway A path on top of the counterscarp, protected by a parapet formed from the crest
Strada coperta of the glacis.
Curtain The part of the rampart or wall between two bastions or two gates.
Cortina
Demi-lune A small, detached outerwork, similar to a ravelin but smaller, in front of the curtain.
Mezzaluna
54
Ditch The excavation around the works from which the earth for parapet and rampart
Fossato is obtained. Ditches may be wet (moat) or dry. When the excavation is on the side
farthest from the enemy, it is called a trench.
Echaugette A stony sentry box or vedette cantilevered from the shoulder or salient of a bastion.
Garitta
Embrasure An opening cut in the parapet through which a gun could be fired without
Cannoniera exposing the guncrew, normally wider at the front than at the rear, in casemates an
enlargement of a window opening by means of splayed sides.
Escarpe The wall of a fortified work which forms the side of the ditch facing outwards
Scarpa towards the counterscarp.
Flank The parts of the bastion that join the faces to the ramparts. The line of fire from a
Fianco flank would run parallel to the wall that it abuts and defends.
Galea Ship powered mainly by oars. Narrow galeas, destined for military use, merchant
Galera galeas destined for commercial use with a maximum capacity of 250 tonnes.
Gate The entrance into a Fortress protected by the drawbridge and the ditch, internally
Porta containing one or more guardrooms which may be fitted with loopholes to cover
the approaches to the doorway. The exterior faade is usually decorated.
Glacis The sloping ground in front of a Fortress spanning from the top of the parapet of
Spalto the covertway down until it reaches the open country, cleared of all obstacles to
bring an advancing enemy into the direct line of fire.
Golfo di Venezia In the modern age was the space controlled by the Serenissima Republic of Venice
corresponding to the Adriatic Sea.
Lunette "MBSHFPVUFSXPSLJOUIFTIBQFPGBEFUBDIFECBTUJPOTJNJMBSUPBSBWFMJO
Lunetta
Merlon The solid part of a parapet between two embrasures or crenels.
Merlone
Orillion A projecting shoulder or a bastion designed to cover the flank.
Orecchione
Parapet Breastworks, walls, and bulwarks of earth, wood, brick, iron or stone located on the
Parapet exterior edge of the rampart of the fort. Outer wall of the chemin de ronde which
provided shelter for the defenders and on which the merlons stood.
Piattaforma Any structure or system n wich a weapon can be mounted.
Platform
Piazza A large open space or courtyard inside a Fortress, a parade ground.
Square
Place of arms An area on the covertway for troops to assemble
Piazza darmi
Powder Particular structure used to store arms, ammunition, explosives, various, built
Polveriera and deployed with specific criteria in order to avoid or at least reduce the risk of
possible blasts. In particular, each structure had to provide a dry area always well
ventilated, as well as a roof well protected against lightning. In a powder, the fire
service was paramount.
55
2. DESCRIPTION
Rampart See Bastion.

Ravelin A triangular fortification or detached outwork,located in front of the innerworks
Rivellino of a Fortress UIF DVSUBJO XBMMT BOE CBTUJPOT
0SJHJOBMMZ DBMMFE B EFNJMVOF UIFO
lunette,the ravelin is placed opposite a fortification curtain.
Squero Venetian shipyard.
Serenissima Honorific awarded to the doges of Venice and consequently adopted by the
Republic of St. Mark.
Stato di Mare or Domini da Mar was the name given to the Republic of Venices maritime and
overseas possessions, including Istria, Dalmatia, Albania, Negroponte, the Morea
(the Kingdom of the Morea), the Aegean islands of the Duchy of the Archipelago,
and the islands of Crete (the Kingdom of Candia) and Cyprus.
Stato di Terra or Terraferma was the name given to the hinterland territories of the Republic of
Venice beyond the Adriatic coast in Northeast Italy. At its greatest extent, it included
UIFQSFTFOUEBZ*UBMJBOSFHJPOTPG7FOFUP 8FTUFSOBOE$FOUSBM'SJVMJ7FOJDF(JVMJB
BOE UIF FBTUFSO QBSUT PG -PNCBSEZ JF UIF QSFTFOUEBZ #FSHBNP BOE #SFTDJB
provinces) up to the Adda River, where it bordered on the Imperial Duchy of Milan.
Tenaille A small outerwork placed inside the ditch, between two adjoining bastions, and
Tenaglia designed to protect the curtain wall: usually detached but sometimes linked to the
flanks or shoulders of adjoining bastions.
Vascello Leading ship, the largest of the military vessels. It could be armed with more than
70 cannon arranged on three decks.
Wall Work of permanent fortification built around a Fortress or a city to allow the
defenders to fight from a dominant position.
56
2.a.3 Description of the whole property City Fortress of Palmanova, the most significant
examples of military presidia capable of contrasting
THE GEOGRAPHIC SPHERE the expansionistic ambitions of the great European
powers (empires and kingdoms).
The candidate property covers an area of over 1,000 km
in Italy, Croatia and Montenegro. From the prealpine Venice with its defensive system consists of four
area in Lombrady, the network spreads into the components, as capital city but also due to its
Venetian hinterland, pushing forward onto the Friuli geographic position, maintains a certain neutrality,
plain and continuing south along the eastern coast of acting as a hinge between the Stato di Terra and the
the Adriatic Sea. In this way, the fifteen components Stato di Mare.
selected represent, geographically and otherwise, the The Stato di Mare, on the other hand, is represented by
territorial area historically involved in the defensive the coastal defensive works of the Dalmatian coast: in
project, included between the western defence Croatia, the selection consists of the defensive system
outpost (Bergamo, Italy) and the southern access to the PG;BEBS 4U/JDIPMBT'PSUJOJCFOJL UIFEFGFOTJWFBOE
Adriatic Sea (Ulcinj, Montenegro) (Fig. 1). port system of Hvar and the city fortress of Korula.
Heading south, the Bay of Kotor in Montenegro
This vast area includes the historical subdivision conserves the Forte Mare of Herceg Novi and the city
assigned by Venice to its dominions, distributed GPSUSFTTPG,PUPSMBTUMZ UIFGPSUJFEDJUZPG6MDJOK
between Stato di Terra and Stato di Mare . In this case, the military presidia were essential as
In relation to the first State (otherwise known as commercial centres to and from Venice, and also with
Terraferma) the site is represented by the fortified the Levante region. They formed an inevitable traffic
cities of Bergamo and Peschiera del Garda and the base, or a strategic bridge head, or a loading port
Fig. 1 The map shows the selection of defensive works n their relative territories, historically known as Stato di Terra and Stato di Mare
57
2. DESCRIPTION
between large and small vessels, or the place where Lastly, the works datable to the 17th century represent
certain products were stored. These aspects made the perfection of the construction techniques and their
the maritime towns particularly appreciable and, on encoding, laying the foundations of a military culture
several occasions, they were conquered by the Turks, which was to spread throughout Europe in the late
interrupting the Venetian presence for variable lengths 17th century.
of time (see chap. 2.b.4). All of the works in question are still features of their
VSCBOBOEHFPNPSQIPMPHJDBMDPOUFYU
All the components selected, and particularly those
along the coast, document these changes in power, THE CULTURAL SPHERE
while the Venetian imprint is highlighted specifically
in the construction methods, design and distribution The site presents a varied programme of defensive
of spaces, and in the technological solutions that can solutions conceived from the moment when modern
be traced back univocally to the architects and military obsidional techniques replaced the now obsolete
engineers engaged by the Serenissima. military practices. The big change due to the discovery
of gunpowder and the consequent spread of artillery
THE CHRONOLOGICAL SPHERE EFUFSNJOFEBGVMMTDBMFSFWPMVUJPOJOUIFNJMJUBSZFME
influencing battlefields and fortified architecture.
The ends of the timescale proposed coincide with
the two most important moments for the Republic In short, strikes made by hand, which were later
of Venice, i.e.: the time of maximum expansion in the replaced by those launched mechanically and, later
territories of Terraferma datable around the middle of again, by those activated by gunpowder, corresponded
the 15th century, and the start of a slow but progressive to a progressive moulding of the defensive structures,
reduction in the power of Venice towards the end of with a decisive change in the 15th century, with the
the 17th century, the prelude to the fall of Republic (see first experiments of alla moderna military architecture.
chap. 2.b The slender, streamlined, square or round towers that

Within this chronological sphere, the components protected the medieval walls of the Venetian towns
selected fully represent the evolution of Venetian were too vulnerable in terms of shape and height,
military culture, from the first experimentations to the so they were replaced by lower, rounded towers,
encoding of alla moderna solutions. reinforced at the base by a robust escarp. These are
clearly visible in the fortified city of Korula, which is
The territorial, economic and commercial level a significant example of the first construction season
reached by the Serenissima in the 15th century, made (Fig.2). Studies and field tests carried out by Venetian
the launch of a unitary project aimed at the global specialists in the 16th century refuted the vulnerability
reconstruction of its defences indispensable. The of the round shape of these sturdy towers, which were
project was already ambitious because of the large gradually replaced by the bastion (or baluardo), an
area covered by the Republic, but it was made even authentic symbol of alla moderna military architecture
more so by the elongation of the construction times of which the Serenissima was the absolute expert, in
and the considerable amount of resources needed to the same way that happened with the perimeter wall
build modern works that met the needs of new fighting of Kotor, from conquest by the Venetians onwards (see
techniques. chap.2.a.4.10).
In this scenario, the works built in the 15th century The defensive network proposed here offers an
represent the first constructive experimentations in outstanding sample of bastions characterised by
which we can see the passage from medieval war EJFSFOU TIBQFT BOE TJ[FT PO UIF CBTJT PG UIF HFP
techniques to the new methods of defence. NPSQIPMPHJDBMDPOUFYUTUIFZCFMPOHUPJOGBDU TUBSUJOH
Later, the defensive works dating back to the 16th from the basic shape which is extensively illustrated
century represented the progress and consolidation of in documents from the time, during the 16th century,
an exceptional construction technique consistent with Venetian bastions gradually moved away from the
the now widespread use of firearms which involved all traditional models originating in Central Italy, gaining
the components selected, but in a different way. their own formal independence. In this way, the basic
58
Fig. 2 Comparing bastions dating back to the first (15th century) and the second construction season (16th century). (Left) a circular tower of
the fortified city of Korula (right) a polygonal bastion of the fortified city of Peschiera del Garda
Fig. 3 Fortified city of Bergamo. Note the complexity of forms and elements of the 16th century bastion system
59
2. DESCRIPTION
GPSNXIJDIJTDMFBSMZWJTJCMFJO1BMNBOPWBoBOBSSPX With this in mind, Venetian defence works should be

shaped plan with two lateral lobes was declined in DPOTJEFSFE BT CSPBETDBMF JOUFSWFOUJPOT DPODFSOJOH
daring solutions that were compatible with the needs UIF CVJMUVQ BSFB BOE UIF BSFB PVUTJEF UPXO EFFQMZ
of the new ars bellica, as in the case of Peschiera del characterising the landscape that they inhabit. This
Garda and Bergamo (Fig.2). aspect is highlighted particularly in the components
5IF TUBUJD OBUVSF PG QSFNPEFSO BUUBDLT HBWF XBZ of the Stato di Terra , while examples distributed along
to the new dynamism on which the new obssidional the Adriatic Coast find a natural defence in the water
techniques was based (see box below) JOQBSUJDVMBS UIF barrier, which allowed less invasive solutions towards
range reached by firearms made it necessary to increase the sea, as in the case of the Forte Mare component
the distance between the perimeter and the besieging built on the bare rock on the cliff rising above the sea.
soldiers. This is why Venetian forts had an advanced
defence line to protect the walls: large ditches, ravelins The fortified structure conceived in this way formed
and huge clearings all around the perimeter wall were a unitary complex in which there had to be a precise
built in the late 16th century, while during the following ratio between the shape and size of each element
century, the outer defence line was strengthened even (fig.4)BTFSJFTPGCVJMEJOHTBOEVSCBOTQBDFTBVYJMJBSZ
more, with the widely documented construction of to primary defence was of fundamental importance
VOEFSHSPVOECSBODIFEDPVOUFSNJOFUVOOFMTJO;BEBS to these complex organisms. Barracks often organised
(see chap. 2.b.4.5). into authentic military districts, piazzas where the
This remarkable evolution distinguished the entire troops would meet, powder stores, storerooms and
Venetian defensive system, generating a new the residential quarters of the Venetian governors
relationship between the city and the countryside. still stand today, as evidence of the grandeur of the
reconstruction project entered into by the Serenissima
(see chap. 3.a.2).
THE SIEGE TECHNIQUE (POLIORCETICS)
The urban structure was remoulded around these
The meaning and the utility of a force lay in its ability
buildings, which defined new road layouts and
to withstand long enough to allow a friendly army
to intervene. The fortunes of war were then disputed
new uses of the urban areas, in accordance with a
directly in the field. During a siege, the first thing that QSPHSBNNF UIBU JT QFSGFDUMZ FWJEFOU JO 1BMNBOPWB
the aggressor had to do was watch out for these kinds of these aspects are particularly clear in the fortified cities,
intervention and immediately set up an efficient external many of which have also conserved wells, fountains
fortified system to cope with threats from incoming and cisterns, proving the level of complexity reached
armies arriving in support of the fort. Once external by the Venetian fortifying operations. Excellent
protection had been set up, the besieging army began examples of this are Bergamo or the fortified systems
digging radial zigzag trenches (to prevent the enfilade) PG %BMNBUJB QBSUJDVMBSMZ ;BEBS XIFSF UIF $JTUFSO PG
and these trenches were connected at intervals of about
the Five Wells, which can still be seen today, is a refined
NFUSFTCZBDSPTTUSFODI5IFQJFDFTPGBSUJMMFSZXFSF
moved forward through these covered walkways and
work of hydraulic engineering built at the same time as
when they were within useful range, they would be used the Fortress to solve the considerable problem of the
to breach the wall, concentrating force on a single point availability of water (fig.5).
in order to bring down the stone cladding. This would Other emerging urban elements are also represented by
take the embankment with it, making it possible for the administrative, commercial and religious buildings
the attacking army to climb into the fort. At the same which became the focal points of the Venetian urban
time, they would attempt to dig tunnels (mines) under nucleus, as can be seen in Ulcinj.
the forts structures, causing them to collapse, and this Also of fundamental importance are the elements
is why there are numerous blind tunnels, known as
that testify to the naval power of the SerenissimaJOJUT
countermines in the thickness of the glacis and the
escarp: during an attack, inside these tunnels there
capacity as the Republics oldest and most important
were always sentinels on guard day and night, listening defensive instrument, the immense naval fleet found
for strange noises which might mean that these very vital support in the strategic port cities of the Adriatic
dangerous digging works were underway. Sea, represented significantly here by Hvar. The port
60
Fig 4 City Fortress of Palmanova. The complex defensive work consisting of urban structure, bastions, ramparts, ditch, is an exceptional
example of the new techniques obsidional
'JH&YBNQMFTPGDPNQMFNFOUBSZTUSVDUVSFTUPEFGFOTF MFGU
DJTUFSOPGUIFWFXFMMTJO;BEBS JOUIFNJEEMF
Arsenal in Hvar, (right) the
custom of Ulcinj
61
2. DESCRIPTION
organised around the Arsenal and the urban fort form The endless iconographic heritage relating to the
a unitary system which defended Republic of St. Mark property, of which the file offers several examples
(fig.5a). chosen on the basis of their correspondence to the
More generally, each component adds a specific piece current integrity of the component, can still not be
of evidence of the progressive technical specialisation quantified (Fig.6). In many cases, they are accompanied
matured by alla moderna Venetian military by 3D wooden models (maquettes) which reproduce
architecture. This journey starts with an experimental UIFEFGFOTJWFXPSLJOJUTVSCBOBOEMBOETDBQFDPOUFYU
language and arrives at the encoding of solutions, these precious examples prove how every fortification
recognised at global level. The defensive works are operation was based on a civil interest which
the result of a colossal project implemented on the accompanied or justified the warring motivations, as in
basis of a remarkable managerial and logistic capacity UIFDBTFPG;BSB 1BMNBOPWBBOE1FTDIJFSBEFM(BSEB
in the modern panorama which contributes with its There were originally 184, of which 19 remain, and
numerous aspects, to the definition of the propertys these are show in the original Catalogue.
universal value (see chap. 3.c).
An integral part of this extraordinary project is the This plurality of sources sheds light on the combination
extensive archive heritage which documents the of skills of a large number of personalities (also of
scenario within which the works take shape with minor importance), military men and technicians to
remarkable precision (see box int he next page ). whom the Republic entrusted its defence. They formed
The documents contained in the archives include an inestimable community which we can describe as
the drawings of the components, which were vital to military. The military career on and off the battlefield was
their conception and construction. They represented hereditary. Veritable family clans were formed, like the
BO FYDFQUJPOBM WFIJDMF GPS USBOTNJUUJOH UIF QSPKFDU Savorgnanis (Giulio, Germanico) and the Sanmichelis,
related idea from the capital city of Venice to the whose family enterprise involved, in addition to the
colonies, and vice versa. At the same time, they were more famous Michele, at least five leading players in
an essential work tool in the reconstruction of the the events surrounding the Serenissima on Terraferma
vicissitudes of the defence works during the various BOE JO %BMNBUJB FH (JBOHJSPMBNP JO JCFOJL GPS UIF
construction phases, while today, graphic designs are defence of the port in 1538, Alvise Brugnoli a cousin
an indispensable document for the reconstruction of of the Sanmichelis in Dalmatia and Cyprus in 1558,
the events surrounding the defence works and the where he was site director).
links between the different components. A considerable amount of space is reserved for the new
The projects are either new or aimed at reworking generation of military engineers who became known
QSFFYJTUJOH POFT PG NFBTVSJOH TJOHMF FMFNFOUT PS for their experimentation of military architectural
more extensive representations, including large areas systems that combined the design techniques of other
of Terraferma and of the Stato di Mare. Sketches of geographical areas with the Venetian experiments.
construction details or quick notes taken down on site, The most significant techniques which gave origin
XJUIUSBDFTPGNFBTVSFNFOUT DPSSFDUJPOTBOESFUIJOLT to the grand Venetian military revolution come from
accurate plans of farmland, aerial views of towns due central Italy, through personalities of the calibre of
to be fortified, a deeper bay or a small island capable Francesco Di Giorgio Martini, the Da Sangallo brothers
of protecting an inlet. They show succinct geographical (Giuliano and Antonio), whose theoretic and practical
descriptions, a key, a few words on the uses and customs activity in the Medicean and Pontifical States had led
of the places, and they testify to the desire to illustrate the formation and professional beginnings of the
and offer tangible information to the Venetians on their Serenissimas greatest professionals.
Stato di Mare. The complex defensive machine was able to rely on
Partly autographic and partly attributable to others, another Venetian record in the sphere of organising
these drawings are an integral part of the defensive militias, i.e.: those who, for centuries, led their lives
QSPQFSUZ BOE UIFZ DPOUSJCVUF XJUI UIFJS IJTUPSJDBM as protagonists within the forts selected here. In fact,
documentary value, to defining the universal value Venice was one of the earliest Italian and European
of the property proposed and to demonstrating its cities to maintain a permanent army, with increasing
authenticity. numbers of soldiers from the middles of the 15th
62
THE DOCUMENTARY HERITAGE: TREATISES AND REPORTS
Another tool which allowed the spread of Venices military culture

throughout the world consists of the specialist treatises (see 5IFTFTPDBMMEiNJOPSwXPSLTBSFTUJMMWJUBMJOPSEFSUPVOEFSTUBOEUIF
chap.7.e) in which the artistic proposal offsets the technical part. characteristics of the single components and the connections with
In this sense, the treatise by Francesco Tensini (1655) head of the the series. This is the case, among others, of the Informatione della
QSPKFDUGPSUIFQPTUSFOBJTTBODFNPEFSOJTBUJPOPGUIFEFGFOTJWF fortezza di Bergomo (1561) in which Francesco Horologi, besides
TZTUFN 3FQVCMJD PG 4U .BSL JT UIF NPTU DPNQMFUF BOE DMFBS illustrating the piazza in question, looks at general aspects of the
manual for those planning a siege prior to the innovations of fortifying art.
Frenchman Sbastien Le Prestre de Vauban.
The technical text is accompanied, in a way unusual for the time, Precise indications on the relationships between the central authority
by very beautiful decorative elements relating to the themese and the territories are testified to in works of greater breadth, such
of everyday life. Ithas been highlighted that these small scenes as I Diari by Marin Sanudo il Giovane, an essential reference for
of daily life in the countryside seem to indicate that the art of reconstructing the numerous links between fortifying design and the
fortification also aimed to defend and preserve civil society from complex bureaucratic mechanisms of the Republic.
the horrors of war.
The numerous reports received by the Veneto Senate from its
The very long list of works produced with increasing frequency ambassadors in Italy and abroad, form another primary source of
from the second half of the 16th century includes Libro delle information, today as in the past: coming from most of the European
fortificazioni de nostri tempi di Giovan Giacomo Leonardi (1553), States, from Constantinople, Egypt and Syria, the Reports from the
an important reference book, as testified to by the recent Soprintendenti alle Fortezze arrived promptlyand described relations
trasnciption by one of the leading scholars on the subject (T. between central government and the various social and professional
Scalesse, 1975). classes, with people of contrasting race, religion and habits.
A reading in a broader context is supplied by Lidea dellarchitettura
universale (1615), written by Vincenzo Scamozzi which was not Particularly significant in this sense are the Reports written by the
only the reference book for Italian architects of the time, but rectors and superintendants of Kotor (1588 and 1602) which reveal
also enjoyed success throughout Europe, particularly in the an endless series of local problems which the central authority had to
Netherlands. deal with also at diplomatic level in order to keep a sort of balance
It contains all those elements skilfully created by the famous between the various populations.
architect at Palazzo Nuovo in Bergamo and in the gates to the city
of Palmanova, which are attributed to him.
Buonaiuto Lorini, Delle fortificazioni [...], Venice 1597
63
2. DESCRIPTION
century, standing up in terms of numbers to other point of view, as regards the Stato di Mare the
European States such as France and the Swiss Cantons. selection was based on the territory historically
"T XFMM BT UIF TQFDJBMJTUT oBSUJMMFSZ BOE CPNCBSEJFST known as the Golfo di Venezia. This included the
such numerous contingents were guaranteed thanks Venetian possessions overlooking the Adriatic
to a colossal number of mercenaries and a huge Sea, corresponding to the current States of Italy,
OVNCFS PG OPOQSPGFTTJPOBMT NJMJUJBNFO
SFDSVJUFE Croatia, Montenegro.
mainly from rural areas. Joining up with the army was
a significant part of the Serenissimas grand defensive The gulf is traditionally recognised as the epicentre of
project, which promoted an authentic tax exemption Venetian rule and represents the area of greatest design
campaign involving those who joined up and saw experimentation in the field of military architecture. In
a military career as providing a chance for social fact, the dominions that overlooked the Adriatic were
promotion via appointment to the level of officer, a conceived, within the bigger defensive network, as a
gratification for which considerable provision was progressive defensive line to protect the city of Venice
made by the farsighted Venetian State. itself.
These personalities, along with the drawings, reports This attentive analysis has been based on the
and wooden maquettes, became the vehicles of the information collected through the study of the main
branched reporting system via which Venices alla historical sources, bibliographic sources and targeted
moderna military architecture gained importance in POTJUF JOTQFDUJPOT XIJDI IBWF NBEF JU QPTTJCMF UP
Northeast Italy and the Balkans, becoming a planetary carry out a first typological classification of the defence
model (see chap. 3.a.2). works, broken down as follows:
The availability of direct and indirect sources in support t fortified cities (Bergamo, Peschiera del Garda,
of the exceptional universal value is extraordinary in ,PUPS 6MDJOK

terms of quantity, quality and plurality of elements. t DJUZGPSUSFTT 1BMNBOPWB

t defensive systems (of the City of Venezia formed
THE COMPONENTS by four components, of Hvar formed by two
DPNQPOFOUT PG;BEBS

The 15 components that make up the property have t single forts (Forte Mare of Herceg Novi, Fort of St.
been identified within the extensive heritage of /JLPMBPGJCFOJL,OJO$PVOUZ

defensive works built by the Serenissima during the
centuries of its rule in the geographic area illustrated The fifteen components are the most significant
previously. examples in the categories that they belong to, each
They have been chosen for their representative bringing a different value to the sphere of the typology
capacity and their specific contribution to the (see chap. 3.b, internal comparative analysis). In short, the
exceptional universal value proposed for the Property. peculiarity of each component can be summarised as
The selection was based on several factors: firstly, the follows (see chap. 2.a.4):
requisites of integrity, authenticity and state of repair.
These are joined by a series of attributes deemed FORTIFIED CITY OF BERGAMO: represents the westernmost
essential to the demonstration of the OUV, i.e.: end of the whole system, the defensive outpost
t SFQSFTFOUBUJPOPGUIFUZQPMPHJDBMWBSJFUZ designed to protect the Stato di Terra from the great
t chronological representation of the three European empires and to show then the power of the
DPOTUSVDUJWFQFSJPET Serenissima. From a typological point of view, it is an
t SPMFPGUIFTJOHMFEFGFODFXPSLXJUIJOUIFOFUXPSL exceptional example of fortified city, characterised by
t architectural/design importance (architectural an articulate defensive work, adapted perfectly to the
quality of the constructions and the importance hilly formation of the property and complying with the
XJUIEFTJHOFST
representative function absolved by the city.
t WBSJFUZPGUIFHFPNPSQIPMPHJDBMDPOUFYU
t balancing between sea and land forts. It is FORTIFIED CITY OF PESCHIERA DEL GARDA: represents the hinging
necessary to highlight that, from the geographic defensive position in the cast and branched Terraferma
64
space to connect the capital city, Venice, with the for the supply and storage of the Venetian jails in the
dominions furthest away, beyond the River Mincio. Stato di Mare. The Venetian naval fleet found complete
From a typological point of view, it is an exceptional evidence of the port elements and defensive elements
example of fortified city, characterised by a pentagonal essentially linked to them in the defensive system of
plan, the only one in the whole system, masterfully set Hvar. The geomorphological context formed of the bay
JOBMBLFSJWFSDPOUFYU protected by a natural barrier of islands confirms the
historical importance of the component.
DEFENSIVE SYSTEM OF CITY OF VENEZIA: represents the
defensive work of the capital city, the nerve centre of FORTIFIED CITY OF KORULA: emblematically represents an
the concept, management and development of the intervention linked to the designs traceable to the
whole defensive project, fed largely within the Arsenal. transition period (late 15th century). It is, in fact,
From a typological point of view, the system is made an exceptional example of intervention aimed at
up of four single components distributed along the strengthening the existing structures, with absolute
sensitive accesses of the Laguna di Venice, considered respect for the urban design already traced by the
thanks to its physical and environmental features to Serenissima in a previous phase of rule.
be a natural barrier.
FORTE MARE, HERCEG NOVI: was essential to the control of
CITY FORTRESS OF PALMANOVA: represents the strategic centre access to the Bay of Kotor, one of the Mediterraneans
for neutralising Ottoman attacks from the East and finest natural ports. The morphological connotation
attacks from Austria. From a typological point of view, of this gulf was exploited perfectly by the Venetian
JUJTUIFPOMZOFXUPXOBOVSCBOOVDMFVTSFDPHOJTFE technicians, who created an efficient defence works
globally, the ideal fortified city of Palmanova is the that was inexpungable from the sea, being defended
perfect synthesis between military aspects and the by Herceg Novi, and from the land, thanks to Kotors
civil aspects of renaissance utopias. Its location in walls. Its position on the bare rock rising vertically up
the middle of the plain completely camouflages the from the water gives it the features of a mountain rather
massive structure. than sea defence work, making it a unique example on
the Adriatic Coast.
DEFENSIVE SYSTEM OF ZADAR: represents a nevralgic place
for the defence of the sea routes between Venice and FORTIFIED CITY OF KOTOR: thanks to its strategic position, it
Corfu, but is also the main administrative centre of was always fought over and was an essential element
the Stato di Mare. From a typological point of view, for those who wanted to conquer the Stato di Mare.
the system is made up of the most important fortified It held a role of outstanding importance: it offered
elements for urban defence, built to designs by some bilateral defence, with a circuit of walls climbing the
of the leading exponents of alla moderna Venetian mountain, an element which forms a natural barrier
military architecture. The geomorphological context against enemy invasion, and descending to the sea,
GPSNFEPGUIF;BEBS1FOJOTVMB SVOOJOHQBSBMMFMUPUIF defending the city from naval incursions.
Adriatic coast, is unique in the series.
FORTIFIED CITY OF ULCINJ: represents the southernmost
FORT OF ST. NIKOLA, IBENIK- KNIN COUNTY: represents a nerve tip of the whole Venetian defensive system on the
DFOUSFGPSUIFEFGFODFPGUIFDJUZPGJCFOJL BDPBTUBM Eastern Adriatic Coast. It was the first checkpoint on
town rich in resources and raw materials, occupying a the naval passage towards Venice. Its role was not only
central position in the Adriatic. From a typological point defensive, however, but was especially commercial.
of view, the Fort is an exceptional example of a new The numerous elements, including the customs, within
isolated work, built in compliance with the latest alla the Citadel, bear witness to this essential function, also
moderna requirements, thanks to the contribution of deriving from the presence of an extremely fertile and
UIFXPSMETCFTULOPXO7FOFUJBOBSDIJUFDUTTQFDJBMJTFE productive hinterland.
in bastioned military architecture.
DEFENSIVE SYSTEM OF HVAR: represents the strategic centre
65
2. DESCRIPTION
2.a.4 Description of the specific components
2.a.4.1 Fortified city of Bergamo
The city is completely surrounded by ramparts [...] have been completed places and
railings to defend themself from the nearby hills. The Fortress with its circle of three
miles is beautiful [...]
Capitain Alvise Grimani, 1590
(Archivio di Stato , Venezia Collegio Relazioni, B.52)
66
'PSUJFEDJUZPG#FSHBNP*%$"3%
Location Stato di Terra
Role Defence border on the western boundary with
the Terraferma
Value Fortified representative city

Typology Hill fortification (249 metres above sea
level), made up of the defence works and the
associated urban component
Elements City walls (5120 m, with 11 ramparts and 5
platforms), 2 external elements (St Vigilio Fort
and St Domenico Fort).
Associated urban component: 2 military hubs
(Fortress, Citadel) and connecting urban fabric.
Plan of the fortified city of Bergamo,
1626 (in Archivio di Stato, Venezia)
Nominated component part The perimeter includes the fortified system in its complexity of internal and
(119,61 ha.) external elements, as well as the urban area confined by the defence line. This
trace also took into consideration the spaces along the walls, for example the
moat or the connecting corridor between the fortified city and the external St
Vigilio Fort the linking Covered Road
The variety of cultural goods in general and of products used for defence, variably
encompassed within the construction fabric, complete the Inscribed zone for the
exceptional way in which they represent Venetian culture.
Buffer zone The perimeter insists almost entirely on visual cones traced starting from 1957 by
(446,06 ha.) the Cultural and Landscape Property Code (Code, Legislative Decree 42/2004). This
choice guarantees a regime of physical and visual protection of the fortified city
which, thanks to its prominent position, is a highly important visual reference in
Total area the territory.
(565,67 ha.)
67
2. DESCRIPTION
ROLE WITHIN THE PROPERTY acquired, also represented a psychological deterrent

for the Republics enemies.
The exception role carried out by Bergamo within the Within the system of Venetian fortifications hereby
Venetian System of Defence is linked to the geographical proposed Bergamo is, therefore, the city that represents
position of the city which was historically used as the the power of the Serenissima and also the only example
western gate of the Republic of Venice. Protecting of hill fortification. Having almost completely
the western border of invaders coming from Central maintained its integrity, the articulated and complex
Europe and, at the same time, guaranteeing regular fortified city of Bergamo is representative of the skill
trade traffic along the Alpine (the road of St Mark) and of Venices military engineers in adopting unusual
Padano routes these were two of the priorities in the solutions that are compatible with the geomorphology
Serenissimas overall project. of the site developed upwards.
Reaching these objectives required an enormous
commitment by Venice and the Bergamo community DESCRIPTION OF THE COMPONENT
who, together, worked to transform the existing
settlement in a fortified city where the defencive works The component is developed along an area that is
and the associated urban component were conceived unusual for its orographic characteristics, extending
to protect the Serenissimas economic interests and to on the eastern slopes of a series of hills found on the
celebrate its power. point of convergence between the Alpine valleys and
Unlike other components of the system, this was not the plains towards the south. This conformation of the
an individual fortified element, but rather a complex terrain has, from ancient times, influenced settlers in
organism in the form of a city and not a castle which, the area who, in order to use the natural defence works
with its fortification apparatus and the urban range of the hills, decided to build on the very tops of the hills,
Fig. 7 View of the bastioned front facing south in the stretch between the St Giacomo Gate and the St Agostino Gate. Note the
HFPNPSQPIPMPHJDBMDPOOPUBUJPOPGUIFGPSUJFEDJUZEFWFMPQFECFUXFFOUIF#FSHBNP1SF"MQJOFBSFB JOUIFCBDLHSPVOE
UIFIJMMTUPUIF
left and the slope down to the plains (on the right)
68
in dominating positions (Fig.7). This natural prerogative setup was mainly defined by the exceptional
has been a common theme of the urban and military intervention carried out by the Serenissima .
project, right up to contemporary times, finding itself Below, we highlight the works realised or greatly
at the very base of the formation of the Citt Alta, or remodelled by the Serenissimas experts which bear
rather the prominent historical urban nucleus bordered witness to the exception value of the fortified city of
by the Venetian walls. In fact, the defence perimeter Bergamo.
EFUFSNJOFT B DMFBO CSFBL CFUXFFO UIF IJMMUPQ VSCBO
centre and the plain land villages below which, starting The defence works: city walls, Forts of St Vigilio and
from the Venetian period, were constantly changing St Domenico
and expanding towards the plains. Contrarily, the
Citt Alta modelled itself within its walls, bringing life The defence structure, preserved integrally, is greatly
to a single organism characterised by the fellowship representative of the most advanced alla moderna
between the defence part and the urban part. project criteria introduced by Venice in military
Extremely briefly, we can affirm that the peculiar forma architecture. It is a system that is made up of a series
urbis of the fortified city while preserving its medieval of elements that ascribe to a primary structure the
Diagram showing the main defensive elements: bastioned walls, external forts,Citadel and Fortress connected toggether and with the
construction fabric.
69
2. DESCRIPTION
DJUZXBMMTBOEUXPFYUFSOBMFMFNFOUToUIF4U7JHJMJP uneven until it reaches a steep slope towards the north.

Fort (historically known as the Chapel) and San One example of this fusion between nature and mans
Domenico.Fort. Finally, the system is completed with intervention can be found among the many elements
some internal elements used for defence which will be of the walls in the San Lorenzo rampart, mostly cut
dealt with below regarding their integration within the into the living stone and reinforced by squared and
construction fabric (see The associated urban component). modelled pieces of local rock (Fig. 8).
Primary structure: city walls The impressive size of the bastions lay on the sloping
terrain, rising above the trenches and terreplains
The city walls completely encompass the Citt Alta which, unchanged, protect the walls while uniting
extending continually for more than 5120 m., the them with the landscape. In fact, we could refer to it as
height of the walls varies (from 8 to 23 metres) and the a kind of partial conversion of use of the moat as it has
XBMMT FYUFOE BMUJNFUSJDBMMZ GSPN OPSUIXFTU UP TPVUI been maintained almost entirely as a green area (field
east (from 426 to 299 metres above sea level) which and cultivating land) guaranteeing a buffer area to the
bears witness to the orographic irregularity of the walls (see chap. 4.a.1).
site. The planimetric trace of the walls is made up of
broken lines which converge on 11 ramparts and five Above the ramparts are the terraces, platforms and
platforms, interconnected by abutments, courtyards walkways along the curtains: this is where the urban
and tenailles in differing geometries. These elements centre fuses with the defence structure. In fact,
greatly characterise the external perspective of the these are all public open areas used for recreation
walls, permitting perfect integration between the walls and walks which also give users a striking view over
and the orography of the southern plains, which is the surrounding territory, confirming and bearing
'JH5IF4BO-PSFO[P3BNQBSU
SFQSFTFOUTPOFPGUIFCPMEFTUTPMVUJPOTPGUIFFOUJSFGPSUJGFEDJUZ5IFOBUVSBMFMFNFOU BMSFBEZin
situ, takes on a leading function perfectly integrating itself with the facade of the rampart.
70
witness to the strategic location of Bergamo within the by the military engineers as a formally, technically,
territorial defence logic sustained by the Serenissima. constrictively and functionally autonomous organism.
The same areas also guarantee birds eye view from the Undeniably linked to the city walls, the branching
walls, allowing you to fully understand the relationship underground system in part accessible is an
that links the construction elements of the walls and FYDFQUJPOBM IJTUPSJDBMEPDVNFOUBSZ UFTUJNPOZ UP
the walls with the territory that needed defending. the overall constructive complexity, as well as an
essential part in the general design of the Fortified
On the other side, the low view from the walls from city (see chap.4.a.1). It is a real underground maze made
the roads that follow the bottom of the city walls, which up primarily of open gun ports on the external walls
allow you a close/up of the audacious construction through wide gun holes which still today can be seen
details of the imposing structure, its perfect brickwork UISPVHI UIF DPSSFTQPOEJOH NBOPFVWSF DIBNCFST
faade in stone blocks and the redondone, the moreover, vaulted tunnels (escape routes), corridors
VONJTUBLFBCMF 7FOFUJBONBEF CPSEFS UIBU XBT B and ramps link these underground environments to
characteristic feature of all the States fortifications. the land inside and outside of the walls (Fig. 9).
In fact, thanks to the two low and high routes, the In such a compact and continuous structure, the four
development of the entire defence structure emerges monumental city gates unmistakeable Venetian
JO JUT DPNQMFYJUZ PG HSFBU TJHOJDBODF JT UIF 4U .BSL USBEFNBSLXIJDIIBTCFFOQSFTFSWFEFYDFQUJPOBMMZo
Fort, a true system within the system which was able carried out a vital role, as they do today. Each one has
to house all the functions required of a great Rocca. its own characteristics linked to its location in the walls
Fully integrated within the city walls and located in the and its specific use. Decorated with the emblem of
western area of the settlement, the fort was conceived Venice, the lion of St Mark, the gates are still today the
Fig. 9 Underground areas of the San Michele Rampart (from 1561).The downhill tunnel leads to the manoeuvre chambers adjacent to the
gunports renovated in 1992. (Reliefs from the Municipality of Bergamo , 1978)
71
2. DESCRIPTION
only points of entry to the Citt Alta. capital, primarily the Spanish.
5PTPVUIXFTU UIF4U"MFTTBOESP(BUFJTBOFYDFQUJPOBM
They open strategically onto the main urban streets: St example of the synthesis between arm and decorate
Agostino Gate (1575) is historically the most important that Venice wanted for Bergamo.
QPJOU PG BDDFTT BT JU GBDFT UPXBSET 7FOJDF TPVUI *UTSFQSFTFOUBUJWFDJUZGBDJOHUPXBSETUIFIJMMT UIFHBUF
east) and was therefore well protected by the nearby still today shows traces of the water divider required
Ramparts of St Michele and St Agostino. for the water supply of the entire city. Finally, on the
northern front of the bastioned walls, the San Lorenzo
The fact that it was the main access point for those Gate (from 1563) allowed the vital route to the Bergamo
coming from the capital city is masterfully expressed valleys and from there to Northern Europe.
here by the Venetian designers who gave it a function
(District of St Agostino), without ignoring the The existing roadway still highlights the importance
decorative aspect intended as an homage to the of the connections between the fortified city and
Serenissima. Venetian doges, captains, superintendents the transalpine world or rather, all those roads that
and ambassadors travelled the Pignolo Street among passing through Bergamo united the Republic of St
the prestigious residences of the notables who offered Mark with the Grigioni and the Swiss Cantons, as well
them gifts and hospitality, to then reach the St Agostino as France, Flanders and England.
Gate . Here they were welcomed by a spectacular view 5IJT JT UIF DBTF PG UIF FWPDBUJWFMZOBNFE St Marks
of the fountain, in the central fornix, decorated with a Road, otherwise known as Strada Priula after its creator,
marble lions head flanked by two niches containing Alvise Priuli, Main Authority of Bergamo. The road,
the statues of the Venetian magistrates. started in 1593, still today leads to the Pass of the same
name, the highest one in the Province of Bergamo
Even more monumental is the St Giacomo Gate NFUSFTBCPWFTFBMFWFM
UIPVHIUIFSPBEUPEBZJT
(1592) with its faade covered in the renowned white partly hidden by the new Via Transorobica, you can see
;BOEPCCJP NBSCMF MPDBM TUPOF VTFE GSPN BODJFOU some long segments of it which are still covered with
times in the Bergamo area for esteemed buildings) the original paving, the same routes that merchants
must have been easily seen from a distance. It faces took towards foreign. lands, exporting the products of
towards Milan and its majestic elegance must have the Serenissima.
been a clear message for all enemies from the Lombard
72
THE CITY GATES OF THE FORTIFIED CITY OF BERGAMO
1 2
4U-PSFO[P(BUF
0QFOFEPOUP7JB1SJVMB UPEBZ7JB(.BJSPOJ 2: St Agostino Gate (1574). In Venetian times this was the main entrance to
da Ponte) laid in 1593 to ease trade with Switzerland and France. The gate the city as it faced towards Venice. The brickwork arched bridge crosses the
can be accessed by a stone bridge (1781) which gives a sense of the great moat still today and gives access to the three entry fornixes (one for vehicles
verticalism of the structure made up of two overlapping orders. The exterior and two for pedestrians).Th einterior is striking, made up of a room divided
perspecive is covered in horizontal stone ashlars, a central fornix framed by up by four pillars supporting the large central crossing vault. The facade is
pillars under a gable containing St Marks lion (which disapperaed in 1970). divided into three parts by pilasters on which is the gable with the relief of
St Marks lion
3 4
3: St Giacomo Gate(post 1565). The magnificence of Venice is summarised by 4U"MFTTBOESP(BUF

$IBSBDUFSJTFECZBWFSZBVTUFSFQBSBNFOU
the architecture of this gate conecived to be seen from faraway. the gate is covered in large stone ashlars which frame the three fornixes
Preceded by an audacious bridge in brickwork (1780), the facade is under the redondone that continues uninterrupted along the walls. With its
characterised by a strong monumental aspect: high twinned columns, square plan it is a wide attic for the guards. You can still see the openings for
trabeation, pinnacles surmpounted by spheres, a gable above the entrance the drawbridge though the drawbridge has since disappeared.
with Venices leone andante. The six pivots of the ancient doorway that
closed the central access remain.
73
2. DESCRIPTION
External elements: St Vigilio Fort and St Domenico Fort DPNQMFUFMZSFCVJMUCZUIF7FOFUJBOTJOJOPSEFS

to expand the defence ability of the gate of the same
An integral part of the primary structure is the elements name. The Fortino is built like an original structure that
outside of the Venetian bastioned city walls: the looks like a ravelin thanks to the design of its walls
4U7JHJMJP'PSUJTJOGSPOUPGUIFOPSUIXFTUFSOXPSLPG and the front defence setup. Today, you can see the
the bastioned walls, while the St Domenico Fort faces walls from outside, while the platform itself is mainly
the south towards the Citt Bassa. occupied by the English style park of a villa, thanks to
The St Vigilio Fort (known as Chapel or Castle of remodelling work undertaken in the late 1800s (Fig.11).
Bergamo) nestles on the hill of the same name (495
above sea level). Thanks to its dominating position, The associated urban component: Rocca, Cittadella,
it has always been considered the perfect place for urban fabric
defence purposes (see 2.b.1).
The current conformation of the Fort is the result of The construction fabric contained within the bastioned
Venetian reconstruction which started in 1482 and was walls greatly represents the role that the capital city
completed over the two following centuries. The castle, Venice gave Bergamo as its representative city. In
with a polygonal plan, is made up of four cylindrical fact, the Citt Alta is home to an exceptional wealth
towers raised on a sloping foundation, armed with gun of historical testimonies dating back to Venetian
ports and embrasures, linked by a city wall (Fig.10). times and, more in particular, the various methods
the Serenissima used to build and manage the place
The St Domenico Fort or Platform (Fortino) was representing its State: this is why, on one hand Fortified
Fig. 10 St Vigilio Fort. The aerial view highlights the excellent state of preservation of the defence syste, recuperated in the external parts
(keeps, city walls, moat) and in the underground parts (countermine tunnels, cisterns for water reserves)
Fig. 11 St Domenico Fort. The fortified outpost extends continuously from the southern area of the bastioned walls extending towards
the plains.Contemporary intervnetions have not cancelled out the original conformation of the site which is spread out over a number of
terraces in order to allow defence and sighting activities from a range of heights.
74
city of Bergamo had to be a deterrent for all possible area has become a place of remembrance for the entire
invaders of the Republic, but on the other, the city also community who find their very identity in this spot.
had the role of demonstrating Venices absolute power. This is why the Rocca is today the perfect place for the
Within this viewpoint, the urban component is Remembrance Park (found in the outside areas) while
inseparable from the defence works, in a physically the interior of the medieval castle (converted by the
and functionally reciprocal relationship. Venetians into a modern military structure) is home
This union can still be clearly seen today, as we have to the Town Museum of the Risorgimento and the
already mentioned, along the bastioned walls, or rather Resistance (Fig.12).
in the hinge areas between the walls and the urban
GBCSJDCFZPOEUIFTFQFSJNFUSBMBSFBT UXPQMBDFTCVJMU Cittadella
for defence purposes as early as the Middle Ages have The second military urban hub is the Cittadella built
been able to transform themselves with and within by commission of the Viscounts in the second half of
the Venetian city. These urban hubs are still today two the14th century and then converted into the residence
vital, fundamentally important places for the Bergamo of the Captain (generally known as the Prefect) of the
community. Serenissima.
Rocca Generally speaking, we can affirm that Venices
The first urban hub is the Rocca in a dominating and management capacity is significantly reflected in the
central position of the urban fabric. The continued farsighted Fig. of the Prefect: in fact, even today the
use of the military structure from ancient times until Italian State gives the Prefect similar roles and duties
the fall of the Austrian domination (1859) means this to those introduced by Venice to control its faraway
Fig. 12 The Rocca rises on a medieval castle which was completely remodelled by the Serenissima who largely rebuilt the towers and the
surrounding curtain following the most advanced building techniques.
75
2. DESCRIPTION
dominions. influenced the urban one, creating a real fortified city

Today, the buildings that make up the Cittadella are (Fig.14).
strongly evocative of its role from as early as the 1300s: The extent of the fortification operation carried out
towers, pilasters and posterns in the ancient medieval by Venice, in fact, greatly transformed the urban
walls flank and often emerge from the renaissance boundaries (bastioned walls) and areas that had
XBMMT UIBU JODPSQPSBUFE UIF QSFFYJTUJOH TUSVDUVSFT UP previously been used for defence (the Rocca and
welcome the new Venetian command centre settled the Cittadella), but it also led to new construction of
there for over three centuries. Today, the Cittadellais buildings for military life: barracks with their courtyards
home to the Carabinieri military police corps, to gather the troops, the powder magazines, but also
continuing in any case its protection of social order in buildings used to house the soldiers families which,
the Citt Alta. though no longer used for their original purposes, are
The result is a unique building complex of great still an integral part of the inhabited area. They allow
IJTUPSJDBMEPDVNFOUBSZ WBMVF BU UIF DFOUSF PG UIF us to read and fully understand the complex and
social and administrative life of the Citt Alta (Fig.13). branched functioning of the grandiose war machine
PG#FSHBNPJOGBDUUIFGSPOUMJOFEFGFODFQMBDFNFOUTo
Urban fabric bastions, curtains, forts are merely the most obvious
results of the modern military project the efficiency
As well as the Rocca and the Citadel, a large amount of which depended completely on the minor defence
of architecture spread throughout the urban fabric works still in situ.
helps us to understand how much the military aspect
Fig. 13 The Cittadella. Medieval testimonies found first in t he Viscounts Cittadella and then in the Venetian one: the portico which is closed
on the northern side is made up of typically medieval lancet arches. Above is the facade facing over the courtyard, with double lancet
windows dating back to the XIII century. Between the windows, we can find the esteemed15th century painting with a coat of arms with lion
of St Mark to celebrate the settlement of the Venetian Captain in the Cittadella
76
Broadening the analysis beyond the testimonies with 5IF OPSUIFBTUFSO TJEF JT PDDVQJFE CZ UIF 1BMB[[P
an active military role, the urban areas of the Citt Nuovo chosen by the Venetians as the Town Hall.
Alta should be considered as the consequence of the The monumental building preserves the renaissance
wider administrative and social project drafted by the imprint it was given by one of Italys most renowned
Republic of Venice during the years of its domination. BSDIJUFDUTBUUIFUJNF 7JODFO[P4DBNP[[J

who worked mainly in the Venetian area.
Amongst the most representative we should mention Today the Town Library, it holds an inestimable wealth
the Piazza Vecchia which still today is the crux of of documents that illustrate with an abundance of
Bergamos social, artistic and cultural life (Fig. 15). details the history and development of Bergamo
Thanks also to the fact that no motor vehicles are during the Serenissima years. Thanks to the quantity
BMMPXFE UIF QJB[[B JT CBTJDBMMZ B XJEF PQFOBJS and variety of bibliographical and archive material held
museum of itself, showing the visitor the sequence here, the Angelo Maj Library, established in 1768, is one
PGDPOTUSVDUJPOUIBUHBWFJUJUTDVSSFOUBQQFBSBODFJO of the richest and most used historical libraries in Italy
fact, the priceless architecture that extends around the (Fig 15).
edge are an exceptional example of the years during 0OUIFOPSUIXFTUFSOTJEFPGUIF1JB[[BJTUIFNFEJFWBM
which the Serenissima was at the height of its power. Palazzo del Podest which was rebuilt by the Venetians
In the middle of the piazza is the Fountain that the from the 15th century. The building, despite suffering
Venetian authority gave the city in 1780 (partly rebuilt complex architectural events that transformed it over
JO
#VJMU JO MPDBM ;BOEPCCJP NBSCMF JU JT NBEF time, has always been characterised by a variety of
up of an octagonal basin surrounded by ornamental TFDUJPOTBOEUIF#FMMUPXFS DJWJDUPXFS
XJUIBCSFBUI
statues including St Marks Lion, the symbol of the taking view over the historical city. This bell tower still
Serenissima.
Fig. 14 Architectural manufactured products used in the war machine and still today encompassed within the urban fabric
77
2. DESCRIPTION
today marks the passing of time in Bergamo, chiming The striking background on the southwestern side is
12 peals at midday and at 10pm the curfew, with 100 made up of the Palazzo della Ragione built at the end of
consecutive peals (Fig.16). the 17th century, making it the oldest council building
The Palazzo del Podest still today combines the many in Italy. Chosen by the Venetians to be used for town
cultural activities possible in the city: in fact, inside you councillor meetings. With its magnificent portico, it is a
can visit, free of charge, an important archaeological connection point between the Piazza Vecchia, historical
area with a complex of Roman stores, while the first symbol of civil power, and the Piazza del Duomo, the
floor is home to the Historical Museum of Venetian Era hub of religious power. (Fig.17)
with new multimedia and interactive technology.
Fig. 15 Piazza Vecchia (left) Palazzo Nuovo built by famous Architect vincenzo Scamozzi and now the house of Angelo Maj Library. (right) The
striking construction complex made up of Palazzo della Ragione and the Palazzo del Podest, under the Belltower, is still a point of visual and
acoustic impact for its citizens.
Fig.16 A striking image of Upper Towns skyline.On the left you see outline of the Fortress in the midde merges the Bell Tower
78
Fig.17 The Magnificent urban and architectural ensamble between Piazza Vecchia e Piazza Duomo
79
2. DESCRIPTION
2.a.1.1 Fortified city of Peschiera del Garda
the Fortress is under active consideration because it is located on both sides of

the river Mincio
Francesco Tensini, 1632
( Trattato [] sopra le Citt e Fortezze che possiede la Serenissima Sig.ra di Venezia in T.F.)
80
'PSUJFEDJUZPG1FTDIJFSBEFM(BSEB*%$"3%
Role Hinge linking the military outposts beyond
the Mincio River
Value Fortified city

Typology Freshwater fortification between the lake and
river systems (68 metres above sea level)
Elements City walls (5 ramparts) with two gates.
Associated urban component: military hub of
the Rocca and connecting urban fabric
Plan of the fortified city of Peschiera del
Garda, 16th century
(in Archivio di Stato, Venice)
Nominated component part The area includes the entire inhabited centre inside the bastioned pentagon built
(36,67 ha.) by the Venetians. In this sense, the historical iconography is clear as it faithfully
shows the perimeter of the Nominated property. Moreover, the water elements
(Canale di Mezzo, Mincio ramification) have been included as they strongly
DPOOPUFUIFTJUFHFPNPSQIPMPHJDBMMZBTXFMMBTUIFOBWJHBCJMJUZPGUIFTBNFBT
early as Venetian times. The entire area is protected by a variety of legal measures:
the area on the walls and the relevant areas has been put under monumental
protection in compliance with Legislative Decree 42/2004: the internal urban
GBCSJD JT DMBTTJFE ;POF " PG NBYJNVN QSPUFDUJPO CZ UIF (FOFSBM 5PXO 1MBO
While the water elements come under the Mincio Park protection area.
Buffer zone The perimeter insists almost entirely on visual cones traced starting from 1957 by
(143,85 ha) the Cultural and Landscape Property Code (Code, Legislative Decree 42/2004). This
choice guarantees a regime of physical and visual protection of the fortified city
which, thanks to its prominent position, is a highly important visual reference in
Total area the territory.
(180.52 ha.)
81
2. DESCRIPTION
ROLE WITHIN THE PROPERTY

.PSFPWFS JUT HFPNPSQIPMPHJDBM DPOOPUBUJPO NBLFT
The role carried out by the fortified city Peschiera del this compoenent unique within the series presented
Garda within the Venetian Works of Defence was that here, In fact, the city is located on the point at which
of a hinge between the capital Venice and its most the Mincio River flows out of Lake Garda towards the
western territories located beyond the Mincio River (for River Po: observing it from above, the Rocca presents
example, Bergamo). This linking function essential for as a barrage wedged at the very point where the lake
TVDIBWBTUBOECSBODIFEPVU4UBUFBTUIFTerraferma meets the river.
is ath every foundation of the radical defence renewal Finally, the characteristic pentagon form that the
that greatly changed the appearance of the settlement, Venetians gave to the fortified city is another unique
BMM UIF XIJMF DPOSNJOH JUT DFOUVSJFTPME USBEJUJPO BT aspect that adds to the sites exceptional typological
military outpost. variety (Fig.18).
Within the network, the fortified city of Peschiera was
given the duty to strengthen the river line of defence, DESCRIPTION OF THE COMPONENT
favouring fluid trade between Lombard and Venetian
lands and preventing enemy attacks in the middle of The site of the fortified city is specifically characterised
the Stato di Terra . by the fact that here both a lake and river system are
present, a condition that greatly influenced the fortified
Like Bergamo, Peschiera del Garda is also made up of city which is surrounded completely by water.
a variety of defence elements (walls, barracks, Rocca) What makes Peschiera so unique compared to the
which are an integral part of the urban fabric, connoting other components in the candidature is its fresh
the constriction fabric of the fortified city. water connections, both a limit and an opportunity
Fig.18 Peschiera in an aerial photo of the north towardst he western bank of Lake Garda. In the very foreground, the fortified city, nerve
centre of Venetian defence
82
at the same time. In fact, the location made it easier As can be seen from history (see chap. 2.b.2), dominations
to undertake traditional construction systems of the that came after the Venetians left some important traces
Serenissima and this is certainly one of the reasons of their passing within the Venetian defence setup,
behind the surprising state of preservation of the which has in any case preserved the pentagonal plan
bastioned walls, built in a water environment which entirely, the primary structure of the bastioned walls
was so familiar to the Venetians. (otherwise known as the master wall) and the adjacent
As well as the water component, the settlement canal system. Even the urban plan and, in particular,
interfaces with the morainic amphitheatre: these the main road system reflect the urban choices made
three natural elements influenced the construction of by the Serenissima while building the system. In fact,
UIFSBNQBSUTBOEUIFFOUJSFMBUFUIDFOUVSZEFCBUF Peschiera del Garda still bears witness today to the
between workers regarding how opportune it was to BWBOUHBSEFFUDIOJRVFTPGUIFSerenissima, who set the
reinforce this outpost. vital foundations for subsequent fortification projects
In fact, its strategic position between the Po and Mincio in France and Hapsburg (Fig.19).
rivers and Lake Garda was the reason behind the For this reason, the perimeter of the core zone insists
foundation of the settlement (between 1500 and 100 on the Venetian defence works, containing the entire
BC). This aspect was decisive from the very beginning, settlement within. Below, we highlight the works
also for the development of trade, as testified by the carried out or greatly remodelled by the specialists of
growth and success of the settlement compared the Serenissima which testify the exceptional value of
to other centres in the Plain lands. In particular, the the fortified city of Peschiera del Garda. (see diagram in
CMPPNJOH NFUBMXPSLT USBEF BUUSBDUFE PUIFS MBLF the next page)
dwelling villages around Peschiera, which have also
recently been added to the World Heritage List.
Fig.19 Aerial view of Peschiera del Garda with the Tognon Bastion in the foreground. Note the development of the pentagon shaped fortified
city with the five points strengthed with five bastions still today named after the Serenissimas control over Peschiera
83
2. DESCRIPTION
The Defence works: city walls, external works, water The various topographical conditions determined
works. different strategic choices on the five fronts of the
pentagon, each of which gives striking views of the
The main Venetian testimony of the fortified city is interior of the Rocca as well as over the extraordinary
the unusual pentagonal shape given by Republic of surrounding landscape.
St Mark to reflect its crucial position between lake and In particular, following the terraces and the walkways
river. The points of the pentagon are marked with five along the curtain, prohibited from public access only
large bastions that are interconnected by curtains. The in areas of State domain, you can enjoy an aerial view
polygon of the perimeter is interrupted by the two over the city, the moat along the eastern and western
HBUFT UP UIF DJUZ TPVUIFBTU BOE OPSUIFFBTU
BOE CZ banks and the lake/river system that surrounds
UIF $BOBMF EJ .F[[P HJWJOH JU B EPVCMFCSJEHF IFBE the Rocca, elements that allow us to understand the
urban setup. relationship between the construction elements of this
complex structure and the reasons for their foundation.
Diagram of the defence works, showing the main elements built by the Serenissima between the 16th and 17th centuries: (in red) bastioned
city walls with pertinent internal road, (in yellow) external works (counterslope and ravelin), (in light blue) water works (Canale di Mezzo,
moat, deviation of the Mincio River), (in brown) urban areas
84
Outside of the stronghold, the left bank of the Mincio Primary structure: city walls and water works
River (east) is flat along the stretch that directly visually
interfaces with the Rocca, giving a view of the wall from Nearing the fortified city from the south, the walls are
CFMPXUIFXFTUFSOCBOLoUIFTJEFPG#SFTDJB(BUFoPO easily seen from a distance, becoming gradually more
the other hand rises to the level of the railway track, and more monumental as the powerful curtain with
giving a gradually higher view of the bastions. the pointed tops of the ramparts rises from the waters
Fig.19. A view of the terreplain of the San Marco Bastion, protecting Porta Verona and the Mincio River. In the background, the railway bridge
Fig. 20. The Voltoni Bridge seen from the Canale di Mezzo
Fig. 21 Approaching the fortified city from the waters of the lake: to the left, you can see the silhouette of the Navy Arsenal, while to the right
you can see the line of the wall that rises in parallel with that of the water.
85
2. DESCRIPTION
of the Mincio River. Brescia and the fifth bastion, the Bastion Feltrin (Fig.).
The first that can be seen is the Cantarane bastion, All the elements described make up the city walls,
followed by the San Marco bastion protecting Porta fusing the masterly techniques of architecture with
7FSPOB UIFSTUFOUSBODFUPUIF'PSUJFE$JUZZPVDBO the landscape in a balanced and harmonios union:
access the bastion from the internal courtyard of the the sides of the Rocca reflect in the waters, a constant
19th century Artillery Barracks where you can find the relationship with the Terraferma, while the banks run
library, local police and various associated areas (Fig.19). parallel to the route of the architecture until they
The surface of the water highlights the solidity of the gradually expand north for the entire Garda basin.
structure, the exterior of which is entirely in brickwork, Overall, the original design of the Rocca can still be
strengthened at the top by ramparts with Lessinia seen today, thanks to its protection and the natural
stone ashlars. defence of the water which has also protected it over
The stretch between the Cantarane and San Marco the centuries against aggressive reconstruction: the
bastions, which faces directly over the Mincio River, is lathe basin between the river system and the lake
certainly the most unique stretch of the walls for its system allow us to see it, read it and understand it.
water works and fortification conception: it is made Verona Gate and Brescia Gate are two focal points of
up by a curtain set with arches that support the the fortified city and bear witness to the magnificence
fortified bridge known as Ponte dei Voltoni (1556), an of renaissance architecture interpreted by the Venetian
FYDFQUJPOBM FYBNQMF PG CSJEHFEBN UIBU MFE UP UIF builders. In fact, elements of fortification and shape
main canal system (Canale di Mezzo) of the fortified unite and together reflect the power and wealth of the
city. The ability of the engineers sent by the Serenissima Serenissima
is still today evident in the efficiency of the works that The two gates are today an integral part of the roads
can still be crossed over the arches of the bridge that OFUXPSL UP UIF OPSUIFBTU 1PSUB7FSPOB HJWFT BDDFTT
lead to the interior of the Canal (Fig. 20). to vehicles through the central fornix that looks like
The opposite side from the pentagon faces towards a classic triumphal arch, while the two smaller side
the open lake (Fig.21). Here, you can clearly see the openings are reserved for pedestrians. Like all the
expertise of the Venetian builders who broke and gates in this site that face towards Venice, you can see
staggered the curtain in order to protect the entrance the celebratory intent in the grandiose faade made up
to the river port. The Querini bastion was built as of gigantic pilasters under the classic trabeation which
further protection, today used as a public garden, emerges against the rigourous lines of the defence wall
together with the Bastion Tognon (Fig.22), which makes around it.
up the western face of the Rocca together with Porta In fact, the large size of the symbolic lion that was once
Fig. 22 (left) the moat of the main walls from the vehicle and pedestrian bridge towards the Tognon bastion. (right) the Querini bastion,behind
the Historical Command Buidling
86
found in the middle of the gate aimed at dissuading UIF NFNPSZ PG UIFJS QSFTFODF JO NBQT BNPOH UIFN
invaders from provoking the Venetians, as they have we can remember the ravelin outside Porta Brescia
the strength of lions when fighting enemies (dal which still protects access to the bridge, even if the
provocare i Veneti, giacch essi contro il nemico hanno il volumetric rapport between it and the gate have been
vigore del leone as inscribed in the trabeation) was to slightly altered by the building of the school above
allude to the greatness of Venice itself. the terreplain. In any case, you can still analogically
Porta Brescia, on the other hand, has a different impact. see the relationship between the two contemporary
-PDBUFE UP UIF TPVUIXFTU PG UIF XBMMT CFUXFFO UIF structures.
Tognon and the Feltrin bastions, it was more open to
enemy attack so its aspect is more sober and austere,
with minimal decoration and more an image of
inpenetrable might that clearly shows its more military
than celebratory function.
Porta Brescia is pedestrian only, and only occasionally
is it opened to allow vehicles to pass (during some
TQFDJBM FWFOUT JO PSEFS UP FBTF BDDFT UP DBS QBSLT see
the box).
Of the additional external works, you can still see the
TPVUIXFTUFSO POFT QPSUSBZFE CZ UIF NPTU GBNPVT
treatisers in the world (for example N.F. Erault,
1682). Cadastral divisions have, in fact, preserved
Fig. 23 (above) the moat seen from the Feltrin bastion towards Brescia Gate, (below) the moat towards the Mincio River, between the Feltrin
and Cantarane bastions
87
2. DESCRIPTION
THE CITY GATES OF THE FORTIFIED CITY
7FSPOB(BUF PS2VJSJOB

UIFWJFXTIPXTBMBSHFDFOUSBMGPSOJYBOEUXPTNBMMFSPOFTTZNNFUSJDBMMZPOUIFTJEFTUIFDPSOFST
have been reinforced by a double measure of giant pilasters in Lessinia stone, and individual ones on the sides of the central fornix.
The supports bear a trabeation that closes the composition ( which bears the inscription
DISCE. HAEC. MONEAT. PRECELSA. LEONIS. IMAGO. NE. STIMULES. CEU. LEO. IN HOSTE. VIGENT. .%-***wSBUJGZOHUIFXBSOJOHUPQPUFOUJBM
enemies) horizontally. As Lino Vittorio Bozzetto notes, the facade must have appeared even more imposing when reflecting in the
waters, now impossible due to the bridge.
Inside, the structure is vaulted, on the sides are two large marble furnaces which give the area a domestic feel.
Brescia Gate, facing towards the countryside. Note the different conception compared to Porta Verona, monmental entrance, and
this one which is set within the curtain
*UQSFTFOUTBTPMJE BVTUFSFGSPOUUPUIFDPVOUSZTJEF XJUIUXPBTIMBSXPSLQJMBTUFSTUPUIFTJEFTPGUIFDFOUSBMBSDIXBZXIJDICFBSTUIF

"SJMJDDPBUPGBSNT"CSJEHFEFTJHOFECZ"OUPO.BSJB-PSHOB
SFNJOETVTPGUIFEFQUIPGUIFCBOLXJUIUIFIFJHIUPGUIF
threshold of the door where, crossing, we find an impressive vaulted structure, just like Porta Verona. In front of the courtyard where
UIFEPPSJTTFU PXUIFXBUFSTPGUIF'PTTB3FBMF 3PZBM.PBU
UIFSJHIUCSBODIPGUIF.JODJP3JWFS
88
The associated urban component: urban fabric, Rocca buildings on the perimeter date back to the Hapsburg
QFSJPE UIJT JT UIF DBTF GPS FYBNQMF PG UIF 1JB[[B PG
The urban settlement is still today characterised by 1PSUB7FSPOB 1JB[[B4BO;FOP
OFYUUPUIF4BO.BSDP
its double displacement on the two islands separated bastion, which was identified by the Serenissima as a
by the Canale di Mezzo and encompassed within the military area suitable for barracks, powder magazine
bastioned Venetian pentagon mentioned above. abd Bombardiers School (1636).
The work developed on the right bank of the Canal
is where we can find the most important civil and A very renaissance conception characterises the
military urban testimonies. The military works are appearance of Piazza San Marco (St Marks Square)
located on the edge of the ancient centre allowing the which, as testified by its name, was inspired by the
MBUUFS UP NBJOUBJO JUT NFEJFWBM TZTUFN PG QFEFTUSJBO famous piazza in the legendary capital city Venice, with
only narrow, twisting alleyways basically uinchanged. the rectangular area between land and sea closed on
The largest road created by the Serenissima (Parco three sides and with one side open onto the Canale di
Catullo boulevard, XXX Maggio street) differs from the Mezzo. The rapport between the wide stretch of water
medieval design, connects all the main military and and the piazza with its two pink Verona marble obelisks
city hubs and shows visitors the extraordinary defence and, to the south, the building that hosted Venetian
works which supported urban and territorial defence. officials is very striking: the small St Marks Square is an
example of 16th century architectural culture, which
Urban fabric has arrived to us today as one of the most important
parts of the historical urban fabric (Fig. 24).
Even the town squares reflect the 16th century spatiality
introduced by the Serenissima, despite the fact the On the other hand, the military vocation of the fortified
Fig. 24 St Marks Square overlooking the water of Canale di Mezzo
89
2. DESCRIPTION
city is testified in Piazza dArmi created by the Venetians focus on the vertex at the end of the large courtyard
(1614) in the area in front of the Rocca after the wet where the large ashlared gate of the In situ (1575)
dock linked to the Canale di Mezzo was filled in. What opens: this was a fundamental aspect of Venetian
remains of the stone border that surrounded the edge defences in Peschiera del Garda and still today unites
of the water on the square are still present under the the Cantarane bastion with the vaulted fortified bridge.
surface of the square and have been inspected by the Inside the In situ we can see evidence of centuries of
competent Surveyor (Fig.25). IJTUPSZPGFWPMVUJPOPGDPOTUSVDUJWFUFDIOJRVFTJOGBDU
you can see the remains of the Roman tower, the traces
Rocca of the Della Scala castle and the Venetian structures
(buttresses and vaults) used to support the terreplain
The Rocca is an exceptional testimony to the various (Fig.26).
dominations that followed in Peschiera, from the During Venetian times, the courtyard was subjected to
Romans, the Della Scala family, the Venetians, a general rebuilding to transform it into an Arsenal: next
French and finally the Austrians. Fully recognising its to the medieval walls is a new building with ground
military worth, the Serenissima saw the Rocca as the floor portico, useful for the storage and maneuovre of
logistical and defence hub of the modern Rocca and, artillery.
consequently, adapted the design of the bastions in As can be seen in the historical maps, at the beginning
order to preserve it. Despite subsequent remodelling of the 1600s you could already see the signs of the
works, the system as we see it today was mainly defined future development of the structure, which was to be
by the Serenissimas architects. gradually altered over the course of the century until its
Going through the 17th century entrance, the eyes essentially reached its current appearance.
Fig.25 Piazza dArmi (today Piazza Ferdinando di Savoia) linked to the Canale di Mezzo by the Ponte dei Voltoni.. Starting from the bridge,
proceeding to the right we find the two L shaped wings of the FortressBOEUIFODMPTJOHUIFWJFXUPUIFTPVUIXFTUPGUIFTRVBSFXFDBOTFF
the XXX Maggio Barracks (former military hospital). You can see to the west towards the Barracks the Church of San Martino, next to the Roman
archaeological excavations.
90
Fig. 26 The Rocca in the urban (below) The courtyard of the Rocca with the Cavaliere (1608 ca.) at the apex, closing the triangular complex
91
2. DESCRIPTION
B%FGFOTJWFTZTUFNPGDJUZPG7FOF[JB
[...] As in the Arsenale of the Venetians / Boils in winter the tenacious pitch / To
smear their unsound vessels over again / For sail they cannot; and instead thereof
/ One makes his vessel new, and one recaulks / The ribs of that which many a
voyage has made / One hammers at the prow, one at the stern
This one makes oars and that one cordage twists / Another mends the mainsail
and the mizzen [...]
Dante Alighieri
(Divina Commedia, Canto XXI of Inferno)
92
%FGFOTJWFTZTUFNPG$JUZPG7FOF[JB*%$"3%
Location Hinge between the Stato di Terra and the Stato
di Mare
Role Sea system to defend the port access points to
the Dominating city and Arsenale
Value Overall city defence works with associated

functions of representation and ship production
Typology Defensive system composed by four
components
Elements Coastal fortifications made up of defence works
at the ports and within the lagoon: Fort of St
Andrea, Poveglia and Alberoni lagoon octagons.
1SPUPJOEVTUSJBM XPSLT MJOLFE UP UIF OBWBM
shipyard: Arsenale.
Venice Lagoon.
C. Sabbadino 16th century
(in Archivio di Stato, Venezia)
Nominated component part The perimeters circle the area of the Arsenale, the logistic point of the defence
*5B IB
works covering a total surface area of 31 hectares, equal to around 1/6 of the
*5C IB
entire city of Venice, the Fort of St Andrea, an example of the fusion of military
*5D IB
connotations and architectural decorum, the Poveglia and Alberoni Octagons
*5E IB
Buffer zone 5IFQFSJNFUFSDPJODJEFTXJUIUIF$PSF;POFPGUIF6/&4$07FOJDFTJUFBOEJUT

(70148,32 ha.) lagoon, listed in the WHL in 1987 for the six world heritage criteria. The area
extends over 702.28 km2, including two provinces, Venice and Padua, and nine
councils facing onto the lagoon and coincides with the perimeters of Ministerial
Total area Decree of 1st August 1985 (Declaration of considerable public interest regarding
(70183,59 ha.) the ecosystem of the Venice Lagoon). The entire lagoon area is covered by the
MBOETDBQFFOWJSPONFOUBM QSPUFDUJPO SFHJNF -FHJTMBUJWF %FDSFF OS OE
January 2004), which guarantees protection within the territory and has direct
influence in protecting the elements in this component.
93
2. DESCRIPTION
ROLE WITHIN THE PROPERTY power of Venetian thalassocracy, a place of functional

representation where the Republic accompanied its
Within the alla moderna defence works represented hosts to demonstrate its war construction abilities. The
here, the capital city Venice is the headquarter behind Venetian defence works can still be seen throughout
UIF PWFSBMM EFGFODF QSPKFDU NPSFPWFS GSPN UIF the lagoon, testimonies of the fusion between military
geographical point of view, it was the central point and architectural genius.
between the Stato di Mare and the Stato di Terra .
Defence of the capital city of the Republic of St Mark DESCRIPTION OF THE COMPONENTS
was almost completely directed towards the sea, the
main point of activity and the Serenissimas power. The four elements identified for their exceptional value
Protecting the access points to the lake ports therefore are found within the northern work of Venices lagoon,
meant protecting the city itself. The defence works of an area that is characterised by its numerous canals
Venice included: the Arsenale, place for the Republics that branch from the ports and, penetrating inland,
NJMJUBSZ MPHJTUJDT UIF 'PSU PG St Andrea, protecting strengthen the entire lagoon basin, eventually reaching
UIF OPSUIFSO FOUSZ UP UIF -BHPPO UIF 1PWFHMJB BOE the Terraferma. This area coincides on its perimeter with
Alberoni octagons, ramparts of the wall which for UIF$PSF;POFPGUIF6/&4$0TJUFVenice and its lagoon,
Venice, a city without walls, was represented by the registered in the WHL in 1987 fulfilling the six criteria.
lagoon (Fig.27).
Venice is the centre in which the Serenissimas power In particular, the three elements of defence chosen are
lies, and this is why it is the place that most clearly all found in points of the lagoon that are strategic to
represents the exceptional work carried out by the protect access from any enemy attack from the sea:
military engineers. The Arsenale is the engine behind the 5IF Fort of St Andrea, an imposing monumental
Fig. 27 The Venice lagoon is made up of canals that alternate between muddy sea water, swamps and islands. The territorys unique morphology
has been a natural defence works for the Republic of Venice over the centuries. (Thanks to the kind collaboration of the Municipality of Venice.
photo by Lapenna, 2011)
94
XPSL XIJDIQSPUFDUTUIFDJUZBUUIF-JEPQPJOU Moreover, today it is the logistics centre of all the

5IFPoveglia and Alberoni octagons, found along the fortification activities that between the 15th and 17th
lagoons internal canals, are emergency outposts used DFOUVSJFT BFDUFE UIF EPNJOJPOT PG UIF 3FQVCMJD
in the event that access to the lagoon is forced. therefore, the Arsenale of Veneziahad a key role in
The element identified for how exceptionally it demonstrating the integrity of the system.
represents the overall defence project is the Arsenale
which, despite not having a strictly defensive function, Arsenale
is a part of the defence works in that it is the largest
centre to produce ships which were the main tool The ability to build ships and the efficiency of economic
that the Serenissima used for its great military and organisation of the merchant business determined the
commercial success with the Orient. prestige of the Venetian navy. In this sense, the Arsenale
Diagram of the lagoon defence works. The diagram shows the constructive elements of the system of Venice. Note to the north.west the
ArsenalF JNQSFTTJWFJOTJ[FUPUIFOPSUIFBTUUIFFort of St Andrea, defending the access to the Lido Port. The other two defence elements, the
Poveglia and Alberoni octagons, are located south, defending the Port of Malamocco
95
2. DESCRIPTION
of Venice found itself at the very foundation of its naval buildings, the ancient vaults.
power and the reason behind its greatness. The physical transformations of the Arsenale are closely
This is the only example of shipyard and arms factory linked to the evolution of the productive systems of
that has kept the same conformation and function from the shipyards, which give them a regular geometrical
the moment of its foundation to the present day. The setup. The charm of this complex, despite the numerous
extension, morphology and typology of the buildings, alterations it has suffered, lies in its exceptionally large
referred to the late medieval and modern times, make size and the relationship between the architecture and
it a unique example of historical Arsenale still around the water which surrounds and, greatly, submerges it.
today in the Mediterranean area. The area subject to this candidature extends over 31
5IJT JT GPVOE JO UIF OPSUIFBTUFSO QBSU PG UIF DJUZ PG hectares (Fig.28):
Venice, in the Castello district, and takes up 1/6 of Darsena Vecchia, also known as the Arsenale Vecchio
the entire city. It is made up of an articulated wall (west, with water area and buildings overlooking it).
which encloses wide stretches of water that cannot Darsena Nuova, also known as the Arsenale Nuovo
be compared with the rest of the city. These are the TPVUIFBTU XJUIXBUFSBSFB -BSHF%PDTBOECVJMEJOHT
wet docks around which there is an ordered series of overlooking it)
Fig.28 Toponomy of the Arsenal complex. (Extract by the Management file for the Venice Arsenal .VOJDJQBMJUZPG7FOF[JB

96
Darsena Nuovissima, also known as the Arsenalee with Byzantine capitals, supporting a niche holding an
Nuovissimo OPSUIFBTUXJUIXBUFSBSFB MBSHFEPDLBOE imposing St Marks Lion, one of the very few survivors
overlooking buildings). of the systematic destruction of the French.
The Nominated component part does not include The gable is shadowed by the statue of Santa Giustina,
the 19th and 20th century areas of the Carenaggio in memory of and celebrating the victory of Lepanto in
Basin, the Island of Virgins and the western area of the 1571. The Porta Magna is the first example of architecture
Celestia, as they were not established until after the carried out in the new Venetian Renaissance style.
period of reference of the candidature. At the end of the 1600s a terrace was built in front of
the Gate with eight allegorical statues and four lions
Darsena Vecchia in marble, originating from the Hellenic lands. These
statues gave the gate the name Lions Gate. The two
In the western part of the Arsenale is the Darsena lions nearest the entrance were placed there to thank
Vecchia, an area of water surrounded by crenelated the Arsenale for the war and naval equipment supplied
walls, buildings and slipways on the front of the longer in the reconquering of Athens in 1687. The Lioness in
sides. This area is identified as the first Arsenale area, the middle is from the 15thcentury BC and was placed
the Arsenale Vecchio. there in memory of the reconquering of Corfu.
4UBSUJOHGSPNUIFTPVUIXFTUFSOTUSFUDIPGXBMMGBDJOH While the Porta dAcqua is the main water entrance of
over the San Martino River, you can see the two Marina the Arsenale, which opens directly onto the Darsena
Gates to the Arsenale: the Porta dei Leoni (Lions Gate, Vecchia. The access is made majestic by the two
Porta Magna) and the Porta dAcqua (Fig.29). crenelated towers (25m2 in surface area and 13.5 m in
The Porta dei Leoni is the old land access, a true height) found on the sides of a wooden bridge leading
triumphal arch, flanked by marble coupled columns to the other side of the Docks. (Fig.29)
Fig.29 View of the Porta dei Leoni (Porta Magna) and the Porta dAcqua,(Photo by Bombieri)
97
2. DESCRIPTION
In line with the gates, are the Palazzo dellInferno and Facing the latter is a series of buildings, the Galleasses,
the Palazzo del Purgatorio (Hell and Purgatory Palaces) whose size (57 m in length, 25 m wide) is determined
which were built following the typical conformation by the measurements of the boats built, the large
of Venetian urban buildings, with a private bridge galleys 40 metres in length and 5 metres wide(Fig.30).
connecting to the entrance and the relative water The terrain of the banks in front of them is sloped to
gate. The architectural language includes gothic and allow the boats to be pulled on land while to the sides
renaissance characters that can be seen throughout imposing brick walls support the wooden latticework
the old plan. of the covering, made up of thick trussing. The
Passing through the two large Gates, we access the Squadratori building is located on the east bank of the
Arsenale Vecchio, owned by the Ministry of Defence, Galleasses Canal. The structure is noteworthy in size,
in particular the Naval branch. Despite the fact that made up of 9 large arcades along the faade.
the factories have partly been reorganised over the At the end of the Rio delle Galeazze, a large archway
past two centuries, you can still see some traits of the opens up along the northern wall of the Arsenale. The
original settlement. On the left is the Naval Library, the arch is below a passageway, known as the Bridge of
old premises of the Magnifico Collegio de lArsanal Bicycles, which connects to the large eastern docks.
while the end of the Darsena Vecchia is indicated on
the same side by a neogothic tower. Darsena Nuova
Among the various warehouses and slipways facing
onto the water, to the right of the Docks is the 5IFTPVUIXFTUFSOBSFBJTLOPXOBTUIFArsenale Nuovo
magnificent Bucintoro house (45 metres in length and (New Arsenale). The structures of which it consists are
18 in width), housing the famous boat. The structure, partly protected by the crenelated walls, others face
unlike the other slipways which are purely functional over the water of the Darsena Grande (Large Docks),
in aspect, is covered in Istria stone with an enormous the Rio della Tana and the Rio de San Gerolamo.
16th century gate below the allegorical Fig. of Venice his wing of the Arsenale was founded by the inclusion
in Justice. Due north of the Bucintoro house, is an open of a zone known as Campagna, (Countryside) which
space of great historical importance, direct testimony was frequented by a large number of artisan workers:
of the old appearance of the area. Here, you can see blacksmiths, crossbowmen, shield makers, arms
unchanged the 14th century city walls and a stairway FYQFSUT BSNPVSNBLFST BSUJMMFSZXFMEFSTBOEPUIFSTJO
in monolithic stone bricks sticking out of the view like a fact, many of the warehouses are still named after the
shelf. This staircase leads to the Bell Tower, in the corner activities that were carried out therein .
of the walls. Today, along the Rio de lArsenale there are some
In continuity with the Darsena Vecchia is the Canal of buildings that are not used for industrial activities but
the galeazze which together create a single water basin. rather logistics and exhibitions: the Officine Remi, the
Fig.30 (left) Arsenale, West Galeass (photo by the Municipality of Venice).

Fig.31 (right) Arsenale, interior of the Ropery (photo by the Municipality of Venice).
98
Casa del Paradiso, the Officine Fabbri, the former Corpo door from 1591 in blocks of Istria stone and attributed
di Guardia (Guards) and the Officers Quarters are all to the Sanmicheli School, can be found in the most
owned and managed by the Navy. In particular, the private area of the Arsenale that dedicated to
old Officina Remi (Oars Workshop) is now home to the the production and conservation of weapons and
Museum of Naval History with an exhibition surface ammunition, the Artillery. Built in 1561 next to the
area that extends over five floors for a total of 42 rooms. eastern wall of the Darsena Nuova (Darsena Nuova), it
The museum also includes the Church of San Biagio is made up of nine modular units whose single faade
(XI century), a traditional place of cult of the Arsenale. (180 metres long) is elegantly broken up by openings
The museum holds the testimonies of past and recent in Istria stone. This is the only building of the Arsenale
businesses of the Venetian navy. XIPTFEPPSTIBWFBTIMBSXPSLBSDIFTXJUIMJPOTIFBET
sculpted like keystones (Fig.32).
In the area to the south of the Arsenale Nuovo, along the
Rio della Tana and the Rio de San Gerolamo, extends Of different conformation is the complex of the Sale
the largest building complex of the entire Arsenale: the dArmi (North and South, Weapons Rooms). This is
former Foundry, Ropery and Artillery, now managed by located to the sides of the end of the Stradal Campagna
the Venice Biennial which uses this structure both for and is made up of two imposing factory bodies over two
exhibitions of the Biennial of Visual Arts as well as for floors. These buildings were where the Venetians kept
shows during the Biennial of Dance, Music and Theatre. their most important war armaments. The northern
The Ropery building, in particular, is the largest (318m rooms are divided into four buildings, three of equal
MPOH CZ N XJEF
UIF DFJMJOH JT TVQQPSUFE CZ size to the east and the fourth, larger than the others,
columns in plastered brick and Tuscan capitals (Fig.31). with a small internal courtyard. The southern rooms, on
At the end of the Stradal Campagna, a monumental the other hand, are three buildings of the same size.
Fig.32 Aerial view of the Arsenale(photo by Consorzio Venice Nuova, 2012)
99
2. DESCRIPTION
The appearance of the Sale dArmi is broken up by large all the structures of the northern part of the Darsena
windows, while the buildings are accessed by gates on Grande (Fig.33).
the main facades. The upper floor is accessed through The eastern side of the basin is closed by the majestic
a monumental stone door, the only Baroque element XBUFSTJEFCVJMEJOHZBSETPGUIF(BHHJBOESF

in the Arsenale. built on the project by Jacopo Sansovino. The walls
The Sale dArmi, with the adjacent Artillery rooms are are decorated with arches supported by columns
the symbol and epicentre of the enormous flow of JO *TUSJB TUPOF UIF SPPG JT TVQQPSUFE CZ B DPNQMFY
armaments that supplied Venices power over land and interweaving of wooden trusses. This area is used for
sea. temporary exhibitions during the Biennial of Venice.
These two aquatic canopies reflect, more than others,
The buildings next to this large complex of the Biennial the compositive criteria of Venetian architecture of the
PG 7FOJDF BSF GVODUJPOBM BOE TPCFS JO DIBSBDUFS UIFZ 17th century, thanks to the fusion of functionality and
are found next to the Darsena Grande, maintaining aesthetic taste (Fig.34).
o VOBMUFSFE PWFS UJNF UIF SFHVMBS NBUSJY UZQJDBM PG Along the northern walls of the Arsenale is a modular
industrial complexes. and aligned sequence of Tese, or rather waterside
Along the city walls south of the Arsenale you can see building sites for boats (Novissimetta, Tese delle Nappe,
two of the remaining five towers, the Tower of San Tese di San Cristoforo, Tese della Nuovissima, Tese di
Pietro e Paolo and the Tower di Mezzo. Loreto).
Despite the 20th century transformations which, thanks
Darsena Nuovissima to the construction of a continual bank, led to the filling
in of aquatic building sites, the Tese bear witness to the
The Arsenale Nuovo and the Arsenale Nuovissimo share constructive capacity of Venetian expertise in naval
and indicate the boundaries of the Darsena Grande
shipbuilding.
in fact, the names are purely linked to the era of The composition of these buildings is sober and
construction. The Arsenalee Nuovissimo consists of functional, without an obvious aesthetic flair, as they
Fig. 33 Arsenale. View of the slipways of the Arsenale Nuovo and the large docks next to it, (photo by the Municipality of Venice)
100
are industrial structures used to serve the Serenissima University and the Thetis Spa Centre.
in increasing its naval power.
These buildings, given the considerable surface area Fort of St Andrea
they have, adapt perfectly to a wide variety of uses and
in fact are managed by a number of organisations for a The lagoon has always represented Venices main
variety of purposes. defence works, but in order to ensure better protection
In particular, the Tese di San Cristoforo and the Nappe from enemy attack and invasion, the Venetians
pavilions, following recent requalification works, are designed a defence works located throughout the
now the ideal location for events and conventions lagoon and in particular at the entrances to ports. The
(5000 m2), or for exhibitions. Fort of St Andrea protected the northern access point
The Tese di San Cristoforo, so called after the tower of of the lagoon, which was originally located in the
the same name, is made up of three shipyards which entrance to the Lido Port.
were recently used by the Biennial of Venice to exhibit Its shape represents a defence function, but also one
the works of two hundred young artists. PG SFQSFTFOUBUJPO JO GBDU HJWFO JUT DPOTJEFSBCMF TJ[F
Others, on the other hand, such as the Tese della (23,000 m2), it can be seen from various points in
Novissima and the Tese di Loreto, are used as centres the lagoon (Fig.35). It is an emblematic model within
of research and experimentation by the CaFoscari this candidature as the most famous architect in
the Republic during the early 16th century, Michele
Sanmicheli, masterly unites the military and civil
connotations.
The Fort of St Andrea is in the shape of a squashed
isosceles triangle, the central part of the smaller side of
which is very pointed, extends in a wide curve towards
the sea, almost as if it were a bastion. The profile is
geometrically functional, where all the spaces have a
precise role: the part facing the Lido Port has a wartime
GVODUJPO XJUIHVOQPSUTUIFTPVUIBOEXFTUGBDBEFT
on the other hand, are not armed as they face towards
the lagoon and have a service function, as they contain
the Casematte (casemates) used to store artillery. The
decision not to arm the facades facing towards the city
was of Sanmicheli as the Fort can easily develop its
Fig.34 to the right,Arsenale TFFOGSPNUIF(BHHJBOESF BCPWF QIPUPCZ'-PWBUPCFMPXQIPUPCZUIF.VOJDJQBMJUZPG7FOJDF

Fig.35 The Fort of St Andrea (photo by F. Vianello)
101
2. DESCRIPTION
wartime potential only in a direction away from Venice, the two tunnels makes up the Pometio, an area of
to avoid being used by the enemy in the event of siege. manoeuvre for the soldiers and weapons.
The main faade looks like a wall blocking the view of In the interior of the Fort, towards the western side,
what resides inside, except for the blooming vegetation some buildings used for the garrisons extend which are
that has now grown there. The front is symmetrical now, however, inaccessible.
to the central gate, Porta da Mar which appears like Beyond the eastern access from the Water Gate
a triumphal arch with three fornixes: one central stairway, there is a second access in the part opposite
one with the Water Gate and two side ones with the the bastion.
Guns. The ashlar arches in Istria stone are supported The landing is located in the western faade, from
CZ %PSJD PSEFS UISFFQBSUFE DPMVNOT " MBSHF GSJF[F the canal separating the Island of St Andrea from the
with projecting top, closes the main faade. On the Vignole Island.
back of the gate is the 15th century keep: a brickwork This construction exalts the strength and the efficiency
parallelepiped, with the relief of a St Marks lion in the of the new innovative and technically advanced
middle, flanked by the coats of arms of the Doge Alvise defence workss adopted by the Serenissima.
Mocenigo and a plaque in memory of as well as the
construction of the Fort the victory in Lepanto. Poveglia Octagon
On the sides of the gate are the Guns, which open on
water level in the wall (Fig.36). Each arch has a lion as The Poveglia Octagon is located on the island of the
UVSOLFZ5IFFOUJSFXBMMJTFODJSDMFEXJUISVTUJDBTIMBS same name, and is a part of the lagoon defence works
worked slabs of Istria stone. Inside the Fort, parallel to of the city of Venice. It is found a short distance from
the bastion, a gallery extends along all five sides onto the Malamocco Port, and on the crossroads of the
which open the casemates used as rivets and to house Poveglia and Santo Spirito canals.
ammunition for the guns. It is in the shape of a regular octagon, 5.29 metres in
To the right of the keep is a tunnel, covered with height and the parapet is 5.69 metres wide. The slope
arches and buttresses, linking the gun port tunnel to is walled to about 4 metres in height and the basement
the piazza behind it. Between the Piazza dArmi and is made up of blocks of Istria stone, which can also be
the gun ports are some terreplains against the wall seen to strengthen the corners. The slope is, moreover,
of a second tunnel parallel to the curtain, interrupted very steep and smaller than other octagons in the
by nine underground passages which link the exterior lagoon (Fig.37).
to the interior (Fig36). The space which runs between
Fig.36 (left) Detail of the passage to the right of the Keep, which links the western front to the Piazza dArmi (right) Detail of the guns on
water level in the wall (marcopolosystem, photo by G. Bombieri, 2015)
102
Alberoni Octagon buildings face over this area, a larger one (400 m2) and
BTNBMMFSPOF N
PODF UIFTFXFSFVTFEGPSNJMJUBSZ
Known in the Serenissima period as Fisolo, the Alberoni purposes, now they are residences. Moreover, the
Octagon is located in front of the fort of the same name northern part of the octagon houses a small building
and completes the defence works at the access point (30 m2) used as a chapel.
of the Malamocco Port, controlling the Spignon and The largest building has ten rooms, two of which are
Fisolo canals. This octagon, with its 0.2 hectares, is the USJBOHVMBS JO TIBQF JU IBT B MPXFSFE CBSSFM WBVMUFE
larger of the two. The slope (4.66 m) and the parapet walkway which is 2 metres wide and 10 metres long.
(4.74 m) are entirely in brickwork, with foundation in Deep tunnels lead from the central square to openings
Istria stone (Fg.38). The eastern faade stands out from onto the lagoon. Above the largest building is a terrace
UIF PUIFST UIBOLT UP UIF TUPOF CBTSFMJFG PG 4U .BSLT PG BMNPTU N B QBUI MFBET GSPN IFSF BMPOH UIF
lion. entire perimeter, with views over the lagoon and in
The only point of access to the Alberoni Octagon can particular over the Malamocco Port. This view gives
be found on the northern front, from which a series the onlooker an idea of the original use of this modern
of pathways branch out and lead to a central, paved defence works.
courtyard with a freshwater well in the middle. Two
Fig.37 Poveglia Octagon, seen from the lagoon (photo by the Centre of Documentation on Military Architecture, Marghera Fort)
Fig.38 Alberoni Octagon, view(photo by the Centre of Documentation on Military Architecture, Marghera Fort)
103
2. DESCRIPTION
2.a.4.4 City Fortress of Palmanova
Its an extraordinary and big challenge to create a Fortress where before

there were no people and homes [Palmanova] has become famous
all over the world every day come to admire people of great quality
Antonio Memmo, Provveditore generale di Palma, 1599
104
City Fortress of Palmanova ID CARD

Role Furthest defence point on the eastern border of
the Stato di Terra
Value 0OMZFYBNQMFPGOFXMZGPVOEFENJMJUBSZDJUZ
Typology $JUZGPSUSFTTJOQMBJOMBOETDPODFJWFEBTBQSPUP
type of military and civil ensemble
Elements City walls made up of two Venetian walls and
one French wall, divided respectively into
bastions, ravelins and lunettes
Urban layout: six radial roads, (1/5 of the base
module (14 metres). Hexagonal main square
(radius and side were 52 Venetian steps, equal Plan of the City Fortress of Palmanova,
to 90 metres). Barracks, powder magazine. G. BRESTI, beginning of 18th century
(in Archivio di Stato, Venezia)
Nominated component part The perimeter lies along the French fortified wall which represents the functional
(193,73 ha.) and physical continuation of the two Venetian. In this way, the surface area of
theNominated component coincides with the limits of the area subject to direct
monumental obligations in compliance with Ministerial Decree 13/05/1961.
Buffer zone The perimeter lies within the protected area identified by the PRG as Agricultural
(296,97 ha.) Area subject to environmental protection which identifies a wide buffer zone
around the French walls. Regulations are therefore already rather restrictive in
reference to new buildings. The areas not covered by this protection coinciding
Total area XJUIUIFFYUSBNPFOJBOFXFYQBOTJPOXPSLToIBWFCFFOHBUIFSFEXJUIJOUIF
(490 ha.) protected area through segments that intersect the three main roads connecting
UIFDJUZGPSUSFTTBOEUIFTVSSPVOEJOHDPVOUSZTJEF FYDFFEJOHUIFQPJOUPGMJNJUPG
vision of the city gates.
105
2. DESCRIPTION
ROLE WITHIN THE PROPERTY In this selection, another of Palmanovas unique aspects
JTJUTHFPNPSQIPMPHJDBMMPDBUJPOGPVOEJOUIFDFOUSF
Within the vast and articulated alla moderna Venetian of the plains, it is the only component that is perfectly
defensive works, Palma is the only city that was DBNPVBHFE XJUIJO UIF TVSSPVOEJOH QMBJO MBOET
designed and built from new by the Serenissima (see moreover, and this is the only example, the city and
chapter 2b) JUT SPMF XBT UIBU PG EFGFOEJOH UIF FBTUFSO the Fortress also coincide within the physical extension
borders of the Stato di Terra from Turkish invasion and of the land, as urban development occurred (And still
from the expansion of Austria. does occur today) within the original design.
With this aim in mind, engineers and military and
bureaucratic architects debated long and hard and These size, civil and military characteristics, also ratified
FWFOUVBMMZ DSFBUFE BO VSCBOJTU VOJDVN UIBU JT XFMM during the French domination, make Palmanova a
known by the global scientific community. unique example among military works created in the
world.
"NPOH UIF NBOZ TQFDJBM GFBUVSFT PG UIF 'PSUSFTTDJUZ
is the union between the strictly military connotation DESCRIPTION OF THE COMPONENT
with that of the ideal city as perceived by renaissance
VUPQJBO JEFBMT UIF TIBQF PG UIF OJOFQPJOUFE TUBS The city fortress presents as a centred urban nucleus
the city walls and the imposing presence of military of 70 hectares, contained within three concentric city
buildings along the perimeter, these are the frame walls (overall surface area of 244 hectares) which give
within which the technical experts designed the urban 1BMNBOPWB JUT DIBSBDUFSJTUJD OJOFQPJOUFE TUBS TIBQF
fabric with geometric perfection. (total external perimeter is approximately 7 km) (Fig39).
'JH"FSJBMWJFXPGUIFDJUZGPSUSFTTPG1BMNBOPWB QIPUPCZUIF.VOJDJQBMJUZPG1BMNBOPWB

106
The inhabited area is organised following strict In this way, the complex system of defence posts is
geometric modules and extends in close connection hidden from the view ensuring those approaching
XJUI UIF GPSUJFE QFSJNFUFS UIFTF UXP FMFNFOUT Palmanova are suddenly surprised by its presence.
represent an ensemble where each construction The perceptive aspect changes completely when the
work is linked in shape and function with the military DJUZ JT TFFO GSPN BCPWF JO UIJT DBTF UIF 'PSUSFTTDJUZ
structure. can be seen in its extraordinary integrity allowing a
The prerogative of invisible city, the only example clear observation of the modelled ripples of the terrain,
within the candidate system, is due to the natural the geometric cut of trenches and military posts, the
configuration of the site (plain land) which was fully strict radial design of the urban fabric and the large size
respected by the human hands which were able to of the construction.
strategically hide Palmanova by with grassy terreplains. 6OMJLFUIFPUIFSGPSUJFEDJUJFTDIPTFO EVFUPJUTDJUZ
fortress prerogative, Palmanova should be described
%JBHSBNPGNBJOEFGFOTJWFFMFNFOUTPGUIFDJUZGPSUSFTTPG1BMNBOPWB
107
2. DESCRIPTION
integrally between its urban fabric (civil structure) and In the middle of the piazza is the high pennone (pennant
the defence works (military structure), in coherence DPNNPOMZLOPXOBTUIFTUBOEBSE
TZNCPMJTJOHUIF
with the inspirational principle of Palma. historical events of Palmanova and physically indicated
the geometrical hub of the urban fabric that develops
The urban layout and city walls in radial lines around the piazza.
It is important to remember that perspective a great
To fully understand the perfect integration between discovery of the Renaissance, with the idea of mans
the urban setup and military framework, we need to universal centrality is symbolically represented here
start with the geometrical centre and symbolic hub by the pennant found in the very middle of the Piazza
of Palmanova the hexagonal piazza and proceed Grande.
outwards towards the nonagonal defence perimeter. The principle of perspective centrality is also found
in the twelve marble statues of the Superintendents
Along this route, you can fully experience the view from placed in pairs at the entrance of the six radial roads
the Piazza Grande, still today a reference point in the BDUJOH BT PQUJDBM DPOFT JO UIJT XBZ FWFO UPEBZ UIF
city fortresss trade and social activities and, historically, Palmanova community is reminded of the men directly
a place where troops were gathered in this hexagonal appointed by the Doge of Venice who set the towns
area (173 m in diameter) for training and then moved urban and historical destiny.
to fight on the walls (Fig40). Together with the urban design and the sculptures,
Such dimensions, associated with civil and military even the architecture of the Piazza itself helps
functions defined throughout the 17th century, make emphasise the concept of theatrality.
the Piazza Grande unique in the world. Here, a sequence of facades, interrupted only by the
Fig. 40.View of the Piazza Grande UIFHFPNFUSJDCBSJDFOUSFBOEIVCPGUIFDJUZGPSUSFTTTPDJBMMJGF QIPUPCZ"MFTTJP#VMESJO

108
roads beaming out from the piazza, rises like a true The Military Command made up of the War Chief with
theatre stage along the hexagonal perimeter of the his entourage lived in the Palazzo del Governatore delle
Piazza, outlining a simple and harmonious vertical Armi (1613), which today is home to the Direction of the
surface typical of Italian renaissance architecture. Museo della Grande Guerra e della Fortezza di Palmanova
In this way, the backdrop hides the main Venetian inside the monumental building characterised by its
public buildings characterised by the regularity of the great sobriety and strictness of form.
rectangular form and by the rather low volumetric Among these prestigious buildings is the religious
development (usually three levels above ground) IVC PG UIF DJUZGPSUSFTT UIF %VPNP EFM 4BOUJTTJNP
(Fig.41). Redentore (Doges Cathedral of the Saint Redeemer
beginning of the 17th century), characterised by a
Though remodelled over time, especially internally, rich decoration that makes it stand out from the sober
these buildings have maintained a top level role for the elegance of the other buildings (Fig.41).
DJUZGPSUSFTT FWFOUPEBZUIJTJTUIFDBTFPGUIF1BMB[[P
dei Provveditori Generali 4PQSJOUFOEFOUT1BMBDF
Recently renovated, like the entire Piazza itself, based
today home to the Town Hall and in Venetian times the on careful conservational interventions (see chap. 4),
residence of the main officials living in Palmanova with the Cathedral clearly recalls Venetian Renaissance
B UXPZFBS NBOEBUF MJOLFE IFSF JT UIF -PHHJB EFMMB architecture and in particular Andrea Palladios
(SBO(VBSEJB
DIBSBDUFSJTFECZJUTTUSJLJOH renowned universal language. The capital city Venice
TFWFOBSDIFE QPSUJDP XIFSF UIF 4VQFSJOUFOEFOUT is honoured by the statues (St Mark, The Redeemer, St
most important servants lived. Justine) which decorate the faade.
Fig.41 Piazza Grande, on the left the Loggia Della Gran Guardia
109
2. DESCRIPTION
From Piazza Grande a rigidly ordered and rational the walls. One of these near Cividale Gate is the
labyrinth of roads made up of four ring roads leads right Venetian district of St Mark (1596) abandoned during
up to the first Venetian city walls. The first is hexagonal UIFNJET BOEUIBUPG4BO1JFUSPBOE4BO.JDIFMF
in shape (closing the Piazza) while the others are (former Piave barracks) which is currently home to
nonagonal like the walls and all approximately 14.5 m council offices and the Civil Protection Corps.
wide. Southwards, the Venetian districts of St Andrea (1630)
The network of ring roads is intersected by six radial BOE 4BO ;VBOF DB
IBWF CFFO TVCKFDUFE UP
roads three of which unite the city gates to the Piazza long, careful renovations in order to convert them for
Grande. This link, direct and free of both physical and residential purposes.
visual encumbrance, is a mainly scenic urban solution,
not really suitable to the military project designs, but The perimeter of the residential area is designed in
in perfect coherence with the criteria of the idealistic DPOUJOVJUZ XJUI UIF STU SJOH PG7FOFUJBO XBMMT
Utopian city of the Renaissance. 1613, see History and Development). Here, therefore,
In fact, the facades of the buildings aligned in a begins the imposing external defence works where
monumental continuum along the three main roads each element, while maintaining a unique identity
draw the visitors eye right up to the rampart opposite within the overall system, is repeated throughout the
the entrance gate, along a magnificent perspective. circuit with no substantial variations until it makes up
Though the scenic beauty is the most obvious aspect UIFDIBSBDUFSJTUJDOJOFQPJOUFETUBS
of this route, the size of the road recalls the military
VTF PG UIF DJUZGPSUSFTT JO GBDU UIF EJTUBODF CFUXFFO In very brief summary, the first wall built by the
the gate and the piazza is approximately 506 metres 7FOFUJBOTIBEOJOFTUSPOHIPMETMJOLFEUPOJOFDVSUBJOT
longer than the range of enemy cannon (350 metres)
placed against the first Venetian wall. All this helped to
protect the central place of command (Piazza Grande)
as well as the first ring of buildings.
One example of the six square district squares has been

maintained integrally, found at the crossroads between
the third ring road and the six districts, simulating the
fields of Venices districts. These public areas would
PSJHJOBMMZ IBWF CFFO UIF IVCT PG UIF UISFF )BNMFUT
#PSHP $JWJEBMF UP UIF OPSUIFBTU #PSHP 6EJOF UP UIF
OPSUIXFTU #PSHP "RVJMFJB UP UIF TPVUI o XIJDI TUJMM
today, generally, have kept their original names after
the three city gates and the division into perfectly
geometric blocks (Fig42).
The most outwards ring road, known as Via delle

Milizie, is the point of contact between the city and
the first Venetian city walls (Fig.42). It is double the
width (29 metres) of the other ring roads, as the troops
would have had to distribute themselves rapidly along
the outer defence works. Thought the road has been
subject to a number of recent renovation works, it still
preserves most of the buildings linked to military life:
those quarters reserved as lodgings for soldiers for
over five centuries. In fact, facing over this road are the Fig. 42 Views of the district squares(above) and the Via delle Milizie
insulae of the Venetian barracks, the warehouses for (below), last ring road found between the constrcution sites and the
ammunition and all other equipment used to support first Venetian wall
110
three courtly gates cut out of the middle of the curtains into the terreplain that protects the curtain (falsabraga),
BMMPXFE FOUSZ UP UIF DJUZ GSPN OPSUIFBTU OPSUIXFTU just like the complex system of tunnels dug out to
and south. connect the ditch and the trunnion of the bastion and
5IF NPBU MBQT UIF FYUFSJPS GBBEF PG UIF CBTUJPO from here to the main square.
curtain: following the entire fortified perimeter, it The route around the road (covered road) that coasts
IJHIMJHIUT UIF TUBSTIBQF PG UIF STU7FOFUJBO TZTUFN the entire ditch is of great interest, protected towards
(Fig.43). the exterior by a wall and open towards the Fortress
so as to be controlled by the upper artillery posts
Built as a passive obstacle against enemies, the moat (ramparts and cavalieri).
still separates the first wall from the second Venetian Proceeding along the covered road, the imposing
wall, while also representing a striking physical and ramparts rise, characterising the entire perimeter and
visual mark. HJWJOHUIFDJUZGPSUSFTTJUTEJTUJODUJWFOPOBHPOBMTFUVQ
It is characterised by its great width which was Connoted by the unusual arrow head shape
calculated in the 16th century based on the power illustrated in all the military treatises of the time,
of the range of enemy harquebuses. Its capacity still they have maintained their original names dedicated
today follows the original conformation characterised to the original protectors. There were the General
by the alternating of dry ditches and a central moat Superintendents or Doges in appointment at the time
of construction, remembered in the plaques found
Of great interest is the wide amount of evidence of on the sides of the bastions, in some cases decorated
the functional connection between the moat and the with bas reliefs of the Lion of St Mark, symbol of the
other fortified elements: in fact, though the moat was Serenissima.
conceived by the Venetians to be the first obstacle
against possible enemy attack, it could not be isolated Firmly anchored to the terrain through a foundation
from the fortification but had to be reachable by the almost 1.5m below the ground, each rampart has
internal troops. This connection is still guaranteed two sides that converge on the buttress. The sides
today by the tunnels that open onto the moat and dug are coverd of stone blocks on the bottom and bricks
Fig.43.The main elements of the first wall: (bastion and moat). The moat is the result of a long dig that kept the Venetian masters busy even in
the second half of the 17th century
111
2. DESCRIPTION
on the top. Between the lines of bricks is one of the (casemates), used as watch posts by the soldiers.
most recognisable elements of Venetian military As they were so well camouflaged within the context
BSDIJUFDUVSF DPOTJEFSFE B USBEFNBSL PG BMM Fortress: that they were never viewed by the enemies, these
the redondone, otherwise known as master line, which loggias can still be seen today, unchanged like the
tells the outside world the ground level on which the interior space made up of a single wide vaulted room
city is developed within. The most prominent part with a large fireplace used as a furnace for the men of
of the rampart (buttress) differs from the rest of the the garrison (Fig.44).
wall extending out with its pointed limestone profile
towards the ditch. Two perfectly round trunnions meet The bastions are linked by the curtains each one around
two sides linking the bastion and the curtain. NFUSFTMPOHJOUIFNJEEMF UIFUISFFDJUZHBUFTPQFO
This system is repeated nine times, and is the foundation VQ OPSUIXFTU OPSUIFBTU BOE TPVUI SFTQFDUJWFMZ

of the continual perimeter of the first Venetian wall, called Udine Gate, Cividale Gate and Aquileia Gate(or
made up of concave and convex forms corresponding Porta Marittima). Attributed to Vincenzo Scamozzi,
with the overall geometrical design. famous architect of the Serenissima, they have kept
their primitive names dedicated to the three vital town
Of great interest is the system of access to the platform centres that were historically linked to Palmanova:
of the rampart from the city, or rather the vast area Udine, Cividale, Aquileia (see the following box).
found on the top of the rampart that links the defence The fact that there are only a few gates corresponds
element with the urban fabric. GVMMZ XJUI UIF DJUZGPSUSFTT DPODFQU BDDPSEJOH UP UIF
Repeated almost identically on each of the nine renaissance criteria which saw gates as points of
bastions, the connection is made up of a central vulnerability in a fortified wall.
corridor (cyma) between two trenched terreplains
which comes out onto the main square. Here, hidden Therefore, it is no surprise to find that Palmanova only
from view by the continual slopes of the terrain and has three gates, while their location within the walls is
the thick vegetation, are the two symmetrical loggias rather unusual for the time: in fact, unlike the traditional
Fig. 44 Loggia used as a watchpost by the soldiers. (Right), the rectangular compact volume with weathered coverthat protected the large
barrel vault inside
112
diagrams which would have the side of the rampart elements layered upon each other between the 16th
as the most suitable place, here the gates open in the and 18th centuries. In fact, if initially you see the gentle
middle of the curtains points of most vulnerability hills of the grassy fields, by looking more carefully at
as not very protected by the bastions. This decision the landscape the stone and brick walls of the three
required the guaranteed reinforcement of the second defence forts appear, expertly hidden by man.
Venetian wall (as we will see below). At Cividale Gate there is another element of great
Each gate presents a monumental faade to the outside, JOUFSFTUGPSJUTDPNNVOJUZJEFOUJUZUIF.JMJUBSZ)JTUPSZ
testifying the maturity of the Renaissance language Museum (from 1987) with two exhibition areas,
reached in Palmanova: the reinterpretation of classical one set up in the donjon of the Gate with valuable
orders, according to the Vitruvian principles Venustas, documentary material, while the other is set up outside
Firmitas e Utilitas (Vitruvio Pollione, De Architectura, 15 where the fortifications become material testimonies
BC), can be seen in the perspectives richly decorated of themselves.
with symbolic elements (lions, inscriptions, coats of
arms) that recall the Serenissimas control over Friuli The visitor is introduced to Udine Gate (1604) in
territory and exalting the military power of the Republic advance, through the elegant arcades of the Venetian
of St Mark. aqueduct (1665) which was built to supply water to
UIFDJUZGPSUSFTTUISPVHIBTFSJFTPGDBOBMTXIJDIUPEBZ
Regarding the plans, this monumental architecture has are filled in except the one that marks the hexagonal
a rather articulated layout which is found once you pass perimeter of Piazza Grande and which was recently
the small entrance: the areas open out in sequence, expertly renovated.
gradually growing towards the internal courtyard and The aqueduct is a precious testimony to the hard
from here to the buildings facing towards the city. work undertaken by the Venetian masters directed by
Aquileia Gate (1598) also known as Porta Marittima is the high officials of the Serenissima, all of whom are
UIF PMEFTU HBUF PG UIF GPSUSFTTDJUZ BT JU HVBSBOUFFE B commemorated in the plaques found between the
link to the Adriatic Sea and from there to the capital city arches, decorated by the remains of the St Marks lion
Venice. Here, the refined architectural language differs which was partly damaged during the French era.
from that used in the other two gates, presenting
stylistic solutions that were decidedly pioneering for In line with the composite principles of the Renaissance,
such a provincial context as early 16th century in Friuli Udine Gate takes back the classical style of the Roman
Venezia Giulia (Fig.45). triumphal arch (see the table below) and, unlike the
Cividale Gate(1604 ca.) is a privileged observation point other two gates, has preserved the two large wheels
in reading the entire defence works in its complexity of that were used to lift the drawbridge.
Fig.45.View of the southern work of the two Venetian walls, in the stretch between the Foscarini and Villachiara ramparts separated by Aquileia
Gate*OUIFDFOUSF JOUIFGPSFHSPVOE ZPVDBOTFFUIFSFNBJOTPGUIFTUPSNEPPSCVJMUCZUIF7FOFUJBOTJOUIFTFDPOEXBMMUPBMMPXFOUSBODF
to the city when impeded by the new ravelins
113
2. DESCRIPTION
THE CITY GATES OF THE CITY FORTRESS
Porta Aquileia. The external facade is decorated with two Cividale Gate. Its external facade is characterised by the
smooth ashlar volutes, which frame thet central watch tower. QSFTFODFPGUXPQBJSTPGDPMPTTBMPSEFSTFNJDPMVNOTDPWFSFE
On the cornice below the watch tower there used to be a large JO SVTUJD BTIMBSXPSL 0O UIF UPQ BSF UXP XBUDIUPXFST
St Marks lion in stone, destroyed by the French in 1797. Above connected by a balustrade with small pilasters.Inside are
the fornix is a frieze with some noble coats of arms refering to rooms for the soldiers and watch officials with large fireplaces
the first Superintendents and Treasurers of the Fortress in the on the ground floor.
metopes. To the sides of the central arch are the two side gates
of which the one of the left is merely decorative. Below these are
the two openings or drainers where the water flowed from the
irrigation ditch
Porta Udine.5IFFYUFSOBMGBDBEFJTJOSVTUJDBTIMBSXPSLPOUIFCPUUPNXJUIQBJSTPGTJEFTRVBSFQJMBTUFSTBOETFNJDPMVNOTGSBNJOH
the central fornix.
On the top are two side watchtowers and in the mmiddle two small obelisks which originally flanked the St Marks lion, later destroyed
by the French. Inside are the fireplaces and rooms for the soldiers standing guardm the coat of arms of the General Superintendent
Tagliapietra
114
Proceeding outwards is the second fortified wall which, latter: like the ramparts, the ravelins have maintained
in a functional and perceptive continuum from the first the top (central square) part which consists of a
reinforces the defence ability to better stand up to the triangular lawn surrounded with two mounds of soil
improvements made at the time in siege techniques which encompass the small brick buildings used to
and the range of cannons. store gunpowder (small gunpowder reserves).
Created by the Serenissima from 1664, it has nine There are also the covered squares where the cavalry
ravelins ,on the front of the curtain in the space between would gather before exit and the green parapets along
CBTUJPOT-PPLJOHUPXBSETUIFDJUZGPSUSFTT UIFSBWFMJOT the perimeter of the ravelin, where the harquebusiers
can be reached by wooden bridges guaranteeing would stand in line.
connection of the ravelin with the covered road and the
falsabraga, in other words with all those elements that Moreover, the counterscarp wall still preserves the
protected the exterior front of the first circle (Fig.46). BSDITIBQF PQFOJOHT UIBU BMMPXFE BDDFTT UP UIF
underground tunnels (mines): this is an intricate
The same elements dry ditch, covered road, underground labyrinth which was necessary for the
counterscarp wall with parapet can be found on the soldiers to move around under cover so they could
exterior of the ravelin, or rather on the front that today place mines under enemy posts or gather behind any
GBDFT UIF 'SFODI XBMM UIJT SFQFUJUJPO CFBST XJUOFTT UP attackers nearing the ramparts.
the effectiveness of the primitive defence setup, still Many of these impressive routes are no longer
valid despite the improvements in military techniques. accessible due to the landslides that over time have
blocked the passages (see 4.a.4)
Even the setup of the ravelins is very similar to that of
the ramparts despite the more contained height of the The building of the ravelins meant a new way of
Fig. 46 Aerial photo of the ravelin with explanation of the main constructive elements
115
2. DESCRIPTION
BDDFTTJOH UIF DJUZGPSUSFTT NPEJGZJOH UIF QSJNJUJWF how it must have felt to be amongst the troops who
access system and laying the foundations for those could pass from one ring to another in complete safety.
elements which still today allow visitors to access The third wall continues the same star shape through
Palmanova. The variants can be seen in the areas in the sequence of nine identical lunettes places in axis
GSPOU PG UIF UISFF HBUFT XIFSF UXP BOUJHBUFT HBUFT with the bastions of the first Venetian wall, but lower
built in front of the main city gates) were built on the than the bastions to allow a view of the enemy from
sides of the ravelin and with differing functions. UIFNPTUJOUFSJPSEFGFODFMJOFTUIFQFSDFJWBCMFSFTVMUJT
that of a great esplanade which slopes slightly down to
Those in front of Cividale Gate are still partly visible: one the countryside outside.
storm door defended the covered road as testified Anyone attempting to penetrate here was immediately
by the succession of arches and slits which held the under range of both the lunettes and the ravelins.
defence weapons while the other leads onto the
opposite side of the ravelin and was used as access for The Napoleonic lunettes are generally in a good state
military vehicles and people entering the Fortress. of preservation (see chap.4.a.4), maintaining their rich
All traces of this second access have disappeared, just original defence works: external parapets, a dry ditch
like the two drawbridges that connected the storm and each one has three small forts, two secondary
gates to the city gate which still today presents itself side ones protecting the dry ditch surrounding the
with its original monumentality. lunettes and one main one (Fig.4.7).
The main one is divided up over three floors, two above
5FTUJGZJOHUIFIJHIMFWFMPGTFDVSJUZPGUIFDJUZGPSUSFTT ground and one below ground level. The highest floor,
are the precious studded wooden gates of Cividale linked to the ground one, can be completely isolated
GateBOEUIFIJHIMZFTUFFNFE/BQPMFPOJDJSPOSBJMJOHT from the surrounding terrain becoming an autonomous
currently exhibited in the Loggia in the Piazza Grande. defence island.
Passing the ravelins, we find ourselves in the wide This post is known as caponiera as it is characterised by
TQBDF FODMPTFE CZ UIF UIJSE 'SFODI XBMM
a sequence of slits for fusiliers who stayed in their posts
Also in this case, passage from the second to the third crammed in like capponi (capons).
ring is gradual, completely immersed in the undulating The caponiera was and still is linked to the previous
landscape hidden by the thick grassy cloak that covers walls not only by the countryside level but also via a
UIF JOWJTJCMF DJUZGPSUSFTT JO GBDU UIF SPVUF BMPOH UIF walkway dug out from the wall to the below ground
covered road is very striking and gives you an idea of floor which from here, again through an underground
Fig. 47 Aerial view of one of the nine Napoleonic lunettes. (next page) Underground paths between the bastioned walls.
116
tunnel, exited onto the ditch. caponiera of the Napoleonic lunette.
This connection was for reinforcement and replacement The large amount of evidence preserved within these
functions of the post as well as for retreat. posts are of great interest as they bear witness to the
Today, we can still follow this route along the French evolution of war techniques compared to those used
mine, starting from the Donato Rampart of the first in the Venetian period when artillery was mainly stored
Venetian wall. Through one of the underground tunnels outside.
dug out by Napoleons soldiers, with vaulted 2m high
ceiling, we reach a junction with three possible routes:
one in the middle leading towards the countryside
and two side ones which lead up steep steps to the
117
2. DESCRIPTION
B%FGFOTJWFTZTUFNPG;BEBS
...it is better to spend a thousand ducats to fortify Zadar then ten in any other
piazza of the Province
Bartolomeo Varisano Grimaldi, 1678
( Relazione, Museo Civico Correr, Venezia)
118
%FGFOTJWF4ZTUFNPG;BEBS*%$"3%
Location Stato di Mare
Role Hub of the maritime routes in the Golfo di
Venezia
Value Main administration centre of the Stato di Mare

Typology Peninsula defence works
Elements Defence works: city walls with bastion, 1

external element (Fort).
Pianta della Citt [...], MDCCLXV

(Museo Correr, Venezia)
Nominated component part The Nominated property consisted of into two works corresponding to the two
(11,19 ha.) most representative elements of the defence works built by the Serenissima
between the 16th and 17th centuries. The first work highlights and traces the
perimeter of the bastioned walls which extend continuously on the side of the
peninsula opposite the Port and continues along the stretch that linked the
peninsula and the terra firma. The second work was the Fort area, or rather
the isolated Fortress built to be an external defence structure to support the
bastioned walls.
Buffer zone 5IFCVFS[POFJODMVEFTUIFFOUJSFQFOJOTVMBPG;BEBSXIJDIJTMBSHFMZQSPUFDUFE
(240,45ha.) CZUIFDVSSFOUMBXBTi;POF"wPGNBYJNVNQSPUFDUJPO5PUIFXFTU UIFQFSJNFUFS
follows the coast including the corridor of water occupied by the port and which
separates the coast from the peninsula. On the opposite side, the perimeter
Total area includes a large stretch of the Adriatic Sea. The perimeter of the buffer zone
(251,64 ha.) USBDFTUIFBSFBJEFOUJFECZQSPUFDUJPOMBXTBTi;POF#w
119
2. DESCRIPTION
ROLE WITHIN THE PROPERTY B IJHIMZ JNQPSUBOU SPMF UIJT JT XIZ UIF Serenissimas
engineers focussed not only on defending the city but
Known as caput Dalmatiew ;BEBSXBTUIFMBSHFTUBOE also defending its Port which was vital for Venice to
most powerful Fortress in the Stato di Mare. Its strategic NBJOUBJONJMJUBSZDPOUSPMPWFSUIFNJE"ESJBUJD
position in the heart of the Golfo di Venezia gave it a
role as main stronghold for the Venetian fleet between ;BEBSTUPQSBUFQPTJUJPOBMTPBFDUFEUIFUZQPMPHJDBM
7FOJDF BOE $PSGV JU BDUFE BT BO BOUFXBMM GPS *UBMZ UP aspect of its fortifications: in fact, here they built the
DPOUSPM OBWJHBUJPO BOE UP TUPQ QJSBUFT JO UIF NJE Ponton Bastion the first monumental alla moderna
Adriatic. bastion in Dalmatia and immediately after the Fort,
The Serenissima BQQPJOUFE ;BEBS UIF NBJO TFBU GPS one of the very first examples of additional external
the Dalmatian administration and military, which then work built by the Serenissima in a short time.
become the main political hub. This aspect determined
special consideration by the central government which "MTP GSPN B HFPNPSQIPMPHJDBM WJFXQPJOU ;BEBS JT
was particularly focussed on bringing up to date the unique in the collection presented here: it develops on
existing defence structures in accordance with the new the very end of a peninsula surrounded on three sides
tactical innovations. by the sea one of the Venetians most loved elements.
Moreover, concerning the vast and widely spread trade +VTU POF TJEF UP UIF OPSUIFBTU SVOT QBSBMMFM UP UIF
relations with the Orient, the Port of Zadar transformed Terraferma and it is separated from the peninsula by
GSPN OBUVSBM QPSU UP B GVMMZFRVJQQFE QPSU o UPPL PO the narrow corridor of the port where potentially more
'JH"FSJBMWJFXPGUIFQFOJOTVMBPG;BEBS UIF'PSUFJOUIFGPSFHSPVOE
120
dangerous attacks could be carried out. (Fig.48) DESCRIPTION OF THE COMPONENT
This particular natural conformation dictated the The site extends over a geomorphologically unusual
design of the unusual defence works, still clearly visible area, a feature that has significantly influenced the
in the two most structurally important works, that fortification works. In fact, it is a peninsula the only
facing the Terraferma and the one facing the port. natural element of this type in the series represented
IFSF PG B SBUIFS SFHVMBS MPOH OBSSPX GPSN UIF BU
moat
%JBHSBNPGUIFDPOTUSVDUJWFFMFNFOUTPGUIFEFGFOTJWFTZTUFNPG;BEBS
121
2. DESCRIPTION
peninsula extends in parallel to the Adriatic coast and zone are made up of the segment towards the coast of
joins the Terraferma via the shortest side facing south. the bastioned walls, of their construction facing onto
The urban settlement occupies the entire surface area the Terraferma, and of the external defence element
of the peninsula which, on the western side towards known as Fort and stronghold of urban defence.
the Adriatic Sea, is shielded and therefore naturally
protected by a series of smaller islands.
These characteristics were a common link throughout The bastioned walls
the alla moderna fortification project which enclosed
;BEBSXJUIJOJNQPTJOHDJUZXBMMT JTPMBUJOHJUGSPNUIF The city walls in their complexity of bastions and
FYUSBVSCBOBSFBTXIJDIBUUIFUJNFTXFSFVOEFSHPJOH curtains are easily readable and represents a correct
gradual metamorphosis and expansion along the reconstruction of the entire fortified walls system of
coast. Venice which defined and enclosed the inhabited area
within a regular polygon according to the criteria of the
From the military point of view, this unique MBUFTUNPEFSOEFGFODFUFDIOJRVFTUIFEFNJMJUBSJTBUJPO
conformation made the main centre of Dalmatia of the city at the turn of the XIX century led to the walls
particularly vulnerable to attacks from the east, or facing the open sea being destroyed while on the
rather from the coast and in particular from land opposite side, the two most important wall sections of
masses that were a formidable place to fire from onto the urban defence works which had been the main
the flat peninsula. Moreover, it extended on this very focus point of Venetian military engineers for a long
side, today as the narrow corridor of the Port which UJNFSFNBJOFEQSFUUZNVDIDPNQMFUF
plays a particularly important role in the Serenissimas The first segment develops continuously along the
trade traffic. canal of the Port, parallel to the coast (Fig 49). The
The natural and strategic reasons were at the basis of the massive front extends for around a kilometre from the
Venetian defence project and today are the motivation northernmost point of the Katela bastion (Bastione
behind this proposed collection of the two defence Castello
XIJDI FODPNQBTTFT UIF SFNBJOT PG B QSF
works that best represent what once was a much existing defence work, up to the southernmost point
vaster system. These two works included in the core NBSLFE CZ UIF QPMZHPOBMGPSNFE CBTUJPO XIJDI
Fig.49 The bastioned front facing towards the cost with the Port Canal in the foreground
122
connects to the terra firma.
You can walk along the entire segment either following

the imposing Venetian walls on ground level or by
XBMLJOH BMPOH UIF UPQ BMPOH UIF OPX USFFMJOFE
BWFOVFUIBUJOUIFQBTUXBTVTFECZ7FOFUJBOTPMEJFST
to keep guard against Terraferma enemies beyond the
narrow corridor of the port.
You can clearly see the mechanism of the defence work
in relation to the urban and environmental context
from the spacious terraces that line the top of the
bastions.
The individual elements of the walls that are divided
up by the six bastions and the relative stretches of
connecting walls reflect an homogeneous language
regarding the most innovative alla moderna solutions
taken on by the Serenissima when Venices military
culture was at its prime. Apart from the upper part
of the St. Marcele bastion (Bastione Santa Marcella),
all the bastions are in stone with the slope that was
characteristic of the modern ballistic science. The
unmistakeable redondone separates the lower part
of the wall from the upper part (about 1/3 of the
total height) and eloquently testifies the Venetian
manufacture of the walls.
Towards the north, the Katela bastion links to the walled
DVSUBJO XJUI B QFSGFDUMZNBEF XJEF TFNJDJSDVMBS
USVOOJPO XIJDI VOJRVF JO JUT LJOE JO ;BEBS CFBST
witness to the typological richness of the solutions
carried out by the greatest experts of the Republic. The
BEKBDFOUDVSUBJOFODPNQBTTFTTPNFUSBDFTPGUIFQSF
existing defence perimeter on which stood the bastion
during the 16th century and conserves a passage that
was once known as Porta Catena.
In the long fortified landscape, the central hub is
indicated by the St Krevan Bastion (Bastione San
Crisogono) which is still clearly visible despite the
remodelling works undertaken during the 1930s which
included a partial withdrawal of the side towards the
QPSU BMPOH UIF TJEFT ZPV DBO TFF UIF IPMFT GPS UIF
cannons, today filled in.
0O UIF TPVUIXFTU DPSOFS UIF 4U .BSDFMF CBTUJPO
(otherwise known as the Bastione Moro) has an irregular
QFOUBHPOBMTIBQFEQMBOUIFMPXFSQBSUPGUIFTMPQFJT
in stone while the upper part is in brick. The redondone
the horizontal stone frame (Fig.50)FYUFOETCFUXFFO
the two sections. In the second half of the 1800s, two
noble residences were built for the Salghetti Driga Fig.50 Details of the double slope walls separated by the stone border
#SJPMJBOE$PTNBDFOEJGBNJMJFTPG;BEBS OPXIPNFUP (redondone), an indisputable sign of Venetian engineering.
123
2. DESCRIPTION
the Museum of ancient Roman glass. second half of the 19th century.
Considering the potential danger facing this front, the The second segment of the surrounding walls closes
curtain/bastion sequence is only partially interrupted the inhabited area on the southern side extending
where there are some elegant passageways of modest out between the Citadelle bastion (Bastione Citadel)
size which were used to reach the urban centre, then as and the Ponton bastion EFTQJUF UIF GBDU UIBU UIF
now, without weakening the wall mass of the curtain. linear extension is decidedly inferior to that of the
This is the case of the Morska vrata (Marina Gate), STU TFHNFOU UIF TPVUIGBDJOH GSPOU JT DFSUBJOMZ UIF
also known as Vrata Svetog Krevana (Porta di San most significant stretch of the entire wall. This is clear
Crisogono) and which was named after the nearby from historical documents and recent studies which
DIVSDI EFEJDBUFE UP UIF QBUSPO TBJOU PG ;BEBS 5IF highlight the extraordinariness of the elements
gate was built in 1573 in honour of the victory of the QSFTFOUIFSF&WFOUIF;BEBSDPNNVOJUZSFDPHOJTFTJUT
Christian army against the Turks in Lepanto. Inside the IJTUPSJDBMVSCBOJEFOUJUZIFSF
gate are some fragments of the Roman triumphal arch. The Citadelle bastion PO UIF TPVUIFBTU DPSOFS
Above the arch and the Roman frame, you can see a preserves the 170 metres long joint on the eastern side
large Renaissance panel showing the battle of Lepanto BOEBTJHOJDBOUCBTSFMJFGDFMFCSBUJOHUIF7FOFUJBOFSB
and above this is a tiny relief of St Crisogono. The upper showing the winged lion and the year of construction
exterior of the gate preserves the architectural frame of (1584) of the bastion itself. The spacious area at the top
the winged lion, the symbol of the Serenissima. of the bastion, once used for military activities, is now
home to the San Demetrio Girls Boarding School which
Finally, proceeding southwards, the 16th century St. was built at the beginning of the 20th century. (Fig.51).
Rokos Gate (Porta San Rocco) opens out it had been
blocked for a long time and then reopened in the Proceeding eastwards, the 100 metre long curtain
'JH5IFTPVUIFBTUQBSUPGUIF Citadelle bastion.
124
QSFTFSWFT B TUPOF CBTSFMJFG XJUI UIF OBNFT PG UIF

$BQUBJOBOE$PVOUPG;BEBSBOEUIFEBUFBCPWF
the unmistakeable redondone.
The curtain ends at the Porta di Terrafirma considered
one of the most emblematic of the Serenissimas gates
and certainly one of the most significant works of
Venetian architecture in Dalmatia. It is the main city gate
and was conceived as such by Michele Sanmicheli who
saw it as the symbolic entrance to the Venetian capital
in Dalmatia. The architecture is made up of a main
central arch and two secondary arches to the either
side for pedestrians and reflects the classic patterns
of the Roman triumphal arch, a model that was used
for many other gates in the candidature. Nonetheless,
JOUIFDBTFPG;BEBS UIFPWFSBMMDPNQPTJUJPOTFFNTUP
stand apart from the classic models and appears more
similar to Mannerism thanks to the lack of crowning
gables, the relationship between the very high bases
and the relative columns, the rustic covering of the
faade. Even the sumptuous plastic decoration makes
this city gate unique: from the rich decoration come a
Fig.52 The Terraferma gate and the winged lion symbol of the Republic of Venice
125
2. DESCRIPTION
variety of figurative repertoires, including scenes with relationship with the extra urban area occupied by the
St Grisogono, the patron saint of the city, found in the Fort and thanks also to some unique and innovative
key of the main archway, above the gate, in the very construction elements. It is still the largest bastion in
centre, is St Marks Lion which was renovated in the %BMNBUJBFYUFOEJOHPWFSNFUSFTJOMFOHUIBOE
1980s. (Fig52). metres high, it is the largest Sanmicheli bastion and
when it was built it was in fact the largest bastion in
In order to guarantee immediate defence according to the Republic.
the criteria of an evolved military culture, right next to It is the only bastion whose entire defence works is
the gate stands the imposing grandness of the Ponton built in brick an aspect that is particularly interesting
bastion TPDBMMFE GSPNUIFXPSEpuntone arrowhead as this material did not even exist in Dalmatia at the
formation) for its characteristic acute angle shape UJNF UIF UPQ PG UIF CBTUJPO QSPKFDUT FSDFMZ BOE
(Fig53). forcibly outwards towards the terra firma like the tip
The building of this element involved some of the of an arrow (Fig.54)*UTTJEFTTUJMMTIPXUIF OPXMMFE
most important experts in Venice who in this work JO
IPMFTGPSUIFDBOOPO BOEUIFTPVUIXFTUFSMZTMPQF
extra urban but functionally linked to the city walls IPMETBCBTSFMJFGXJUIUIF7FOJDFDPBUPGBSNTBOEUIF
produced some grandiose alla moderna TPMVUJPOT JO date 1544.
fact, according to historians the imposing bastion was In the northern part of the bastion you can find the
built by Giangirolamo Sanmicheli on the very point that casemates with a pleasant urban park which is very
his famous uncle, Michele Sanmicheli, had previously popular with the community, just like most bastions
established. which today are used as urban green areas.
The Ponton bastion is particularly significant and Between the west side of Ponton and the remaining
WBMVBCMF XJUIJO ;BEBST EFGFODF XPSLT UIBOLT UP JUT parts of the medieval city defensive walls with a
Fig.53 The imposing size of the Ponton defending the Land Gate. Note the moat, which once extended along the southern curtain
126
pentagonal Veliki Kapetan tower, is located Five Wells

Square (Piazza Cinque Pozzi) significant part of this
monument complex.
It attained its name after the five well crowns of the
large, namely, largest cistern in the city, built in the
space of the previous defensive ditch in the second
half of the 16th century (1574) (Fig.55).
The western side of the piazza is closed off by a section
of the 13th century walls with a medieval defence
tower which are still a part of the broader defence
walls of Venice.
The Forte
The Forte still today bears witness to the monumental

work undertaken by the Venetian masters in the
second half of the 16th century, a period in which
UIF 'PSUF PG ;BEBS XBT DPOTJEFSFE POF PG UIF NPTU
important pieces of architecture of the Serenissima
in Dalmatia. This high consideration is also linked
Fig.54 (left) The peak of the Ponton BastionUIFNPTUQPXFSGVMCBTUJPOPGUIFStato di MareXBTTPDBMMFECFDVBTFPGUIJTBTQFDU

Fig.55 (right)Views of the Five Wells Square
127
2. DESCRIPTION
to the moment of its construction when from the DVU MBUF 3FOBJTTBODFTUZMF TUPOF GBBEF JO UIF MPXFS
typological viewpoint it was completed early (Fig.56). part of the gate, on the right hand side, you can see
It is, in fact, an additional external work that was B SPVOE CBTSFMJFG EFDPSBUFE XJUI B XSFBUI PG GSVJUT
DPODFJWFEUPJODSFBTFUIFEFGFODFPGUIFDJUZPG;BEBS and the coat of arms of the designer, the leader Sforza
already offered by the bastioned wall. 1BMMBWJDJOP TIPXJOH B TJYIFBEFE ESBHPO BOE UIF
Therefore, typologically speaking, it should date back inscription VT CVMQVE to celebrate the author of the
to the third phase of the overall fortification project. famous bastion that would become the very symbol of
Completed early, the vast complex was built at the ;BEBSTEFGFODF
point where the peninsula meets the Terraferma. It is one of the largest military areas in Dalmatia:
The area has remained pretty much unchanged, and enclosed within its tall sloping walls (nine metres in
UPXBSET UIF DJUZ PG ;BEBS JU JT TUJMM QBSUJBMMZ TFQBSBUFE height) made in masterfully cut stone blocks.
by the moat that was redesigned by the Republic in Of particular interest within the context of overall
order to isolate the Fortress and thereby increasing its urban defence is the relationship between the Forte
defence potential. and the bastioned city walls.
Still today, these two elements weave together in a
It still conserves its tenaille form which is characterised QSFDJTFSFMBUJPOPGEJNFOTJPOT
by two bastions with trunnions linked by a central in fact, the Fort is subordinate to the walls which were
curtain that still holds access to the Fortress where the built taller to allow the artillery to defend the external
southern bastions trunnion stands. Fortress.
The western work of the forts interior still preserves
5IF HBUF XBT CVJMU MJLF B WBVMUFE UVOOFM XJUI B XFMM the large cistern that provided water to the Venetian
Fig.56 view of the massive walls and ramparts of the Forte Fortress
128
USPPQT"CPWF UIFXFMMDVSCJTTUJMMEFDPSBUFEXJUIUIF
winged lion of St. Mark (Fig 57). Proceeding eastwards,
in about the centre of the Fortress, you can still see today
the cavalry house built in 1689 and then remodelled in
1789. Today it is home to an organisation that carries
out maintenance work in urban parks.
A new large Austrian barracks was built at the end of

the 19th century along the southern wall in the site of
the officers quarters (second half of the 1700s) which is
OPXB;BEBSDPMMFHF
The entire surface of the Fortress became a new high
MFWFM IPSUJDVMUVSBM VSCBO QBSL CFUXFFO BOE
today is officially protected for this reason (Fig.58).
The other access gate to the Fort, known as Porta Erizzo,

is in front of the land gate that was once linked to it by
a bridge over the moat (Foa), today a small and pretty
port at the foot of the walls.
In the past, the moat led eastwards to an artificial canal
which is today covered by the road that faithfully runs
along its original traces and is currently undergoing a
project to reopen it.
'JH5IFXFMMDVSCNBSLJOHUIFTJUFPGUIFDJTUFSOUIBUQSPWJEFEXBUFSUPUIFTPMEJFST
Fig.58 (below) View of urban park inside the Forte
129
2. DESCRIPTION
2.a.4.6 Fort of St. Nikola, ibenik- Knin County,OJO$PVOUZ
[...] the side towards the mainland has two sides that they defend each other
very well, as you can see in the drawing [...]
Giangirolamo Sanmicheli,1540
(Commissiones et relations venetae, I, 1876)
130
Fort of St.Nikola,JCFOJL,OJO$PVOUZ*%$"3%
Role 'JSTUEFGFOTFPGUIFJCFOJLTDIBOOFM
Value excellent example of single fort alla moderna

Typology Fort on island
Elements Fort
View of the fort, F.Hohenberg and

G.Braun , 1576
Nominated component part The perimeter insists on the profile wall of the Fortress0OUIF4PVUI&BTUTJEFJU
(0,57 ha.) also incorporates the only piece of land not covered by the work, once used for
the maneuver of artillery.
The whole area of the fort is protected by the laws of national protection.
Buffer zone The area chosen as buffer zone has been selected within the Kanal Luka
(523,79 ha.) BSFB DBUFHPSJ[FE BTw 1SPUFDUFE "SFBT $BUFHPSZ 7iJO UIF *6$/ DMBTTJDBUJPO
characterized by a Significant Importance.
In particular, starting from the west side, and running clockwise, the boundary
Total area follows the protected area and then settle on the morphology before descending
(524,64 ha.) on the east coast of the peninsula. Then the buffer zone border follows the
coast to the strait, goes through it, goes along the east side of the southern
peninsula back to the West following the boundary described by the Significant
Importance area, then it close the buffer zone on the west side of the canal.
131
2. DESCRIPTION
ROLE WITHIN THE PROPERTY which was built around the same time by Girolamo
Sanmicheli Michele Sanmichelis nephew and
The Fortress CVJMU BU UIF FOUSBODF UP UIF OBSSPX NJMF collaborator to defend the capital city Venice.
long channel of St Ana which is the access by sea to the /POFUIFMFTT JOUIFJCFOJLBSFB UIFNJMJUBSZBTQFDUT
JCFOJL CBZ CFDBNF BO JNQPSUBOU TUSBUFHJD EFGFOTJWF were given more importance than the ornamental
structure which contributed to the impregnability of ones, leading to some unusual differences between
UIFJCFOJLQPSUBOEDJUZPGJCFOJL the two works which, nevertheless, are both qualified
Fort of St Nikola was an important building undertaking to fall within the selection presented here.
OPUPOMZGPSUIF$JUZPGJCFOJLCVUBMTPGPS7FOJDFXIJDI
SVMFEJCFOJLGSPNUIFZFBS DESCRIPTION OF THE COMPONENT
"U UIBU UJNF JCFOJL XBT POF PG UIF TUSBUFHJDBMMZ
most important cities on the east Adriatic coast. The medieval salt pans which belonged to the city of
Its importance was particularly emphasized by the JCFOJLBOEXIJDIXFSFUIFNBJOTPVSDFPGJODPNFPG
Republic of Venice, in the first place the strategic value UIFJCFOJLDPNNVOFUISPVHIPVUOVNFSPVTDFOUVSJFT
PG UIF JCFOJL QPSU XIJDI XBT WFSZ TBGF BOE BMNPTU were located on a plateau between St. Anthonys
JNQFOFUSBCMF5IF POMZ FOUSBODF JOUP UIF JCFOJL CBZ channel in the west, a series of hills in the north toward
was through the mile long channel of St Ante, which UIFJCFOJLCBZ BOEUIFTFBTIPSFPOUIFTPVUIBOEFBTU
maked possible the effective defence and complete sides. The salt pans comprised of two lakes mutually
control of the entry of ships (Fig.59). linked by canals. The production of salt lasted to the
From the typological point of view, the fort is one 18th century and was organized in the traditional
example of alla moderna 7FOFUJBO DSFBUJPO BO manner. Even today, during very low tides cassettes
extraordinary example of an isolated defence work used for the production of salt can be observed on the
risen in the sea. The only one in the Stato di Mare, its lakes. Unfortunately, the lakes have been neglected
only reference can be found in the Fort of St Andrea and degraded in recent times by the dumping of
'JH5IFTUSBUFHJDQPTJUJPOPGUIF'PSUPG4U/JLPMBBUUIFFOUSBODFUPUIFJCFOJLDBOBMTFFOJOBOBFSJBMQIPUPHSBQI
132
various waste materials there and backfilling along fort unlike the Fort of St Andrea in Venice which was
their shores. In the space along the salt pans, on the designed by Michele Sanmicheli and incorporated the
north side, two hamlets, Jurkovii and Perii were QSFFYJTUJOHLFFQ
once established but are abandoned today. On the The authenticity of this defence work is precisely
south side, between the lakes and the sea shore the documented in the description of 1540, written by the
TFUUMFNFOU;BCMBFXBTFTUBCMJTIFE same designer who illustrates in the finest detail all its
'SPN UIF TBMU QBOT UIBU PODF FYJTUFE BOE ;BCMBF various components which correspond perfectly with
toward the channel of St. Anthony, there is a peninsula the building itself.
that is all but attached to a small island which can be
reached by foot from the land due to the shallowness The Fort of St Nikola has a triangular plan. On the north
of the sea. TJEFUIFGPSUJTTFNJDJSDVMBSJOGPSNXJUIIPSOXPSLPO
There is another small island to the west which can also the sides which remind of a mushroom (torion). On the
be reached on foot. The island was called Ljuljevac and TPVUI TJEF UIF GPSU IBT UXP TFNJCBTUJPOT XJUI QMJFST
the Benedictine monastery of St Nikola was built on it between them. The pliers system used in building St
in the early middle ages (Fig.60). Nikolas Fortress is a solution which appeared at a very
early stage of its use in fortification architecture (Fig.60).
JCFOJLTSPMFBTJNQPSUBOUQPSUDJUZPGUIF"ESJBUJD4FB The Fortress has three levels:
could only be preserved through a alla moderna defence
work that opened up access to the long, narrow canal Sea level
that today still connects the open sea to the city. In
this strategic raised point, the Fort of San Nikolaress, an Under the Fortress vaults at sea level there are relatively
FYDFQUJPOBM FYBNQMF PG OFXMZDPOTUSVDUFE CBTUJPOFE large spaces. In the mushroom like part of the fort
Fig. 60 Overall view of the fort
133
2. DESCRIPTION
(torion) is a semicircular space with the largest number The entrance gate is the most valuable architectural
of gun ports. Originally this space was unique with and sculptural detail on the fort. It was made in the
dividing walls which were built at a later date. style of the Sanmichelis gates of which there are a
large number in Venice, Verona and other cities.
5IFTFNJDJSDVMBSTQBDFFYUFOETUPUIFMBSHFSFDUBOHVMBS
area which likewise originally did not have dividing The gate as well as the entire Fortress was designed
walls. In this area towards the channel there is a series by Gian Girolamo Sanmichelli. The stone dressing
of gun ports. A somewhat smaller vaulted space is and gate making was entrusted to domestic, Croatian
located to the east side. masters, Dujam from Split and Frano Dismani from
This place was later reconstructed to serve as a JCFOJL Fig.62).
EVOHFPO5IFUXPHVOQPSUTUPXBSETUIFLBSCBZXFSF On the gable arched stone of the gate the Fig. of St
later closed and rebuilt as solitary cells. Between these Nikola was sculptured. In the same stone, within the
two longitudinal spaces is a smaller one, trapezoid in XJEUIPGHBUF -VLB;PS[JTDPBUPGBSNTXBTTDVMQUVSFE
shape. This space extends further on to the rainwater The architrave has markedly Renaissance decorative
repositories. characteristics.
There are triglyphs and metopae and on the beam on
Along the gun ports within the width of the Fortress the bottom contour of the architrave a rectangular
walls the space was aired by a ventilation system that decoration, a profiled cassette with oak leaves.
extended vertically through the thickness of walls. In The motif of a bucranium is sculptured on the metopae,
addition, there were light openings in the floor of the a circular medallion with ovulae and in the central part
upper terrace above the vaulted parts (Fig.61). of the medallion, lion of St Mark. There is a profiled
wreath of Renaissance features above the architrave.
Fortress entrance hall The bottom contour of the wreath is made up of
fields with cassettes that are inscribed with rhombs
From the vaulted space at sea level a ramp which is and flower motifs in their centre and which alternate
also vaulted, leads to the level of the Fortress and its with cassette with typical Sanmicheli decorations of
entrance hall. The ramp is paved with bricks set in a cylindrical stone elements which stem out of the basic
fishbone pattern with low stone steps. stone slate. The concluding part of the gate is the attic
The fort in entered through a gate which is located in base with an inscribed text which is missing today
UIFFBTUDVSUBJOXBMMJOUIFEJSFDUJPOPGJCFOJL ('JH).
'JH0OTFBMFWFM UIFTQBDJPVTJOUFSJPSTIBWFWBVMUFEDFJMJOHTBOEXBMMTIPVTJOHXBUFSTLJNNJOHDBOOPOT
134
'JH5IFHBUFPOUIFFBTUFSOTJEFPGUIF'PSUJTQSPUFDUFECZUIFUSVOOJPOPGUIFTFNJCVMXBSL1PSUBM MFGU
EFDPSBUJPO SJHIU
Fig. 63 The eastern side of the Fort facing towards the canal was least exposed to sea invasions. This is why it was equipped with fewer cannons
and the Fort entrance was opened here.
135
2. DESCRIPTION
In the space of the hall, on the wall opposite of the stretched along the Fortress walls with the gun ports. In
FOUSBODF HBUF UIFSF BSF GPVS DPBUPGBSNT DBSWFE JO the 17th century the FortressXBTFMFWBUFEBUUIFTFNJ
stone. Three are set in a row, bordered with four fluted CBTUJPOT XIJDI EFMFWFMMFE UIF TQBDF PG UIF Fortress
DPMVNOT"CPWFUIFTFDPBUTPGBSNTUIFSFJTBOFNQUZ that was unique till that point.
niche today, but once a Venetian lion was in it.
The Fort of St Nikola was inspected once again in the
5IFDPBUTPGBSNTXFSFQMBDFEUIFSFJOIPOPVSPGUIF 19th century. The reconstruction works mostly applied
EPHF1FUBS-BVEB EVLFBOEDBQUBJOPGJCFOJL +BLPW to the upper level of the fort. In the first half of the
Alviz Venier and the first Fortress commander Gaspar 19th century the structures that until then served for
.PSP#FMMPXUIFDPBUTPGBSNTQPTJUJPOFEJOBSPXXBT accommodating the garrisons were demolished.
UIFDPBUPGBSNTPGUIFFortress commander from 1584, In the part of the Fortress JO UIF WJDJOJUZ PG UIF TFNJ
Domeniko Lombard. bastions between the well crowns a structure was built
which was to serve as barracks.
Upper level (terrace) The structure had thick walls and was vaulted.
At the end of the 19th century rehabilitation works
The upper terrace of the fort is approached from the were initiated due to the need to install large defensive
entrance hall and the vaulted ramp. Like the rest of guns which appeared after 1867.
UIFGPSUUIFQMBUFBVJTUSJBOHVMBSJOTIBQFXJUIBTFNJ These cannon ports were built along the western edge
DJSDVMBS NVTISPPNMJLF QBSU PO UIF OPSUI TJEF (VO of the Fortress and after the repeated removal of the
ports and parapets located along the edges of the MMTJOUIFTFNJCBTUJPOT JOUIBUQBSUPGUIFFortress too.
terrace surround it in its entirety. Today, there are no
structures on the terrace (Fig.64). In the early 20th century the Fortress lost its military
importance and began to be used for other purposes.
*OUIFUIDFOUVSZUIFSFXFSFHSPVOEPPSCVJMEJOHTPO The Austrian barracks on the Fortress terrace were
the plateau in which the garrison was accommodated. demolished and a signalling station was build 1911
In the part towards the torion, the church of St. Nikola UP SFHVMBUF UIF FOUSBODF UP UIF JCFOJL DIBOOFM -PX
was built. The structures in which the garrison stayed structures were also built for the needs of the military.
Fig.64 The terrace on the top of the fort and the wide access stairway that linked the two floors of the fort
(In the next page ) view of the fort in a vintage image
136
137
2. DESCRIPTION
2.a.4.7 Defensive system of Hvar
[the arsenal] is the most beautiful, most laudable and most useful work of
Dalmatia
G.B Giustinian, Mayor of Istria, Dalmatia and Albania 1553
(Itinerario)
138
Fortified System of Hvar*%$"3%

Role Renaissance naval port built for stationing of
the Venetian Adriatic fleet in the first half of the
16th century
Value Naval port structures integrated within the city
Typology Fortified system
Elements Fortica Fortress, Arsenal, built quay Fabrika,

cisterns, hospitals
View of Hvar (Lesina), Giorgio Juster ,

1708 (Museo Correr, Venezia)
Nominated component part Considering that elements of the fortified system are distributed almost
)3B IB
throughout the entire surface of the city, two zones have been defined which
)3C IB
contain the main constitutive elements of the naval port
)3BXIJDIJODMVEFTUIFFortica Fortress with the park on its south side
)3C XIJDI JODMVEFT UIF CVJMU RVBZ BOE UIF CVJMEJOH PG UIF NJMJUBSZ
hospital, main city square with the cistern and Paladini Palace, Arsenal and
a portion of the built waterfront from the 16th century in the eastern part of
the port.
Buffer zone Increases the zone of the citys surroundings protected to date (Decision on the
(36,52 ha.) protection of the ancient city of Hvar in line with the Law on the Protection of
Immovable Properties of the Republic of Croatia: Register of Cultural Monuments of
the Republic of Croatia Reg. No.) to the area of the forest at the back side of the
Total area Fortica Fortress. The area and relief of the buffer zone guarantee both the physical
(39,33 ha.) and visual preservation of the naval port elements within the complex of the
IJTUPSJDDJUZJODMVEJOHJUTJNNFEJBUFGPSFTUTVSSPVOEJOHT4FQUFNCFS
Session Of The Council And Adoption Of The New Decision.
139
2. DESCRIPTION
ROLE WITHIN THE PROPERTY indicated as such in the portolani from the 16th and
UIDFOUVSJFTJOXIJDI)WBSXBTNFOUJPOFEBTBCZ
The main reason why a strong naval port was built in way for Manfredonia and the Apulia coastline. The
Hvar in the first half of the 16th century was a result of construction of a powerful stronghold in Hvar was
the fact that warfare at sea in the Adriatic became too intensified after the fall of Klis in 1537 which directly
intensive for the medieval Arsenal and Katil to defend exposed Split to attacks and enabled the penetration
the City (Fig.65). of Turks to the eastern end of the Adriatic transversal.
The penetration of the powerful Ottoman fleet in the That implied the possibility of Ottoman passage to the
Mediterranean in the late 15th and early 16th centuries Apennines and attack on Rome, the spiritual centre
and presence of the great admirals, created the acute of the West. For that matter, the very appearance of
need for building a strong naval outpost in the Adriatic Suleiman the Magnificent in Durrs on the Albanian
because the Ottoman fleet had become powerful coast prompted the establishment of the Holy Legion
enough to begin entering the Venetian courtyard of and victory at Lepanto in 1571.
Golfo from the open Mediterranean.
Hvar was chosen because it was by its geographic The monumental intervention that took place in Hvar
position at the crux of the Adriatic longitudinal and in the course of twenty years in the first half of the
transversal points. 16th century resulted from the need to position a
It was approximately half way between the Strait of guard station in the central Adriatic at the time of the
Otranto and Venice and in addition was located on great expansion of the Ottoman naval fleet that would
the prehistoric sea route across the Adriatic: Monte control the route not only to Venice but to Rome as
(BSHBOP5SFNJUJ1BMBHSVB7JT)WBS4QMJU BOE PGUFO well.
Fig. 65 General view of the bay of Hvar. At the top of the hill, the Fortress is linked to the urban centre by the crenelated walls. On the eastern
side, the Arsenal faces over the water through the bank that outlines the coast towards the west
140
Diagram of the defence works showing the main elements:
141
2. DESCRIPTION
DESCRIPTION OF THE COMPONENTS HSPVOEPPSXIJDITUSFUDIUPUIFOPSUIFBTUDPSOFSPG

the Arsenal and which also party hide its eastern facade.
The Arsenal Although they do not belong to the Arsenal complex
nor do the family homes with shops and warehouses
5IF "STFOBM JT MPDBUFE PO UIF TPVUIXFTU FEHF PG on the ground floor that were subsequently built along
the central city square, Pjaca (once known as Dolac), the south facade of the Arsenal they are testimony to
OBNFMZ JOUIFOPSUIFBTUQBSUPGUIF)WBSQPSU*UJTUIF the unique integration of the Arsenal in the urban core
common name for a number of structures that form a of the city (Fig.66).
complex. The basic volume of the Arsenal structure has the shape
Functionally, the complex comprises: 1) the Arsenal on PGBOFMPOHBUFETRVBSFXJUIUIFMPOHFSBYJTJOUIFFBTU
the ground floor of the main building with auxiliary west direction. The structure has a ground floor, first
QSFNJTFTJOUIFXFTUTFDUJPOPGUIFPPS
BUIFBUSFJO floor and loft and is covered with a double arched roof
UIFFBTUQBSUPGUIFVQQFSPPS
'POUJL BDPNNVOBM with gables on the east and west facades.
store for cereals and salt a row of six rooms along the The west facade of the structure is fragmented by a
north facade. MBSHF TFNJDJSDVMBS BSDI PO UIF HSPVOE PPS UISFF
The terrace of the Fontik, Belvedere, at the same serves windows on the first floor and separating cornices of
an open entrance hall of the theatre in the eastern part various profiles on four levels, ending with a simple full
and to other spaces in the western part of the ground gable with a stone acroterion on top. The lower part of
floor which is accessed by an exterior stairwell (Fig.2). the wall is slanted. There is wall in the extended part
of the west Arsenal facade to the north that carries the
The north facade is partly hidden not only by the fontik FYUFSJPS UXPTJEFE PSJHJOBMMZ TJOHMF
TUBJSXFMM UIBU JT
but also by residential buildings with shops on the the only access to the top floor of the structure (Fig.67).
Fig 66 The close visual and functional relationship between the Arsenal, main square and the port
142
The stairwell leans on the west part of the north Arsenal

facade which is covered to the main part, namely, to
the level of the first floor by the Fontik structure. It is a
TJOHMFTUPSFZTUSVDUVSFDPOTJTUJOHPGTJYSPPNTWBVMUFE
by shallow segmented vaults made of tufa which carry
the paved terrace Belvedere. The terrace is bordered
CZ B TUPOF OFPCBSPRVF CBMVTUSBEF GSPN UIF UI
century.
The facade of the Fontik facing the square is symmetrical
JOGPSN'PVSNPOVNFOUBMQPSUBMTXJUIBTFNJDJSDVMBS
arch and rustic (hammer chiselled) frame correspond
the central rooms (Fig. 68).
In more recent times (in the 1930s) the stone walls
between the four central rooms were demolished and
TVCTUJUVUFEXJUIXJEFTFNJDJSDVMBSCSJDLBSDIFTDSFBUJOH
thus one larger room (shop). A recent conservation
intervention reinstituted the original layout since the
walls were rebuilt on the old foundations. All the walls
and vaults in the Fontik were plastered.
The floor of the north Arsenal facade has three

rectangular doors and three windows. The openings Fig. 67 West view of the Arsenal. Note the large central arch opening
facing towards the port
Fig. 68 North view of the Arsenal with the Fontik structure next to it
143
2. DESCRIPTION
have straight stone frames without mouldings except arch is divided into two equal parts connected by a
for the central door which leads to the theatre. It has a door placed in the centre of the structural wall.
TUPOFGSBNFXJUISFOBJTTBODFCBSPRVFNPVMEJOHTBOE The space of the theatre comprises three parts: entrance
the chiselled inscription on the door lintel: ANNO PACIS hall, auditorium and stage. In the entrance hall, two
SECUNDO MDCXII. sides of the stone cantilever stairwell were built into
The north Arsenal facade ends with a stone gutter the wall which lead to the wooden gallery that partly
leaning on consoles with baroque mouldings. leans on the floor and partly hangs from the ceiling,
The auditorium consists of a double row of boxes (19
The east facade of the Arsenal is fragmented at the on each of the two levels) which were positioned in the
centre of the ground floor with a large rectangular shape of a horseshoe and circle the parquet.
door that has a wide straight frame, two windows on The described state of the existing Arsenal complex
the ground floor and two on the top floor of which the differs from the original one. The greatest changes took
north one has been walled in. The inscription: ANNO place in three places: north facade above the height of
PACIS PRIMO MDCXI is on the ground floor door lintel. the Fontika terrace, the Fontika balustrade and the west
"XBMMFEJOMVOFUUFJTBCPWFUIFEPPSBOEBTUPOFSFMJFG Arsenal facade.
of the Venetian lion set in on top of it. At the top of the By all accounts, the main purpose of building Fontika
east facade there is a stone acroterion similar to the was the creation of a representative entrance to the
one on the west facade. top floor, particularly to the theatre as its decorated
The interior of the ground floor comprises a single vestibule in the open. Accordingly, Caramaneo called
room, bordered on three sides with stone walls and it in the Latin epic on carnival festivities from 1712,
opening up on the west side with a wide facade arch. Vestibulum saxis, namely, a stone paved vestibule.
5IF HSPVOE PPS JT CSJEHFE XJUI FJHIU TFNJDJSDVMBS Since the Fontika terrace offered a beautiful view,
XJEF TQBO TUPOF BSDIFT PO UIF GBDBEF N PUIFST visitors would gather behind the balustrade during
11.5m) which carry the wooden beams on which the carnival and other festivities that took place on the
floor boards of the top floor were laid (Fig.69). Hvar Pjaca, also described by Caramaneo in 1712. Due
to that reason quite frequently mentioned in historical
The top floor of the Arsenal, erected above the central documents as Belvedere, as is the case from June 1706
Fig. 69 Arsenal. The vast area on the first floor

CSPLFOVQCZJNQPTJOHBSDIFTUIFBUSFPO
the upper floor
144
when the need of repairing its pavement was noted Bokani workshop whose participation in the building
salizo del beleuder dell Arsenal sopra il Fontici. of the Loggia is documented.
The meaning of the composition of the Fontik facade There was a stone balustrade on top of the Fontik
becomes clearer when it is taken into consideration facade decorated with pyramids, spires after the model
that its terrace was conceived as the theatre vestibule. of the city loggia railing which actually rounded off the
5IF3FOBJTTBODF#BSPRVFQPSUBMPOUIFOPSUIArsenal architectural link between the two structures.
facade the entrance to the theatre was taken as In his epic poem from 1712 Antun Matijaevi
the symmetry axis of symmetry of the Fontik facade Caramaneo mentions these small pyramids and speaks
BSPVOE XIJDI GPVS MBSHF TFNJDJSDVMBS QPSUBMT XFSF of the grand vestibule decorated with small columns.
distributed with rustic, hammer chiselled frames and The stone balustrade with spikes is documented on
one large window with smooth frames and iron grate the drawing of the Fontik from the 18 century kept in
on each end as well as stone benches on the moulded the Machiedo archives in Hvar. Although the drawing
consoles which originally stretched in a even rhythm is schematic so that moulded round balusters can be
along the entire length of the facade. Therefore, Fontik assumed in place of straight ones, slender pyramids can
was conceived as a structure with two planes, two clearly be depicted on the railing which are mentioned
main facade planes, a building that ends with a terrace in the text as spires. The small pyramids are placed
(Fig.70). PO UIF DBQJUFMT NBTTJWF DPMVNOT XIJDI IBWF TFNJ
It is quite evident that the city loggia was the pillars on the sides and which divide the balustrade.
architectural model for building Fontik which became Ten small pyramids are shown on the drawing but one
JUT VSCBO DPVOUFSQBSU DSFBUJOH UIFSFCZ PO )WBST more is assumed in the background on the top of the
Pjaca, at the very outset of the 17th century, an stairwell, since the legend indicates eleven. Namely,
exceptional urban and architectural undertaking. The the mentioned legend notes: Pollani picioli per guile
building of the loggia began somewhat earlier than 11, and then: Lumi per le guglie 22. Of the original
the Fontik but both were completed together by the balustrade only the lower moulded stone beam that
Duke and Provveditore Pietro Semitecolo who, as far as supported the small pillars has been preserved to
it known, came up with the idea of building the Fontik. the present. Although it had simple mouldings it was
According to some authors the Fontik was built by the EJTUJOHVJTIFECZBOVOVTVBMTFNJDJSDVMBSNPUJG BUMZ
Fig. 70 View of the Arsenal complex in a

photograph from today and from the early
years of the last century
145
2. DESCRIPTION
processed, placed in a row on the lower edge of the existing corona.

stone beam. The main, west facade of the Arsenal underwent the
With the extension of the Fontik, the north Arsenal greatest change. The design from 1822 shows its
facade, up until that time inconspicuous and to the original state: in the triangular gable there was a larger
most part screened from view by houses, gained in window in place of the current two small openings.
monumentality and thereby the entire Hvar Pjaca. There were no openings on the first floor and there
It is important to note that the fondaco with the was a large relief of a Venetian lion in the centre and
balustrade on top and baroque portal with a stone two smaller a molleca lions on the sides in round
gutter on the northern facade should be taken as a medallions.
single architectural complex. However an image of the existing state from 1822
The baroque balustrade of the Belvedere was taken shows another framed relief under the Venetian lion
down by the army in 1807 due to its dilapidated state which can be interpreted as a well known symbol of the
and substituted in 1825 with a built plastered parapet. theatre: the masks of tragedy and comedy connected
Owing to the efforts of Cvito Fiskovi, in 1952 a stone by a garland, another sign of the importance of the
OFPCBSPRVFCBMVTUSBEFXBTJOTUBMMFEPOUIFBelvedere theatre on the upper floor of the Arsenal.
that had been taken off the roof of the Dukes palace
in Dubrovnik. The balustrade was a gift of the City of The Built Quay Of Hvar Port
Dubrovnik to the City of Hvar in honour of the ancient
cultural links between these two cities. The missing It consists of Fabrika which covers the west and north
parts were added according to the design of engineer side of the port in the length of approximately 310
%SBHVUJO UBNCVL XIP BMTP FOWJTBHFE UIF BEEJOH PG metres, a renovated communal wharf, a fragment of
spikes, although they were never made. the quay built in the same manner as the Fabrika, in
front of the Luci and Vidali houses in the east part of
On the west side, the Fontik does not extend to the the port (Fig.71).
end of the Arsenal facade because a stairwell was made The small harbour or Mandra, whose southeast corner
there to allow access to the Belvedere. The stairwell was demolished during the building of the renaissance
was commissioned by the Provveditore General naval port, is located between the municipal wharf and
Marcantonio Venier at the very beginning of the the mentioned waterfront fragment (Fig.72).
17th century, namely, somewhat before Semitecolos The built waterfront, built as part of the general
mandate, between 1611 and 1613. construction of the naval port is characterized by a
In order to facilitate the traffic along the waterfront special building technique which makes it unique. It
a decision was brought in 1914 to remodel the long was built with large stone blocks connected by grooves
single exterior stairwell into the present double one. (tongue and groove, or in Croatian: na inkae), with
However due to the War the works were not carried out the bottom row of stones done in the hammer chiselled
until the 1930s. technique for breaking the waves.
The north facade of the Arsenal is open only on the The lower underwater part of the quay was built from
upper level while the ground floor is hidden by the larger dressed stone cuboids, set in rows and connected
structure of the Fontik. According to Caramanes by a mixture of lime and red soil.
description from 1712 the north facade had two doors: The underwater part of the port was slanted in the
one for the west and the other for the east part of the form of a scarp.
upper floor which was divided by a full wall into two Fabrika is one of the oldest preserved built quays in the
separate parts while the other openings originate from Mediterranean (Fig.73).
a later period, mostly from the 19th century. The best depiction of part of the quay with the
On the very eastern edge of this facade an older communal wharf, Mandra, channel toward the Arsenal
corona is noticeable, decorated in the same way as the and section in front of the Vidali and Luci houses is
corona at the end of the main, western facade which the one on the panorama of Hvar from the early 17th
leads to the conclusion that the corona stretched DFOUVSZ QBJOUFEPOBOBMUFSQJFDFGSPNUIF4U7FOFSBOEB
throughout the length of the northern facade and that church in Hvar. The central part of the port is shown
Semitecolos baroque groove was set on the already with a clear depiction of the communal pier, called
146
Fig. 71 (left)The long western segment of the west built quay

Fig. 72 (right) Mandra. The protected area of water in front of the Arsenal building
Fig. 73 Built quay. The segment of the

Luci and Vidali houses in the east part
of the port, and small columns for the
docking of boats and the characteristic
tongue and groove stone flooring
147
2. DESCRIPTION
Mandra with a split southeast corner and fragment panorama (Fig.74).

on the east side of the port. The channel leading to
the ground floor of the Arsenal is also visible. Large An image of Hvar with Fortica can also be seen on a
columns for mooring boats are located throughout panoramic drawing in Camutis atlas from 1571, which
the stretch of the quay. The specific building method is correct only in the basic outlines, while in two
is schematically presented as a stepped heightening of panoramic sketches of Hvar and its fort from 1666
the quay. looks mostly as it does today, except for the additional
Two panoramas of Hvar by G. Santini from 1668 UPXFSUPUIFOPSUIBMPOHUIFOPSUIXFTUPOF XIJDIJT
present Hvar somewhat schematically, however clearly VOEPVCUFEMZ%POBEPTTFNJDJSDVMBSUPXFSGSPN
showing the walled waterfront with columns for There are numerous structures within the fort, and
mooring ships. They also show a low wall on the west each tower has a separate built guard post, that stands
side of the port which prevented the backfilling of the out from the corona.
waterfront by detritus from the hills. "HVOQPXEFSNBHB[JOFDBOCFTFFOUPUIFOPSUIXFTU
under a roof with quadruple gutter outlets and within
Fortica Fortress a separate courtyard, most probably built before 1633.
The oldest artistic image of Fortica originates from The city plan drawn up by the Venetian military
1486 and can be found in the manuscript of already engineer Giorgio Iuster from 1708 has been preserved
mentioned German pilgrim, Konrad von Grnemberg. and in it Fortica IBT B BEEJUJPOBM TFNJDJSDVMBS UPXFS
He depicted, the Citadel, namely later Fortica, as a OFYUUPUIFOPSUIXFTU
irregular quadrangle with an emphasized central south Only three structures are shown from within the walls:
entrance and three square towers very similar to the one along the west wall, most probably the small St
wall towers preserved to the present. Ivan church, then the building with an annex in place
On the highest, northwest tower of present day Fortica, of the Austrian barracks from the 19th century and a
on its east side, the older walls of the original smaller building to the southeast that has been preserved to
TRVBSFUPXFSXJUIBTFNJDJSDVMBSWBVMUDBODMFBSMZCF the present. Due to the vicinity of the main entrance
seen which only confirms the accuracy of Grnembergs it probably served as a gathering place for guards and
'JH7JFXPGUIFTPVUIXFTUGSPOU
148
soldiers. authorities in the late 17th century in order to put a

The Croatian communal crest of arms is on the facade stop to the excessive boastfulness of its provincial
with the figures of the local protector St Stjepan I, representatives.
the Pope and martyrs, which shows that the building
(whose precise purpose we do not know) was under In the plan of Fortica from 1823, the beautiful small
the jurisdiction of the Commune contrary to the CVJMEJOH XJUI B QPSUJDP PO JUT FBTU TJEF TPVUIXFTU
remaining parts which were under the jurisdiction of of the barracks, built with rendering that imitating
the Venetian state and distinguished by four St Mark chiselled stone was marked as the Main Guard, while
lions on the towers (Fig.75). the former small church of St. Ivan the Baptist, along
5IF CFTU QSFTFSWFE POF JT PO UIF TPVUIFBTU UPXFS the stairs to the highest tower in the west was at that
the one on the southwest tower is almost completely time an artillery warehouse.
destroyed due to the disintegration of the stone, while The building with a Hvar coat of arms along the
UIFPOFPOUIFOPSUIXFTUUPXFSJTRVJUFEBNBHFEUIF southeast tower was a Fortifikations Magazin at the
lion on the north tower is barely discernable due to time. Of the two cisterns, the one to the northeast was
lichen. There were inscriptions on the first, second and intended for gunners and the one to the southwest
fourth of these towers: on the southeast and southwest UPXFS GPS UIF JOGBOUSZ UIF CVJMU DBOOPO TFBUT CFIJOE
ones it was in one part, and on the north tower in three UIF TPVUI GPSU XBMM XFSF TUJMM TRVBSF BOE OPU TFNJ
QBSUT o CVU XFSF MBUFS DIJTFMMFE P UIF POF PO UIF circular like later on and today (Fig76).
southwest side almost disintegrated just like the lion
BCPWF JU BT XFMM BT UIF UXP DPBUTPGBSNT BCPWF UIF The most detailed presentation of Fortica originates
main entrance to the fort, as already mentioned. from 1857.
It was undoubtedly done by the very Venetian With a few modifications made in 1971, when the fort
Fig.75 Lions of St Marks which is clearly seen on the keeps facing over the Hvar port
149
2. DESCRIPTION
was repurposed into a night club, it actually depicts its was a prison with a separate entrance and stairwell,
present state. Fortica had 7 guns placed on seats. preserved to the present. Two dates are inscribed on
Four shallow square gun platforms behind the south the large gunpowder magazine building: 1834 and
XBMM XFSF EFMJOFBUFE BT XFMM BT UISFF TFNJDJSDVMBS 1848 while we know the first indicated the end of
POFTJOUIFOPSUIXFTUQBSUPGUIFXFTUSBNQBSU"HVO construction, the second probably related to some
in the casemate of the northwest, highest tower and 11 repairs or remodelling that had taken place.
more guns in the warehouses of Fortica and the Arsenal A flag streamed on the northwest, highest tower, just as
are also mentioned in the legend. JUEPFTUPEBZ5IFXBTISPPNTXFSFPOUIFTPVUITJEF
The crew comprised 150 infantry and 76 artillery troops of the west rampart and in the low building to the right
as well as eight combat engineers. of the north entrance and the gunpowder chamber in
5IFSF BSF GPVS PME TFNJDJSDVMBS SFOBJTTBODF BMPOH the tower next to the entrance.
the southeast one, there are stairs, just like today, for The notation that the Main Guard Building was built as
JUTDBTFNBUFTBOEFNCSBTVSFTUIFOUPUIFXFTUJTUIF late as 1831 is confusing. It is most probably not correct,
already mentioned structure with the Hvar coat of since in the mentioned plan from 1823 as well as in the
arms, along the stairwell of the main entrance, toward cross section from 1828 the building is clearly depicted
the city: this vaulted building was first designated as a in its present form with three portico arches facing the
hospital and then as a fort warehouse. FBTUUIFSFGPSF UIFTVSWFZPSFJUIFSJODPSSFDUMZSFBEUIF
To the north and east of the barracks is the already year from an older plan in 1857 (the building was surely
mentioned furnace for heating cannon balls (Fig. 77). built in 1821, at the same time as the neighbouring
In the southwest renaissance tower, apart from the barracks), or else the inscribed year 1831 related to
already mentioned cistern for the artillery troops, some repairs that were done then.
Fig.76 (left) The built cannon seats behind the south fort wall
Fig.77 (right and next page)The complex articulation of the buildings and floors over which the Fortress extends
150
151
2. DESCRIPTION
B'PSUJFEDJUZPG,PSVMB
the famous Korula, is the orrment of the world
Anonymous poet Croatian ,17th century
152
Fortified System City of Korula*%$"3%

Role Garrison of the boundary with the Dubrovnik
Republic and safeguarding the commercial
naval routes between Serenissima and the
Levant.
Value Garrison city
Typology Fortified city on island
Elements City wall whose with an outer border length

PGN DJSDVMBSBOETFNJDJSDVMBSUPXFST
TRVBSF UPXFST BU UIF DJUZ HBUF QSFXBMM
small port, 1 Arsenal.
Urban component associated: 1 cistern, 1
bridge over a ditch, an almost geometrically
Idealized depiction of Korula
planned urban structure of the small city
coloured woodcarving from Konrad
von Grunembergs book Pillgerreise
von Constanz nach Jerusalen, 1486
Nominated component part *UFODPNQBTTFTBTNBMMNFEJFWBM3FOBJTTBODFDJUZQMBOOFEJODPOHSVJUZXJUIUIF
(3,86 ha.) Fortress which determine the line of its defence following the natural outline of
the small peninsula thrusting out into the sea channel, and which at the same
time separate the old city centre from the newly developed parts of town outside
the defence lines.
Buffer zone Expands the zone of the protected surroundings of the historic city, (year and
(59,24 ha.) decision on the protection of the old city in line with the Law on the Protection
of Immovable Properties of the Republic of Croatia) to the entire area that can be
seen from it. The area and relief of the buffer zone guarantee both the physical
Total area BOE WJTVBM QSFTFSWBUJPO PG UIF GPSUJFEVSCBO DPNQMFY XIJDI SFQSFTFOUT BO
(63,10 ha.) exceptional value with its prominent location on the seashore and connection
with the landscape
153
2. DESCRIPTION
ROLE WITHIN THE PROPERTY CBSJDFOUSJD QPTJUJPO JO UIF "ESJBUJD 4FB DPOTFRVFOUMZ
the city of Korula contributed significantly to the
Owing to its geographic position the city of Korula first phase the 15th century one of Venices overall
played a significant role in the defence of the political project.
space of Stato di Mare as part of the Adriatic under the For this reason, the urban defence works has solutions
rule of Venice to which is was the southern gate. linked more to medieval construction traditions, rather
Apart from being the last operational terminus for than the alla moderna techniquest that characterised
supplying ships on the busy route of naval trade with the16th century.
the Levant, it guarded the maritime border with the
territory of the Republic of Dubrovnik. Moreover, the fortification apparatus was in close
Even if the city had not been founded on those continuity and harmony with the medieval urban set
priorities they undoubtedly contributed to the design up which was also created by the Serenissima during its
of its urban structure and were decisive in the overall FBSMZEPNJOBUJPOTUIJTJTKVTUPOFNPSFVOJRVFGFBUVSF
fortification programme, which in total determined its that makes the fortified city of Korula unique in the
historical and physical identity from the Middle Ages to group represented here (Fig.78).
the present.
When in the 14th century the Serenissima, under threat DESCRIPTION OF THE COMPONENT
of the Turks, started to review the defences of the
Dalmatian coastial cities, Korula took on a vital role The fortified city is located at the furthermost point of
for the logistic support that it could offer thanks to its the north coast of the island of Korula along the narrow
Fig.78 The settlement created by the Serenissima developed on the peninsula. Note the regular design of the urban fabric divided into regular
lots
154
sea passage of the Peljeac channel which opens, in the It is characterized by the harmony of its outer
TPVUIFBTU UPUIFPQFOTFBBOEFYUFOETQBSBMMFMXJUI appearance and inner layout, which demonstrate
the bay created by the mouth of the Neretva River through their interfusion and complementariness the
which penetrates deeply into the continent. relationships of micro and macro energies in the long
Therefore, from its very beginnings the city of Korula duration of the city fabric. Its main characteristics were
itself had an exceptional strategic role at the point of the result of its location on a small peninsula whose
approach to the large archipelago in the upper part of elliptic contour is coiled by walls with towers and conic
the Adriatic. shape covered with typologically and functionally
Korula is one of most preserved fortified medieval and diverse architecture (Fig.79).
Renaissance urban complexes in the Adriatic.
Diagram of the defence works showing the main elements:
155
2. DESCRIPTION
All these factors stemmed from general principles of The city complex is connected with the aspirations and
designing military settlements, however the street plan endeavours of Venice which conquered, reconstructed
was created on the basis of the configuration of the and fortified it in the XIII century for the purpose of
terrain that was formed like a fishbone those backbone expanding its rule in the Adriatic and at the same time
was the longest traffic way (street). Its rather small created conditions for the survival of the local, well
widened spaces are the two elongated squares whose organized social community.
position and size were hierarchically determined, so To this community the city was a long lasting centre and
that the smaller one near the south entrance to the city the point of connection between all the bodies of the
was communal and the larger one in the centre of the state executive authorities from the island with which
city was the square with the cathedral. it shared its overall destiny, making this dimension of
town planning particularly prominent.
The other elements are in balance and aspiring to At the same time it was the centre of spreading
attain a synthesis of the content of the permanent the most propulsive production branches on this
security of the relatively small population and stream Mediterranean island which reached out to a broader
of their activities in symbiosis with the full use of the area and were not limited only to the satisfaction of
firm armour of the city. NJDSPSFHJPOBM OFFET 5IVT ,PSVMB CFDBNF B GBDUPS
This connectedness of seeming diversities creates an PG NPEFSBUF JNQPSUBODF BU B TVQSBOBUJPOBM MFWFM
exceptional quality that is crucial for understanding which is also reflected in its artistic heritage from
the history of both the inner ambience as well as the the layered past. Part of these treasures were directly
effectiveness of the defence works of the Stato di Mare, created within domestic frameworks while the other
far from its centre. was imported but nevertheless jointly represented the
Fig.79 The close physical relationship between the construction fabric and the 15th century walls
156
fruit of the then spiritual states of mind and aesthetic development an almost ideal example of a city
achievements to which the city was the greatest source conceived as a work of art was created regardless of its
and conclusion, as well as permanent main stage. powerful fortification components.
The meaning of this is amplified by the very fact
The genesis of the settlement is certainly much older UIBU ,PSVMB JT MPDBUFE BU UIF WFSZ FEHF PG UIF XFTU
but the presently visible forms of the urban core belong European world, in an area characterized by provincial
unmistakably to the late medieval system. Along culture that has shown there its singular face. In an
with the distinct factors of a planned and fortified ambience that is constantly bursting with life and
settlement the unique city plan corresponded to a well organically fused with the picturesque landscape of
settled social community which had for centuries lived its surroundings, the human proportion of the historic
by its Statute of the City and Island. core is its greatest value.
Accordingly, one and the same cadastre lot plan was
permanently maintained although the buildings The defence works: the city walls
physically changed owing to the raising of the
standards of collective and private living (Fig.80). The whole city was built in the Middle Ages on
Those intended for public activities, either sacral or an elliptic peninsula whose natural shoreline was
worldly, on pragmatically selected locations are the encircled by a ring of high walls with ten or so towers
largest and stylistically most articulated while the rhythmically distributed according to the requirements
numerous private houses express a high level of the of the weapons used at that time.
capabilities and aspirations of all strata of city dwellers. 5IF DPNQBDU VSCBO DPSF XBT DPNQMFUFMZ DMPTFEJO
By joining the static and dynamic components of by a very simple protective outer layer (armour) but
Fig.80 Details of the construction fabric showing the Venetian matrix which characterises the towns architecture
157
2. DESCRIPTION
the development of war techniques as well as the than the fortified centre and continue to live to this day
application of new fortification building standards as the prominent, and by all functions, real centre of
led to improvements and additions of the system that the city.
brought about changes in the original image of the At any rate, of the fortified complex defined in the
city. historical stages of Venetian rule, today there are 2 slim
In the Renaissance it became much more complex and towers standing and facing the sea channel, 1 entrance
as such withstood all the political changes that took tower from the port overlooking it and 6 different
QMBDF XJUIJO UIF NJDSPSFHJPO BMM UIF XBZ VQ UP UIF towers above the low isthmus which naturally connects
19th century. the old city of Korula with the landmass of the large
island bearing the same name (Fig.81). That side is the
Since then, without any changes in the spatial volume, only straight one because an artificial ditch was built
a number of elements of the unique old fortification in front of it so that the city is entered over a bridge
complex were damaged so, in addition to the removal through the central tower, while three others were
of parts of the basic ring of walls, some towers located at the furthermost corners of the complex.
were demolished down to their foundations or else
incorporated into newly built structures of a different On the entire stretch of the walls toward the Peljeac
purpose. Apart from that the centre of the city was channel, the Barbarigo and Berim towers dominate at
opened up towards the expanded ship port while a distance established by the positions of the former
its opposite edge was entwined with a promenade square towers. Both towers surpassed the level of the
constructed at higher level that overlooked the sea, old walls and by their rounded forms, that warded off
whereas the south side that was once the strongest in firearm attacks, visually imposed upon the fragmented
terms of defence, experienced least changes. plastic geometry of the roofs of old houses.
Considering that is the most indented in terms of
form, it still leaves the impression of Korulas most *O /PSUIXFTU TFDUJPO PG UIF DJUZ UIF QSFTFOU TUBUF
representative faade given its elevated position above PG UIF UPXFST #PLBS BOE ;BLFSKBO XJUI UIF MPXFSFE
the broad space of the suburbs which developed later wall of the previous gun platform is shown and in
Fig. 81 A stretch of the western front. Note the imposing circular keeps and crenellated tops reflecting the phase before the alla moderna
military culture . To the left Bokar Tower and right Large Dukes tower
158
the background the bordering wall of the residential requirements of fire arm defence so it is logical that it
complex of the local patricians Kanaveli which was positioned in the most vulnerable part of the city.
imitated the crenulations of the old walls.
The tendency is visible of having the fortifications 5IFTPVUIXFTUDPSOFSIBTBQBJSPGDPOOFDUFEDJSDVMBS
improve the defence of the city and at the same time towers, a lower frontal (Bastione Balbi or Tiepolo) one
enhance it beauty, resulting in the vitality of their visual and a higher back one (Small Dukes tower), which
and physical fusion. jointly guarded the facility for the arrival and supply of
In particular, Bokar Tower (Bastione Barbarigo, ships as well as the complex of the citys administration
built a little after 1485), according to the design of CVJMEJOHTFMFWBUFEBCPWFUIFOBSSPXQSFXBMM Fig.82).
the experienced master Marko Andriji who was It has three parts and is filled with earth along the entire
undoubtedly most responsible for the modernization side of the city and at the end by a building that is a
PGUIFDJUZGPSUJDBUJPOT JUSFQSFTFOUFEBUZQFPGTFNJ warehouse for shipping equipment and ammunition.
cylindrical structure with a steep escarpment at the The remaining points of defence were established in
bottom and crenulations on top leaning on the old the form of one cube shaped tower each spaced out
walls. according to the reach of the arrows.
With its harmonious proportion the tower also met the Such towers survived at both entrances to the city, south
and west, while little is known about the two alongside
the longest eastern wall above the inaccessible shore
because they were demolished.
A strong round bastion survived on its corner hiding

within an older tower so that all the elements of the
WFSZ DPNQMFY EFGFODF XPSLT GSPN UIF QFSJPE UI
17th centuries are not readably visible. Its composition
can nevertheless be discerned in spite of the fact that
at the time when the defence of Korula was no longer
topical, the corner wall towards the modern pier as
well as the new suburbs was replaced with buildings of
different purposes.
At the same time the eastern line of rounded walls
was mainly demolished in order to improve hygienic
conditions in the old city centre, airing of streets etc., or
else opening views to the sea and wider surroundings.
However, all of these changes did not diminish the
spatial amalgamation and formal wholeness of Korula
which presents itself, in an unbroken unity of outer
fortifications and inner urban structures, as an almost
ideal model of a miniature medieval city.
The urban layout
Within the very city core of Korula the medieval urban

structure has been completely preserved since in the
course of the citys long history interventions were
made only in order to improve the architecture.
Therefore in the spatial organization of the densely built
surface on the conical relief of the small peninsula the
'JH 5IF TPVUIXFTUFSMZ #BTUJPOF #BMCJ PS 5PSSJPOF 5JFQPMP *UT B planimetric layout in the shape of a fishbone remained
representative bastion due to the construction phase of transition completely distinct.
159
2. DESCRIPTION
Fig.83 The construction complex made up of the town gate and the palaces which host the Town Hall
160
"YJBMMZ JO UIF TPVUIOPSUIFSO EJSFDUJPO TUSFUDIJOH

along the peak of the hill like a highway, is the longest
street which is transversely intersected by 10 parallel
small streets on either side that gradually and in a even
fashion become narrower, shorter and steeper .
Between them are residential blocks individually

formed and composed of two rows of mutually
DPOOFDUFE NVMUJTUPSFZ CVJMEJOHT BSSBOHFE JO B
stepped manner whose facades look on to the street
stairs along the slant terrain while narrow inaccessible
canals for garbage and waste waters line their back
sides.
This regular matrix at the end of the ellipse closed in
by Fortress walls transgresses into a fan shaped order
which changes the layout geometry of the northern
third of the city since the sheaf of small streets directs
to the communication line that runs along the edges
of the walls.
It separates them from the residential zone and at the
same time, in case of enemy attack, allows all citizens
access to the walls in a much speedier way owing to
the branching out of the mentioned streets.
At its beginning, along the south city entrance, the
straight main street is broadened in the form of a small
square while the other important square is elongated
along the same axis on the highest point of the hill.
The Palace of Municipality is located on the first square
and behind it a cluster of administrative buildings, the
granary and the residence of the duke, connected to
the ports cistern all the way up to a separate tower at
the west entrance to the city (Fig.83).
On the second and main square is the cathedral with

JUT CFMMUPXFS BT UIF NPTU QSPNJOFOU FMFNFOUT PG
the exterior vista of Korula. Long ago travel writers
have compared its beauty to a cut diamond, while
the already mentioned and other motives of the
segmentation of the urban fabric indicate all the
rationality of its inner structure(Fig.84).
Together with the formal characteristic of the outer
fortifications they confirm that the small coastal city
was originally construed according to the postulates of
its survival and defence but at the same time by the
necessity of guarding the broader waters under the
rule of Venice.
Fig.84 (above)View of one of the ten alleyways that run parallel and
which connect the main road to the defence curtain (below) Lion of
St Mark in urban construction.
161
2. DESCRIPTION
2.a.4.9 Forte Mare, Herceg Novi
With a speedy trip of seven days your 128 men from Herceg Novi came here and
they informed us about happy success against the Turks led by Soliman Bass
of Albania with seven thousand fighters to subdue many of those peoples who
have chosen our devotion, and with othe relevant purposes on the territory and
Fortress of Herceg Novi [...] "
Gio. Batt. Calbo, Provveditore Generale,1688
(Provveditori veneti, 1896)
162
Forte Mare, Herceg Novi*%$"3%

Role Controlling access to Boka Kotorska
Value Position of fort emerging from the sea cliff

Typology Fortress emerging from the sea cliff, for the
control of the bay
Elements Fortress Forte Mare
Fortress of Castelnuovo (Herceg Novi),

V. Coronelli, 1688, Aikaterini Laskaridis
Foundation Library
Nominated component part The perimeter includes only one element: the Fortress Forte Mare. It is a specific
(0,07 ha) element of the defensive system of Herceg Novi that is important for his position
emerging from the sea cliff, dominating the city but also all the area of the
entrance to the Boka Bay.
It emerges in this way the great importance of this Fortress as an observation
point of all the Bay.
Buffer zone The buffer zone includes the whole walled city, protected as cultural property and
(5,68 ha) included on the Register of Cultural Monuments of the Peoples of Montenegro .
#VFS [POF BMTP JODMVEFT B TNBMM VSCBO TFDUJPO PO UIF TPVUIXFTU TJEF PG UIF
walled city (see map on chapter 5.b.2.9). This area is classified as protected
Total area surroundings by the Protection of Cultural Property Act, which defines it as a
(5,75 ha) space around an immovable cultural property which is of direct importance for
its existence, protection, usage, appearance, preservation and exploration, as
well as for its historical context, traditional environment and visual accessibility.
It represents a visual shield of cultural property and it has the same level of
protection as the cultural property
163
2. DESCRIPTION
ROLE WITHIN THE PROPERTY Its construction, in fact, dates back to the origins of
the settlement, when the city was under the rule of
In the Venetian system, the importance of Herceg Novi the Bosnian King Tvrtko I (in 1382), but it was reshaped
as a trading center with the East emerges from the several times, until the end of the seventeenth century
iconographic documentation and description of the with Venetians, when they transformed it in the most
seventeenth century employed mainly in view of its important strategic point for the defense of the city.
strategic location at the entrance to the Bay of Kotor.
The most important defensive element and best The uniqueness of the Forte Mare depends on having
preserved of the considered period, part of the defense been made on the ground with the aim of defending
structures in Herceg Novi, is the Forte Mare that rises the sea (hence the reason for its name). It began as a
about 55 meters above sea level, emerging from the point element with the order to defend the ancient
shore in terraces (Fig.85). city, originally in a higher position than today, and was
then placed inside a larger defensive circuit wall, where
Its characteristic is to be a distinctive feature of the fort was the focal point for the defense of the sea
the Venetian period and its position on the bare front.
rock overhanging the water makes it acquire the The control of the sea was not only suitable for the
characteristics of a work of defense of the mountain security of the same Herceg Novi, but it was also
rather than sea, making it a unique example on the GVOEBNFOUBMGPSUIFEFGFOTFPGBMMUIF#PLB,PUPSTLB
Adriatic coast. Herceg Novi in fact turns out to be the point of greatest
importance for the entry to the Boka Bay.
It works in a parallel way with Kotor: they were the
defense points of all the Bay at opposite ends of the
Boka Kotorska.
DESCRIPTION OF THE COMPONENT
In the slopes of rocky Mount Orjen, opposite to the

entrance into Boka Kotorska stands the small town of
Herceg Novi.
In a strategic position, to control the arrivals to the city
and defend it, there is the Forte Mare (also called in the
antiquity Abaz Pasha): it stands out on the sea in all its
height, so as to control the area for many kilometers
over the coast . It is built on a rocky hillside overlooking
the water and appears to be a strong, powerful, durable
building against the attacks enemies.
Actually its location perched on a rock outcropping

from the sea made it impregnable from enemy vessels.
In addition its position allowed the fort to be minimally
damaged by the earthquake that continued over the
centuries, and particularly since the last one occurred
in 1979 that caused numerous collapses of some parts
of the defensive walls that had until that moment
preserved (such as Citadel).
As said, the fort has ancient origin but acquired real

Fig. 85 The Forte Mare emerging from the sea
importance during the Venetian period. Actually from
1482 until 1687, under the Turks domain, the most
164
important military architecture of the city was Forte Originally it had a circular shape, it was lower than
Spanjola, in a higher position. today and it was linked with the upper walled city by
a protection wall.
When Herceg Novi was conquered by the Serenissima Actually with the first conquest of the Venetians, Forte
that Fortress lost its predominance on the city and Mare was linked to a bigger defensive system of walls,
Forte Mare became the most important defensive becoming one of the bastions all around the city walls
element. Actually it was rebuilt in compliance with (Fig.87).
the requirements alla moderna that are evident in Today Forte Mare is generally a rectangular fortification.
particular in the upper part of the Fortress: the lower The main, original entrance is on the north side of
part in fact is medieval and we can understand it from the Old Town, through a narrow bridge and arched
the narrow slits, instead the higher part has the typical passageway.
Venetian decoration, the parapet with battlements,
the embrasures and also the textured walls is different Above the front door there is a stone plaque with the
because is more regular with rectangular grey stone inscription restauiret 1898. From his east side you
blocks (Fig.86). approach the the city gate Porta di Marina, where from
the side of the Old Town in its right wall in the level
Fig. 86 A bird's eye view of the right side of the Forte Mare. You can see that the elevated position of the fort will allow to have control on the
entrance to Kotor Bay
165
2. DESCRIPTION
Fig.87 The typical Venetian cordon on the Forte Mare bastion
Fig. 88 (left) The upper stage of Forte Mare where today there is the screen for the projection of the films during the summer. (Right) inner
space of the Forte Mare
166
Fig. 89 The Forte Mare plan: Upper Stage. Year: 1982. This is one of the project for the restauration of the Fort after the earthquake in 1979
Fig 90 Forte Mare plan: the underground floor. Year: 1982. This is one of the project for the restauration of the Fort after the earthquake in 1979
167
2. DESCRIPTION
of the road towards outside a larger stone blocks of attacks ('JH). Even the long corridor that links all
80x40cm was interpolated with coats of arms of the the defensive spaces is barrel vaulted and it gets down
Bosnian lords. steeply inside the fort until it reaches the lower stage.
This entrance is on the southwest side approached The other openings were few and small in size, in such
CZ UIF TUBJSDBTF GSPN UIF TJUF iLWFSw "GUFS UIF a way that the fort was not vulnerable: the entrances
reconstruction and revitalization of the old eastern for examples were only two, as seen before, and the
part of the bulwark, the applied sea entrance is used most dangerous one, the sea gate, was leading to the
for functions within the tower. Fortress only by the ascent of a steep, narrow staircase
In general, the tower is a flat area, bordered by that allowed to block the enemy before it reached the
bastions, and under this part of the structure there internal part. ('JH).
are underground, stone arched spaces, which are now The creative Venetian genius allowed to take
occasionally used as a catering facility. advantage of the slope of the land towards the sea
creating successive terraces, from which they could
What emerges from the analysis of the plans, is the spot the enemy coming from the sea, while the control
incredibly wall thickness: almost 3 meters of depth, as of the hinterland occurred from the higher stage (Fig.
long as the measure of the rooms. Even if the number 94), through the small openings. On the sides, instead,
of the openings on the Fortress were as less as possible, the control was in both ways: either through the lateral
on the side of it some holes for the cannons were walkways, either through additional small slits.
present: all the embrasures were connected with their
own gun chambers, vaulted quadrangular rooms, the The large capacity of technical improvement emerges
shape of which had to be optimal to withstand enemy again investigating the plant that is with a regular
Fig.91 The scenographic staircase descending to the lower defending stage
168
Fig. 92(left)The barrel vaulted corridor that links all the inner military rooms inside the Forte with the lower stage.
Fig.93 (right)The descending staircase on the left side of the Fort, linking the inner parts with the lower entrance gate.
Fig. 94 The higher stage and the loopholes from which to control the hinterland
169
2. DESCRIPTION
system, despite strong differences of the land on which the walls: a downhill arcade to exit from the defended
the fort stands. city (Fig.97).
The element also that characterizes this architecture, It is possible to identify till today the walkway around
is the technical capacity of Venetian builders able to the top of the Fortress where the guards controlled
realize terraces, walls, steps, trenches, but above steps, the territory through the typical loopholes. Moreover
stairs, rooms within the rocky slope, working with on the sides of the fort are walkways to control the
the technique of doffing of matter more than for the surrounding area (Fig.98).
addition of blocks. A significant example of the mastery
of construction Venetian for example is the scenic flight In that time the higher part of the Forte Mare was
of stairs that will take you inside the Fort, in a narrow different: the two stages (the first towards the mountain
and steep passage in the rock through which the and the other towards the sea) were divided by an high
enemies should have groped to pass to win the inside building. Also another building stood on top of the
the fort . highest walkway. Nowadays we can see only traces of
them.
Even internally there are different levels. The main
entrance today is characterized by a bridge over the The techniques of construction of the walls and the fort
vehicular road and an Austrian element (Fig. 95). In the of the Venetian era were of the highest category, with
past the Fortress was connected with the defensive regular stone blocks and with the use of lime mortar.
walls, so from the passage on them it was possible to The walls were more solid than those of Turkish origin:
access to the Fortress (Fig. 96). Crossing a first internal the external sides were made with rectangular blocks,
environment it is possible to reach directly the upper especially in the corners where they were stuck to each
terrace overlooking the sea. other to form a cross.
Otherwise you can go down and reach the interior
TQBDFTCFMPXUIFBCPWFNFOUJPOFEUFSSBDF BOEGSPN All around the city center other Venetian buildings
there going out to the terrace embattled. Another inner are present. The edifice of the historical Venetian era
path, in a slight descent, permits, passing through a are quite small, and their architecture is modest and
large arch, to reach the lowest terrace that it is also the local. The houses are built with stones and with regular
first point of the ascent from the seaside entry. mortar limestone, and have one or two floors. The
"MMUIFJOUFSOBMQBUITBSFCBSSFMWBVMUFEBOEVOEFSUIF doors and windows have stone frames of Korcula.
upper entrance there is the original passage through
Another of the most important fortified city is the
bastion Citadela otherwise called Mezaluna, located
at the junction between the southern and eastern
segments of the walls.
Moreover the defensive system of Herceg Novi

consists of many smaller items and towers such as Sv.
Jeronim dedicated to liberator of the city from Turkish
EPNJOBUJPO UIF 7FOFUJBO (FSPMBNP $PSOBSP BNPOH
them are the remains of a semicircular protrusion called
)PSTFTIPF5PXFSGPSJUTIPSTFTIPFTIBQFMPDBUFEJO
UIFOPSUIXFTUPGUIFDJUZXBMMT
In dominant position instead, just above the city the

TUSPOH5WSEBWBQBOKPMB 'PSUF4VQFSJPSPG/FX$BTUMF
4QBOJTI 'PSU SBJTFE PO UIF IJMM #BKFS BU NFUFST
high, it was widely reshaped by the Turks and reused
Fig. 95 Forte Mare in the upper part. At the bow there is the main
entrance to the fort, now under restoration continuously in later centuries, also by the Venetians,
until the twentieth century.
170
All this defensive system worked together for parts of the building. Anyway the original setting of
the protection of the city and Forte Mare had the the fort is nowadays still clear. From the path along the
principal role The inner part of Forte Mare have been walls on the wall was possible to enter in the defensive
refunctionalized for actual uses. Energy has been building.
brought inside and water pipes are presents in some
Fig. 96 (left)The passage for the entrance to the Old City under the Fortress
Fig. 97 (right)The rampart built in the Nineteenth century
Fig. 98 (left)The passage on the walls all around the Fort (right) View from bottom to top of the left side of the Fort Sea. From the base of the
Fortress it was possible to access through a hidden passage, to the top
171
2. DESCRIPTION
2.a.4.10 Fortified city of Kotor
We must look at the Bay of Kotor in short as the most important port of the
Adriatic Sea and it can be said that that sea will always belong to those who will
own the port.
F.C.H.Pouquelle,1829
(Viaggio in Morea a Costantinopoli ed in Albania, 1829)
172
Fortified city of Kotor *%$"3%

Role The most important outpost in the Strait of
Boka Kotorska, remained in Venetian hands for
three centuries.
Value Fortified city
Typology The defense took place both from the sea,
either by land, through the circuit of walls and
bastions that climb up the hill
Elements Defensive system: perimeter walls (with five
bastions and 11 platforms), 3 entrance gates
.BSJOB LVSEBoQBSU&MFNFOUT Gurdi).
Map of Kotor (Herceg Novi) Fortress,

Vincenzo Coronelli, 1688.
Aikaterini Laskaridis Foundation Library
Nominated component part The perimeter includes the walled city following the external defensive walls.
(16,32 ha) Internally there are bastions, administrative, services, and religious buildings,
squares and other urban spaces resulting from a strong Venetian matrix. This
inclusion can also be seen throughout the mountain area characterized by
ramparts, towers and other defense elements, at mayor height than the city, and
that is the range in which the walls of Kotor defended from attack by land.
It emerges in this way the great importance of this fortification for the defense of
the two sources: the terrestrial and maritime.
Buffer zone The buffer zone selected, includes, running from west clockwise:
(99,19 ha ) UIFXIPMFDPBTUBMBSFBCFUXFFOTFBBOETFMFDUFEDPNQPOFOU
BDSPTT UIF 4LVSEB SJWFS UIF CVFS [POF JODMVEFT UIF 1BSL 4MPCPEB BOE SVOT
eastward along the channel, towards the mountain, following the small river
Total area untile it crosses the municipal border.
(115,51 ha) 'PMMPXJOHTPVUIXBSEUIFBGPSFNFOUJPOFECPSEFS UIFCVFS[POFCPSEFSDSPTTFT
a natural split, and runs westward until it reaches the southern part of Kotor town
)FSF UIF CVFS JODMVEFT B TNBMM QBSU PG ,PUPS UPXO BOE UIF BODJFOU SPNBO
settlement, in order to reach the coastline again.
173
2. DESCRIPTION
ROLE WITHIN THE PROPERTY impressive (Fig. 100).
Since ancient times, the Boka Bay has been a DESCRIPTION OF THE COMPONENT
geographical area of strategic importance with an
FYDFQUJPOBM HFPNPSQIPMPHJDBM DPOGPSNBUJPO UIF Wreathed with harsh and rocky mountain slopes, tame
UISFF NVUVBMMZ DPOOFDUFE CBZT )FSDFH /PWJ 5JWBU landscape and a bay, in the alluvial plain between
BOE,PUPSGPSNPOFPGUIFNPTUTBGFOBUVSBMIBSCPST the river and the coast, reminiscent of a boundary
in the world. Along a coastline of about one hundred between the mountain and coastal, is located the old
kilometers alternating headlands and bays that define town of Kotor, one of the most important and most
a peculiar landscape characterized by the alternation representative fortified towns of the Mediterranean
of water and land where the human component and (Fig. 101).
the natural one intersects forming a mountain and sea It is located on the extreme innermost of the Strait,
mixed and jagged ensemble (Fig 99). naturally protected from the deep inlet and militarily
It is in this context that places the fortified city of by the impressive curtain walls reinforced by towers
Kotor, the most important outpost of the Strait, which and ramparts that bear witness to the great importance
remained in the hands of the Venetians for more than of this commercial center at the entrance of the Golfo
three centuries. di Venezia.
Its fortifications make it a unique walled city within the
Venetian defense system in the Adriatic: the defense The city is in the south eastern part of Kotor Bay, at the
took place both from the sea, either by land, through foot of Mount St. Ivan, as a counterpart to Cetinje in
the circuit of walls and bastions that climb up the comparison to the mythical mountain Lovcen. Whose
hill, creating a landscape absolutely charming and genesis is linked to the idea that is located on the former
Fig. 99 The position of Kotor allows to control all the Kotor Bay
174
Fig. 100 The view of the walls, both on the sea and on the walls, during the night, with lighting system to valorized them
Fig. 101 The Old Town of Kotor, aerial view. The old city has a triangular shape and it is surrounded by water: the sea on the left, the river Skurda
on the right
175
2. DESCRIPTION
site of Acruvium. This idea was somewhat confirmed resistance to the Turkish invasion, despite the fortified
by coincidental and drilling archaeological finds and city has been for over two centuries surrounded by
ancient spoils, found during its reconstruction after the enemies.
earthquake of 1979. Here the Venetians intervened significantly in the
It is surrounded by a system of fortifications, composed medieval fortification system by adding ramparts,
of continuous walls, strengthened by towers and sloping reinforcement and other items to the
bastions. From the base, the walls extend to the upper modern: the first major intervention for the expansion
town (Fig.102), the Fortress of St. Ivan/Kastel, where PG QSFFYJTUJOH NFEJFWBM EBUFT CBDL UP XIFO
you can get today via a walkway that runs along the the Serenissima decided to build a tower in the area
walls (Fig. 103). The basis for the superstructure, which southern urban fortification, on the front towards the
is derived from the same stone and in time became sea.
so physically and visually blended with natural basis
that today it is difficult to discern them, was found Primary structures: the perimeter walls
on natural, rocky surfaces. The Fortress is located on
a cliff at about 260 meters above the city. Its layout is Venice, that although possessed of strong control
FMPOHBUFE PSJFOUFEOPSUITPVUI(Fig. 104). of the entrances on the Adriatic and almost all
It is considered the main stronghold of the Strait: a coastal development, remained, constantly subject
testament to the strength of its fortifications is the to Ottoman attacks. Therefore, in the first half of the
(left) Fig. 102 The defensive walls climbing on the mountain

(right) Fig. 103 The pedestrian path all over the mountain
176
century the Venetian defensive works were aimed UIFDJUZBMSFBEZBUUIBUUJNFPDDVQJFEUIFQSFTFOUEBZ

at ensuring control of urban settlements and the surface. In addition to the town at the foot of Mount St.
expansion of existing defenses. Actually immediately Ivan (Crepis) most of todays squares, streets (Contrat s.
after their arrival, the Venetians tried to reinforce the Mariae Magdalenae, contrat St. Clarae) are mentioned,
defenses of the city, rebuilding and reinforcing the till the spring Gurdi (ad Gurgitem). According to the
wall along 4.3 kilometers into the sea with a maximum ancient sources, but also previously identified and
height of 20 meters and the thickness ranges from 2 to newly discovered remains, (research after the 1979
16 meters. At the time of the appearance of firearms, earthquake), todays defensive perimeter almost
the high tower was partly reconstructed in torion, and completely coincides with the old Kotors walls. In
platforms for artillery were formed.(Fig. 105) their final form, the walls were date to the period 16th
The Kotor walls were built over the centuries, from to 18th century.
the time of Byzantine rule, and during the XIII and XIV In the late fifteenth and the sixteenth century, Venetians
century they were radically renovated and definitely gradually reorganized and modernized the medieval
set as a defensive perimeter of the city. Surely, the basic walls of Kotor intended for defense of cold weapons,
precondition for this undertaking was the economic with characteristic medieval teeth, in order to adapt
prosperity of the city during the reign of Nemanji. them to firearms (Fig. 106).
According to the Statute and notary book, we know that Actually with the Venetian Kotor became a military
Fig. 104 Old town of Kotor, The view from the sea
177
2. DESCRIPTION
center, which is why the theme of the fortifications by the Venetians in 1657 so that the Ottomans could
acquired a growing importance from 1420 (start not use it against Kotor. This corridor defended the
of domination) and especially after 1483 when the city Gurdi Gate JU SFNBJOT B NPEFTU TUSFUDI JO QPPS
northern part of the Boka with the city of Herceg Novi DPOEJUJPO BGUFS UIF EFNPMJUJPO PG UIF NJEUXFOUJFUI
and Risan fell into Turkish hands, back then in the hands century.
of the Venetian in 1687. The stretch of oldest building wall, between the Tower
In the city are distinguished different types of masonry Gurdic and the southern gate, it is in the most critical
defensive system but those Venetian wrongdoing on conditions.
the other. In particular, they identify the ancient walls Next to the hall there is the homonymous tower, flanked
A
BUUIFCPUUPNPGUIF/PSUI(BUFBOE4PVUI in the north by bastion indicated on the drawings of
Gate, made with small blocks of stone bound with Captain Francesco Gironci of 1785 as the Piattaforma
abundant mortar, held during the Venetian period di San Francesco Rovinosa . In the late nineteenth
with an outer clad wall and the space between them
was covered with the embankment. The Venetian walls
were formed by large blocks and fine machined local
grey limestone.
In the southern part of the city walls by the sea, near the
source Gurdi, in 1470 was built the bastion of the same
name, which represents the first major intervention to
reinforce the Venetian ramparts. Although it seems that
initially Venetians were not very interested in Kotor,
development of events forced them to start further
reinforcement.
After defending from fierce attacks on the city in 1492,
and especially after the Turkish conquest of Risan and
Herceg Novi in 1493, the Venetians realized the full
significance of Kotor for their survival in the Bay, and
thus for the safety of its commercial maritime routes
to the Levant. When the Venetians decided to protect
,PUPS UIFZSFQMBDFEUIFXPSOPVUQBSUTPGXBMMT MMFE
the cracks that have appeared as a result of uneven
subsidence and funding on poor, earth ground.
However, to be able to resist firearms and to help them

to use firearms as well, they had to be modernized,
because the walls were built before the advent of
firearms. The imposing tower Gurdi (Fig. 107), presents
a good state of preservation despite the limestone of
the ground.
Inside the tower it was discovered the church of Santa

Maria del Ponte or Gurdi (St. Mary of Bridge or Gurdi)
that at the end of the seventeenth century has been
covered and then incorporated into the defensive
system of the city.
In the first half of the eighteenth century it was built an
hall with a defensive rampart at the top, built on the site Fig. 105 The Boka Kotorska seen from the upper part of the defensive
walls
of the former monastery of San Francesco destroyed
178
century, the Austrian authorities destroyed this bastion been little explored unlike the bastion Valier has been
XJUI B WJFX UP DIBSUJOH B DPBTUBM SPBE JO UIJT QMBDF investigated on several occasions. Inside there are the
along the medieval wall reinforced by buttresses, it was remains of the medieval fortifications as well as those
built a reinforced wall whose bill is indistinguishable PGBEPPSPG3PNBOFTRVF(PUIJDTUZMFEBUJOHCBDLUP
from that of Venice. This part of the fort was built as the fourteenth century. On it was done a project to
an embankment. Ramparts and platforms for artillery valorization and cleaning of the Serenissimas symbol:
are connected to each other and are called Contarini the lion (Fig. 109).
UIUI D
Zen, the Great Battle (1768), Renier One of the most important points of the fortified town
(1768), Soranzo, Loredan (14th c.), Priuli (1767), Molin, all is the bastion Citadela (Fig. 110), also called Campana,
names of the supervisors Venetians during the service XJUI B SPVOE UPXFS MPDBUFE BU UIF OPSUIXFTU PG UIF
of which they were built. walls, originally (early sixteenth century) designed as
B TFMGGPSUJDBUJPO BOE UIFO DPNCJOFE XJUI BEKBDFOU
The ramparts Corner and Valier (Fig. 108) and the curtains.
fortification between these ones along the coast were At the time of its construction, the beginning of
CVJMUBGUFSUIFFBSUIRVBLFUIFCBTUJPO$PSOFSIBT the sixteenth century, when the superintendent
Fig. 106 The map of Kotor with the indication of the main Venetian buildings, bastions and position all over the defensive walls. It is clear the
difference between the mountain area /green) and the urban area (brown).
179
2. DESCRIPTION
Vector Diedo ruled Kotor, the Citadela Bastion was a Citadel, the gunner, the rampant and so on.
GPSUJDBUJPO PG UIF DJUZ UIBU DPVME CF TFMGEFGFOTF JO To the east, in the curtain to the north, which was
case of a siege of the city. Later it was connected with strategically the most delicate part of the Fortress,
the neighboring system of fortifications including two strengthened by the enormous rivellino, theres Bembo
large cannons, called Piazza Soranzo from 1613, and a Bastion (Fig. 111), also called in some historical source
lower position for the artillery between the port and the Vendramin. The bastion was completed in 1539 after
city gate. After the research of 1983 the revitalization the attack of Barbarossa and is one of the first polygonal
project was done for the northern part of the city wall bastions in the region, improving the imperfections of
that has enhanced appropriately and preserved the the oldest towers round. Most likely it was designed by
(left) Fig. 107 Bastion Gurdi, 1470

(right) Fig. 108 Bastion Valier, 1680
.
Fig. 109 (left) The lion of the Republic of Venice on the wall of the Valier Bastion
Fig. 110 (right) Citadela Bastion , 16th century
180
This bastion was adapted to the function of a theater This strong wall is open in three access points, three
stage summer. gates through which you can access the city: Doors
In addition to the ramparts and other strategic changes of the Sea or Marina Gate, The Door of the river or
of the Fortress, the Venetians strengthened the old Northern city gates and, Gate of Gurdia or South
medieval walls of Kotor through embankments and Gate.
buttresses and sometimes with double inner walls, or
sequences of perpendicular walls and vaults. Part of The associated urban component
the medieval walls reinforced with buttresses has been
preserved between the ramparts Bembo and Riva, near Montenegro imported their system of government
the north gate of the city and the river Skurda. land, for defensive reasons, the Venetians (as also in
Split and Scrutari) to imposed strict bans construction
The oldest fort is Gradina that at the time of the Illyrians OFBS UIF JOUSBVSCBO GPSUT UIF NFEJFWBM DVSUBJO XBMMT
IBE UP CF MPDBUFE PO UPQ PG .PVOU 4BO (JPWBOOJ and towers defense port. For the same reasons,
currently not known traces of Roman fortifications and sometimes even they ordered the demolition of homes
Byzantine. or monasteries, as evidenced by the documents kept
The last bastion of the town from which fortifications in the National Archives of Venice (Senato Mar, reg. 4 c.
begin to rise on the hill, is the Bastion Riva (Fig. 112). It 75r, 20 luglio 1451).
was built in the first half of the sixteenth century as part
of the defense system of the door to the north, along Anyway the map of the streets, which is in the shape
the Bembo Bastion, the bridge and a small lunette. of a triangle, is a result based on the balance of natural
settings: the sea coast with spring Gurdi springs and
"NPOH "VTUSJBOT
UIF EFGFOTF TZTUFN underground riverbeds of Skurda and a rocky massif
and the military port were constantly running, before that underpins Kotor
LOPXJOHBQSPHSFTTJWFEFDMJOFKVTUBGUFSUIFFBSUIRVBLF
of 1970 the fortified system became again the subject
of research, attention to protect and revitalize the
fortifications in the region.
Fig. 111 (left) Bembo Bastion, 1539

Fig. 112 (right) Riva Bastion, 1540
181
2. DESCRIPTION
THE CITY GATES OF THE FORTIFIED CITY
1.a.
1.b 1.c
In origin the Marina Gate (Fig. 1.a) or Marina Gates " entrance was only possible by sea. It is situated on the western
side of the city, leading from the "Square of weapons " to the promenade and the coast (they were built in 1555, in the
3FOBJTTBODFTUZMF
*UTPSJHJOBMBTQFDUXBTDIBOHFEJOUIFMBUFOJOFUFFOUIDFOUVSZBOEUIFNJEUXFOUJFUIDFOUVSZ*UJT
framed by massive stone blocks, next to which are stone columns, also built of massive blocks.
On the top of the columns there are capitals, which together with the top of the gate support the part of the portal
between two wreaths. In this part there are three fields. The gate was restored in 1540 to commemorate the victory over
UIFFFU)BKSFEJO#BSCBSPTB"OZXBZJOUIFDFOUSBMFMEVQUPUIFZFBS UIFSFXBTUIF7FOFUJBOXJOHFEMJPO 'JHC

today we can read in it the date 21st November 1944, which is the date of the liberation of Kotor after World War II. During
centuries the gate sank for 70 cm.
&OUFSJOHZPVQBTTUISPVHIBWBVMUFEQBTTBHF0OJUTSJHIUIBOETJEFUIFSFJTB(PUIJDSFMJFGGSPNUIFUIDFOUVSZ 'JHD

The mother of God with Christ is sitting on the throne, on her left is Sveti Tryphon, holding the model of the town, and on
her right Sveti Bernard holding the Eucharist.
182
2. It was possible to access to the historic core via the north gate (River Gate, 1540), with a drawbridge on the river Skurda or
'JVNBSB MPDBUFEVOEFSOFBUIBTUPOFBSDIXJUIUIF7FOFUJBOMJPOJUXBTSFTUPSFE BTUIF4FB(BUF
JOUPDPNNFNPSBUFUIF
victory over the fleet Hajredin Barbarosa. Today there is a normal stone bridge on the river but the original shape is evident from
the historical pictures.
3. The south gate (Gurdi Gate 16th c.), is reached by bridge above the source Gurdi XIJDIXBTSFFTUBCMJTIFEBUUIFFOEPGUIF
eighteenth century. The river was a further element of defense for the city beyond the walls. From the ramparts it was possible to
control the bridge and therefore who was coming to town.
183
2. DESCRIPTION
The network of streets of the old town, which are broken

down and of different widths, it is very distorted. Just
in the center, between the churches of St. Tryphun and
St. Luke, an orthogonal system crossing is suggested,
which was probably inherited from antiquity.
The urban layout is typical of the medieval fortified

village, built over the centuries but without urban
planning or regular plan. The urban matrix is therefore
irregular, with narrow streets, intertwined alleyways
and squares made without rule, all paved with slabs of
rosy, gray and white local stone.
Buildings in Kotor were built mainly of stone. The
Fig. 113 The Square of Arms with the Clock Tower in the foreground
facades on some buildings are plastered, while some and the Princes Palace on the left
part of the faade is in stone. By design, the roof is
simple, with one, two, three or four slopes, or complex.
5IFSFPOFDBOOEWJFXJOHQMBUGPSNTPOF UXP CVU
rarely more. The roofs have gutters.
The Marina Gate gives access to an urban work with
purely military function as demonstrated by the Parade
ground (16th century), the clock tower (17th century),
the Rectors Palace (17th century) and the barracks
with corridors and balconies which provide access to
individual rooms, the Town Hall, the Arsenal and the
Bizanti Palace (17th century).
The Square of Arms is the first square that the visitors

come across and it is the biggest in the city (Fig. 113).
Anyway in the town there are several squares, of
which from two one can go directly through the city Fig. 114 Gregorina Palace, today the Maritime Museum of
gate, getting out of town. Square of weapons is a Montenegro
typical example of baroque urbanization, which puts
to the fore public structures, utilitarian function and
representative residential architecture.
On the Square of flour, there are fine specimens of
palaces and remains of the church of St. Nicholas the
Sailor. Square (Pjaca), or Square of St. Tripun which
marks the cathedral of the same name, is formed mainly
by building of public character: the Historic Archives,
the Office for the Protection of Cultural Property and
the building of the Municipality of Kotor. Square of
Museums is the space where in addition to residential
architecture there is the Gregorina palace (Fig. 114),
which houses the Maritime Museum. On the Square of
Cino, is the former church of Our Lady of the Angels,
BOEUIFOPSUIXFTUTJEFPGUIFDIVSDICVJMEJOHBSFTFU
so that their fronts face the square. Fig. 115 Bizanti Palace
Here is the church of St. Michael and buildings of the
PMETFNJOBSZ4FNJOBSJWN-FPOJOVN
184
Market St. Luke can be characterized as a space with always imported stone from the island of Korcula, in
sacred buildings / Church of St. Luka, St. Nicholas, St. particular for rabbets of doors and windows, simple
Spiridon, completed with the building of the Music or profiled and decorated. The walls of the town
School and residential architecture. Market Parilo is houses were built mostly in the local gray stone, cut
marked by the church of St. Mary Koledata, located in into rectangular blocks placed in a limestone mortar,
the central part, while residential architecture occupies preventing the vertical junctures were overlapping.
a position around the perimeter of the square. The corners of the buildings were reinforced and
This area was very reshaped during the nineteenth embedded.
century when it was demolished the Loggia from
the square and the buildings in front of the walls. At The interior walls were made in the grill wooden
the beginning of the twentieth century it was also plastered on both sides, called in local dialect
demolished the old hospital of the harbor. moleghin, or bricks made locally. The roofs were
covered with semicircular local tiles. The beams of the
The civil and military buildings have from one to four floors and roofs were local wood of black pine.
floors and they are built with grey local stone, except The masonry of the civil and religious buildings
from someone with the faade or the rabbets of doors shows a typical binding with corners made of oblong
and windows in stone of Korcula. blocks mutually stuck, thus providing a strong seismic
For the walls of churches and palaces was used almost reinforcement.
Fig. 116 Tryphon's Cathedral
185
2. DESCRIPTION
Here a list of the most important Venetian buildings:

The Bizanti Palace (Fig. 115) has a facade that faces
the square and the other the street leading to Flour
Square. It was built in the 14th century, but following
the 1667 earthquake it changed considerably its looks.
The northern wing of the palace was added, which is
testified to by the coat of arms with the initials of Nikola
Bizanti and the year of construction 1674 on the eastern
wall of the palace. Both wings are connected by means
of the internal courtyard and the staircase which gives
a Renaissance form to the palace. The windows, portals,
the staircase and the crown of the well with the family
coat of arms have characteristics of the Baroque style.
It was restored after 1979 earthquake.
Inside the city is particularly interesting the religious

patrimony: St. Tryphons Cathedral (Fig. 116) is certainly
the most beautiful and the most significant church
monument in the town. It was built and consecrated
in 1166.
The earthquakes considerably changed the original
looks of the cathedral.
The Romanesque bell towers were replaced with the
new ones made in Baroque style, as well as the dome,
and pilasters were covered in Korcula stone tiles, which Fig. 117 St. Lucas's Church
attracts special attention are the rosettes on the facade
which used to be of Romanesque style, but today they
BSFQSPMFEXJUI(PUIJD3FOBJTTBODFNPUJGT
St. Tryphons Cathedral possesses a treasury rich in
paintings, among which are the works of local painters
-PWSP.BSJOPW%PCSJDFWJDGSPNUIFUIDFOUVSZBOE
Tripo Kokolja from the 17th century, as well as some
XPSLT PG GPSFJHO NBTUFST 1BPMP7FSPOFTF (FSPMFNP
Di Santa Croce, to name but a few.
The cathedral storesa rich collection of golden relics,
which are the works of art of Kotor goldsmiths, from
the period between the 14th and 18th centuries, the
most precious among them being the golden plate
of the main altar. The interior of the cathedral was
GSFTDPQBJOUFE UIF XPSL PG BSU PG (SFFL NBTUFST
pictores graeci. The most significant part of the interior
EFDPSBUJPOPGUIFDBUIFESBMJTUIF3PNBOFTRVF(PUIJD
ciborium from the 14th century, which is located above
the main altar.
St. Lucas Church (Fig.117) is situated in the center of

Kotor. The church is on the square Piazza Greca has
the traits of both Roman and Byzantine architecture, Fig. 118 St. Annas Church
BDUVBMMZJUXBTCVJMUJO6QUPUIFNJEUIDFOUVSZ
186
this had been a Catholic church, when it was handed by pillars and transverse arches of the vault on three
over to the Orthodox inhabitants of Kotor. However, the transcripts. On the northern side of St. Annas church,
Catholics retained the right to have one altar for their soon after the completion of the church, a side chapel
own use. The iconostas of the church is the work of art was added elongated towards the west during a later
of Dimitrije Daskal, the founder of the Boka Kotorska reconstruction of the church after some of the 16th or
Rafailovic iconographic school, from the 17th century. 17th century earthquakes. The western faade of the
This is the only edifice in the town that did not suffer chapel was made of stone from a gothic style building
significant destruction during the earthquake. The XIFSFGSPN B TNBMM EPVCMFXJOEPXT PWFS UIF QPSUBM
floor in the church consists of tombstones on the joint was transferred. The church was restored many times:
tombs of the citizens of Kotor, since until the 1830s in the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries.
burials were being carried out in the church itself.
This church is the only edifice in town, which has not St. Marys Church was built in 1221 on the site of an
suffered significant damages during the earthquake in FBSMJFS QSF3PNBOFTRVF DIVSDI5IBU #BTJMJDB XBT UIF
1979. first cathedral church in Kotor. It is also called Collegiata
and especially St. Ozana since inside is kept the relic of
St. Annas Church (Fig. 118). According to the the Blessed Ozana who, together with Sv. Tryphon, is
characteristics of its style, St. Annas church is dated considered the patron saint of the town of Kotor. In its
at the end of the 12th and the beginning of the interior, there are the remains of fresco paintings from
13th century. The church was built as a single nave the end of the 14th century, as well as an Early Christian
building with a dome. Its interior is dismembered baptistery.
Fig. 119 Our Lady of Health Church
187
2. DESCRIPTION
Important Venetians palaces are inside the old city.

St. Michaels Church was erected at the end of the Palazzo Drago is one of them. It was built in the 14th and
14th century. The Interior of the church was partly the 15th century with all the elements of Gothic style.
fresco painted. Today, this church houses the towns 5IF QBMBDF DPOTJTUT PG UXP XJOHT UIF TPVUIXFTUFSO
lapidarium (collection of rocks and minerals). and the northern ones. As a decorative element, very
often dragons can be seen, which in fact represents an
Church Our Lady of Health (Fig. 119) : going towards element from the coat of arms of the Drago family. The
the Sv. Ivan Fortress it will find a church created by the windows and portals are profiled in the Gothic style
survivors of the plague in 1572. Dates back from the and very nicely finished. The palace was damaged in
15th century. It was built half way up St. Johns Hill. the earthquakes of the years 1667 and 1979. Today
Following numerous plague epidemics, this church it houses of the Administration for the Protection of
became a votive church. Cultural Properties and Centre for Conservation and
Archeology.
Fig. 120 The city of Kotor and all the walls route on the mountain
188
mentioned in the Notary Books from 1326. It was one

Grubonja Palace is situated near the north town gate, of the oldest town pharmacies in Europe, preceded
CFIJOE 4U .BSZPOUIF3JWFS DIVSDI "DDPSEJOH UP only by those in Italy.
tradition, the palace belonged to the noble family
Grubonja, which is mentioned in the Notary Books On the north side of Grubonja Palace is the entrance
of Kotor from the 15th century. It is possible that the to the upper part of the Fortress (Fig. 120). The entrance
GBNJMZTFUUMFEJO,PUPSGSPN;BEBS XIFSFJUIBECFFO is marked by a Baroque voluted arch made of bricks,
NFOUJPOFEJOUIFUIDFOUVSJFT spanning the palace and the adjoining building. The
5IF QBMBDF BDRVJSFE JUT QSFTFOUEBZ BQQFBSBODF BU arch carries a medallion with the winged lion of Saint
the end of the 16th century and it has preserved its Mark, the inscribed year 1760 (Fig. 121), marking the
Renaissance characteristics visible in the rendering of year of its construction and the Latin inscription: Regia
window frames and sills on the second floor resting on munitae rupis via (The main road to the Fortress on the
brackets in the shape of finely carved lions heads. The hill).
palace had been extensively restored around 1955 so it
did not suffer any damage in the earthquake of 1979. Pima Palace (Palata Pima) is located on Flour Square. It
dominates the square with its beauty. It was built in the
On the front, between the windows of the first floor, 3FOBJTTBODF#BSPRVFTUZMFBGUFSUIFFBSUIRVBLF
there is a stone tablet with Christs monogram, HIS, Its most valuable detail is the magnificent balcony
and below it a relief with a skull and crossbones, snakes supported by 12 stone consoles. The railings of the
passing through the eyes of the skull, and a mouse, a balcony are the work of Kotor blacksmiths. Above the
rat and a turtle crawling around. It is believed to be main portal there is the coat of arms of the Pima family
the emblem of the old town pharmacy which was first supported by two angels. The palace was restored
following the 1979 earthquake.
Fig. 121 The image of the lion at the entrance to the upper walls all over the mountain
189
2. DESCRIPTION
B'PSUJFEDJUZPG6MDJOK
Also that each Ulcinj inhabitants from now on must be treated as the Venetians
in the city of Venice and out of it and all over the world he can act like a Venetian
Venetus Dux Dulcignensium pacta ratificat, 1423
(Archivio di Stato, Venezia, Commemoriali)
190
'PSUJFEDJUZPG6MDJOJK*%$"3%
Role Terrestrial presidio for the control of commerce
to and from the east
Value Presence of functional structures to the control

of goods (customs)
Typology Fortified city of Ulcinj was check point for the
commercial trades by earth and by the sea..
Elements Defensive system: perimeter walls, entrance Dulcigno Henri de Beauvau, Relation
gates (North and South) iournaliere du voyage du Levant,
)FMMFOJD -JCSBSZ "MFYBOEFS 4
Onassis Public Benefit Foundation
Nominated component part The perimeter surrounds the northern area of the Old city, including the
(0,54 ha) commercial and administrative buildings in addition to the defensive walls. This
was the economic core of Ulcinj, a part of a maritime city that defended and
maintained relations with the hinterland.
It emerges in this way the great importance of this Citadel area, composed by the
defensive walls and tower, the church, the customs, the Bishops palace.
Buffer zone +The buffer zone includes the whole town of Ulcinj, which on the basis of
(6,26 ha) national legislation in Montenegro, is declared a protected cultural monument
of exceptional features (I category) and that the status has been granted since
1961, i.e. from the beginning of the process of registering of protected cultural
Total area monuments in Montenegro.
(6,80 ha) It also includes the area around the old town (western cliffs, southern pier,
western esplanade, eastern wooded side) already included in the protected
surrounding of Old Town of Ulcinj. As the protected surrounding has the same
legal treatment as the cultural property, it is actually subject to jurisdiction of
the Directorate for Protection of Cultural Properties and measures and regimes it
stipulates (Law on Protection of Cultural Properties). This area will also be partly
DPWFSFECZUIF4QBUJBM6SCBO1MBO$PBTUBM;POF BTXFMMBTUIF4UVEZPGQSPUFDUJPO
GPSUIFQVSQPTFPGUIF4QBUJBM6SCBO1MBO$PBTUBM;POF
191
2. DESCRIPTION
ROLE WITHIN THE PROPERTY Although this area is small, its environment abounds
with incredibly contrasting elements: sharp differences
Ulcinj is part of a wider area best characterized by its in altitude, temperature and atmosphere, life functions
historic name "Krajina". From the second half of the XI and habits (that were formed under the influence of
century, when the first South Slav state was stabilized maritime and herding lifestyles).
in the southern Adriatic, Byzantium only touched the The Ulcinj area was, as of the middle Miocene, a gulf
border area, whose geographical name was related to UIBU DBNF UP UIF SJEHF #SJWTLB HPSB .P[VSB *UT
the current Krajina, mentioned in the twelfth century in coast has, due to river sediments and streams, moved
the Chronicle of priest Dukljanin. towards the sea. On the other hand, due to the sand
It is among the oldest cities built on the coast of the sediments (because of sea waves and currents) the rest
Adriatic and from prehistory to the late nineteenth of the shallow sea is cluttered.
century, because of its geographical position, was In the vast and articulated Venetian defense system to
the object of conquest of various peoples. Some the modern, Ulcinj is the outpost south most important
stood there a long time, some not, but all have left of all the Fortress cities of Southern Dalmatia in strong
some traces: from the prehistoric Illyrian, Hellenistic opposition with Ottoman Albania.
and Roman, and, in the Middle Ages, to the Roman, From Ulcinj it is possible to dominate the passage in
Slovenian and Turkish till the Venetians. the Adriatic as it controls the entire area from the
Fig. 122 The Fortress city of Ulcinj in an aerial photo. This type of shooting allows you to see the walls towards the sea, the further south, the
Venetian period. Also visible buildings in the Venetian style of the old city.
192
Dalmatian coast to the Puglia coast in Italy. Then it had

the task of defending the farthest south of the domains
of the Serenissima.
The city is divided into a southern part suitable for
the defense of the city and the Adriatic where the
mighty walls and equipment of guns and gunpowder
allowed to protect the area, and one in the northern
part, towards the hinterland, which would act as more
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On both sides you can find the entrances to the city.
The inner part of the city is instead characterized by
numerous buildings in the Venetian style.
DESCRIPTION OF THE COMPONENT
The fortified city of Ulcinj has been realized on a

promontory that creates a small peninsula on the sea
(Fig. 122). It has the hinterland on the north and the sea
on the south.
All the old city is fortified and it is protected not only
by the walls but also by the big height escarpments
overlooking the sea. The site is composed by the
powerful Citadel in the form of Acropolis (Fig. 123) and
by the village surrounded by walls that has, in the
southern part, many buttresses for cannons (Fig. 124).
The northern area was the more important for the
commercial aspect during the Venetian domain. The
entrance to the city actually is exceptional because,
differently from the other sites, it is somewhat out of 'JH&YBNQMFEJBHSBNPGUIFDJUZGPSUSFTTPG6MDJOK
0SBOHF*MMJSP@(SFFL1FSJPE3FE.FEJFWBM&SB#MVF7FOFUJBO1FSJPE
Green: Turkish Period
Fig. 124 Ulcinj: on the left side the Citadela area, on the right the slop on the sea.
193
2. DESCRIPTION
Fig. 125 The map of Ulcinj with the indication of the main Venetian buildings, harbours and gate (towards the sea and the hinterland) and
position all over the defensive walls. The brown area is the Citadel zone
194
the normal: as if the hosts have wanted to turn their

back to the sea, though much loved, to offer guests
from the hinterland a warm welcome.
Actually the Venetians divided the city in a maritime
part for the defense and a hinterland part for the
economic and politic aspects. The real importance of
the Ulcinjan navy started in the 17th century, with the
Ottomans: the Venetian had other ports in the Adriatic
for the maritime exchange, instead Ulcinj was the most
important bulwarks for trade with the hinterland and
the most southern entrance of the domain (Fig 125).
Moreover Ulcinj has been an important settlement

always known for the presence of pirates, for which
it was necessary the intervention of the Stradioti.
Fig. 126 In the square the church and the tower are today expositive
It was first mentioned in the fourteenth century to area and the space in front of them is often used in summer season
the settlement in this city of 400 Arab pirates chased for cultural representation
from Malta, Tunisia and Algeria. But the great Venetian
supremacy has always allowed full control over these
people, in fact, the pirates began the real rage in the
seventeenth century.
But why was it so important from the point of view
of trades? The profusion of sunlight for an average
of 2700 hours a year, mild winters, the temperature
always above 5 degrees, the hot and lush springs, warm
and long autumns are all factors that determine an
extremely productive and green site: olive, fig, orange,
almond, kiwi, persimmon, chestnut, pomegranate,
grapes, wheat, tobacco, apple and plum are the
main plants whose products Venetians traded for the
commercial traffic.
Today the Venetian presence in Ulcinj is clear thanks
to the restoration after the 1979 earthquake, because Fig. 127 Capital from the Venetian period (15th century
all the intervention has been done maintaining
and preserving all that elements of the Serenissima
domain: the palaces, the church, the administration
buildings and the defensive elements. In particular the
administration center has been protected thanks to the
institution of the Local History Museum in Ulcinj (Fig.
126), that uses the Venetian building as expositive areas,
and it dedicated to the restoration and preservation of
the same, as well as it pays special attention in exposing
all the elements of movable heritage which date back
to the period of the Serenissima (sculptures, everyday
objects, jewelery, decorations, etc., Fig. 127, Fig. 128 and
Fig.129).
Fig. 128 (left) Architectural remains from the Venetian period
Fig. 129 (right) Fragments from ceramics (from 14thto 16th
century)
195
2. DESCRIPTION
Primary structures: the perimeter walls
Most likely the Venetians largely rebuilt the adjacent

portion of the wall (Fig. 130), the western and eastern
sides. Venetians have, in addition, girded the Citadel on
the north and west sides with high escarpment, which
is covered by steep, but, most likely, already quite riven
cliff rock on which city rests . Their intention was clearly
to extend the escarpment on the east side, as on its
OPSUIFBTUFSOFEHFBSFDMFBSMZWJTJCMFPNJUUFERVBSUFST
as binders, which should form a seam at the junction
with the escarpment on the eastern side of the city.
The medieval tower, built of quarry and cut stone, was
reconstructed largely in the Venetian period. Then it Fig. 131 The Bolanis inscription
received a substantial portion of the front and parts of
two sidewalls, as well as foreign escarpment, and in the
XFTUFSOBOEOPSUIXFTUXBMMCZUXPCSPBEPQFOJOHT
The defensive Venetians walls are preserved in

particular in the north and south area. They are
recognizable thank to the typical linear decoration
and blocks tangle composed by cold limestone blocks
and gray color limestone blocks all with a rectangular
and regular shape, and united with a little quantity of
mortar (Fig. 133).
Moreover it is evident the cavalier, a raised earth
Fig. 132 The East wall with the signature of the rector of Ulcinj
Fig. 130 The northern walls that protect the Citadel area. Aerial view
196
platform, built on the curtain wall, designed to mount

artillery and to command the surrounding ground.
In the north side there is Slaves Square surrounded

by the tall Bolani Wall (Fig. 131) from Venetian times
standing opposite it. The wall was signed with the
name of Johani Bolani, (Fig. 132) the Venetian rector and
captain of the city provider in Shkodra between 1452
and 1456 who wanted its construction. The name has
been done with red bricks stuck contained the public,
administrative and religious structures. between the
stone blocks of the wall.
Part of the high defensive walls of Venetian instead,
were built with the reuse of blocks of the Illyrian period.
In the opposite square, towards the sea, where the
archaeological site of the medieval church is located,
there are the foundations of St. Marys Church from
the twelfth century, later renamed St. Marks Church.
This second gate is basically a maritime gateway that
overlooks a small coves.
Not far from this church is a large city cistern (Fig 134),
DPOTUSVDUFE VOEFS 7FOFUJBO SVMF TPNFXIBU GVSUIFS
is the Turkish powder magazine from the eighteenth
century topped with an irregular calotte. The Venetian Fig. 134 The relief of the Cistern in the Citadel area. From P. MIjovic,
Palace and the Balsic Castle are also nearby. Ulcinj I, p. 16 Remains of the covered cistern, with two vaults are
As said before it is also represented by numerous in bad shape. This is an important building for organization of the
old town that deserves restoration and valorization
Venetian manufactured objects: cornices, capitals,
Fig. 133 The Venetian wall with the typical Venetian curb
197
2. DESCRIPTION
stone blocks, basements, but also plates, glasses, gate. The first one permit to enter into the city arriving
everyday objects and jewelry, but also a typical XJUIUIFCPBUTUIFQBTTBHFJTOBSSPXBOEUPSJTFUPUIF
representative of the Venetian lion ('JH). square facing the sea have to climb the flights of stairs.
The Urban gates are two: a sea gate and a hinterland The other entrance, instead is on the north side. No
Fig. 135 (left) Decorative sculpture representing the Serenissima lion, now inside the museum of the ancient custom.
Fig. 136 (right) Venetian lion content inside the museum in the ancient customs.
Fig. 137 ( left )The north gate seen from the inside, near the Citadel area
Fig. 138 (right) The entrance to the city: the open door from the outside
198
stairs are present here: it was the commercial area, so 5PEBZT UPXFSNVTFVN JT POF PG UIF QBSUT PG UIF
all the merchants with goods were to enter the city defense system of the acropolis. It was restored
from this point, carrying wagons with all the goods after the earthquake of 1979, following the historic
that pass through within the defensive walls. Today the techniques of typological Venetian time. Today it is
function is the same: all goods arrive into the historical used for temporary exhibitions. In front of the tower is
city through this passage, without car or vans, but with a small square called Square of Slaves surrounded by
hand carts, because the vehicular traffic is forbidden bunkers of rivellino.
('JH).
The most interesting part is ancient customs one. It is
The associated urban component nowadays the head office of the museum of Ulcinj. The
original interiors frescoes present on the ground floor
The northern part is the one in which the original have been recently restored (Fig. 140,143).
Venetian characters are more identifiable. It is at the Inside the museum many elements of the venetian
ancient Acropolis, which remained of the archaeological period are conserved and in particular a maquette of
remains. In particular, of the fortifications that have the status of the city before the earthquake of the 1979.
changed through the ages.
The medieval tower, in the south area of the defensive The church (St. Marije, Fig. 141,142) in the north area,
wall, was altered during the Venetian period and converted into a mosque by the Ottomans, without
transformed into the Bali Tower (Fig. 139). Openings changing the typically Venetian characters, contains
witness the changing of the defensive techniques and within it different typical Venetian elements of Ulcinj:
transformations of the walls in defenses alla moderna. badges, everyday objects, historical maps, decorative
Fig. 139 (left) Bali Tower

Fig. 140 (right, above) The custom and the entrance to the museum complex. The building is an expositive area of the museum and the
administrative divisions seat as well
Fig 141 (right, belove)The church of St. Marije
199
2. DESCRIPTION
elements.
Another important element is the Bishops palace (Fig.
145). The Venetian structure has been renovated after
the recent earthquake. Fresco remains are still present
inside. Frames of various openings were precisely
reconstructed. Covered passage on the north faade
and some openings were changed so that the building
can be adapted to new purpose.
Currently it hosts the Ethnographic museum with
interesting remains and documents about the old
town.
Well preserved and restored powder factories testify

the evolution of the citys defense techniques in
modern times.
The powder magazine was built on the foundations
of a medieval church updated during archaeological
excavations of the 50s and 60s (Fig. 144) Fig. 142 (above) Relief of the St. Marije church, today an exposition
area
This archaeological site is located in the area between Fig. 143 (below) The relief of the Venetian elements in Ulcinj. Example
the wall Bolani, to defend the Citadel and the outer of the custom
Fig.144 The archaeological area near the Citadel
200
walls surrounding the whole city. It was originally a

buffer area of respect, a band of terrestrial gap between
buildings and defensive walls, imposed as mandatory
within the Venetian fortifications treaties on the art of
war, but almost never respected.
From that area the soldiers could pass through a
passage in the walls and exit on the walkway on the
walls (Fig. 147).
Actually in that area are present rests of military
barracks, gunpowder, stores and tanks.
Currently there are plans to restore and redevelop this
archaeological zone in order to make it accessible and
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to the other museum areas (Fig.146).
The use of the tanks (Fig. 150) is particularly important

within the Venetian Fortress and fortified cities. In
Ulcinj it is possible to find the best way to conserve
water: in fact, the tank allowed to hold large amounts
and at the same time prevented the enemies to poison
the important water resources, which instead could
happen where the supply was through the channeling
of water from outside sources.
Moreover there are inside the old city many Venetian
civil buildings such as the Venice Palace, that have a
stone structure from Venetian period.
Where today is the Palata Venetia there are the remains
of buildings, which are assumed to have been the seat
of the governor of the city during the Venetian rule. Fig .145 The Bishops palace
Fig. 146 (left) Archaeological design of the Citadel through the creation of a wooden walkway with the structure that is resistant to wind and
earthquakes and with nondestructive props. (right) Partial view of the Citadel and the Old Town from the West. Enlargement of the museum
area through its connection to the walkway on the walls passing through the revitalized archaeological excavations.
201
2. DESCRIPTION
Fig. 147 (left) The walkway on the walls in the northern area.
Fig.148 (right) The Custom and the defensive walls overlooking the sea
Fig. 149 The inscription Nemo profeti acepti est in patria sua at the entrance of a residential Venetian building in Ulcinj
Fig. 150 Picture of the inner part of the cistern taken after the earthquake in 1979.
202
Because of its beauty and functionality, the successive The coat of arms in relief consists of two large and two
rulers used the palace as a royal palace. Not far from the small lions with deer horns.
Palace of Venice there is Palazzo dei Balsici that, in fact, In a circular there is a medallion (Fig. 149) with engraved
is a large Venetian building. monogram, which can be translated as: Nemo profeti
acepti est in patria sua (No one is accepted as a prophet
For the construction of the civil buildings they were in his homeland). According to the inscription, it is
used mostly local gray stone and stone imported from possible that the palace belonged to a nobleman
Korcula for rabbets and architectural details. For the exiled from Venice. Reconstruction was performed
beams of the houses and the construction of higher after the earthquake, and the frame of another portal
floors they used local wood. that made an arch over the lintel, has been amended to
From the standpoint of environmental values, two rectangular, without any molding. Along the width of
objects in particular stand out: it is a sizeable palace the yard, which originally seemed to be living space in
from the Venetian era. Over the course of time, the the former palace, and in the Ottoman period, the first
palace was demolished up to the height of the first floor was rebuilt, and in the entire width of the building
floor, and at the time of the Ottomans largely rebuilt. the second floor was added.
From the Venetian period remained all the external
walls of the ground floor and part of the upper floor, Ulcinj is therefore not only defensive fortified city but
made of hewn blocks layered in regular rows. The also a place for trade and especially with spaces for
ceiling molded cornice with a number of consoles the storage of food and water. The area of the Citadel,
has also been preserved, as well as the two portals. the administrative and commercial center (Fig. 148), it
The larger portal is richly decorated. Door frames have was still defense as much as the one facing the Adriatic
molded Renaissance capitals and in the lunette there is (Fig.151).
a 78x40 cm plate, with the coat of arms and inscription.
Fig. 151 The fortified city of Ulcinj seen from the sea
203
2. DESCRIPTION
2.b History and development
2.b.1 Introduction
Between the 15th and the 17th centuries, the the birth of the science of ballistics, encouraged the
Serenissima Republic of Venice carried out a complex superseding of empiricism in the planning phase
and joint project to secure its territories and trade (coherent in variants and adjustments during works)
interests, which extended as far as the Middle East. in favour of a more global management, from the
project to the shipyard, actively participated in the
The most representative result of this grandiose task debate between the polyvalent Fig. of the architect (of
was the creation of an exception fortified network B7JUSVWJBO"MCFSUJOF DVMUVSBM NBLFVQ
BOE UIF NPSF
developed along the western coast of the Adriatic specific one of military theorist.
Sea, which can still be noticed today: in the extremely
vast territory made up by the Stato di Terra (Veneto, The military works constructed by the Republic of
Lombardy and Friuli, in Italy) and the Stato di Mare Venice during in the Renaissance testify the maturing
(Croatia, Montenegro), over the course of three PGBIJHIMFWFMPGUFDIOJDBMTLJMMT UIFGVMMDPOUSPMPGXJEF
centuries, innovative and technically alla moderna scale planning even when works were undertaken
fortified structures started to take form and take place GBS BXBZ GSPN UIF DBQJUBM DJUZ 7FOJDF JO GBDU UIF
in the history of European military architecture. historiography of the Republic has ideologically
compared the exceptional political and financial
In the middle of the 15th century, what determined commitment lavished on the defence organisation of
the start of the grandiose general restructuring project the dominated territory with the large undertakings
was the diffusion of gunpowder with the consequent of ancient Roma (P. Paruta, Historia venetiana, Venice
PCTPMFTDFODFPGNFEJFWBMEFGFODFXPSLTUIJTDIBOHF 1718).
meant that it was indispensable to transform the
existing fortified structures so that they were suitable Following a summary on the main events that have
for the new war techniques. characterised the history of the Republic of Venice,
In this scenario of huge cultural renewal universally from which todays European defence works originated
known as the Renaissance architects, engineers and and developed.
military officers of varying origins were commissioned
by the Serenissima, leaving an indelible mark that is
recognised throughout the world.
The advent of the alla moderna fortification, otherwise

known as the bastioned system, introduced defence
elements (such as bastion, ravelin, gallery, esplanade,
FUD
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urban fabric making some indelible changes also in
the relationship between city and countryside.
Modern realisations led to a radical change in the
medieval landscape made up of towers and crenelated
castles which were then replaced by the curving lines
of the keeps (15th century) and then by the bastions
(16th and 17th centuries).
*OUIFSTUUIJSUZZFBSQFSJPEPGUIFUIDFOUVSZ UIF
Serenissima was the first place to lay the foundations
for renaissance changes in fortification art, favoured
204
2.b HISTORY AND DEVELOPMENT
2.b.2 Summary of the historical events of the Republic of Venice
421 (agreed date) Foundation of the first nucleus of the city of Venice on the island of Rialto
452 Start of the barbaric invasions and consequent migration from the Veneto hinterland
towards the Lagoon.
476 Fall of the Western Roman Empire (deposition of Emperor Romolus Augustus by Odoacer).
The cult of St Mark spreads throughout the Venetian Lagoon.
900 Constitution of the oligarchic Republican State led by the Doge elected by the Higher
Council. The structure remains practically unchanged until the Napoleonic conquest.
Awarded the Bolla dOro to recognise its status as privileged partner of the Byzantine
Empire (Acquisition of financial and tariff privileges).
Annexation of the Bellunese area. Establishment of relations with the Holy Roman Empire
of Ottone III
1002 Conquest of the Apulian territories held by the Turks and which Venice returns to Byzantium
1004 Submission of Dalmatia, from Quarnato to the Bocche di Cattaro. The Doge becomes Dux
Veneticorum et Dalmaticorum
1062 ;BSBXBS5IF7FOFUJBOTEFDMBSFXBSBHBJOTUUIF%BMNBUJBOJTMBOETQSPUFDUFECZUIF,JOH
of Hungary.
The Byzantine Empire grants full freedom of trade and the right to build Economical
Embassies throughout the Empire (1082)
1085 Expansion of the dominions on the Adriatic Sea following the victory against the Normans:
the Doge becomes Dux Veneticorum Dalmaticorum et Croatorum
Croatia passes to the King of Hungary.
1095 The First Crusade starts
from 1102 War against the King of Hungary and Croatia (lasted almost 300 years):
1104 Foundation of the Venice Arsenal
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3FDPORVFTUPG;BSB
1135 Hungary reconquers part of Croatia (Sebenico, Tra and Spalato)
1147 The Second Crusade starts
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1177 Diplomatic success of the Serenissima in resolving Papal, Empirical, Norman and Byzantine
disputes. The Pope confirms Venices dominion of the sea, today celebrated with the
Sposalizio festival during the della Sensa holiday (Ascension Day). Full recognition of the
Sovereignty of the Republic of St Mark
1183 Resolution of disputes with Constantinople through the payment of a tax on Venetian
trade rights in Constantinople
1187 The Third Crusade starts
205
2. DESCRIPTION
"Bolla d'Oro" acquisition of new important trade concessions in the Byzantine Empire.
Start of the Fourth Crusade against Egypt, which then becomes a war against Constantinople
enormously increasing Venetian influence in the East
Seizure and pillage of Constantinople (13th April 1204)
1310 Institution of the Council of Ten, responsible for overseeing security in the lands of the
Republic
Conquest of Sebenico
1358 $SPBUJBSFUVSOTUP)VOHBSJBOSVMF ;BSB1FBDF
1368 The first treaty between Venice and the Turks is drafted
from 1404 First configuration of the Terra Firma State with the acquisition of vast properties in the
Veneto area (Padua, Verona)
1406 Institution of the charge of Captain General of the Terraferma to defend the new dominions.
The Turks guarantee Venetians freedom of movement within the Empir
from 1409 $PORVFTUPGQBSUPG$SPBUJB ;BSB 4FCFOJDP $VS[PMB

PG'SJVMJBOE"RVJMFJB
1423 Given the name Signoria della Serenissima
1425 Expansion of the Stato di Terra up to Bergamo and Brescia
Conquest of Peschiera del Garda and Friulian territories towards the north (1445).
1484 Maximum expansion of the Stato di Terra : the Serenissima becomes the largest, richest and
most populated Italian state.
1494 Alliance of the Serenissima with Milan, the Pope, Spain and the Empire against Charles VIII
of France.
"OUJ7FOFUJBODPBMJUJPO -FBHVFPG$BNCSBJ

GPSNFECZUIF&NQFSPSPG"VTUSJB UIF4QBOJTI
UIF'SFODI UIFTFJHOJPSJFTPG6SCJOP .BOUVBBOE'FSSBSB7FOJDFJTEFGFBUFEJO"HOBEFMMP
(1509): France invades the Stato di Terra up to the borders of the lagoon, the Papal and
Spanish troops conquer part of Venetian Puglia and the Austrians invade Friuli.
The defeat is a determining factor for the alla moderna fortification project of the Stato di
Terra and Stato di Mare
Alliance with the Papacy and Spain (Holy League) against France. Venice takes back a large
part of her dominions in Northern Italy.
1526 Alliance between Venice, Florence and the Papacy against the Imperials (Holy League of
Cognac)
1529 End of hostilities between Venice, Holy Roman Empire, Kingdom of France and the Papal
State (Cambrai Peace)
War against the Turks.

Birth of a new magistrature known as Superintendents of the Fortress granted control of
the defence works.
1540 Peace Treaty between the Turks and Venice who, in exchange, must hand over some
possessions from the Dalmatian hinterland.
206
Battle of Lepanto. The victory over the Turks did not stop Venice from losing her dominions
in Cyprus (Nicosia and Famagosta) and other possessions in the Aegean, but Venice kept
hold of Candia, the Ionic Islands and took back possession of the whole of Dalmatia. General
revision of the ports of the Venetian Lagoon and construction of the fortified octagons
1623 Alliance between Venice, France and the Kingdom of Savoy against Spain. The Thirty Years
War starts
1669 Stato di Mare suffers great losses

1713 End of the Spanish dominions in Italy (Utrecht Peace). Venice stresses her international
neutrality, losing Spanish support
1718 Stato di Mare is reduced to the Dalmatian coasts
1719 Loss of exclusive control over the trade routes of the Adriatic Sea, following the introduction
of the Free Port set up by the Austrians in Trieste
1795 Start of the Napoleonic campaigns in Italy

1797 The Republic of Venice surrenders to Napoleon (12th May), signing of the peace treaty
between Venice and France (16th May), final official act by the Serenissima. The 4th June is
declared a national holiday with the French presiding over the city.
1797 Venice is surrendered by the French to the Austrians (Treaty of Campoformio, 17th October).
Venice will remain Austrian until the Unification of Italy
2.b.3 History and development of the the threatening advances of Gian Galeazzo Visconti
property (Duke of Milano since 1395), the Serenissima started
expanding greatly in the capital city hinterland: in 1410
Due to the complexity of the Venetian history, the it had already conquered a large part of the Veneto,
following paragraphs are a summary of the main including some important cities such as Verona and
events that characterised the birth and development Padova.
of the alla moderna defensive works, identifying three
important chronological phases: the first, transitory, Moreover, the Republic contained within its dominions
phase sees the Republic of St.Mark involved in a series of the territory of that which had been the X Augustus
interventions and experiments that reveal the passing Region of the Italian peninsula (Venetia et Histria) and
from a medieval system of protection techniques to a in 1428 the Lombard cities of Bergamo, Brescia and
modern defence works (end of the 15th century). Crema also become Venetian, as well as the territories
of the Valle Camonica.
In the second phase (16th century), technically more This is how the vast and spread out Stato di Terra of the
advanced Venetian military structures spread in a Republic of Venice was defined.
capillary fashion across the territory, conceived to
contrast the widespread use of firearms. Following her expansion in the Terraferma and
regarding the Turkish threat in the Mediterranean and
While, in the third phase (17th century), the defence in the Balkans, the Serenissima showed the desire to
works and codifying of project criteria and constructive DPNQMFUFMZ SFWJFX UIF NJMJUBSZ TFU VQ PG UIF OFXMZ
techniques were completed. conquered territories and to bring it under a unitary
control.
15TH CENTURY : DEFINING A UNITARY DEFENCE PLAN The first sign of this intent dates back to 1409 when the
Senate contemporarily urged works to rearrange and
At the beginning of the 15th century, in response to strengthen the Fortress already present in the Stato di
207
2. DESCRIPTION
Terra territories. In Dalmatia, in the first decades of the 15th century,

During the same period, the Serenissima extended the Serenissima strengthened the defence workss
her coastal possession in the Middle and Low Adriatic PG UIF NBJO QPSU DJUJFT JODMVEJOH ,PUPS JCFOJL BOE
where, since 1406, a number of outposts had been ;BEBS XJUI QBSUJBM JOUFSWFOUJPOT CBTFE NBJOMZ PO UIF
established and Korula and, to the south, Herceg Novi SFGPSNJOHPGQSFFYJTUJOHTUSVDUVSFT
and Kotor had been acquired. At this time, there was still no overall defence project
The hinterland territories remained under the control for the coordination of the interventions, and often it
of the Ottomans who had settled there in 1388. The fell to the individual communities to ask the Venetian
Stato di Mare was therefore a very unusual territorial government to carry out defence works.
entity as it was formed by centres located far away from Nonetheless, the final decision was down to the higher
the capital and mainly connected by maritime routes. organisms of the State and was always evaluated based
on the overall defence needs of the Stato di Mare.
The defence and administration of these territories
therefore was founded on guaranteeing the security In the second half of the century, the desire arose
of those navigation routes that were essential for UP SFGPSUJGZ UIF 3FQVCMJDT FOUJSFUZ PG MBOE BOE TFB
both the Republics economy as well as the territorial EPNJOJPOT JO GBDU JO UIF DFOUSBM (PWFSONFOU
government. For this reason, we can affirm that the through the powerful Consiglio dei Dieci (Council of
main fortifications of the Stato di Mare were essentially Ten), started a complete cartographic reconnaissance
functional to the control of the sea routes and the of all the Serenissimas territories, from the western
lagoon ports. outposts to the eastern ones.
From the defence point of view, the coastal works While the unusual defence works of the city of Venice
were better organised though not yet alla moderna XBT VOEFSXBZ UIF DJUZ PG ;BEBS XBT SFJOGPSDFE BOE
o DPNQBSFE UP UIF OFXMZBDRVJSFE POF PO UIF UFSSB became an island, linked to the Terraferma by a bridge
firma as Venice had been though not continually according to a model that would be replicated in Corfu
present in the Stato di Mare territories from the Middle and Buronzo.
Ages. In particular, in the most representative area of Large scale interventions such as these that led to the
the Venetian presence recognised, even by its enemies, transformation of the topography of the areas, largely
as the Golfo di Venezia (Istria, Dalmatia and Albania carried out in the East mid/century, were found within
Veneta), the Serenissima had governed in phases BXJEFSDPOUFYUPGUIFSFGPSNJOHPGQVCMJDQMBDFTBOE
from as early as the Middle Ages and was definitively strengthening of the logistics structures, military and
acquired by Ladislaus of Hungary in 1409. civil ports.
In the second half of the 15th century, also following

the fall of Constantinople (1453), the political situation
of Venices eastern possessions changed dramatically.
5IF"ESJBUJD4FBTBXUIFSTU7FOFUJBO5VSLJTIDPOJDU
and just a few years later, during the war of Ferrara

,PSVMB BOE ;BEBS XPVME CF BUUBDLFE XIJMF
Herceg Novi would fall in 1482.
Despite the fact that the main interventions focussed
on the maritime territories, as mentioned above, in
the Stato di Terra they were building the foundations
for the colossal system project which, in the following
century, would reach its climax.
In fact, in 1468, the Senate commissioned the
Territories of the Republic of Venice: dark red, conquered at the engineer Ludovico da Crema the task of reviewing
TUBSUPGUIFUIDFOUVSZSFE BUUIFTUBSUPGUIFUIDFOUVSZQJOL the Terraferma FortressUIFTBNFUBTLXBTHJWFOTPNF
DPORVFSFEUFNQPSBSJMZZFMMPX UIFTFBEPNJOBUFECZUIF7FOFUJBO
years later to the Brescia architect Jacopo Coltrino.
FFUEVSJOHUIFUIDFOUVSZPSBOHF UIFNBJOSPVUFTBOEQVSQMF
squares are the main emporiums and commercial colonies Nonetheless, at the end of the century, the Terraferma
208
fortifications system appeared once more to be the During the same period, the urban fabric of
result of the aggregation for contiguity of local defence Venetian fortified cities were involved in a general
workss (Fig.1). SFEFWFMPQNFOU PG UIF VSCBO TQBDFT BOE BSDIJUFDUVSF
On the other hand, the techniques and forms of these changes are emblematic of Venices economic
fortified architecture were being updated at a fast rate. strength, refined tastes and modern culture that united
*OUIFMBTUUXFOUZWFZFBSTPGUIFUIDFOUVSZ JOGBDU local construction traditions with the most up to date
the Venetian fortification experiences and the central BSUJTUJDBSDIJUFDUVSBMUSFOET
*UBMJBO6SCJOPCBTFEDJSDMFXBMMTOBMMZNFU An important example of this is the case of Bergamo
The works and writings by Siennese Francesco di where, among others, Donato Bramante worked, one of
(JPSHJP.BSUJOJ
XIPIBENPWFEUP6SCJOP the most important figures of the Italian Renaissance.
JO UIF DPVSU PG 'FEFSJDP EB .POUFGFMUSP
Territories of the Republic of Venice: dark red, conquered
were quickly known at Venice and, uncoincidentally, BUUIFTUBSUPGUIFUIDFOUVSZSFE BUUIFTUBSUPGUIF
many architects and engineers called to work for the UIDFOUVSZQJOL DPORVFSFEUFNQPSBSJMZZFMMPX UIF
Serenissima came from the Montefeltro court. sea dominated by the Venetian fleet during the 15th
Consequently with differing time rates and methods DFOUVSZPSBOHF UIFNBJOSPVUFTBOEQVSQMFTRVBSFT
for each component medieval defence elements are the main emporiums and commercial colonies
were gradually replaced with new reinforced elements
that clearly speak a language of transition directed 16TH CENTURY: THE SPREAD OF ALLA MODERNA
towards the 16th century alla moderna fortification. VENETIAN FORTIFICATION
5IF NPTU SFQSFTFOUBUJWF FYBNQMF JT DMFBSMZ UIF TFNJ
circular keeps in Korula, a city that was almost The solidification of the Stato di Terra and its vast
exclusively governed by the Serenissima from the 1st proportions stirred up the anger of the great powers,
millennium until 1797.
Fig. 1 The Venetian terrafermaJOBQBSDINFOUNBQ UIDFOUVSZEFUBJM *TUBNCVM 5PQ,BQJ4BSBZJ-JCSBSZ JO$PODJOB
209
2. DESCRIPTION
JODMVEJOHUIF1BQBM4UBUFTDPOTFRVFOUMZ JO UIF Republics Military (1527), the Duke had a deep impact
Pope, the King of France, the Emperor of the Holy Roman on the first stage of the great Venetian fortifying season,
Empire and the King of Aragon formed a coalition to elaborating a new understanding of fortified city.
destroy the Serenissima (League of Cambrai), occupying
and dividing up the Stato di Mare. Despite the Leagues Aware of the impossibility to apply the regular
victory (Battle of Agnadello, 1509), the troops stopped geometrical models illustrated by the treatise writing
at the edge of the Lagoon, without causing substantial of the times to the sites to be fortified, della Rovere
damage in the Venetian territory of Lombard Veneto. developed a new conception of fortified city from the
The war experience greatly drew the attention of third decade of the century: the perimeter walls took
the Venetian government to themes of defence and on a variable geometry which was defined case by case
NJMJUBSZDPOUSPMPGUIFMBSHFDJUJFTPG-PNCBSEP7FOFUP CZTUVEZJOHUIFHFPNPSQIPMPHZPGUIFTJUF
It was Doge Andrea Gritti with the contribution of The new fortification proposed included, as well as the
(FOFSBM #BSUPMPNFP E"WJBOP
XIP JO IJT walls, the use of an esplanade and moat, preferably a
report in 1517, outlined the substantial traits of the first dry moat so that the settlers could attack any aggressors
phase to update the defence works in these territories. with artificial fire.
Large territorial rearrangement operations moved The bastions are set up and geometrically defined
from the abandonment of some medieval fortified starting from the propping visual. The bastion
sites along the Veronese border and drew up a plan to perimeter, in turn, orders the tracks and internal
directly control the large cities in the plains which Gritti geometry, so that the settlement within the walls
intended to integrate with the construction of new becomes an exercise ground for the army. To this end,
fortifications along the southern border of the Stato di roads were laid that quickly crossed the city to connect
Mare (Fig2). opposing ramparts, open spaces for the troops, ring
It was in this century that the military architecture roads and a road system designed for quick access to
started to become more of a science than an art, defend the gates.
becoming a discipline in its own right compared to civil On the territorial scale, della Rovere identified a system
architecture. Supported by an exception theoretical of priorities and interdependency between the various
apparatus, the new science of fortification would, defence works so they could protect each other
OPOFUIFMFTT IBWF UP TUBOE VQ UP UIF QSFFYJTUJOH reciprocally. From this basis, in times of hardship, it
TZTUFNT FDPOPNJDQPMJUJDBMEJDVMUJFTBOEUIFVOJRVF would have been possible to organise the defence of
HFPNPSQIPMPHJDBMGFBUVSFTPGFBDITJUF the entire Republic of St. Mark, without having to wait
The great ability of the technicians would, therefore, for provisions from the capital city.
manifest itself through the creation of mediation
solutions between the strictly defensive urban logics At the beginning of the 1530s, the overall territorial
and the civil functionality of the urban structure. strategy was clarified and took into account the
1BSUJDVMBSMZ EVSJOH (SJUUJT UJNF BT %PHF
large areas of potential international conflict. In this
the policy of protect and adorn took shape, uniting the viewpoint, Generale della Rovere assimilated the vast
Venetian military culture and making it recognisable by area of the Terraferma BT B TPSU PG FOPSNPVT DJUZGPSU
grafting purely symbolical architectural interventions where the cities took on the value of ramparts, while
on military works for example, the monumental mountains and rivers became curtains.
architecture used as city gates. The fortified territory is reinterpreted as a space in which
The gate, in fact, was to project the Serenissimas power individual defence complexes are fixed, functional
over the territory while at the same time being a support points for the army defending them. It is in this
QTZDIPMPHJDBMEFUFSSFOUGPSIFSFOFNJFT BTUIF;BEBS period that things on the land depend on those on the
Gate did, among others. sea first was affirmed, according to a conception that
was totally integrated by the two States of the Republic
A decisive turn towards unitary management of the of St. Mark.
fortified interventions is owed to the strict control of
'SBODFTDP .BSJB EFMMB 3PWFSF
UIF %VLF Top grade experts also were involved in the Stato di
of Urbino. In his role as Governor General of the Mare, moving constantly between the Terraferma
210
and the Adriatic coast. Here for example, as well as From Sanmichelis 1535 report and Francesco Maria
%FMMB 3PWFSF BSDIJUFDU .JDIFMF 4BONJDIFMJ Della Roveres evaluations, the defence works of the
1559), engineer of the Consiglio dei Dieci, covered a capital city of Venice was started, the foundations of
fundamental role. which had already been set up in the previous century.
The two of them were often in intellectual conflict Sanmicheli was commissioned the task of undertaking
and proposed different strategies on how to intervene a study on the lagoon, particularly focussing on the
in Dalmatia, but their contribution led to some truly Lido and the Port inlets.
BWBOUHBSEFTPMVUJPOT*OGBDU JOUIFSTUIBMGPGUIFUI The matter of the methods of defending the city of
century, General della Rovere conditioned the general Venice and of her role within the overall frame of the
set up of many defence works, while Sanmicheli and territorys defence works is of course one of the central
his family established the formal and architectural themes of the renaissance debate on security.
BTQFDUT PG UIF GPSUJDBUJPOT BNPOH PUIFST UIF DBTF This debate started from Francesco Maria della Roveres
PG ;BEBS JT QBSUJDVMBSMZ TJHOJDBOU JO VOEFSTUBOEJOH reflection on the opportunities to modernise fortified
the relationship between the two great leaders of this elements to protect the main access to the City Venice
extraordinary moment of construction. (Lido) indicated as the home of liberty even from
Fig. 2 Giacomo Gastaldi, Golfo di Venetia, 1560, Geographia particolare duna gran parte dellEuropa novamete descritta (in National
Library,Firenze)
211
2. DESCRIPTION
Petrarchs times. This is why the great Arsenal would century.

never be updated following the new fortification Moreover, to avoid discretional variants during the
techniques, neither during the 16th century, no later construction of the Fortress, in order to have strict
on. control over the military shipyards, a series of decrees
established procedures for fortification interventions
Unlike her dominions, the city Venice considered and in 1550, an archive for the resolutions and
a free and open capital could not appear openly fortification project models (including the famous
military nor could she be bordered by imposing wooden model, 1612, which is still preserved there
bastions, only by nature and the water. This is why they today) was set up in the Doges Palace and then
decided against surrounding Venice with bastioned transferred in the 18th century to the Arsenal and
walls and the image of a city without walls became a is currently partly conserved in the Historical Naval
definitive and characteristic feature of the legend of Museum.
the Serenissima.
So, in order to guarantee Venices military security From the second half of the century, the expensive and
respecting her reputation of liberty and the importance unending works to defend large cities was joined by
of the Republics civil values, the Duke of Urbino and the creation of Fortress, some even quite small, located
Sanmicheli made similar proposals based on building along strategically important points. In this way,
integrated systems of territorial defence. Francesco Maria Della Roveres initial proposal to create
a new series of military ports, disconnected from the
The military yards opened in the 1540s once again fortified cities (like in Hvar) was carried out.
involved Sanmicheli at the same time as Guidobaldo These port cities became bases of primary importance
** %FMMB 3PWFSF
UPPL DPNNBOE PG UIF as they provided consistent support to the shipyard
Venetian military, following in his fathers footsteps. activities and maintenance which until the first half
Architect Sanmicheli was given full design autonomy of the century had been completely focussed on the
only in explicitly formal interventions aimed at Venetian Arsenal.
SFQSFTFOUJOH UIF NBJFTUBT 3FQVCMJDBF B QFSGFDU BOE New management lines were defined in this period.
unique example of this is the gate towards the sea of The fortification project was given to the military expert,
the St Andrea fort in Venice where the military function or rather the war general with proven experience in
is civilised by the ornate classical frons scenae, based the battlefield, who brought to light the functional
on the model of Veronas gates in Istria stone. aspects of the defence works gradually moving
away from the equip and adorn concept that had
%VSJOH UIF TBNF QFSJPE UIF BHFPME QSPCMFN characterised the century until then. As established by
of ensuring unitary management over the new the Senate, the public purse was to serve, from now on,
fortification interventions finally came to a conclusion the Fortress and the security of the city and no longer
and new state organisational structures were created for impertinent decorations.
for the definition and control of the fortification set up Thus, the allusive and symbolic architectural motifs
on the territorial scale. and architectural monumentalism of the city gates,
The problem of management efficiency in the design like those of Bergamo and later of Palmanova, should
and shipbuilding industry had already been brought up be interpreted as evident concessions allowed by
by Francesco Maria Della Rovere when the fortification QPMJUJDBMTUSBUFHJD PQQPSUVOJUJFT BOE BSF B QBSU PG
of Corfu (1537) had been taken on by the military the rhetorical patterns of the celebration of Venices
treatise writing as an emblematic example of the Imperial greatness.
Serenissimas indecision regarding military architecture
and her engineers inability to predict the future. While the shipyards in the Stato di Mare continued,
The concept of a strictly coordinated territorial planning elsewhere in the waters an initial revision of the
and the precise hierarchisation of the competences territorial fortification strategy set up between 1517
came to a head in 1542 with the institution of the and 1532 was carried out aimed at developing a plan
Magistrature of the Superintendents of the Fortress, for defence works for the Friuli region.
which remained in operations until the end of the 18th Only in this way could the Serenissima prove her
212
successful government and in this way live up to works.

her myth, thus imitating the Romans who built the In the last decade of the century, not only did the
VOJWFSTBMMZSFOPXOFE "RVJMFJB GPS UIF TFDVSJUZ PG problem of defencing the eastern borders of the Stato
UIPTF UFSSJUPSJFT 4P UIF DJUZGPSUSFTT 1BMNBOPWB XBT di Mare from the Turks (who, in the previous century had
UIFiOFX"RVJMFJBw5IFCVJMEJOHPGUIFOFXMZGPVOEFE QBTTFEUIF#BMLBOTBOEMBOEFEJO'SJVMJ
SFFNFSHF CVU
DJUZGPSUSFTTXBTEFMJCFSBUFECZUIF4FOBUFJOBOE above all, protecting the territory from the expansion
its fame soon spread throughout the world, as wrote of Austria became a matter of urgency. As Gradisca
the General Superintendent, Antonio Memmo, in a passed to the Imperials, Venice found herself forced to
Report of 1599: from faraway lands every day we see construct a new fortified hub.
high quality people come and reflect and admire it as
a champion of Italy and of the state of this Serenissima In 1593, the Serenissima undertook an inimitable task:
Republic. UIFDSFBUJPOPGBQFSGFDU OFXMZGPVOEFEDJUZGPSUSFTT
TZNCPMJDBMMZ DBMMFE 1BMNB

%VSJOH UIF UIJSE UXFOUZWF ZFBS QFSJPE PG UIF UI the construction of which required huge economic
century, the programmes started in the first half of the commitment and included the participation of the
century were continued, but advances were also made most skilful administrations, architects and engineers
between technology and knowledge, developments PG UIF *UBMJBO 3FOBJTTBODF 8JUI JUT EJTUJODUJWF TUBS
in the art of war and incessant activities regarding the shaped plan, which gave rise to the radial urban design,
building of the Fortress. Palma embodies the Renaissance ideal of geometric
Moreover, the fear for the fate of the western Terraferma perfection, representing the principle of universal
would, in some cases, forcibly hasten the works, centrality of man based on Renaissance humanism.
significantly extending the building interventions
which were becoming increasingly cumbersome At the end of the 16th century, the grandiose defence
and requiring more from the Serenissima. One of the network, from the Terraferma to Albania Veneta,
emblematic defence operations of the western borders appears perfectly defined.
is the alla moderna XBMMT JO #FSHBNP

which, under the Spanish threat (1561), became a 17TH CENTURY: COMPLETION OF THE DEFENCE
demonstration of Venices absolute power. WORKS AND THE PERFETIONING OF THE
CONSTRUCTIVE TECHNIQUES
Among the figures taking part in planning and
approving projects, some that are worthy of mention With the first War of Succession of Mantua and
are Sforza Pallavicino Governor General of the .POUGFSSBU
UIF MFWFM PG BMBSN SPTF
Serenissima and Giulio Savorgnan (1510 1595), throughout the Stato di Mare.
commissioned to supervise the Fortress. They innovated
the conception of defence both on a territorial scale as The most important innovations in the field of military
well as to the individual military productions. architecture in the first half of the 17th century, widely
The continuation and the integration of the spread thanks to the treatise writing of the time, are
programmes carried out led, in many cases, to firmly founded on the Euclidean geometric approach
interventions to complete and renovate bastioned to defence planning and logistical and technical
walls designed and built just twenty or thirty years support of action on the field.
earlier, often transforming walled ramparts into These theories were quickly carry out in the defence
terreplain bastions, the strengthening of excessively works of the Serenissima, as shown, for example, by
long courtyards and the addition of trunnions to round the projects by Francesco Tensinis, enlightening and
the sides of the bastions. resolute in the case of Peschiera del Garda. Thanks to
Tensini, the walls were equipped with an important
Among others, we should mention the defence works external component: the falsabraga.
PG ;BEBS XIJDI BU UIF FOE PG UIF UI DFOUVSZ XBT This component was a walkway protected by a parapet
considered a site without equal throughout the Orient found at the bottom of the wall. From here, you could
as it was a central point of the entire maritime defence beat the summit of the terrace thus annulling any
213
2. DESCRIPTION
advantage of enemies that may have reached the precious 17th century iconographic bodies.
covered road as well as attack with fire, much more Between 1644 and 1669, public resources were fully
destructive than a shot fired from above. invested in the revision, updating and functioning
More generally, Tensini also proposed a territorial needs of the defence apparatus of the Republic and
defence works made up of small placements around in particular of the Stato di Mare .To resist the Turks in
the Fortress and the main cities: a capillary defence TPVUIFBTU&VSPQF JOUIFOFX%PHF.BSD"OUPOJP
works that could adapt to the dynamics of war, Giustinian signed a pact with the Austrian Emperor
extending throughout the territory and no longer Leopoldo I and King Giovanni III Sobieski of Poland.
limited exclusively to the closed fort. (Fig.3)
Similar solutions were also used by Filippo Besset di Under the command of the most expert captains
Verneda, another top level specialist in 17th century (Francesco Morosini, Pietro Valadier, Leonardo Foscolo
Venetian military architecture. and Girolamo Cornaro), the Serenissima significantly
Their work not only permitted the spread of new extended her dominions for the last time, in the high
defence theories, but also the understanding of an and mid Adriatic, including the 1687 conquest of
important aspect of 17th century military science Herceg Novi which, located beyond the Ottoman
the systematic extension of the field of action in two enclave, underwent complex renovation works
directions at the same time. significantly represented by its Forte Mare.
Towards the inside of the fortified city, the new
defence theories determined the creation of logistic 'PMMPXJOH UIF USFBUZ PG $BSMPXJU[
UIF 7FOJDF
JOGSBTUSVDUVSF VTFE GPS USPPQT RVBSUFST UPXBSET UIF 5VSLFZ&NQJSF CPSEFS UIF (SJNBOJ -JOF
XBT EFOFE
outside, the open fortified space through additional in Dalmatia and at the same time, all the fortified works
defence works to increase the defence area of the 16th located therein were reviewed.
century esplanade: long, articulated tunnels ran under Despite the important developments of the Venetian
UIFFYUSBNPFOJBBSFBTDPOOFDUJOHUPUIFCBTUJPOTBOE military organisation in the first decades of the 18th
the ravelins (also newly constructed) which extended century, the decline in large defence workss and
the 16th century defences towards the territory. the large fortification works they were made up of
Thus, defence works took on the appearance of appeared irreparable due to the unfortunate lack of
complex, articulated organisms, widely replaced by the political ability and finances available to the Republic.
Fig. 3 V.M. Coronelli Parte occidentale dell Europa...[and] Parte orientale dellEuropa 1692. Detail.
214
2.b.4 History of the specific components
2.b.4.1 Fortified city of Bergamo
In order to give an overall view of the events that For a detailed analysis of the history and development
characterised the fortified city of Bergamo, below is during the Serenissima time, please see the text further
a summary of the phases that precede and follow the below.
Venetian era.
10 th BC 4FUUMFNFOUPGUIFSTU$FMUJD-JHVSJBOQFPQMFT 0SPCJJ

6 thBC Formation of a primitive settlement on the hill.
FOEOE#$TU#$ Start of the Roman era: Bergamo is a Municipium civium romanorum (43 BC). The inhabited
area made up of domus, forums, public buildings and monuments, necropolises, is defended
by a city wall of which clear traces remain today (see chapter 2.a.4.1).
4th Bergamo enters the Regio Venetia.
end 4th Presence of a Castellum Bergomense on the Hill of St Vigilio.

904 Start of the episcopal Government: the Roman fortified works are strengthened and extended.
10th Reconstruction of the castle on the Hill of St Vigilio.

1098 The Municipality of Bergamo is founded.
UIUI Extension of the urban nucleus beyond the Roman city walls following extraordinary
demographic and trade growth.
1332 Start of the Viscounts Dominion: the urban centre on the hill is prefigured. The inhabited area
is compact around the branches of civil and religious power. Other homes scattered around
UIFXBMMJOEJDBUFUIFGPSNBUJPOPGFYUSBNPFOJBWJMMBHFT
Formation of the prominent urban military area known as the Fortress (Fortress): the main
square tower (keep) which is still there today was protected by a city wall which isolated the
inhabited area.
1355 Formation of the urban military area known as Citadel (Citadel) used to control the city more
than protect against threat from outside.
Venetian era
FOEUI Fortification interventions (see below)
17th Partial works on the city gates

1780 ca. Construction of the bridges leading to the city gates (San Lorenzo Gate, Porta San Giacomo)
1797 Start of the French era: the fortified city loses its role as strategic military post.
215
2. DESCRIPTION
end 18th century Destruction of the covered road between the Castle of St Vigilio and the bastioned walls. The
platforms of the ramparts, the ditch and the buffer zone around the walls were gradually
PDDVQJFECZWFHFUBCMFHBSEFOTBOEWJOFTBXBMLXBZBOEQVCMJDHBSEFOTXFSFTFUVQBMPOH
the fortified walls (from St Agostino Gate to Porta San Giacomo)
1814 Start of the Austrian era: the fortified city is demilitarised.
Some works of the wall are sold to private individuals but most of it remains property of the
State which guarantees its preservation and sets up new uses for it: the wall is used as a toll
barrier and the city gates are set up to receive duty payments.
Construction of the Viale delle Mura next to the ditch (currently leads south of the core zone).
Following revolts, the Austrians surround the Fortress with a wall outside of the Venetian
works.
1860 Bergamo becomes part of the Kingdom of Italy
from 1880 Partial modifications to the interior of the Fortress.
The Town Hall is transferred to the Lower City
1901 Demolition of the Muraine
1912 The cable car connection the fortified Citt Alta and the urban expansion in the plain lands is
established
TU Restoration works in a number of works of the bastioned walls and the outside forts (see
chapter 4_ State of conservation) Integral restoration of Porta San Alessandro
VENETIAN ERA FROM 15TH TO 17TH CENTURY The first phase
Based on an immense wealth of documentation, written In Bergamo, 1428 (Peace of Ferrara 19th April) marked
and iconographic sources, it is possible to identity two the end of the Viscount domination and the start of
main phases of development to fortify the city: an initial the long Venetian period which lasted for over three
period (late 15th century) when the Republic of Venice centuries, until 1797. Upon the arrival of the Republic
lay the foundations for the monumental alla moderna of Venice (6th May 1428), the entire community took
fortification works which would be constructed in the part in Mass and the public festivities that were held
second period (16th century, beginning of the 17th in the main square, highlighting the favour shown to
century) affecting the pre-existing urban centre and the Venetians by Bergamo. In fact, Bergamo gave itself
its outside areas. These two phases defined the close willingly and not by force to this very happy Republic
relationship between the overall defence works and the (Da Lezze,1988).
urban design, characterising even now the fortified city of This change was decisive for Bergamos history as the
Bergamo. city found itself for the first time within an innovative
system of management that was strongly centralised
Below, we highlight how the goal of the Serenissima was and dependant on the overall project created by the
double-sided: on one hand it aimed at the formal renewal Serenissima for its Terraferma territories.
of the city for representation reasons, on the other it aimed
to create a militarily exemplary post according to modern Within this global logic, Bergamo took on the role of
construction criteria. The exceptional result obtained in GSPOUJFS DJUZ GPS B XJEF QPXFSGVM 4UBUF JU XPVME IBWF
approximately two centuries required an extraordinary represented especially beyond the administrative
number of economic resources, administrators, architects confines of the Republic, the great power of the
and engineers for the time. Serenissima while also discouraging attacks by the
European empires.
216
Consequently, all activities concentrated on the As highlighted in the drawing by Alvise Cima , the walls
fortification aspects such as the formal and functional soared upwards, with no slope at the bottom, were
redevelopment of the place. crenelated and had a number of squared towers.(Fig.5)
This solution is world apart from that grandiose work of
In particular, during the first phase work was carried alla moderna military engineering with which Bergamo
PVUPOUIFDJUZXBMMToXIJDIXBTJOQBSU QSFFYJTUFOU was equipped in the following century, becoming a
which encompassed the medieval urban centre GPSUJFE DJUZ GPS BMM JOUFOUT BOE QVSQPTFT JO GBDU UIF
nestled on the hill and the outer villages (Fig.4
comparison between the Muraine and the 16th century
known as the Muraine, this initial city wall was built bastioned walls helped to understand the surprising
between 1430 and 1435 following criteria still linked progress made by Venetian military architecture over
to medieval construction techniques, therefore before a century.
the widespread use of artillery.
La Capela (St Vigilio Fort)
Fig. 4 Perspective representation of the Citt Alta (Life of St Benedict, 15th century, Town Library, Mantua). Urban set up of the city on the hill
before the arrival of the Venetians. Highlighted are the defence and urban hub, protected by the wall of medieval origin
(in the next page)

Fig. 5 Birds eye view (Alvise Cima,1693. In Town Library, Bergamo,Opera Pia Colleoni).This representation is of extraordinary interest as it shows
in great detail the urban set up of Bergamo in its medieval extension and includes the outer villages. The city is overlapped by the perimeter
of the bastioned walls built during the 16th century by the Venetians
217
2. DESCRIPTION
218
About one decade later, interventions focussed on Work started in around 1430 with the expansion of the
the Fortress, the urban work which had already been piazza which was then embellished with esteemed
fortified in part during the late Middle Ages thanks flooring (1461) and regularised with uniform faades
UP JUT QSPNJOFOU QPTJUJPO IFSF GSPN 7FOFUJBO (Fig.7).
masters built the castle residential area and, not long The backdrop of the medieval Palazzo della Ragione,
BGUFSXBSET UIFTRVBSFUPXFSUPUIFTPVUIFBTUPGUIF the Magistrates dwelling, was decorated in 1464 with
NFEJFWBM DBTUSVN XBT SFQMBDFE XJUI B NPSF VQUP the most recognisable of Venetian symbols: a plaque
date cylindrical keep with a high slope used to store with a golden lion on a blue background and the Doge
HVOQPXEFS
Fig. 6). Foscari kneeling.
These construction and functional strategies bear Some years later, on the faade of the Palazzo del
witness to an initial evolution in construction Podest, Donato Bramante, one of the most important
techniques and the purposes which were, by now, figures of the Italian Renaissance, was able to take his
determined by the widespread use of gunpowder. QMBDF 8JUI IJT JOUFSOBUJPOBMMZSFOPXOFE FYQFSUJTF
Bramante undertook a painted architecture of figures,
(SFBU BUUFOUJPO XBT GPDVTTFE PO UIF 7JTDPVOUPSJHJO which is undoubtedly the first experiment in Italy of
Citadel BU UIJT QPJOU OP MPOHFS VTFE GPS NJMJUBSZ perspective illusionism found in an urban setting. The
purposes, it was used as the Captains residence and expert use of perspective not only visibly dilated the
gradually demilitarised (1433 to 1516). urban area but also but the Magistrates building at the
This long, costly operation bears witness to the large centre of the focus.
scale of the project carried out by Venice which, as Though this precious work was cancelled by
XFMM BT NBLJOH UIF DJUZGPSUSFTT TBGF BMTP PSHBOJTFE subsequent remodelling, documents attesting it
the administrative and military functions in the more have allowed scholars to reconstruct Bramantes work
congenial urban areas.
Finally, a short distance beyond the urban borders, the
Hill of St Vigilio and its Castle (known as the Chapel) were
subjected to the first strengthening works carried out
CFUXFFOBOECZ#FSHBNPCBTFEFOHJOFFS
7FOUVSJOP .PSPOJ UIF PQFSBUJPO VOEFSUBLFO JO UIF
subsequent years introduced the concept of complex
fortified system on which Venices alla moderna military
architecture was based, where all the elements of the
system within and outside of the city walls are
connected by a close relationship of size and function.
As mentioned, alongside the fortification works, the
formal and functional redevelopment of the urban
centre was undertaken to show the military power
but also the cultural prestige of the SerenissimaXJUI
particular focus on the creation of places to host the
highest officials that governed locally: the Captain
(Prefect), the Podest (Magistrate) both Venetians
and the Bishop, who was also generally elected from
among the Venetian patriciate.
All this figures were appointed directly from Venice
and settled in the central places of the city: as well
as the Citadel which was, as we have already stated,
transformed for use by the Venetian Captain, the Platea Fig.6 Detail of the previous design (Cima, 1693).The Fortress following
Nova Magna (today Piazza Vecchia) in the heart of the the initial Venetian interventions. Note the original setup of the
city was gradually subjected to the transformations medieval castle with the modern form of the cylindrical keep to the
TPVUIFBTU
that we can still see today.
219
2. DESCRIPTION
which, thanks to a recent initiative by the Municipality and treatise renowned amongst the highest exponents
JT WJEFPQSPKFDUFE POUP UIF GBBEF PG UIF Palazzo del of the Italian Renaissance: Antonio di Pietro Averlino
Podest, thereby reconstructing the squares 15th known as Filarete.
century appearance. The architects high projectile expertise was put to the
At the same time, the religious hub was also subjected test faced with the difficult spatial conditions of the
UP B HSBEVBM BOE JNQPSUBOU SFEFWFMPQNFOU JO site, squeezed between other buildings of primary
fact, behind the Palazzo della Ragione, works were importance such as the Palazzo della Ragione and the
undertaken in the Piazza del Duomo where, from 1459, complex of Santa Maria Maggiore.
building on the new Cathedral named after St Vincent Filaretes empiric solution, which we know about
started. The Bishop Giovanni Barozzi elected in the thanks to designs from the time, was never realised but
7FOFUJBO QBUSJBSDIBUF DPNNJTTJPOFE UIF QSPKFDU PG did become a model for subsequent projects.
the most important church in Bergamo to an architect
At the same time a short distance away, on the south
side of the piazza, the Colleoni Chapel was built, another
building of fundamental importance amongst those
built in the early Italian Renaissance.
The mausoleum was created not only as a sumptuous
burial place, but a monument in honour of the glorious
MFBEFSPG#FSHBNP#BSUPMPNFP$PMMFPOJoEFDPSBUFEJO
the role of General Captain of the Republic of Venice
for over twenty years. The chapel covers all the most
innovative architectural criteria of the period: here, the
clear reflections of geometry experimented by Filippo
Brunelleschi in Florence (Old Sacristy of San Lorenzo),
by Lombard masters in Milan (Portinari Chapel in St
Eustorgio) and by Filarete in the cathedral nearby, fuse
together expertly with the local tradition.
Considered as the masterpiece of architect Giovanni
Antonio Amadeo, the Colleoni Chapel was built from
1472, imposed on the sacristy of the adjacent church of
Santa Maria Maggiore, which was demolished ignoring
the prohibition put in place by council regulations in
1391.
All this bears witness to the importance of this building
and especially the prestige of the General Captain of
UIF 3FQVCMJD UP XIJDI JU XBT EFEJDBUFE JO GBDU VQPO
the death of Colleoni in 1475, Venice itself took on
the task of completing the Chapel, partly modifying
the covering including characteristic of Venetian
architecture.
Still today, in fact, this central urban work is made up

of areas that are diverse but visually similar: the civil
hub (today Piazza Vecchia with the Palazzo del Podest
and the Palazzo della Ragione), the religious hub (today
Piazza Duomo with the Cathedral of San Vincenzo,
Fig. 7 Platea Nova Magna, today Piazza Vecchia in the tarsia by Santa Maria Maggiore and the Colleoni Chapel), and the
#SPUIFS %BNJBOP ;BNCFMMJ JO /PUF UIF DIFTTCPBSE PPSJOH trade hub (fish and linen market) (Fig.8)
(Bergamo, church of San Bartolomeo)
220
Starting from the area described above, the great more courtly aspect eloquently showing the economic
redevelopment commissioned by the Serenissima power, refined taste and cultural updating of notables
involved other urban works in the core zone between and entrepreneurs linked with Venice in a variety of
UIFUIBOEUIDFOUVSJFTJOQBSUJDVMBS XFSFNFNCFS ways: there was a sort of competition of abuse of
Via Gombito and the area around the Porta Dipinta, the right of property among the local Serenissima
where the facades, courtyards and interiors of the officials resident here and the rich merchants who
noble buildings took on Venetian forms decorated with unequivocally lead to distributing Renaissance taste in
perspective paintings on the Bramante model, thereby the civil architecture of Bergamo.
fusing a variety of languages and figurative cultures.
One significant example is the House of Benedetto Within this ambit, the transformation of the city of
Ghislandi (also known as the House of the Archpriest in Bergamo into fortified city of the Serenissima was the
via Donizetti) with its unmistakeable Venetian imprint, vehicle of a more general refined construction and
built at the end of the 15th century by the students of architectural redevelopment that summarised the
Pietro Lombardo artist of the frescoes on the faade most important models of the Italian Renaissance,
of the Scuola Grande di San Marco in Venice which Venetian elaborations and local tradition.
XBT DPNQMFUFE BU UIJT UJNF CZ UIF #FSHBNPCBTFE
architect Codussi. The civil architecture also taken on a Finally, we should mention the blossoming period
Fig. 8 Comparison between the construction setups of the central urban work before Venetian interventions (left) and following the mainly
formal transformations undertaken under commission by the Serenissima between the 15th and 16th century. Note the main Venetian
buildings: the Palazzo della Ragione (17/19), the Palazzo del Podest (20/24), the Colleoni Chapel (8/5), the Cathedral of San Vincenzo (10/13)
221
2. DESCRIPTION
also regarding places of trade those squares used for The second survey carried out in 1526 by the more
markets divided up based on the category of products: authoritative of the captains of the Serenissima,
in particular, work was carried out in the Piazza Nova Francesco Maria Della Rovere, accompanied by the
(today Piazza Mascheroni) which occupied part of the engineer Pier Francesco da Viterbo resolved any doubts:
Citadel. The long rectangular space with shops on the Della Rovere highlighted Bergamos primary role in the
longer sides and the new public loggia on the south new political situation and ordered the immediate
side was built in 1522 by architects Pietro Isabello and recovery of works based on the overall project centred
Francesco Cleri, thanks to the direct intercession of the on constructing a grandiose city wall able to maintain
Venetian Doge Leonardo Loredan. the unity between the city on the hill with the crucial
places of the Citadel and the Fortress and the exterior
In the first three decades of the 16th century, work villages. Nonetheless, the colossal size of the operation
was concluded on the current configuration of would have inevitable led to the demolition of some
1JB[[B .BTDIFSPOJ JO UIJT DBTF UPP UIF JOUFSWFOUJPOT TVCVSCBO VSCBO XPSLT #PSHP $BOBMF
JO QBSUJDVMBS
carried out should be read as the results of a wider some of the most important religious complexes
management policy which, starting from the revision disappeared to make way for the western work of the
of the urban defence apparatus defines new urban new wall, as evident in the design drawn up by architect
uses and new architectural styles.
In brief, for Venetian designers, the Citadel no longer
efficient from the military point of view within the new
defence diagram in progress became the hub of a vast
VSCBOTDBMFPQFSBUJPOUIBUMFEUPUIFDPOHVSBUJPOPGB
new Venetian district: this area was the seat for those
commercial activities that were strongly encouraged
by Venice as well as the management ones coordinated
by the Captain who resided in the Citadel permanently.
The second phase
The second phase was developed over the 16th

century when the Serenissima focussed mainly on
urban defence apparatus
Following the defeat of Agnadello (1509), Bergamo
further established its role as outpost of defence to the
West, a primary role in the overall safety of the Land
State.
5IF4QBOJTISBJET
TFSJPVTMZEBNBHFEUIF
military post on the Hill of St Vigilio (Chapel) and the
exterior villages.
The damage suffered and the difficult morphological

characteristics of the site greatly perplexed the Venetian
authorities on the effective possibility of continuing its
project to fortify Bergamo. This uncertainty motivated
an initial survey carried out in 1521 by engineers
Pietro Isabello and Antonio Agliardi who observed the Fig. 9 Plan of Bergomo il Vecchio, Cesare Malacreda 1664 from a
QSFDBSJPVT DPOEJUJPOT PG UIF QSFFYJTUJOH XBMMT NBEF map dating back to before 1561 (In the St Marks Library, Venice). This
representation highights the close relationship between the hill and
up of medieval parts mixed with the muraine which UIFQMBJOMBOEWJMMBHFTBOBTQFDUUIBUEFUFSNJOFEUIFUIFGPSUJDBUJPO
encompassed the city and the villages. choices and consequent setup of the fortified city
222
Giovan Battista Belluzzi appointed by the Medici to proposed by Della Rovere.

ESBGUBTQZQMBOPG#FSHBNPTGPSUJDBUJPOT(Fig.9). His idea contrasted with the hopes of the citizens and
The decisive input for the construction of the alla the directions of the Serenissima itself, which centred
moderna Venetian walls arrived in 1561 when the on extending the defence of the plain lands.
Spanish threat became increasingly menacing. The motivations presented by Sforza Pallavicino
Faced with this danger, the General Governor of the supporting a single hilltop Fortress concerned savings
Serenissima, Sforza Pallavicino, publicly declared in time and money, as the dominating position of
the strategic importance of Bergamo which would the hill was already in itself a natural defence against
guarantee Venice aid from Svizzeri alamanni et anco attacks from the plain lands. It was the Doge of Venice
dalla Francia, senza che alcuno lo possa impedir [] himself in 1561 who resolved the matter, guaranteeing
(German and French Swiss, with no one who could that the external villages would not be damaged by the
impede them) but, Sforza Pallavicino added, only if creation of the new defence structure.
Bergamo sii fortificato #FSHBNPJTGPSUJFE"SDIJWF
of the Republic of Venice, Senato Secreta, deliberations Despite the debate in progress, work started on the
of the Senate, 15th July 1561). point that was considered the weakest and most
EJDVMUUPCVJMEPOUIFOPSUIXFTUGSPOU)FSF DVUUJOH
The opinion of the authoritative figure dissolved any the slope down from the Hill of St Vigilio, they built the
doubts on the fate of the fortified walls of Bergamo bastioned front which, pointing towards the Chapel,
which was to be built soon, with no further ado, would, at the same time, lead to the rest of the city
despite the geomorphological difficulties, cost of the walls, also encompassing the northern valleys.
DPOTUSVDUJPOBOEQSFFYJTUJOHDPOTUSBJOUT This was the Fort of St Mark, immediately considered
The General Governor played a decisive role not only the symbolic heart of the entire Fortress and which
in setting the problem, but also in the design and stood out from the rest of the structure thanks to its
management of the works that he supervised until shape and exclusively wartime use.
his death in 1585: he sustained the construction of a In the meantime, work continued to the west, east
mountain Fortress, or rather one that was exclusively and south, following Venices precise directions aimed
developed in the highest part of the city, thereby at creating a large urban scale work and not merely a
excluding the villages unlike the first theory previously single fortified element (in the form of a city and not
'JH5IFSTUQSPQPTBMTUPUSBOTGPSN#FSHBNPJOUPDJUZGPSUSFTT
(left) G.B. Belluzzi, Plan of the fortifications of Bergamo: following the project of Della Rovere 1550 ca. (in National Library Florence) .
(right) [P. Berlendis], The city and villages during early construction of the Fortress (1563)
223
2. DESCRIPTION
a castle
UIF Serenissimas decision highlighted the UFSSBJO UIF TPVUIFSO DVSUBJO GSPN UIF 1MBUGPSN PG
eminently political character of the operations: the St Andrea to the Rampart of San Michele) owes its
great outpost of Bergamo, created to keep the peace impressive development to the desire for a spectacular
not only locally but throughout the State, was to act appearance: here, the wall is higher than in any other
also as a psychological deterrent against possible area of the city, and seems to have been built to
external threats. highlight the work rather than for actual necessity
The inevitable consequence was the clean separation (Fig.11).
between the hilltop settlement and the villages: the
Venetian walls defined a brand new forma urbis with Starting from 1565, city gates were opened in the walls:
the Citt AltawDSZTUBMMJTFEXJUIJOUIFSFGPSF +VMZ the first one was St Giacomo Gate, facing towards Milan.
saw the start of the construction process made up of the It was originally located more to the east than where
construction of subsequent segments depending on it is today: between 1592 and 1593 it was raised to a
the shape of the site. From the planned development higher position. Conceived to be the radiant emblem
of 2,580 steps they reached a final one of 3,058 steps of the Serenissima in Bergamo territory, its monumental
between the curtains and bastions portrayed in 1563 XIJUF;BOEPCCJPNBSCMFGBBEFDBOTUJMMFBTJMZCFTFFO
by Pietro Berlendis in his early design highlighting the today from the plain lands.
SFMBUJPOTIJQCFUXFFOUIFDJUZTDJWJMGVODUJPOTBOEUIF In the same year, St Alessandro Gate XBT DPNQMFUFE
OFXMZCVJMUXBMM Fig.10). connected to the side curtains through the continuity
The greatly irregular course of the walls follows of the redondone, it represents the exact desire of the
HFPNFUSJD SFRVJSFNFOUT POMZ JO UIF TPVUIXFTUFSO Republic of St Mark to unite in its city of representation
work (Rampart of San Giacomo, platform of Santa decoration with defence (arm and adorn).
Grata, Rampart of San Giovanni), while the other The story behind San Lorenzo Gate is more complicated.
segments follow the natural characteristics of the Completed in 1603, it was then abolished in 1605
Fig. 11 (left) The Plan of the new walls in Bergamo for the Serenissima dominion at the end of the 16th century (in St Marks Library in Venice).
(right) s.a., Design of the city and villages of Bergamo MDCXXVI. Representation of the overview of the fortified city indicating the most
important urban elements
224
as considered too far away from the more densely 8JUIJO UIJT PWFSWJFX PG HFOFSBM SFWJTJPO PG UIF QSF
inhabited area and therefore harder to keep under existing structures, even the urban hubs already
control. In fact, in 1627, the architect Francesco Tensini highlighted here thanks to the inseparable relationship
decided to open the gate again, making few changes that linked them to the Venetian management
to the 16th century original: economic reasons were apparatus from the first Venetian period were subject
considered more important than military ones as to further transformations in the late 16th century right
soon as they realised how useful a gate towards the up to the start of the next century.
Brembana Valley and from there to Switzerland and Piazza Nuova (today Piazza Vecchia) maintained
Northern Europe would be. throughout the 16th century its composite role as
Great attention was focussed on St Agostino Gate, NBOBHFSJBMBENJOJTUSBUJWFDFOUSF Palazzo del Podest-
access to the city from Venice. Made in degradable Palazzo della Ragione) and at the same time a trade role
materials (wood and earth), in 1576 a fountain was (artisan shops and markets).
built inside as a backdrop to welcome visitors as they The Serenissima understood the great visibility that
entered. The decision was taken jointly between the could come from these important functions of city life
capital city and the local administrators for maggiore and took advantage to once again impose its image
capacit et grandezza per maggiore beneficio et through an emblematic renovation of the Law Courts
ornamento (greater capacity and size for more benefit (Tribunale).
and decoration Historical Town Archives of Bergamo, #FUXFFO BOE JUT QSFFYJTUJOH TJ[F XBT
Azioni). It bears witness, as well as the importance maintained, though it was lifted onto a courtly
given to this gate, to the speed at which the bridge portico that completely changed the main faade of
was built in natural arch vaulted stone [] so it will last the building. From this moment on, the Palazzo della
forever (Historical Town Archives of Bergamo, Azioni). Ragione, which initially faced onto the religious hub
(Piazza del Duomo), faced onto the civil hub (Piazza
The overall defence structure found a vital complement Vecchia) with a Venetian faade characterised by
in the support elements such as the gunpowder the central triple lancet window framed by a niche
warehouses built from 1582 in St Marks Fort and the containing a 16th century St Marks Lion to replace the
military dwellings. painted one of the previous century.
The first quarters for the troops were built near the
gates to ease access to and immediate control of the During the same years, even the Podest (who, as has
openings. This is the case of a modest building built for been mentioned, was Nominated by Venice) decided
100 soldiers in 1575 near St Agostino Gate, and the two to make his dwelling more comfortable, adapting it
quarters which were started in 1594 near St Giacomo to Renaissance taste and interpreted in this instance
Gate while other areas were set aside for the same by architect Pietro Isabello. Naval of the Fortress.
purposes near the Della Fara Rampart. This is what the Piazza Nuova was known as by its
The main part of the works were completed, therefore, contemporaries when, in 1568, a large octagonal well
between 1585 and 1588 with the construction of the was built there, which can still be found there today.
Della Fara Rampart built on design by the architect
Giulio Savorgnan which was to partly modify the form The final intervention planned for the end of the 16th
that Sforza Pallavicino gave this work of the wall that century closed the northern side of the square as the
was particularly difficult thanks to the steep slope of Venetians would have wanted ready as they were to
the terrain. leave space to the local community.
While work continued on bastions, platforms and )FSF XBT UIF5PXO )BMM FNCMFN PG #FSHBNPT QSJEF
curtains, the entire inner fascia next to these elements but, also in this case the capital city directly supervised
underwent great transformations. This is the case, construction to the point of sending one of the most
among others, of the Monastery of Santa Grata, one famous architects of the Italian Renaissance from
of the emblematic buildings of the Citt Alta, whose Venice in 1611: Vincenzo Scamozzi who drew up the
annexes outside of the curtain between the St Giacomo plans for a large symmetrical palace, with a hallway of
Rampart and that of San Giovanni were completely access and a porticoed courtyard at the back.
reorganised.
225
2. DESCRIPTION
The Piazza Nuovae was thus transformed into a true interventions were carried out on the 16th century
stage of Venetian administrative political power (Fig. fortification setup. Some functional improvements
12). From the late 17th century and to the fall of the were made to the auxiliary defence elements, such as
Venetian domination (1797), no other significant the quartering structures (Fig.13).
Fig. 12 V. Scamozzi, Palazzo Nuovo onto Piazza Vecchia. Project,side facing onto the Piazza Nuova and plan, 1611
Fig. 13 Pierre Mortier, Bergamo, ville des Venitiens dans le Bergamasque / dessine sur le lieu et mis aujour par Pierre Mortier, Amsterdam, 1704
226
2.b.4.2 Fortified city of Peschiera del Garda

phases that precede and follow the Venetian era. For
In order to have a complete overview of the events a detailed analysis of the history and development
characterising the formation of the fortified city of during the years of the Serenissima, please see the text
Peschiera del Garda, below is a table highlighting the below.
#$#$ First aquatic settlement built on piles to the north of the current fortified city
c. 1200 BC 'JSTUFBSMZ7FOFUPMBOEEXFMMJOHTFUUMFNFOUPOUIFXFTUFSOCBOLPG-BLF(BSEB
c. 800 BC The land settlement is called Arilica, and the lake Bnacus
1st BC 4UBSUPGUIF3PNBOFSBUIFDJUZFYUFOEFEJODPSSFTQPOEFODFXJUIUPEBZTIJTUPSJDBMDJUZDFOUSF
4th Construction of the marble tower, an early part of the fortification of Peschiera, then
incorporated within the Venetian bastion. It is believed that the tower was linked to a primitive
CSJEHFPWFSUIF.JODJP3JWFSBOEBUPXFSPOUIFPQQPTJUFTJEFUIJTTUSVDUVSFXBTBOFBSMZ
example of river defence.
774 Name changed to Piscaria
1154 Foundation of the Council of Piscaria. It is believed there was a primitive city wall and castle
(Rocchetta) which were then incorporated into the Venetian Fortress
Della Scala Domination
Battles between the Venetians and the Della Scala
The Fortress was reinforced. The castrum was built next to the Roman tower and used as the
temporary residence of the Lord and his Defence, this initial triangular fortified complex was
linked to the towered city walls. Construction of the fortified bridge over the Mincio River.
Venetian age (see text below)

1517 First fortifications
Construction of the bastioned walls
Completion of the Fortress and the military areas next to it
Reinforcement of the bastioned walls with added external elements
1796 1st Napoleonic Campaign: Pescheria was conquered by the French troops
1797 1st Austrian period
2nd Napoleonic Campaign
The emblems of the Serenissima are removed, but the Venetian fortification setup remains
and is considered valid. Projects to expand and reinforce Peschiera most of which were
never realised. They indicate the inclusion of additional works outside of the Venetian walls,
something that had already been hypothesised in the 17th century by the Serenissima
(engineer Tensini). The French solutions to water matters used Tensinis Venetian projects as
a point of reference.
The Palazzo dei Provveditori7FOFUJ 1BMBDFPG7FOFUJBO4VQFSJOUFOEFOUT1JB[[B4BO.BSDP

was converted into a military hospital
In brief, the Napoleonic place de guerre absorbed the original contributions of alla moderna
Venetian military culture
2nd Austrian period.
227
2. DESCRIPTION
Construction of barracks and buildings for logistics located on the left bank of the Canale di
Mezzo, or rather in the area less affected by Venetian structures: the new buildings were given
an original style that recalled Venetian architecture of the 16th century.
The Artillery Arsenal was built in the Fortress and a large hospital was built in the square in
front of it.
Interventions on Piazza San Marco.
Demolition of some Venetian fortification elements (16th century ravelin of Porta Verona,
Cavalry Barracks, docks replaced with the Austrian Cavalry barracks) to make way for the
construction of the Marine Arsenal
1866 Peschiera joins the Kingdom of Italy
1930 Name changed to Peschiera sul Lago di Garda
THE VENETIAN ERA FROM 15TH TO 17TH CENTURY
In 1387, the Della Scala family were chased out by the

Viscounts, Lords of Milan who, following a number of
battles, had to surrender Peschiera to the Serenissima in
1440. Just like other components selected here, the pre-
existing walls of Peschiera were completely inadequate
against the use of firearms but in this specific case, the
unique conformation of the site developed between the
lake and river made the overall Peschiera project essential.
The colossal operation led to the definition of a new alla
moderna fortified city with an unusual pentagon plan
that incorporated the pre-existing nuclei on the right
and left banks of the Mincio River. The high waterworks
engineering operations were expertly united with war
defence, architectural and urban requirements, greatly
extending the planning and execution times of the works.
At the end of the long war against the League of

$BNCSBJ
UIF 7FOFUJBO %PHF QSPQPTFE
an overall review of the fortifications of the Venetian
IJOUFSMBOE XJUIJO UIF BNCJU PG UIJT OFX QSPKFDU
Fig. 14 Peschiera facing onto the waters of Lake Garda among the
1FTDIJFSBXBTUIFPOMZTJUFXIJDI JGSFGPSUJFE XPVME other dominions of the Serenissima. Note the St Marks flag flying on
have been able to maintain its links with the other side the turreted walls. The city still has a medieval aspect characterised
of the Mincio River and the Fortress of Bergamo (Fig.14). by crenalated walls and high defence towers. J. Pesato, 1440.detail.
228
-PHJTUJD BOE FDPOPNJD SFBTPOT EFMBZFE BMM EFDJTJPO the aquatic front.
making until 1547 when the intentions of the German Gian Battista Gotti directed the work of two thousand
Emperor Charles V and the French King Francois I put men undertaken during the first year.
Venices dominions in Northern Italy in grave danger. The site was perfectly congenial with the constructive
The Doges intention was immediately fulfilled calling techniques of the Venetians who, in order to build the
the greatest experts, Michele Sanmicheli the most city wall, used the Venetian system: the foundations
famous of the Serenissimas architects and Guidobaldo were built on poles to stabilise the bed of stones and a
II della Rovere Duke of Urbino who had recently been raft was placed on top.
Nominated General Governor of the troops of the The project procedure is demonstrated by a series of
Republic. illustrative designs of the perfectioning work created
by the experts(Fig15,16): the first one shows a setup
According to an illuminated and innovative procedure that is still intersected by the Mincio which identifies
of the Serenissima, the two figures found themselves UXPEJTUJODUOVDMFJUIFQBTTJOHPGUIFSJWFSJOTJEFUIF
head to head in a long debate on the most suitable bastioned wall is perceived as a break through the heart
solution to the particular characteristics of the site. of the Fortress, where the nature of the site prevails on
A further opinion expressed by the famous engineer mans design.
Giulio Savorgnan to the Superintendents of the
Fortress BEWPDBUFE UIF SFGPSUJDBUJPO PG 1FTDIJFSB JO On 17th September 1549, the second design was drawn
modern forms, contrasting the desire of Sanmicheli, up which testifies the refinement of the technical and
the involvement of the brightest minds in the field project abilities highlighted by the larger proportion
of military architecture left no doubt to the central of bastions and curtains, the perfect adaptation of the
government which through the Senate decreed on new wall to the geomorphology of the site, modelled
23rd August 1549 to fully include Peschiera within PO UIF QIZTJDBM DPOEJUJPOT BOE UIF QSFFYJTUJOH
the programme of defence reinforcement of the Stato structures of the place.
di Terra . 5IF QSFFYJTUJOH GPSUJFE IVC PG UIF Fortress remains,
The radical transformation took shape following the preserved like a jewel nestled in the Venetian curtain,
lines of Guidobaldo II which proposed alla moderna becoming the pivot point on which the bastion rises.
bastioned circuit based on a complex design uniting It was decided to place the strategic military centre
BSDIJUFDUVSBMVSCBO SFRVFTUT XJUI XBS POF 5IJT inside.
project is one of the most significant testimonies of While maintaining the river at the centre of the main
how the fortification culture of Central Italy, led in the
Serenissima by the Della Rovere family, represented for
Venetian military art an important departure point on
which to build an autonomous and fully recognisable
language. In fact, the idea of a fortified city that used
the other side of the Mincio River to protect the port
and the very river and encompassed the Della Scala
fortifications was translated into a project with the
collaboration of engineer Gian Giacomo Leonardi,
former ambassador to Venice for Francesco Maria della
Rovere, Duke of Urbino.
Peschiera is the fullest example, as well as being the
only one to have survived whole, of the modern
fortification theory that Leonardi expressed in his
Book of Fortifications which was completed in 1553.
Work started on 4th September 1549 September was

chosen as the most convenient one due to the low Fig. 15 [Guidobaldo II, G. B. Gotti in collaboration with G.G. Leonardi
1548], First project for the modern fortifications of Peschiera
levels of the water, to ease work on the foundations of
229
2. DESCRIPTION
walls, the fortified city presented for the first time a On the other hand, for the moment at least, the docks
spatial unity: the medieval nucleus was subject to no canal that divided the Fortress from the inhabited area
modifications, remaining solidly inscribed within the was maintained and used both for mooring ships as
wall works. You can clearly see the internal ring road well as for logistical operations.
which, still today, links the five bastions, the urban At the end of the 16th century on the right bank,
nucleus and the access gates to the fortified city. the Cantarane (belonging to the Fortress), Feltri and
In short, the pentagon is clearly visible as a closed Tognon bastions were completed. On the opposite
form and is an early example of alla moderna fortified side, works continued well beyond the time forecast by
polygonal city. the Serenissima.
In fact, by this time, the Querini and St Mark Bastions
Work continued in the Fortress area, where in 1575 had only the walls completed, but they were still bare
UFSSFQMBJOT PG SFJOGPSDFNFOU XFSF SBJTFE JOTJEF UIF of covering, curtains, flanks and terreplains. Despite
counterforts and vaults were completed to support the this, a work of great structural impact was concluded:
XFJHIUPGUIFUFSSFQMBJOTUIF3PNBONBSCMFUPXFSXBT theVoltoni Bridge (Vaults). The work, directed by the
demolished at the top but remained encompassed in Superintendent Giacomo Gauro, was concluded in
the new Venetian system. 1556: five arches in stone divided as they still do
Cristoforo Sortes design dates back to this period, an today the curtain between the Cantarane and St
exceptional testimony of the great commitment of Mark Bastions, giving place to a solid Fig. which gave
experts on the theme of the reflux of the waters that stateliness to the main wall.
required specific devices of high hydraulic engineering The strengthening of the security aspect also involved
that shows the defects of the new Fortress, also some important modifications during the works,
indicating the inclusion of a canal (vaso Novo) to put into place following the new consultations
remedy the incorrect reflux of the waters (Fig.17) between the Venetian Senate and an extraordinary
pool of military experts, such as Michele Sanmicheli,
Compared to the previous designs that indicated the nephew of Girolamo, Filippo Malacreda, Paolo Mafron,
access gates in the middle of the curtains, in this case Girolamo Martinengo and Sforza Pallavicino, successor
the entrances are placed in the points where connection of Guidobaldo II who in 1553 left Peschiera to enter
XJUI QSFFYJTUJOH SPBET XBT NPTU GBWPVSBCMF 5IF service to the Pope.
Verona Gate is therefore located near the San Marco
Bastion, its main defence point, representing the most The new bastioned circuit encompassed with wider
monumental entrance against enemies. limits the compact medieval settled nucleus, mostly
This variant compared to that indicated in contemporary without alternating its urban setup and construction
treatises testifies how much alla moderna military fabric.
architecture realised by the Serenissima SFFMBCPSBUFT The structures needed for military purposes, logistic
the codified solutions and chooses case by case the services and some new civil representation buildings,
best solutions based on the unusual features of the were included in the free marginal areas and inside the
sites and their functions. ancient nucleus involving exclusively circumscribed
In 1588, another high level designer at the time, WBSJBUJPOT UP UIF QSFFYJTUJOH VSCBO BOE DPOTUSVDUJPO
Francesco Malacreda, wrote a report to the Senate fabric.
testifying the execution of the works in correspondence Only the turreted urban wall found on the western
PG UIF TUSBUFHJDNJMJUBSZ IVC PG UIF GPSUJFE DJUZ PS border, was razed to the ground in order to trace the
rather the Fortress. internal ring road on the freed settlement to serve the
5IF FYQFSU TUSFTTFE UIF UFDIOJDBMDPOTUSVDUJWF bastions and there was a single road from the city gates
difficulties found in carrying out the high terreplain to the internal bridge on the right bank (Fig.18).
XIJDIXPVMECFDPNQMFUFEKVTUUXFOUZZFBSTMBUFSUIF
other works of the Della Scala Fortress were also subject It was therefore in the 16th century that Peschiera was
to important works, like in the case of the courtyard transformed from village to fortified city. The military
XIJDI XJUI JUT EPVCMF EFGFODFMPHJTUJDT GVODUJPO XBT function that dominated the civil and economic
also home to the new Arsenal. functions gave the settlement a special urban character
230
that was highlighted even in subsequent centuries. reasons of health the large ditch outside the Fortress
filled in with the soil taken from the esplanade of
As usual during fortification interventions carried out the most dangerous external rises. The classically
by the Serenissima, starting from the early 17th century monumental marble gate was placed in the centre of
a series of interventions were continued to build the square, like a perspective finishing line towards the
BVYJMJBSZTUSVDUVSFTGPSNJMJUBSZMJGFUIJTXBTUIFDBTFPG cavalier.
the Maritime Arsenal built at the entrance to the port, Moreover, along the internal ring road near Porta
behind the curtain of the Tognon Bastion. In the Rocca Brescia, a military and civil hospital was constructed to
Arsenal, which housed the military command, the accommodate five hundred sick persons.
storehouses, warehouses and factory were located in a
special area to store supplies and weapons. At the same time, the Florentine Bonaiuto Lorini and
Two turreted powder magazines were isolated in open Francesco Tensini, famous treatise writers of alla
spaces near Porta Verona and outside the Fortress moderna military architecture made their contribution
which thereby confirmed its crucial role inside the new to perfect the works carried out so far that were
defence setup of the fortified city. reinterpreted in line with the progress of alla moderna
The Piazza dArmi was created in 1614 filling in for military architecture.
Fig.16 [Guidobaldo II,1549], second project. The bastions and the curtains of the wall were in proportion and complete
231
2. DESCRIPTION
Lorini who, having returned from Bergamo had Le Prestre, Marquis of Vauban.
already examined the Peschiera Fortress in 1583 put In the case of the fortified city of Peschiera del Garda,
forward some solutions to modernise the sides of in 1617 Tensini designed the tenaille works studied in
the three bastions most exposed to the high lands, the Netherlands, useful additional external devices to
consisting in a series of devices in line with new reinforce the most exposed side of Porta Brescia: with
military architecture such as, for example, the addition an approach to greatly shorten the time taken, the
of rounded trunnions and cavaliers that will be built in defence works of Peschiera were projected by Tensini
the 18th century. in a vast architectural and territorial dimension, even
An important contribution to the circulation of models UIPVHI IJT BWBOUHBSEF QSPQPTBMT XFSF POMZ QBSUJBMMZ
coming from other military cultures of the period is carried out 'JH).
made by Francesco Tensini, one of the most important
FYQPOFOUT JO QPTU3FOBJTTBODF alla moderna military On the Mincio River, below the Fortress, Tensini
architecture, as well as the author of a fundamental indicated the construction of a fortified lock to
treatise on siege techniques (Guardia, difesa et ensure in the event of war the filling of the ditch
espugnatione delle fortezze ...) before the radical which was normally dry. Following ancient military
modifications made on the theme by General Sebastien hydraulic knowledge, defence was conceived by taking
Fig. 17 Cristoforo Sorte, 1571 (St Marks LIbrary Venice), The plan overlaps the medieval setup with the design of the new Venetian Fortress. Note
the hydraulic devices for the reflux of waters blocked by the new Fortress
(in the next page) Fig. 18 Map of the Fortified Cty of Peschiera collection of Cesare Malacreda, [1610].The left bank of the Mincio has a more
simple defence works with a single bastioned wall. On the right bank the more solid fortification works are concentrated (bastioned wall, ditch,
ravelins, Fortress) to defend the more vulnerable side of the fortified city
232
233
2. DESCRIPTION
advantage of the qualities of the aquatic site, the lock,

in fact, was to also serve to inundate the entire front
towards Verona. In this proposal, the famous military
architect demonstrated his familiarity with the aquatic
fortifications acquired during his experiences in
Northern Europe.
In 1632, to complete the system, a crossbar was placed
in front of the bridge of vaults in order to protect the
Canale di mezzo which housed the water mills, an
important activity for the local economy, especially
in the event of attack. The Della Scala Fortress,
expertly modernised and equipped with Arsenal and
warehouses.
The medieval nucleus of the urban centre remained
basically unchanged, encompassed within the modern
Venetian city walls: the existing construction fabric was
only partially remodelled and used following the new
Fig.19 (below)Francesco Tensini [post 1618]. The design shows the
spatial criteria of the Renaissance. tenaille works conceived by Tensini as additional external defences
This setup was only a little modified over the course to reinforce the most vulnerable side of the fortified city
of the following century, until the Napoleonic Fig.20 (above) The imposing defence setup of Peschiera del Garda
portrayed in the famous Book of Venetian Fortress by Napion
occupations, where the founder of the French Empire
Francesco Erault. The northern front designed by Tensini was only
would find a significant basis for his own ambitious partially realised (1682, in St Marks Library, Venice)
military projects.
234
2.b.4.3 Defensive system of City of Venezia
In order to have a complete overview of the history For the same reason, we also list the main events
and development of the Defence works of the city occurring in the centuries that precede and follow
of Venezia component within the vaster view of the period between the 15th and the 18th centuries
lake fortifications, below is a summary of the events or rather the years of exceptional fortification
regarding the entire fortified heritage including the development represented in this candidature:
works located within the buffer zone.
568 People settled in the lagoon following the barbarian invasions of the Venetian hinterland.
697 The first Doge was appointed.

post 751 Venice becomes an autonomous Duchy.
UIOE The first fortifications are built on the Terraferma overlooking the lagoon: Bebe Tower to the
south (742/755), Caligo Tower to the north (930), Towers of Tessera and Dese to the west (17th
century.).
1104 The Arsenale is moved to the parish of San Martino in the Castle: First representation found in
the Chronologia Magna.
17th century. A keep is built in San Nicol del Lido.

1182 The Arsenale is mentioned for the first time in an official document. Presumably the Old
Arsenale
1303/1325 Construction of the New Arsenale visited by Dante Alighieri who mentions its feverish activity
in the 21st Canto of his Divine Comedy.
The Castello della Lupa in Chioggia is rebuilt in brickwork following attacks by the Republic
of Genoa.
1410 ca. 1st extension of the Arsenale.
Construction of the Castel VecchioJO4BO/JDPMEFM-JEPPOUIFTJUFPGBQSFFYJTUJOHLFFQ

Construction of a wooden watchtower on the island of Certosa.
2nd extension of the Arsenale

3rd extension of the Arsenale
from 1538 $POTUSVDUJPO PG UIF 'PSU PG 4BO 'FMJDF PO UIF TJUF PG UIF QSFFYJTUJOH $BTUFMMP EFMMB -VQB JO
Chioggia.
Construction of the Fort di St Andrea.
DB $POTUSVDUJPOPGUIF'PSUPG4BO/JDPMSFJOGPSDJOHUIFQSFFYJTUJOHCastel Vecchio.
4th extension of the Arsenale

1571 Construction of the Octagons of Poveglia and Alberoni. Another three octagons were spread
throughout the Lagoon: Campana, San Pietro and Caroman .
235
2. DESCRIPTION
1646 Construction of the Alberoni and San Pietro Forts at the entrance to the Port of Malamocco.
1797 End of the Serenissima Republic of Venice. 1st French occupation.
1st Austrian domination.

The Arsenale undergoes renovation works that allow ship building activities to start again.
XVIII The part of the lagoon towards the TerrafermaJTSFJOGPSDFEXJUITNBMMEFGFODFIPMETPOQSF
existing islands (Fisolo, Podo, Trezze, Campalto, Tessera, Carbonera, and San Marco).
2nd French occupation.

The Arsenale undergoes partial modernising interventions: the northern slipways are
EFNPMJTIFEUPCVJMEOFXCSJDLXPSLPOFTBOFXHBUFPOUPUIFTFBJTCVJMUGBDJOHOPSUIXFTU
and a new tower is built for masting the ships.
2nd Austrian Occupation

The works started by the French are completed with the creation of a workshop, a new
treasury and relative guards.
In the Fort of St Andrea a powder magazine is built.
1866 Venice becomes a part of the Kingdom of Italy.

post 1866 Interventions to transform and modernise the Arsenale: realisation of a single large docks,
construction of two large slipways in Istria stone, and two dry docks which would become the
main base of the Italian Navy in the Adriatic Sea.
1915/18 During the First World War, the Fort of St "OESFBIBEBOBDUJWFSPMFDPOTFRVFOUMZ TPNFQPJOUT
were strengthened in reinforced concrete. The island of Poveglia is used as a warehouse.
99UPEBZ Interventions to renovate the Fort of St Andrea and the Arsenale, both affected by the
development and design plans for the recovery of the entire structure
THE VENETIAN ERA FROM 15TH TO 17TH CENTURY
The Defensive system of the city of Venezia represents an of the third phase of the alla moderna defence process
exceptional case within the defence project carried out by characterised by the construction of additional defence
the Serenissima; in fact, the capital city, unlike the other elements to reinforce the defence guaranteed by the main
cities chosen here, has a natural system of protection - its element in this case, the Fort of St Andrea.
Lagoon which is considered to be nigh on impenetrable. The history of the Arsenale, on the other hand, is transversal
All construction works that from the middle Ages show to the three phases of the overall defence project. Its birth
the persistence of a medium-scale fortified system that and development followed in large part the life cycle of the
were also maintained during the period of highest Serenissima Republic, guaranteed the security of the State
development of Venetian military culture, refer to through the galleys built in the huge ship yard. Despite
the presence of this natural barrier. This gave rise to this, between the 15th and 17thcenturies, the expansion
the construction conception of the Fort of St Andrea, and the evident specialisation of the parts of the naval
recognised as the military masterpiece of the famous system testifies to the advances made in constructive
architect Michele Sanmicheli; the 17th century octagons techniques and war strategies connoting Venices alla
of Poveglia and Alberoni are a significant representation moderna military culture.
236
Between the 15th and 16th centuries, the Arsenale the entire city.
appeared as a fully active building yard both for the In order to maintain secrecy regarding the delicate
naval production that occurred therein, as well as for work undertaken inside the Arsenale, the Republic
the expansion works that affected the complex overall. prohibited the Arsenaleotti from emigrating and all
In an initial phase dating back to the early 15th century, managers were given state dwellings near the complex.
priority was given to the realisation of the connections Specialised workers and commoners (lay workers
between the 14th century works and the new additions and apprentices) were led by an expert ("marangone
such as in the case of the slipways around the Darsena dell'Arsenale") who was given a slpipway equipped with
Nuova and the new canal with the Darsena VecchiaBU all the necessary prime materials wood, sails, rope
the same time a foundry was built and the city walls and steel for building galleys. Following inspection,
were expanded. these ships joined the Venetian fleet.
Important testimony of the feverish activity in the
Arsenale is given in that period by the Doge Mocenigo The need to produce an increasing number of galleys
who, in his leaving speech in 1423 declared that 6000 to defend Stato di Mare spurred the completion of two
men worked in the Arsenale known as Arsenaleotti or large aquatic canopies in the southern area (1457) and
rather a sort of city elite whose role was recognised by shortly afterwards the realisation of the monumental
Fig.21 Jacopo de Barbari, Perspective view of Venice, detail of the Arsenal in the period in which work was at a high, in the 1500 (by Concina,
2001, Correr Museum, Venice)
237
2. DESCRIPTION
Stato di Terra (1460) which, considered one of the top finalise the strengthening and adaptation of the naval
examples of Renaissance in Venice, became the symbol DPNQMFYJOPSEFSUPEFBMXJUIHSPXJOHQSPEVDUJPOGPS
of the Venetian Arsenale recognised throughout the example, the architect Antonio Da Ponte completed
world. the two floor building of imposing size (317 metres
"GFXZFBSTMBUFS
XPSLTUBSUFEJOUIFOPSUI long and 21 wide) used as the new Roperies.
on the third expansion of the city walls, the Darsena
Nuova, slipways and other aquatic canopies that Subsequently, in the 17th century, the most important
finished in 1516 completed the new area known as interventions on the Arsenale were linked to the need
the Nuovissima (Fig21). UPQSPEVDFMBSHFTRVBSFTBJMFEWFTTFMTBMSFBEZVTFEJO
The imposing works were to guarantee suitable, UIFFFUTPGPUIFSMBSHF&VSPQFBOQPXFSTUPUIJTFOE
functional space for the Venetian fleet inside a complex seven slipways were raised in the Arsenalee Nuovissimo
which was at the same time, the brain of the entire and the Water Gate was enlarged to 14 metres to allow
Republic, or rather the place where the logistics of the passage of the new larger ships.
war and trade activities for the entire state originated. Once the productive process was terminated, the
Consequently, no architectural or decorative aspect galleys were moored in prearranged loading points.
was omitted, as shown by the involvement of Michele Here all the nautical, war and logistic material needed
Sanmicheli, one of the most esteemed architects of GPSUIFJSEFQBSUVSFXBTSFDFJWFEGSPNUIFLFFQTPGUIF
the Serenissima. Around 1550, he used his universally Water Gate masts and cannons were loaded, along the
renowned abilities to monumentally elaborate some
buildings located around the Darsena Nuova: this was
the case, to mention just one, of the marble faade of
the slipway used to house the Bucintoro, the famous
ship that represented the Republic of Venice.
At the same time, advances made in naval technology
EFUFSNJOFE BO JODSFBTJOH TQFDJBMJTBUJPO PG TQBDF
towards the south east factories were built for
the storage of weapons (called the Sale dame in
Campagna), the artillery workshop and an imposing
gate that divided the area used for ship building from
that saved for weapons (Fig.22).
Six covered slipways were used for the construction of
the large galleys used for war activities (also known as
galleasses) which also gave the name to the docks of
the same name.
Between 1570 and 1571, the Arsenale was put under
the strain of huge production in order to complete
and set up the large military fleet which concretely
contributed to the victory of the Holy League against
the Turks in the famous Battle of Lepanto in 1571:
according to documents from the time, the Arsenale
boasted 67 covered slipways able to hold 134 galleys
and five aquatic slipways (known as the Gagiandre).
Among these, the two in the north east of the Arsenalee
Nuovissimo, characterised by an imposing 24 metres
opening attributed to Jacopo Sansovino, a high level
architect (Proto) of the Republic of Venice from 1529
until his death.
Fig.22 Arsenale. Perspective map, detail of a fresco dating from the
MBUF UI DFOUVSZ 7JMMB %JFEP #SFHBO[F7JDFO[B CZ #SBWP 5PTBUP
In the last quarter of the century, works continued to 2010)
238
river they took the oars and, at the end of the course, lagoon were still sufficient to protect the Dominating
near the church of San Biaggio, all food supplies were city.
loaded, such as flour and ships biscuits.
Moreover, from the end of the 15th century, the
In the complexity of these areas divided between land progressive refinement of siege techniques based on
and water in constituting a true war industry, the city perfecting artillery greatly improved the performance
walls did not have a defence role in the strictly military of the cannons which are now able to hit targets from
sense, but rather they represented a barrier against even further away.
potential espionage from outside and more generally Consequently, the Council of Ten commissioned
were a way of supervising the large building yard, its some of the most renowned designers to study the
warehouses and workers. best solutions to defend access to the Serenissimas
main port (Porto del Lido) which, until then, had been
If the logistic hub of military expeditions lay within protected by two defence elements: one known as
the Arsenale, the defence of the City of Venice was Castel Nuovo on the island of St Andrea, the other, Castel
entrusted from the 17th century to a system of small Vecchio, located on the opposite island of San Nicolo.
defences used for customs or as watchtowers looking Considered dalla vetust consumpti et del tutto inutili
both towards the sea as well as towards the land. This to defend the easiest route to hit Venice as molte galie
system would never take on the alla moderna size and potriano entrar [...] dentro li Doi Castelli fino alla piazza
connotations that characterised the other components de San Marco.
in this candidature as the defence function undertaken With these words, Michele Sanmicheli explained the
on the lagoons were difficult to navigate for anyone precarious situation to the central Government which,
less than expert and sufficiently wide to prevent siege on 12th September 1543, decreed the start of work on
from any possible attackers (Fig.23). the area to be used to build the Fort of St Andrea.
This was certainly the most monumental defence
During the early 16th century, however, after the works carried out around the city, designed by the
worrying experience of the wars against the League of famous architect Sanmicheli whose masterpieces not
Cambria, when the imperial troops arrived threatening only military in nature can still be found throughout
the lagoon, people started asking if the waters of the the territories that once belonged to the Republic of
'JH5IF7FOJDF-BHPPOJOBSFQSFTFOUBUJPOPGUIFNJEUIDFOUVSZESBXOVQCZ$SJTUPGPSP4BCCBEJOP 4UBUF"SDIJWFT 7FOJDF

239
2. DESCRIPTION
Venice. started on strengthening the Castel Vecchio in San

The 15th century tower was incorporated in the new Nicol included in the buffer zone of this candidature
fort, reinforced with a large terreplain to support although now there are no significant traces of the alla
potential attacks on the artillery, an aspect that led the moderna Fortress.
entire project as the Fort of St Andrea was conceived According to the directions of the excellent pool of
to deal with the modern performance of renewed designers made up of Francesco Maria della Rovere,
firearms. For this reason, the fort had 40 cannons laid Sforza Pallavicino and Giulio Savorgnan, a new Fortress
out radially and at water level (so as to hit ships under would be built for soldiers quarters, gunpowder
the waterline) which were joined by as many batteries production areas, other service areas, incorporating
above the terraces (double the fire volume) while the UIFQSFFYJTUJOHSFMJHJPVTDPNQMFYPG4BO/JDPM
thickness of the walls made them invulnerable to the
fire of enemy fleets. Having completed the Citys main defence works
The defence capabilities of the Fort of St Andrea based, as has been mentioned, on the two forts of St
was mentioned by the famous Giorgio Vasari who Andrea and San Nicol, the Senate (1571) deliberated
remembered the noise, thunder and earthquake that on the construction of a series of little islands made up
we heard when Sanmicheli gave the order to test of terreplain walls and equipped with artillery which,
out the efficiency of the artillery supplied by the Fort thanks to their characteristic shape, were given the
(Fig.24). name octagons.
While Sanmicheli was busy in other cities of the In this way, the octagons of Poveglia and Alberoni,
Serenissima (thinking of his opinion on the fortified among the others located throughout the Lagoon,
city of Peschiera del Garda in 1547), work continued dotted the way between the entrance ways of the port
and in around 1570 was completed under the expert and the city.
direction of architect Malacreda who also then worked The octagons had the task of surprising enemy ships
in the fortifications of Peschiera. that would reach the forts guarding the entrances,
The result was an extraordinary example of fort equally forcing them to file past them (Fig.26).
answering the needs for military function and aesthetic Another important point of defence for the Lagoon
worth of that which, in fact, was the first monument and consequently of the city, was the Fort of San Felice
that would be seen whilst entering Venice from its built in Chioggia at the entrance to the southern port,
main port. (Fig. 25) where you can see clear evidence even though at the
In 1546, on the side opposite the entrance, work moment the conservation of the structure is rather
'JH MFGU
$PSPOFMMJ1MBOPGUIFGPSUJFETZTUFNNBEFVQPGUIF'PSUTPGSt Andrea and St Felice at the entrance to the main port
SJHIU
1MBOPGiCPDDBEFMQPSUPw EFUBJM(.BSDIFTJOJ UIUIDFOUVSZ #JCMJPUFDB$JWJDB 5SFWJTP
240
Fig.25 View of the Fort of St Andrea, 17th century, Francesco Guardi, oil on canvas (Galleria Cesare Lampronti)
241
2. DESCRIPTION
compromised. port of Venice.

Other rather unclear points are the defences found on Despite the fact that the Republic had stressed its
the other port the Malamocco one the very centre neutrality, on terreferma the French and Austrian troops
PGUIF-BHPPO)FSF BSPVOEUIFNJEUIDFOUVSZ UIF crossed its territories undisturbed and without causing
Senate approved the construction of the two Forts of a reaction by the Venetians. But this wasnt the case for
Alberoni and San Pietro, becoming a new necessity the port the neutrality of which was to be guaranteed
BGUFSUIFTJMUJOHVQNBEFBDDFTTUPUIFMBHPPOUISPVHI at all costs. When the French vessel, therefore partly
San Nicol more difficult, especially for large ships. due to being followed by Austrian ships, partly due to
Until the fall of the Republic, this defence works was the desire to test out the real defence wishes of the
never involved in war and when it eventually was, Venetians, came to the mouth of the San Nicol del
almost paradoxically, it became the pretext for the Lido in front of the fort of St Andrea attempting to force
FOEPGUIFDFOUVSJFTPMEIJTUPSZPGUIFSerenissima. The entry to the lagoon, the forts batteries were cannoned
thankless task fell to the Fort of St Andrea, the most and besieged by some boats that had just left the
monumental and important in the city when, on 20th lagoon. French wood was captured and some sailors
April 1797, its garrison led by the Venetian nobleman were killed or injured and this became a pretext for
Domenico Pizzamano, largely made up of Venetian /BQPMFPOUPEFOJUJWFMZCSJOHBOFOEUPUIFDFOUVSJFT
citizens from Dalmatia, opposed the attempt made old life of the Queen of the Adriatic.
by the French vessel Le liberateur dItalie to force the
Fig. 26 Plan of the Poveglia Octagon, 1717 (State Archive, Venice)
242
2.b.4.4 City Fortress of Palmanova
The City Fortress of Palmanova represents in the summary particularly highlights the events subsequent
selection presented here the only case of completely to the period of maximum fortification development
OFXCVJMU DJUZ JO PSEFS UP HJWF BO PWFSBMM WJFX PG UIUIDFOUVSZ
XIJDIJTEFTDSJCFEJOEFUBJMGVSUIFS
the events regarding the city fortress, the following on.
1411 Conflict between the Holy Roman Empire for the dominion of Friuli.
Turkish raids in Friuli through the Balkans.
1500 The Serenissima makes its first evaluations regarding the conditions of the Venetian defence
works in Friuli.
1521 Expansion of Venetian territory in Friuli.
Project hypothesis for the construction of the new city fortress of Aquilegia nuova (then called
Palmanova).
Construction of the first Venetian fortified wall and the urban centre with the main civil and
religious buildings.
Construction of twelve military barracks and military equipment to support the city walls
Construction of the second fortified Venetian walls

1797 End of the Serenissima Republic of Venice
Friuli is the subject of dispute between France and Austria
French domination: the city fortress maintains its role as military defence.
Construction of the third wall (Enceinte napoleon) outside of the two Venetian walls which
maintain their original setup.
The system of the French walls takes up the Venetian one through the construction of new
lunettes (pentagonal terreplains) set up in axis with the Venetian ravelins. This solution derives
from the realisations of the renowned military engineer Sebastien Le Preste de Vauban which
were widely experimented in France and, in this case, adapted to the geometric logic of the
walls.
Beyond the city walls, towards the countryside, the French realised a wide esplanade
EFNPMJTIJOHUISFFWJMMBHFTOFBSUIF7FOFUJBOEFGFODFTUIFiFNQUJOFTTwBSPVOEUIFTUFMMBSDJUZ
fortress emphasised the Venetian setup.
Construction of six barracks, three powder magazines to replace the Venetian ones and the
gunpowder laboratory.
Conversion of use of religious and civic buildings into buildings used for military functions
(magazines, ammunition warehouses).
Austrian domination: the city fortress maintains its role as military defence.
5IFTFUUMFNFOUFYQBOETCFZPOEUIFDJUZXBMMTJOUIJTXBZUIF7FOFUJBOVSCBOTFUVQSFNBJOFE
unchanged
The Venetian irrigation moat which surrounded the Piazza Grande is deviated
1866 Annexation of the city fortress to the Kingdom of Italy.
1882 Abandonment of the bastioned walls reconverted to pasture land. Barracks maintain their use
1888 Disarmament of the Fortress of Palmanova with decree by the Italian Government.
Overall reconversion is started to change military structures for civil use.
243
2. DESCRIPTION
1893 Some Venetian symbols are replaced to celebrated the years of the Serenissima
Early 20th century Relaunch of the original military vocation. The Venetian urban set up remains basically
unchanged.
Recovery and expansion of some Venetian barracks and some French buildings.
During First World War, the City Fortress of Palmanova becomes the most important training
and provisions ground for the troops.
Partial restoration of Venetian buildings damaged in the First World War
During the Second World War, as well as the active barracks, the solid Venetian tunnels were
VTFEBTBJSSBJETIFMUFS
1960 Palmanova is declared a National Monument of the Republic of Italy (President of the Republic
Decree 21st July 1960, nr. 972)
1963 *OTUJUVUJPOPGUIF'SJVMJ7FOJDF(JVMJBBTBO"VUPOPNPVT3FHJPO
Abandonment by the military state of most of the military structures in Palmanova
VENETIAN ERA FROM 15TH TO 17TH CENTURY

UIFUIDFOUVSZ
XIFOUIF5VSLTDSPTTFE
Among the alla moderna Venetian defence works the Balkans to invade Friuli and the dominions of the
represented here, the City Fortress of Palmanova is the Terraferma. Beyond the Ottomans, the Holy Roman
only component of the new foundation originated by Empire of the Germanic Nation and, in particular,
the Republic of Venice in an area in which there were no Austria (Hapsburgs) were also attracted by the strategic
inhabited forms. The choice was greatly motivated by the importance of that territory.
weakness of the already existing defence works in that *O UIJT XBZ B WFSZ DPNQMFY HFPQPMJUJDBM TJUVBUJPO JT
work of the Stato di Terra , as well as by the geographical outlined, where the Republic of Venice and the Holy
position of the area. In fact, the region, today known Roman Empire cohabited more or less peacefully very
as Friuli Venezia Giulia, presented in part borders well close to each other. Further complicating this difficult
protected by natural elements the Alps to the North, the situation were the international allegiances opposed
coast to the South, the Livenza River to the West while to the Serenissima (France and the Papacy: Cambrai
the eastern limit was vulnerable and consequently subject League) which, in any case, Venice was able to manage
to enemy raids coming from the East, a characteristic that with great diplomatic ability also obtaining clear
led it the name Great Gate of Italy . advantages, especially economic ones.
The extraordinary operation carried out by the Serenissima
Republic for the foundation of Palmanova was not aware In the early 16th century, the Serenissima faced the
unlike the other components the preliminary 15th problem of how to defend the territory and posed the
century approach but developed from the late 16th theme to the most renowned Renaissance genius of all
century, when alla moderna Venetian military culture times: Leonardo di ser Piero da Vinci.
was at its apex. This experience is well documented by the 5IF NVMUJUBMFOUFE BOE VOJWFSTBMMZ SFOPXOFE .BTUFS
city fortress which is unique in the world for its civil and was asked to study the defence works of Friuli where,
military aspects. according to a document written by the Master himself,
Leonardo da Vinci came to in 1500.
The Republic of Venice and the symbolic Renaissance
The reasons behind the decisions to build a new city man collaborated to fortify Friuli and it is clear that the
fortress developed throughout the last quarter of great Master was the first to identify an area near the
244
point in which Palmanova would rise a few decades To satisfy all these aspects, the central government
later as a point to fortify. involved bureaucrats and military technicians who
5IF HSBOEJPTF XPSL XBT UP TVSWFZ UIF OFXMZ put their skills towards the grandiose initiative, in a
conquered Austrian territories, exploit the potential of strongly participatory climate: a procedure for which
a fertile plain area and the close proximity to the roads the Republic of Venice spread throughout the world as
between the Stato di Terra and Northern Europe (Fig a model to be imitated.
27).
The important role assigned to the city fortress is The calibre of the specialists is evident from the very
testified by its original name Aquilegia Nuova (or Nuova first meetings of the First Commission (June 1592):
Aquileia), which aimed to associate the new foundation the three Commissioners (Superintendents: Francesco
with the preaching of St Mark and therefore the Duodo, Marcantonio Barbaro and Giacomo Foscarini)
apostolic origins of Venice. were chosen from among the Captains of the Venetian
5IFDJUZGPSUSFTTIBEUPJNQPTFJUTFMGPOUIFQSFFYJTUJOH military, all distinguished by a brilliant diplomatic
defence setup radically modifying its design and to career which led them to really get to know the Stato di
become the symbol of Venetian power. Terra as well as Stato di Mare.
Fig. 27 Map Fori Julii Accurata Descriptio, 1573 (from Abrahamus Ortelius Theatrum orbis terrarum).
The map shows the territory corresponding to the current region of Friuli Venezia Giulia in the years immediatly prior to the constitution of
Palmanova.
245
2. DESCRIPTION
Under their coordination, in the autumn of 1592 a

GIULIO SAVORGNAN AND BONAIUTO LORINI
lively debate started that involved the large number
of military experts serving the Republic of Venice. Giulio Savorgnans career stands out due to the rapid rise to
Among these, two figures emerged in particular: the summit of the military and burocratic apparatus of the
Giulio Savorgnan (in the meantime appointed as Serenissima.
He is to be thanks for the modern transformations of some
Superintendent of the Venice Fortifications Office) and important Fortress of the Stato di Marew $BOEJB /JDPTJB
JO
his student/collaborator Bonaiuto Lorini. Greece and Cyprus the results were so ahead of their time as to
The intricate relationships between the two technicians, CFSFQSPQPTFEXJUIBGVSUIFSQFSGFDUJJOHPG4BWPSHOBOTMBSHFTU
and among these and other colleagues, offers an work Palmanova.
Aware of the level of perfection reached with Palmanova, the
extremely eloquent summary of the universality of NMJJUBSZFOHJOFFS 4BWPSHOBO XSPUFJOi5XFOUZWFSVMFT
Venetian culture. for fortification, a brief treaty that was discovered in the library
In the participatory climate set up by the central of Galileo Galilei, universally considered as the father of modern
government, these two leaders came face to face over science.
a variety of aspects of the Palmanova project and in Just as worthy of mention, Bonaiuto Lorinis career started
particular on which shape to give the city fortress. with his training as engineer with the renowned Bernardo
In reality, a good indication had been suggested many Buontalenti (recognised as one of the greatest military
centuries previously by the most famous theorist and engineers of the period, serving Cosimo I de Medici (Grand
Duke of Tuscany).
treatise writer of all times, Marco Vitruvio Pollione IFOIJTTUBZBNOHUIFUSPPQTJO'MBOEFST
BMMPXFE
who, in his De Architettura translated in the 16th him to refine his knowledge on the field of battle (in particular
century by the Venetian Daniele Alvise Barbaro (1567) he studied the Citadel of Aversa, a project by Francesco Paciotto).
highlighted how the shape of a city fortress should From 1579, the collaboration with Savorgnan in Palmanova and
Sforza Pallavicino (general capitain of the Terraferma military
always be given by the number of bastions. since 1559) in the fortifed city of Bergamo was fundamental.
This theme kept the great theorists of the Renaissance These two eminent characters sustained the employment of
busy for a long time even the Serenissima experts Lorini as an engineer of the Republic of Venice (1581). Lorini,
while travelling between the terraferms and the Sea dominions,
working in Palmanova. wrote at the end of the 16th century the famous treaty on the
Giulio Savorgnan proposed to copy the model with fortifications that congtains the enormous amount of notions
eleven bastions that had recently been finished in on fortifcation art matured over his thirty years in service to the
Nicosia (1570), Lorini proposed nine, while Savorgnans Serenissima.
We are talking, therefore, of two eminent figures gifted with
work team reduced the number to seven or five. BO FYDFQUJPOBM JOUFSOBUJPOBM FYQFSJFODF UISPVHI UIFJS KPCT
The various positions of the experts are testified by Savorgnan and Lorini contributed greatly to the distribution of
some valuable study designs that clearly show how in Venetian military culture from Bergamo to Cyprus.
the planning phase the main aspect was the military
POFJOGBDUUIFSFXBTOPJOEJDBUJPOPGUIFVSCBOTFUVQ
of the city fortress. Based on Savorgnans suggestion,
In brief, the form given to Palmanova was and still is
UIF TUVEFOUFOHJOFFS -PSJOJ DSFBUFE BO JOJUJBM QSPKFDU
recognised by the scientific community as the highest
reducing the eleven ramparts proposed by the master
example of synthesis between military, political and
to ten (Fig. 28). In January 1593, this solution was
technical expertise, spurred by a joint idea (Fig.29).
temporarily accepted by the Commissioners who
refused all other proposals.
Having reached an agreement on the shape of
1BMNBOPWB UIF EFDJTJPONBLJOH CPEJFT PG UIF
Nevertheless, the sporadic research for the perfect
Serenissima quickly publicised the image of the new
solution led to new and deeper studies which brought
grandiose city fortress.
about the decision to adopt nine bastions of a specific
8JUIDMFBSTFMGDFMFCSBUPSZJOUFOUUPPODFBHBJOEFDMBSF
TJ[FBOETIBQF 0DUPCFS
JOUIJTXBZ UIFSFHVMBS
to the world the high levels of Venices modern military
polygonal shape was extraordinarily coherent with the
culture, the operators made a variety of contributions
design outline assigned to the typical Renaissance city
to constructing an effective imaginary symbolism
fortress.
made up of history and religion around Palmanova.
246
With this in mind, the name Palmanova otherwise

known as Palma (victory) is believed to be in honour of
the incredible victory of the Venetians against the Turks
(Battle of Lepanto, 1571) and it was official christened
in this way on 7th October 1593, the same day as the
BOOJWFSTBSZ PG UIF BCPWFNFOUJPOFE WJDUPSZ BOE UIF
martyrdom of St Justine.
*O UIJT XBZ UIF WFSZ OBNF PG UIF OFXMZGPVOEFE DJUZ
concentrated all the history of the Serenissma, made
up of battles and religious faith, as also shown by
the significant allegory created by the famous artist
Domenico Tintoretto, which since then dominates the
Upper Council Hall in the Doges Palace in Venice (Fig.
30)
Having agreed on the shape and size most suitable

for military needs, operations started to trace the
perimeter along the terrain (9th October 1593). The
PQFSBUJPO JOWPMWFE BOPUIFS JOUFSOBUJPOBMMZSFOPXOFE
expert: architect Vincenzo Scamozzi, critical disciple of
the celebrated Andrea Palladio. All that was left was to
EFOFUIFVSCBOEFTJHOPGUIFJOUSBNPFOJBDJUZ
This meant planning a polygonal surface area of
540,000 square metres: an ambitious and complex
task which Venetian culture dealt with thanks also to
its knowledge built up in its Eastern dominions where
UIPVHI VOMJLF JO 1BMNBOPWB UIFZ IBE CVJMU PO QSF
existing construction sites.
Also in this regards, a fundamental debate opened
putting two differing positions in opposition, testified
Fig. 28 Comparison between the two plans for Palmanova.
by a large quantity of written reports and drawings.
(above), The solution with seven bastions ,1592 ca. ( Biblioteca
The first position, the military one, subordinated the Marciana, Venezia)
design of the city to the defence needs, proposing a (below) The polygonal setup with nine bastions, 1593 ca. (Archivio
DMPTFEBOEJNQFOFUSBCMFVSCBOGBCSJDUIFTFDPOE UIF di Stato, Modena)
more humanist type, sustained the open relationship
between the city and countryside, reflecting thereby a
more civil connotation.
On the subject, we cannot forget that, as well as the
military reason behind the foundation of Palmanova,
there was also the economic interest due to the location
of the settlement on the main trade route between the
Republic of Venice and North Europe. Consequently,
an open and modern city would be able to determine
the economic and social progress covering all of Friuli
and thereby the Serenissima.
This vision was also supported by the famous
Fig. 29 This engraving shows the commission of experts at Palmanova
Marcantonio Barbaro, who was General Superintendent
for the drafting of the outline of the Fortress sent to the Venetian
of Palmanova from 1593. Senate between the 14th and 16th October 1593 (Biblioteca
His contribution was decisive in resolving the debate Marciana, Venezia)
247
2. DESCRIPTION
Fig. 30 Domenico Tintoretto, 17th century. St Justine, the war and the people of the sea who offers a model of a ship to Venice.The piece is
full of allegorical meaning: Venice dominating the sea with its fleet and on the Terraferma with the Palma Fortress. The other figures represent
the victory in arms, which guraantees protection to the Serenissima. The servant offers a ship model and, by placing his feet on both elements
(water and land) symbolises the Republics military force of the sea and Terraferma.
Painting on canvas (Sala Superiore del Consiglio, Palazzo Ducale, Venice).
248
on the urban design of Palmanova. MARCANTONIO BARBARO

In fact, he interpreted the Vitruvian idea of the ideal
city in a personal way. Referring to a metaphor shared Former official of the Serenissima in France and Constantinople,
#BSCBSP UPHFUIFS XJUI UIF BGPSFNFOUJPOFE 4BWPSHOBO BOE
by Renaissance architects, he sustained that the design Lorini emerges among the protagonists of the construction
of the city and its population should be undertaken of Palmanova. In actual fact, his fame goes well beyond the
simultaneously with the erection of the bastioned confines of the city fortress, even beyond those of the Republic
walls. The illuminated Superintendent, in fact, did not of Venice, as he mediated on many occasions in his role as
politician with the Ottoman Empire.
hesitate to counter the military vision of the experts A highly intellectual person, he was fully inserted within the
in the art of war from Lorini to Savorgnan himself culture of the advanced Italian Renaissance , of which he had
with that of a true city, also providing the most a deep knowledge and understanding of the principles and
suitable operative solutions, such as the measures reference models: in fact, Marcantonio was a brother of the
renowned Daniele Barbaro, translator and commentator of
for dispossession of the terrains in construction the works of Vitruvio. Marcantonio also played an active role
regulations. as benefactor, as shown by the works of the same assigned to
In a short time (December 1593), Barbaro sent the some of the greatest Renaissance architects and painters such
central government the first plan for the general as Andrea Palladio, Paolo Veronese and Vincenzo Scamozzi.
compartita (general division) of the city fortress. As
well as the urban setup, which we will discuss below,
The debate regarding the road layout was supposedly
it is vital here to highlight the greatly innovative
led by Barbaro who, thanks to his strong desire to exalt
contents of the accompanying report. In order
the civic and religious values of the new city, imposed
to regulate future construction activity, without
the attractive form of it, going against the principles
however renouncing the attractive form of the city,
of military architecture. In fact, the forma urbis of
Marcantonio Barbaro indicated the rules with which
the ideal Fortress should have shown the image of a
to regulate the private initiative. For example, the
geometrically ordered Venice, a reflection of beauty
facades of buildings were to be strictly aligned with
and order.
the roads and squares, neither imposing on nor being
Everything was ready to proceed with the building
behind the line of the road, with no exception for
work: work on building the fortified walls proceeded
military or public buildings.
simultaneously with those to build the city itself. Yet
In this way, good order was guaranteed, still today
another aspect which testifies the exceptionality of
demonstrated by the regularity of Palmanovas road
Palmanova, where the military and civil structures
alignments.
integrate in architectural and urban harmony.
The illuminated Superintendent also suggested tax
relief to encourage private individuals to build their
The walls were built in successive phases between
own home within the city walls, to build a navigable
BOE 5IF TUBSTIBQF PVUMJOF XJUI OJOF
canal throughout the territory to increase trade, to
ramparts defined total length of the impressive circuit
give privileges to arts and crafts, to build churches and
of the walls (1,800 Venetian steps: 3,114 metres) which
monasteries in areas of public property through Papal
had to defend the territory and contain within it the
indulgencies and privileges. The central government
inhabitants of the surrounding villages for autonomous
allowed the majority of the indications given them,
resistance for at least a year in the event of attack.
though they did not grant private individuals building
The points of the ramparts radiate out from the centre
areas in order to maintain direct control over the
of the main polygon, and are then linked to each other
urban layout (1594).
by the curtains. Each curtain is of precise length (200
All this shows how the Palmanova city fortress
steps: approx.. 340 metres) calculated based on the
component is a truly exceptional case within the
range of a cannon which, shooting from next to the
panorama of the urban foundations of the time.
rampart would have to hit the face of the one next to
#BSCBSPT ESBXJOH IBT CFFO MPTU IPXFWFS XF EP
it while also protection a stretch of the trench and the
have a number of documents that show the various
terrace in front of it (Fig. 32,33).
interpretations of the road layout of Palma. Of these
Work proceeded subsequently in phases marked by the
documents, we hereby include two plans as examples
arrival in Palmanova of the General Superintendents
(Fig. 31).
249
2. DESCRIPTION
'JH1BMNB1SPKFDU <>#PUIESBXJOHTTIPXBSBEJPDFOUSJDSPBEMBZPVUXIJDI TUBSUJOHGSPNPiazza dArmi, is articulated in a main

network and a secondary one. The first proposal,(left) is of a more military type, note the direct link between the square and the bastions to
ease the transfer of troops and thier transport (Biblioteca Marciana, Venezia).
The second (right)is a more civil proposal, gives more space to the landscaping aspects of the urban layout (Biblioteca Civica, Treviso)
Fig. 32 (left). Notes and corrections by Bonaiuto Lorini for the location of the city gates
Fig. 33 (centre). Ferrante Rossi, (in the Palma Report,1606). (right). Matteo Cadorin, Palma (detail), (in Francesco Scoto, Itinerario de Viaggi,
1659).
Fig. 34 (right) Studies on the trajectory of the crossfire from the artillery of the bastions towards the countyrside outside of the cover offered
by the individual bastions
250
who supervised the works. IN this organised and and converge in the Piazza dArmi found in the centre
controlled way even with it being an open building of the main polygon. On these roads, the aligned
site various professionals were able to work on a facades represented a monumental continuum aimed
variety of solutions. at creating a telescopic perspective.
In fact, the project of the walls, while following Barbaros project strongly represents the principle of
Savorgnans directions for the general lines, also visual continuity between the centre and the suburbs
underwent a series of variations made by architect of the city, sustained by the most illuminated Venetian
Martinengo di Villachiara who, perhaps aided by humanists and, subsequently, inspiring Baroque urban
Bonaiuto Lorini, dictated the height of the bastions, planning.
the slope of the counterscarp, the exit tunnels passing
through the centre of the falsabraga, the depth of the In brief, the Vitruvian firmitas was guaranteed by the
trench, the shape of the cavaliers and the covered road. solidity of the bastions, while the road network
As it has already been said, the main reference for the rather than serving military utilitas was inspired by
urban setup was Barbaros project which, distancing a commoda distributio aimed at reaching a venustas
itself from the military solutions proposed by his appearance (Ghironi, Manno, 1993).
colleagues, radically changed the location of the gates, The exceptional result is significantly represented by
the radial roads of the Piazza dArmi (today the Piazza the Palma Plan, dating back to between the end of
Grande), components that the military engineers BOEFBSMZ5IFESBXJOH PGHSFBUIJTUPSJDBM
would have never wanted to interlink. documentary importance, highlights the geometric
In fact, Barbaro wanted the city gates in the centre of perfection of the nine bastions of the first city wall
the curtains, where they still are today contrary to protected by the trench, inside of which the ideal city
a military practice which preferred entrances on the develops in a radial form inspired by Marcantonio
more protected side of the ramparts (Fig. 34). Barbaro ('JH).
With the three passages open, three roads run in line
'JH MFGU
&YFDVUJWFQSPKFDUPG1BMNB DB "SDIJWJPEJ4UBUP 1BEPWB

Fig. 36 (right) Bonaiuto Lorini, (in Delle Fortificazioni, Venice, 1597 St Marks Library, Venice).
Comparison highlights the precise civil connotation of the setup created and sustained by Barbaro (to the left), compared to the military one
proposed by Lorini
251
2. DESCRIPTION
At the end of the 16th century, the Serenissimas While the civil heart of the city fortress was being
commitment to organising the building site was built, work also proceeded on the construction of
exceptional, as shown by the fact that new labour was the military buildings to be used for other purposes.
sent (1595) from Friuli and the other dominions of the In fact, between 1594 and 1635, one of the most
Venetian Terraferma. representative military areas in Palmanova took form,
The exceptional documentary heritage, still preserve extending between Aquileia Gate and Udine Gate and,
in the Archives of Venice, refers to a myriad of workers more precisely, along the Via delle Milizie. It is still
employed in digging the trenches and moving material, today the fifth ring road in Palmanova, next to the
even including women and children. According to first bastioned wall. Here they built the ammunition
Marcantonio Barbaro, the number of masters required warehouses, wall support equipment and twelve
was around 5,000: each rampart required the work barracks, eight for the infantry and four for the cavalry
of at least 500 wreckers, plus another 500 for various (Fig.37).
other operations. Though the majority of the labour As was the custom, the 17th century was marked
was made up of Friulian volunteers, workers coming by the reinforcing of the primary defence structure
from todays Lombardy and Veneto (Bergamo, Brescia, through the raising of additional external elements
Padua and Treviso) were more highly appreciated as BOEUIFDSFBUJPOPGVOEFSHSPVOETUSVDUVSFTUIJTJTUIF
they were available to work by the job. case of the tunnels which guaranteed access to the
trench away from enemy fire, and which can still today
This impressive influx of specialised workers determined be accessed.
a flourishing exchange of goods and knowhow which Work also continued on the three city gates which,
laid the foundation of Venetian culture. first built in wood, in 1605 where replaced with
But the capacity of attraction of the grandiose building monumental stone architecture.
site was also increased by the mastery of the Venetian The three prestigious works were most likely designed
HPWFSONFOUUPEFWJTFOFXGPSNTPGQBZNFOUJOGBDU by the famous architect Vincenzo Scamozzi, as
they changed from a daily wage to an attendance fee highlighted by the many elements found in the
for each movement of earth (ferlini) and for each gates and described faithfully in his treatise Dellidea
step (Venetian unit of measurement) dug. Naturally, dellArchitettura Universale (Of the idea of Universal
these innovations greatly increased digging times for "SDIJUFDUVSF7JODFO[P4DBNP[[J

the city walls with all its components. The first bastioned wall was completed during under
On the other hand, the architecture of the city took UIFNBOEBUFPG(JPWBOOJ4BHSFEP

shape much more slowly. The building symbol of the
very Christian city of Palmanova was the Cathedral for In the second half of the 17th century, the persistence
which many projects were produced in 1594. It was of the Turkish threat against Venetian territory forced
decided in 1599 to build it on the southern part of the the Serenissima to strengthen Palma whose curtains
main square, so as to show off the main faade to those were still vulnerable. Basically, the aim was to add a
coming from Venice. second circle outside of the first one and made up of
As highlighted by the drawings of the time, the Piazza SBWFMJOT PUIFSXJTFLOPXOBTIBMGNPPOT

dArmi represents the true urban hub where the radial The first proposal (1624 and 1632) put forward
roads as they do today converged (14 metres wide) by military engineer and treatise writer Francesco
according to the Renaissance concept of geometric Tensini formerly active in Bergamo and Peschiera
perfection. Each side of the square, 50 Venetian steps was followed by a second one (1658) put forward by
long (87.5 m.) was conceived as an architectural engineer Andrea Moretti.
backdrop of individual, prestigious buildings, built in
MPOHFSPSTIPSUFSUJNFTQBOT5IJTXBTUIFDBTFGPSUIF *OUIFFOE
UIFFOHJOFFS'JMJQQP#FTTFU PS
Palazzo del Provveditore Generale (from 1598), Palazzo Bessetti) di Verneda, Superintendent of Artillery and
del Ragionato or Camera delle Finanze (from 1598, home Fortress of the Serenissima, author of the executive
to the Treasury of the Republic of Venice), Palazzo del project dated 1677 (Fig. 38).
Governatore delle Armi (1613), the Monte di Piet (1666, )JTEFTJHOTBSFBOFYDFQUJPOBMIJTUPSJDBMEPDVNFOUBSZ
rebuilt in 1829) and the Loggia dei Mercanti. testimony to the technical and graphical expertise
252
reached by the Serenissimas architects. In particular, the designed by Verneda is the complex system of tunnels
drawings highlight the authors impressive graphical a part of which is still accessible built by expert
ability, which through the expert use of watercolour is miners from Belluno. From 1680, twelve branches were
perfectly able to restore both the overall development opened to continue the existing tunnels, but six years
of the city as well as the technical aspects of the project MBUFSUIFJOUSJDBUFMBCZSJOUIPGJOUFSDPOOFDUFEUVOOFMT
JO UIF UJOJFTU EFUBJM BT SFRVFTUFE CZ UIF NPTU VQUP continued to expand its network, linking up the various
date military technique. elements of the first and second fortified walls.
He included each ravelin (also known as cavalier or
IBMGNPPO
CFUXFFOFBDIDPVQMFPGSBNQBSUTUIFSFCZ 5IF TUBSTIBQFE 'PSUSFTT XJUI FJHIUFFO QPJOUT
halving the distance between the bastions in the became a crystal-clear example of harmony between
STU XBMM GVSUIFSNPSF IF FRVJQQFE UIF IBMGNPPOT the spiritual and material worlds, a reflection of an
with a square for the artillery, a small warehouse for arithmetic, universal and eternal order that the English
gunpowder and a system of tunnels for the soldiers philosopher and mystic, Robert Fludd, hypothesised
movements. in his treaty De natura esimia, seu technica macrocosmi
Work started in August 1664, until the Turkish threat historia (Frankfurt, 1624).
having beaten the Imperials in nearby Croatia put At the end of the 17th century, the inhabited area
Venice under alarm. remained concentrated along the three main roads
Hundreds of workers and soldiers were employed to corresponding with the city gates (Fig. 39
B WFSZ
dig and move the terrain, as mentioned in the archive interesting aspect which can still be seen today in
documents which tell of the organisation of the Palmanovas urban fabric is the vertical development
mastery and materials in the utmost detail. of the buildings which was decided at the time.
For example, sources tell of twenty masters and teams As the prerogative of the city fortress was its invisibility
PG TUPOFDVUUFST GSPN 6EJOF BOE $JWJEBMF XIP XFSF from the outside, the buildings could be higher at the
talented in cutting live rock with scalpels. The stones point of the three main axis and facing onto the main
had to be worked well, and squared for rapid use. This square, and lower in the rest of the radial axis and along
is why, even today, we can still see the marks of scalpels the ring roads, and in any case always lower than the
on the stone blocks. SBNQBSUDVSUBJOSBWFMJOTZTUFN
"OPUIFS WJUBM FMFNFOU PG UIF VQEBUFE XBS NBDIJOF
Fig. 37 (left) G. Justo, detail of the desegno di Gradisca, 1615 ca.(Museo Correr, Venice)
Fig. 38 (right) Filippo Besset di Verneda, Detail of the Ravelin in front of Aquileia Gate, (Archivio di Stato, Venice).
This is one of the clearest and most complete plans of the elements of the two Venetian walls of Palmanova. Special focus on the trinomial
ramoart, curtain, ravelinreferring to Aquileia Gate
253
2. DESCRIPTION
Fig. 39 V.M. Coronelli, Palma, [1708] (Historical Museum, Palmanova). The engraving reproduces the project drawn up in1677 by Verneda.
254
C %FGFOTJWFTZTUFNPG;BEBS
5IF GPSUJFE TZTUFN PG ;BEBS SFQSFTFOUT IFSF UIF events regarding the fortified system, the following
component that spent the longest time under Venetian summary mainly highlights the main events before and
domination holding a top level role as administrative after the period of highest fortification development
capital the vast and disputed Dalmatian territory. UIUIDFOUVSJFT
XIJDIJTEFTDSJCFENPSFJOEFUBJM
Therefore, in order to give a complete overview of the below.
48 BC It is a Roman colony called Iadera

VII century, Capital of the Byzantine province of Dalmatia, then the Duchy of Dalmatia
UIUI I Venetian period with some brief interruptions due to the government of the Croatian and
Hungarian Monarchs.
During the periods of control over the city, the Serenissima limited itself to opening new trade
warehouses, but in substance left the local order as it was, only requiring formal submission
and the guarantee of military provision in the event of war.
II Venetian period.

Despite the Venetian government, internal disorder continues to the point that the
Serenissima is obliged to send a colony of Venetians to the city to strengthen the control over
the population.
;BEBS1FBDF5SFBUZ
HBWFUIFDJUZUPUIF)VOHBSJBOT
***7FOFUJBOQFSJPE;BEBSJTUIFDBQJUBMPG7FOFUJBO%BMNBUJB
1424ca. $POTUSVDUJPOPGUIFSTUEFGFODFXPSLTPOQSFFYJTUJOHFMFNFOUT5IFXPSLTXFSFQVODUVBM
and not yet in conformity with an urban defence works.
Construction of the defence works

From the first half of the Interventions to bring the Fort up to par: opening of the Erizzo gate on the western bastion in
18th century front of the peninsula, construction of a hospital with 180 beds (1734)
Modernisation and completion works mainly concentrated on the bastions (St. Rocco and
StDemetrio) and on the various stretches of the curtain which reached their maximum
functionality through the insertion of functional stairways and entrances (second half of the
18th century)
French period.

*O ;BEBS JO %BMNBUJBT STU OFXTQBQFS XBT QSJOUFE JO *UBMJBO BOE GPS UIF STU UJNF
Croatian)
Austrian Period.

%VSJOHUIF4FDPOE8BSPG*OEFQFOEFODF DPOUSBSZUPUIF*NQFSJBM3PZBMPSEFSTUIBUQSFEJDUFE
B 'SBODP1JFENPOU JOWBTJPO UIF QPQVMBUJPO SFGVTFE UP TUSFOHUIFO UIF GPSUJDBUJPOT BOE
stained the official Austrian manifestos which carried the Piedmont war bulletins.
1868 The city was demilitarised and declared an open city: the front of the bastion that faced
UPXBSETUIFPQFOTFBBOEBTIPSUTUSFUDIOFBSUIFTPVUIFBTUFSODPSOFSXFSFEFNPMJTIFE5IF
other elements of the defence works were converted into urban parks.
It becomes a part of the Kingdom of Italy
255
2. DESCRIPTION
1943 Massive bombings on the city.
Incorporated into Titos Yugoslavia.

All symbols of the Serenissima are damaged
1991 5IF 3FQVCMJD PG $SPBUJB EFDMBSFT JUT JOEFQFOEFODF GSPN UIF:VHPTMBWJB BOE ;BEBS JT PODF
more besieged by the Serbian Peoples Army
1998 Restorations of the Porta di Terraferma
2005 The marine body is opened to the public through the western front of the walls that had
previously been demolished
8IFO ;BEBS EFDMBSFE JUTiEFEJDBUJPOw UP 7FOJDF TU medieval structures which, nonetheless, were still
July 1409), the city had a typically medieval defence ;BEBSTNBJOMJOFPGEFGFODF
works made up of low towered walls, the castle to From the first twenty years of the 16th century, the
UIFOPSUIFBTUXIJDIXBTQSPUFDUFECZUIFTFBBOEB innovative ideas of the Venetian experts gradually
moat with a drawbridge, an artificial reef (Porporella) changed the conception of defence. The captain of the
protecting the side towards the sea which stopped Venetian Land Armies, Malatesta Baglioni, started the
ships drawing near on that side (Fig.40). construction of a modern CitadelUPUIFTPVUIXFTU PS
These defences had, by this point, proven inefficient rather on the extreme opposite of the castle.
compared to an incipient transformation of the
GPSUJDBUJPO DSJUFSJB DPOTFRVFOUMZ UIF Serenissima As was usual in view of the global revision of the
decided to renovate the existing system with modest defence works, this period also saw an interesting
DIBOHFT XIJMF BXBJUJOH B HFOFSBM SFWJTJPO PG ;BEBST debate between the various experts in the matter who
defences. EJTDVTTFE UIF NPTU TVJUBCMF XBZ UP QSPUFDU ;BEBST
strategic role within the trade routes of the Serenissima.
The most important work carried out before 1424 Particular mention should be made of Francesco
was the digging of a moat to isolate the urban centre Maria della Rovere and Michele Stmicheli with his
TFQBSBUJOH JU GSPN UIF UFSSSBGFSNB BOE UIF FYUSB nephew Gian Girolamo. In 1536, the former scoured
moenia villages: thus, it took on the configuration Istria and Dalmatia, sending a detailed report to the
which, then perfected in the following century, we can administration heads (Council of Ten) regarding the
still see today. state of the works in the vast Dalmatian territory and
relative personal observations on how to proceed (F.M.
In 1448, the Turkish threat was increasing, so much so della Rovere, Discorso sopra le cose di Dalmatia
that the Serenissima decided to temporarily suspend
5IF4UNJDIFMJEVPGPVOEUIFNTFMWFTJO;BEBSJO
sea trade with the Orient a little after the fall of 1537 to realise the work set up by the Duke of Urbino
Constantinople (1453). a bastioned curtain at the very edges of the moat.
The great political and territorial instability spurred
BOPUIFSDBNQBJHOPGJOUFSWFOUJPOTPOUIFQSFFYJTUJOH The new line of defence adapted to the natural
256
conformation of the peninsula, creating a continual

perimeter around the city (Fig.41
ESBXJOHT GSPN UIF
subsequent period show how the first solution was
discarded in favour of a more complex wall marked
by a sequence of imposing bastions along the curtain
towards the Port. The interposition of the port between
the peninsula and the Terraferma made enemy attack
from the Terraferma probable, that is from the banks
CFZPOEUIFDBOBMGPSUIJTSFBTPO UIFGSPOUPGUIFQPSU
required particular attention.
Starting from this side, the walls continued until they
encompassed the Castle and the Cittadel. According
to some scholars, this solution comes from a drawing
and wooden model made by Michele Stmicheli who,
as in other Venetian cities, removed himself from his
colleagues project in order to continue alone.
Contributing to hastening the operations were the Fig.41 S. Munster, Cosmographia universalis, 1550
BUUBDLTCZUIF5VSL,IBJSBEEJO LOPXOBT#BSCBSPTTB
'JH,7PO(SVOFNCFSH JNBHJOBSZWJFXPG;BEBSJOUIF.JEEMF"HFT (PUIB 'PSTDIVOHTCJCMJPUIFL
257
2. DESCRIPTION
who in 1537 advanced greatly in the Ionian Islands and completed about 50 years later with the demolition
the Aegean Islands, threatening Venetian power. of some religious buildings (Convent of Stta Marcella,
Against this backdrop of war, the Stmicheli family Church of St Simeone and the Church of St Rocco).
played a crucial role in designing the southern curtain
which was extended to defend the short side of the The delay in construction times was a constant problem
;BEBSQFOJOTVMB Fig.43). GPSUIFCVJMEJOHZBSETJO;BEBSXIFSFUIFZBMTPIBEUP
Here in 1537, in the very centre, the monumental deal with a difficult land and the consequent increase
bastion still today known as Ponton (puntone: an JOFYQFOTFTJOBOZDBTF JOUIFNPOVNFOUBMPorta
element with an acute corner plan) referring to its di Terraferma was completed following the Sanmicheli
innovative form compared to the circular ramparts project as well as the defence line that made it up, as it
used until then. still does today. The Stta Marcella Bastion, the Ponton
The first and largest bastion in Dalmatia emerged from and the Cittadel are connected by massive curtains that
UIFQSFFYJTUJOHNPBUBOEDPNQMFUFMZGVMMMFEUIFalla are up to 8 metres wide in places, thereby forming a
moderna requirements with its polygonal form, the modern and efficient fortified line.
earth structure covered in bricks and the casemates for
the artillery. In the meantime, work continued on the walls, even
Towards the west, in 1540, the Stta Marcella bastion if slow: the Castle was replaced by a modern bastion
(then the Moor Bastion) started to take shape and, filling in the moat that separated the building from the
after the suspension and return to work was finally peninsula (from 1553 to 1589), the temporary bastions
'JH;BEBS $PSSFS.VTFVN 7FOJDF .TQSPW%JW# O
258
of St Demetrio and St Rocco were reinforced and just a external area of Borgo di St Martino which extended
century later would reach 12 and 11 metres in height right in front of the Ponton. Here, the expert created
respectively, two gun ports were built as well as the a Fort built straight on the rock surrounded by a moat
battlements to protect the patrol paths (1561). On the that crossed between the peninsula and the Terraferma.
opposite side, the curtain facing the sea still required Despite the devastating demolitions that basically
work but defence was guaranteed anyway thanks to destroyed the Borgo replacing it with a wide plain,
the Porporella (artificial reef ). XPSL XBT DBSSJFE PVU WFSZ RVJDLMZ UIF JOIBCJUBOUT
resistance against the invasive operation was not a
While work continued on the city perimeter, in 1559 the valid deterrent quite the contrary, Borgos inhabitants
renowned Captain General Sforza Pallavicino carried were employed in the building yard: citizens, noblemen
PVU B TVSWFZ JO ;BEBS XIJDI IF DPOTJEFSFE BiDity of and military officers worked on the fortifications for at
huge importancew
JU JT CFMJFWFE UIBU IJT TVHHFTUJPO least two hours a day for free.
formed the basis of the reinforcement work carried The project included a tenaille plan with a couple of
out in 1566 on the walls between the Cittadel at the bastions and moat that formed the front facing the
St Nicolo rampart right up to the Castle Bastion and land, two high walls defined the sides facing the sea
the construction of two platforms (a cross between a while it was closed towards the peninsula by a high
bastion and a terreplain): St Francesco and St Domenico wall facing over the existing moat.
which was then covered in stone (1619) (Fig.43). The General Proxy of Dalmatia affirmed in 1570 that
Moreover, Pallavicino focussed on the highly built the perimeter of the Fort was approximately 1000
'JH #JCMJPUFDB.BSDJBOB 7FOJDF .T*UBM$M7* GPM
259
2. DESCRIPTION
metres made in brickwork with the ditch partly dug (De The utopian project in fact was never undertaken.
Benvenuti, 1941) and in 1580 it was almost finished. 5IFTFUVQPG;BEBSTGPSUJDBUJPOTVOEFSXFOUDPOTUBOU
This initial plan was then added to on several occasions improvements throughout the 17th century, when the
over the following centuries by experts from the Serenissima was militarily employed first in Candia and
Serenissima. then in Morea.
In fact, Pallavicinos intentions were much wider as
already in 1559, as well as the main bastioned wall and Plans and reports document a number of hypothesised
the Fort, he suggested widening the fortifications on projects starting from the early 1600s focussed on
the Terraferma so as to also protect the port. strengthening the Fort and on a new line of defence
The idea to extend the fortifications on the Terraferma beyond the Port that would be resized compared to
beyond the port to the Valle della Contessa and the the previous one. One example of this is the external
Valle dei Poveri was reproposed in 1565 and in 1568 and walls with three ravelins to protect the Fort towards
fuelled the debate between Serenissimas experts who the countryside or a square Fort to protect the Valle dei
were not in agreement on the project. This is the case Poveri.
of the renowned Giulio Savorgnan who regarded the In 1648, the survey of the fortifications continued to
idea to extend the polygonal bastioned walls beyond DIFDLTUBUFBOEGVODUJPOBMJUZPGUIFNEVSJOHUIJTUJNF
the hills and valleys as unfeasible due to the exorbitant various projects were drawn up for additional works
expenses, the difficulty in digging into living rock, the regarding the esplanade next to the Fort, between
need for 6,000 infantrymen to maintain defence against the two bastions of the tenaille. The proposals bear
a potentially large enemy such as the Ottomans. witness to the high level reached by Serenissimas
'JH;BEBS "OHFMPEFHMJ0EEJ "SDIJFQJTDPQBM-JCSBSZ 6EJOF
260
military architects, who support their ideas based on particular, the interventions to be carried out together
tactical factors and strategies linked to modern siege with the dry ditch and the moat. The idea was to build a
UFDIOJRVFT "O BOPOZNPVT SFQPSU PO ;BEBS XSJUUFO covered road and falsabraga along the entire perimeter
in the late 1600s refers to these exceptional talents, of the tenaille on the inside, will on the exterior facing
highlighting the strengths and weaknesses of the towards the countryside, it was proposed to build
EFGFODFXPSLTXJUIJOBOEPVUTJEFPG;BEBSSFHBSEJOH WF HBMMFSJFT BMM JOUFSDPOOFDUFE UISPVHI UIF BSFB
potential attack which, during the XVII, mainly included between the two seas which bordered the
concerned the underground works. ;BEBSTPJMUPFBTUBOEXFTU0UIFSDPVOUFSNJOFUVOOFMT
XPVME IBWF TVSSPVOEFE UIF UI DFOUVSZ SBWFMJO BMM
They therefore decided on a ravelin to be completed the underground tunnels would therefore have led to
CZ DPOUJOVJOH GSPN UIF SBWFMJO UIF QSPQPTBM the exits onto the interior of the Fort.
to update the 16th century Fort was made by Filippo
Verneda, a real authority in underground passages Other first class experts contributed to the exception
(mine and countermine tunnels) and certainly one SFTVMU RVPUFE PGUFO JO EPDVNFOUT GSPN UIF UJNF JO
of the most important figures in Venetian military fact, in the same period that Filippo Verneda followed
engineering of the 17th century and illustrated in a UIFFWFOUTPG;BEBSFWFOXIJMFTUBZJOHJOPUIFSDJUJFTPG
drawing (Fig.45). The small drawing which can be the Serenissima BOPUIFSXFMMLOPXO7FOFUJBOHFOFSBM
dated back to the second half of the 17th century and held in great esteem by the heads of Venice as well as
ascribed to Verneda or one of his collaborators (Correr colleagues and literary types and scientists of the time
Town Museum) represents with a wealth of detail the of the cultural panorama even beyond the borders of
front of the Fort facing towards the Terraferma and, in the SerenissimaoXBTEJSFDUMZJOWPMWFEJO;BEBS
'JH1SPQPTBMTPGUIFDPVOUFSNJOFTBOEPUIFSXPSLTCZ$P,BWBMJFSMJQQP7FSOFEBGPSUIFXPSL'PSUFEJ;BEBS $PSSFS.VTFVN 7FOJDF .TT

P.D. c 851/1)
261
2. DESCRIPTION
It was the Republics head of war, Bartolomeo VariSto Calergi, Boucault) who alternated in directing the works:
Grimaldi, who played an active role in a number of UIFTF XFSF QFSIBQT MFTT XFMMLOPXO QSPGFTTJPOBMT
EPNJOJPOTJODMVEJOH1FTDIJFSBEFM(BSEB
compared to others in the vast panorama of specialists
and Corfu in order to improve the fortification setup. serving the Serenissima, but despite this they had very
It is he we thank for a 1678 report on the possible active roles in Dalmatia.
JNQSPWFNFOUTUPCFNBEFUP;BEBSTEFGFODFTTFOUUP In particular, Boucault (better known as Bucc) worked
the General Superintendent in Dalmatia and Albania, a great deal on the Dalmatian coast before and after his
Pietro Valier, in which he write about the need to TUJOUJO;BEBS0GHSFBUJOUFSFTUJTIJTSFQPSUJOXIJDIIF
strengthen the existing works with deep countermine makes some simple suggestions that are nonetheless
tunnels running both towards the countryside as useful in understanding the usual works to maintain
well as inside the Fort. His theory was supported by the fortifications, which could even today prove useful
circumstantial indications on how to carry out the to preserve the property in a way that is coherent with
works in respect with the nature of the territory, on the very nature of the site.
the sizing of the works and on the calculations of the In fact, the expert advises to leave the grass to grow
futuristic tunnels. around the exterior fortifications, on the parapets and
Work started at the end of the 1670s and certainly lasted on the ramparts, to plant trees to provide the wood for
until 1682 under the supervision of the Superintendent repairing the brickwork, to eliminate any obstructions
Girolamo Corner who had, in the meantime, replaced from the moats to allow water to flow freely, and to
Valier. In this period, work was concentrated on the avoid animals pasturing in the area which could cause
countermine and the falsabraga thanks also to the landslides and the consequent fall of parapets and
contribution of the numerous engineers (Benaglia, ramparts (Fig. 46).
'JH.BQBOEWJFXPG;BEBS (+VTUFS $PSSFS.VTFVN 7FOJDF
262
C'PSUPG4U/JLPMB JCFOJL,OJO$PVOUZ
In order to have a complete overview of the events For a detailed analysis of the history and development
characterising the formation of the Fort of St. Nikola, during the years of the Serenissima, please see the text
below is a table highlighting the phases that precede below.
and follow the Venetian era.
5IFSTUNFOUJPOPG4JCFOJLJOIJTUPSZEBUFTCBDLUPUIFLJOH1FUBS,SFTJNJS*7

that led the Croatian medieval State to the maximum of its military and political power
In the year 1116 the city was conquered by the Venetians who beat its forts and ruled it until
1124
Struggle for ecclesiastical autonomy, separation from the diocese of Trogir and the creation
PGBJCFOJLEJPDFTF
1298 Pope Boniface VIII signed a Bull by which he proclaimed Sibenik a city, by ordering it to be
located in a bishop
1322 End of Hungarian rule. The city placed itself under the protection of the Republic of Venice
Temporarily under the rule of the Serenissima
1348 Plague
1357 5IF DJUZ XJUIESFX GSPN UIF QSPUFDUPSBUF BOE DBNF VOEFS UIF QPXFS PG UIF )VOHBSJBO
Croatian kings
1378 During the war between Venice and Genoa (the latter supported by the Hungarian Croatian
King Ludovico d'Angi) the Venetian Admiral Vettor Pisani moved assault of Sibenik with a
powerful fleet, he managed to stifle the tenacious resistance of the defenders, he conquered
the city and devastated it
1412 The domain of the Republic of Venice started

1431 Start of construction of the Cathedral of St. James in Sibenik
Half 15th century Construction of the circular towers belonging to the defensive walls
1522 Turkish conquest of Scardona and openings of the sea route to Sibenik
1546 Construction of the St. Nikola Fort
1608 Sibenik published his Statute which dated the beginning of the fourteenth century when the
rules of treaty law were codified and the individual resolutions enacted by the organs of the
municipal autonomy were collected
The period of relative peace and development of Sibenik was interrupted by a new war
between the Republic of Venice and Turkey, started due to the island of Crete (Heraklion) and
lasted until 1669
1647 Attempted attack Sibenik by the Turks
1649 Plague
1659 Attempted attack Sibenik by the Turks
1797 The domain of the Republic of Venice ended
263
2. DESCRIPTION
VENETIAN ERA FROM 15TH TO 17TH CENTURY vicinity of the city.

In this way Venice had absolute military superiority
With the establishment of a diocese ibenik finally became at sea so that the attention, not only in regard to
a city, equal in all things with the other Dalmatian cities. JCFOJLCVUUPBMMPUIFS%BMNBUJBODJUJFTGPDVTFEPOUIF
Throughout the 14th and 15th centuries the passage strengthening of land defence since it was the direction
through the channel was controlled by torettes built on from which Hungarians began to threaten in early 15th
both sides of the channel at the entrance into the port of century and the Turks from the mid 15th century.
ibenik. From one side of the channel to the other a chain
was spread which prevented unwanted entry of ships into In addition to the building of defensive walls and
the port, especially a night. towers the city also built a new cathedral with which
JU XJTIFE UP EFNPOTUSBUF UIF TPDJPFDPOPNJD TUBUVT
In the early 15th century the city fell under the rule it had reached. The city also attained an important
PG 7FOJDF %VSJOH JUT SFJHO GSPN UIF DJUZ communal utility in form of four wells.
remained within the perimeter it had in previous Due to the presence of a large number of builders
periods. The outermost city point was along the working on the cathedral intensive housing and public
monastery of St Francis to the east. construction activities took place throughout the city.
The fortification system of the city was further
developed by the construction of new towers on the Sibeniks defensive system was significantly enhanced
already existing walls which were technically improved in 16th century with the building of the strong Fortress
while new very strong forts were also built in the of St Nikola at the entrance to St Anas channel in the
Fig. 47 A view of the fortress F. Hohenberg and G. Braun, 1576
264
period between 1540 and 1544After Skradin fell into of St Nikola whose ruins were still visible and the other
Turkish hands in 1521 the threat arose that the Turks along the Church of St Andrija on the opposite side of
would establish a sea passage to Skradin (Fig 47). the channel. The building of the forts was not realized
That would mean the arrival of the Turkish fleet into the immediately but became current once again in 1539
JCFOJL#BZBOEUIFSFCZEJSFDUMZFOEBOHFSUIFDJUZ when the same task was awarded to Gian Girolamo
Sanmicheli. Sanmicheli proposed and designed the
The military engineer Malateste Baglion was dispatched Fort in place of the former monastery of St Nikola.
UPJCFOJLJOXJUIUIFUBTLPGQSFQBSJOHBQSPQPTBM
GPSUIFEFGFODFPGJCFOJL QBSUJDVMBSMZGSPNUIFTFB According to Gian Girolamo Sanmichelis design, in
In order to prevent the arrival of the Turkish fleet in 1540 the construction of an imposing Fortress began
UIFJCFOJL#BZ #BHMJPOTVHHFTUFEUIFCVJMEJOHPGUXP at the location of the old monastery of St Nikola.
Fortress at the entrance to St Anas channel. Gian Girolamo designed it as a firm and secure structure
which in the architectural sense, applied contemporary
One would be built in place of the former monastery military building trends of the times. Comparing this
Fig. 48 Plan of the upper level, V. Coronelli, 16th century
265
2. DESCRIPTION
Fort with contemporary forts along the Mediterranean, %VSJOH UIF $SFUBO 8BS
XIFO UIF 5VSLT
we find on St Nikolas fort had all the features and threatened Venetian coastal territories once again, and
advances in design and construction characteristic of QBSUJDVMBSMZJCFOJL UIFDPOTUSVDUJPOPGUXPFortress on
fortification structures in the 16th century. the hills dominating the city began in 1646.
In fact, some solutions used on the Fortress appeared One was built at the location the former medieval
perhaps for the first time in Europe. church of St Ivan and it bore its name while the other
Among those was the pliers building system that was was built as support on a somewhat lower hill along
VTFE CFUXFFO UIF TFNJCBTUJPOT UP UIF TPVUI PG UIF St Ivans church and was named Barone. It was named
fort, mutually connected by a curtain wall (Fig.48). after the captain, baron Degenfeld who was in the
The lower part of Fort of St Nikolas was built in service of Venice at the time of its building. In 1660 two
corbelled stone. Above the belt built in stone the fort bastion: St Katarina and Bernardi were built along the
was in large part covered in brick. Reconstructions city walls in the east part of the city.
undertaken in the 1930s at the time of Austrian rule are
still visible on its mantle. The building of the fortification structures could not
QSFWFOU UIF DBUBDMZTN XIJDI JCFOJL FYQFSJFODFE JO
1649 when the plague devastated the city.
A city that had 11.000 inhabitants was reduced to a
population of 1500.The loss of its population put an end
UPUIFTPDJBMBOEFDPOPNJDEFWFMPQNFOUPGJCFOJL*O
the period after the plague, the physical structure of
the city remained untouched but the population was
devastated.
Rural inhabitants came to the city and brought with
them some other values and lifestyles. After the
plague, the city that gave the prominent humanistic
TDIPMBST TVDI +VSBK JHPSJ 'BVTU BOE "OUVO7SBOJ
Martin Koluni Rota, Bonafacije di Natale and others
ceased being the humanistic centre on the eastern
Adriatic and beyond.
Fig. 49 General map of the canal and port of Sibenik stating the
fortificazion existed.Note the Fort of St. Nikola at the entranche of the
harbor canal, 1647 ca. ( Biblioteca Ciomunale di Treviso)
266
2.b.4.7 Defensive system of Hvar
In order to have a complete overview of the main For detailed analysis of the history and development
events that characterised the formaton of the defensive during the years of the Serenissima UIUI
system of Hvar, below is a chronology which focusses centuries), please see the text below.
mainly on the phases before and after the Venetian Era.
3000 BC The earliest finds at the location of Fortica confirm the existence of the earliest fortification
structures on top of the hill above the port
UIUID#$ Period of the most intensive development of the Late Bronze Age and Iron Age settlement in
the area of Fortica and slopes below it
1st c. BC Construction of the larger port feature in place of the present day Arsenal that survived until
the beginning of the 2nd c. AD
SEUID"% Construction of the large late antiquity Arsenal began and lasted to 8th c. AD
1292 Venetian authorities order the city duke to begin the construction of ArsenalJOJUXBT
TUJMMOPUDPNQMFUFEJUXBTNPTUQSPCBCMZOJTIFECZXIFOUIFGVODUJPOPGUIFArsenal
commander is mentioned
early a4th A medieval Fortress was built at the location of the later date Fortica Fortress
1358 The Arsenal was damaged during the attack of the Anjouvian allies on Hvar. it was under the
rule of Anjouvian authorities from 1358 1418. In 1358 the citizens of Hvar together with the
duke withdrew to the city fortress
XV The Arsenal is distinctly mentioned in a document from 1459 which defined the Pjaca in its
current perimeter.
1551 Fortica Fortress built
1559 The Arsenal is completed
The Arsenal CVJMEJOH JT TFWFSFMZ EBNBHFE XIFO 6MV["MJ5IF SFDPOTUSVDUJPO PG UIF Arsenal
began.
The duke and provveditore Pietro Semitecolo completed the Arsenal and built Fortica Fortress
1617 The reinforcement of the Fortica'PSUSFTT%POBEPTTFNJDJSDVMBSUPXFSCVJMUJOUIFXFTUQBSU
1711 "OUVO.BUJKBFWJ$BSBNBODPEFTDSJCFTUIFDBSOJWBMGFTUJWJUJFTPSHBOJ[FEJOUIFUIFBUSFBOE
the entire Arsenal building in the epic poem written in Latin and devoted to Marin Capello.
1716 The obligation of arming and maintaining the commune galleys is substituted with a
monetary fee
1757 The official winter haven of the Adriatic fleet is moved from Hvar to Kotor although part of the
fleet remains in Hvar
1796 The last Venetian duke Iseppo (Giuseppe) Barbaro moved the garrison to the theatre which is
out of use to its dilapidated state
1797 'BMMPG7FOJDFUIFJTMBOEPG)WBSQBTTFTVOEFSUIFSFJHOPGUIF"VTUSJBOFNQJSF
1797 1805 Austrian age
1803 0DJBM DPOSNBUJPO PG UIF 5IFBUSJDBM 4PDJFUZ FTUBCMJTIFE UXP ZFBST FBSMJFS TPPO BGUFS B
completely new wooden theatre is built in place of the old one
267
2. DESCRIPTION
1805 Hvar under French administration

The French troops were withdrawn from Hvar in order to be deployed in Russia. on March 21
%POBEPTTFNJDJSDVMBSUPXFSBUUIFFBTUFOEPGUIF'PSUSFTTXBTCMPXOVQ
5IFJTMBOEPG)WBSBOE%BMNBUJBBSFBQBSUPG"VTUSJB PSSBUIFS"VTUSP)VOHBSZ
1815 Works on the Fortica Fortress were also mentioned, indicating that the Austrians kept the
name given to the fort by the French, a fact mentioned for the first time in 1809.
19th #BSSBDLTXFSFCFJOHCVJMUJOUIF'PSUSFTT
/FXMBSHFQPXEFSNBHB[JOFXBTCVJMUJOQMBDFPGUIFPMEDIVSDIPG4U*WBO
5IF
DBTFNBUFPGUIFOPSUIXFTUUPXFSXBTBMTPSFIBCJMJUBUFEBUUIBUUJNF
A serpentine road between the city and the Fortress was built (1842) although a dirt road
existed from Dolac toward the Fortress.
The present day wall linings in front of the north, back entrance with loopholes, a protective
USFODIBOEESBXCSJEHFXFSFCVJMUJO*UJTOPULOPXOQSFDJTFMZXIFOUIFUXPTFNJDJSDVMBS
built cannon platforms along the south wall were built but according to described drawings
they did not originate before 1857.
1820 the dispute begins between the commune of Hvar and the Austrian army over the ownership
of the Arsenal: it was resolved to the benefit of Hvar in the mid 19th century
1824 The main facade of the Arsenal CVJMEJOH XBT DIBOHFE UIF PSJHJOBM Belvedere railing was
substituted by a built brick fence and the slipway in front of the Arsenal was most probably
CBDLMMFE UISFF PSEJOBSZ XJOEPXT XFSF PQFOFE PO UIF NBJO GBDBEF JO QMBDF PG B MBSHFS
opening on the gable, large central lion on the upper floor and two smaller round, lions on
FJUIFSTJEFTPGUIFDFOUSBMPOFPGTQFDJBMJOUFSFTUJTUIFGBDUUIBUUIFSFXBTBTZNCPMPGUIF
theatre on the main facade, the masks of tragedy and comedy connected by a garland in relief
right under the central lion
Renovation of the theatre and new door opened on the upper floor
1866 The army handed over the Arsenal building to the city. The City of Hvar bought the Fortica
Fortress
The last comprehensive renovation of theatre when it attained todays shape
BSPVOE NVOJDJQBMPDFTSFGVSCJTIFEJOUIFXFTUQBSUPGArsenals upper floor
UIFHSPVOEPPSPGUIFArsenal served in the 19th and first half of the 20th centuries as a
TIJQZBSEBOEXBSFIPVTFBGUFS8PSME8BS**BMBSHFDJOFNBIBMMXBTPQFOFEUIFSFXIJDITFSWFE
GPSNFFUJOHTBOEQFSGPSNBODFTEVSJOHUIFTBNFQFSJPEBDJUZHBMMFSZXBTPQFOFEPOUIF
upper floor
Fortica was to serve as a provisional hospital for the isolation of patients stricken with
infectious diseases.
Italian occupation on the island of Hvar
1921. 1941 The island of Hvar becomes a part of the Kingdom of Serbs, Croats and Slovenians or rather
Yugoslavia
1971 the Fortress was repurposed into a large tourist centre and has been without any purpose
since 1990
VOUJMUPEBZ The island of Hvar is a part of independent Croatia
268
VENETIAN ERA FROM 15th TO 17th CENTURY structure it can be assumed that it is a depiction of the
Arsenal from the late 15th century (Fig.50).
The Venetian presence in the city of Hvar started in the
Middle Ages, from 1278 to 1358. During this initial phase, The assumption that the Arsenal was in no way a
the urban nucleus was enclosed in a first section of city significant structure until the construction of the large
walls which protected the settlement on the side facing SFOBJTTBODFUXPTUPSFZCVJMEJOHJTDPOSNFECZUSBWFM
towards the Terraferma and left the side that faced onto writers from the late 15th century, Santo Brasca, Pietro
the bay free as it was naturally protected by the sea. Casola and the prominent Dominican Felix Faber, who
At the end of the 13th century, mention was first made of did not mention it with even one word.
the presence of an Arsenale for the maintenance of the However, the definite confirmation that the Arsenal
Venetian naval fleet. was not a large public building in the 14th, 15th and
The long and eventful history of this building, just like the early 16th centuries is given by Dinko Pribojevi in a
Fortress, confirm the vital role played by this component speech on the origin and greatness of the Slavs from
within the series; in fact, the Serenissimas interest in Hvar 1525, published in Venice in Latin in 1535 and in Italian
a central point in the Adriatic maritime routes is shown in 1595, as the last book of the original printing house
by the multiple constructive phases which characterise Manuti, in which he listed all the important public
the fortified system and the Arsenale which, over the buildings without mentioning the Arsenal.
years, has been adapted and brought up to date until its
current alla moderna configuration. In the same year in which Prebojevi gave his speech,
the report of the representatives of Dalmatia Leonardo
The Arsenal Veniera and Jeronimo Contatera were submitted to the
Venetian Senate in which the description of the city
During the 15th century the Arsenal was functional Hvar also omits mentioning the Arsenal.
and was most often designated as a mark in space at It can be assumed that it looked like a typical tezzone,
the time of assigning communal lots in its vicinity. The B MBSHF MPOH CVJMEJOH XJUI B EPVCMFQJUDIFE SPPG
space of the Arsenal served as a venue for the meeting supported by columns or walls with large openings
of the Great Council of the commune. on all its facades which is suggested by Grnembergs
In 1459 the archdeacon asked the commune, on panoramic drawing.
behalf of Kaptol to prohibit construction on the Pjaca. It undoubtedly also had a considerably smaller floor
A butchers shop and various lots becharia e luogi in plan than the one built in the 16th century.
the south part of the Pjaca, in front of the Arsenal are
mentioned in this document. According to documents The first information on the building of the renaissance
from the Liber Gratie from 1472 the butchers shop Arsenal, as the central part of the large naval port
was located along the north wall of the Arsenal, most is the decision of the Duke and Provveditore Marco
probably on the northwest corner of the building. Manolesco of November 11, 1530 in which he orders
It is interesting to note that in one of Grnembergs part of the communal taxes to be allocated for the
panoramas of Hvar from 1487, in a small and vivid construction of the Arsenal. On the basis of that fact,
miniature depiction of the butcher working and from which it can be concluded that the Arsenal was
ladies strolling, this butchers shop can be seen in the already under construction and the fact that Pribojevi
mentioned place. The same picture shows a small does not mention the Arsenal in 1525, it can be
ground floor building to the east of the butchers assumed that its building began in the last years of the
shop with a large opening on the west facade and a third decade of the 16th century.
south facade that is closed only with a parapet on the
ground level, while the remaining part of the facade is The letter of the Adriatic Sea naval commander
completely open. Giovanni Antonio Tagliapietre of November 20,
Actually a solution typical for counters, namely, roofed 1547 indicates that the Arsenal was to the most part
working spaces, quite frequent in shipbuilding and complete at the time. The loan of 792 ducats in 1552
stone dressing. As the building of the butchery is which Venice approved to the Hvar commune confirms
MPDBUFE QSFDJTFMZ BMPOH UIF OPSUIXFTU DPSOFS PG UIF the fact that the Arsenal was built by the money of the
269
2. DESCRIPTION
Hvar commune. However, the entire Arsenal was not completed until
Namely, the Hvar commune was the only one in XIFO UIF SFQSFTFOUBUJWFT ;BO(JBDPNP ;BOF
Dalmatia which was free to dispose with its income, BOE;VBOOF.JDIJFMSFQFBUFEUIFQSPWJTJPOGSPN
which was established by an agreement from 1420 on on the obligation of investing 400 ducats annually
the basis of which Hvar came under Venetian rule. in the construction of the Arsenal. The reports of
The representatives for Dalmatia Antonio Diedo and representatives Errizo and Bono from 1559 noted that
Giovanni Battista Giustinian informed the Venetian the Arsenal was completed and once again reiterate
Senate in 1553 that the Arsenal was built in Hvar, the efforts of S. Tiepolo to that effect.
primarily owing to the efforts of the Chief Naval The Duke of Hvar, Andrea Diedo in his report from
Commander, Stefan Tiepolo. The representative 1560 noted that he had spent, upon the orders of
Giustinian wrote in his private notes that it was almost Stefano Tiepolo 15500 libres of communal money on
complete and that only a few minor things remain to the construction of the Arsenal.
be done (Fig. 51) The renaissance Arsenal did not last long in its original
The report of the chief naval commander Pandolf form. As early as 1571 it was burned during Uluz Alis
Quoro, from 1556 is of particular importance because it attack on the Dalmatian islands.
contains the fact regarding the room above the Arsenal
where ship biscuits and other equipment are stored. The following year the rehabilitation of Arsenal began
Fig. 50. View of Hvar coloured wood engraving from Konrad von Grnemberg's book Pillgerreise von Constanz nach Jerusalem, 1486.The only
source that depicts the appearance of the medieval Fortress. Traces of a previous building on the west tower of the renaissance Fortress confirm
that Grnemberg's depiction was correct at least in general outlines
270
but it was prolonged all the way to the early 17th Tiepolo wrote in his message to theVenetian government
century. Works on its reconstruction were mentioned that the Arsenal was beautiful and spacious, repaired
in 1581 but it was still unroofed in 1582, although the after it had been burned by the Ottomans but that in
Provveditore General for Dalmatia issued an order spite of that additional repairs were required on its side
to the effect that 400 ducats are be spend annually so he is requesting that a master craftsman, wooden
on the reconstruction of the Arsenal. Works on its parts, roof tiles, hardware and boards be dispatched,
rehabilitation were intensified considerably in the early emphasizing that the commune will participate in
17th century. the costs within its possibilities. Two years later, the
5IF SFQPSU PG UIF 1SPWWFEJUPSF (FOFSBM ;VBO #BUUJTUB Provveditore General Marcantonio Venier informed
Contarini of September 10, 1606 is of interest as he notes Venice that the repairs were almost completed, at the
in it that one of Arsenal warehouses was demolished expense of the Commune and that two more arches
and asks for help to sent to the Duke of Hvar and were been constructed in order to finish the other half
Provveditore Stefano Tiepolo, the great grandson of of the structure (Fig. 52).
the one that originally built the Arsenal. The note on
the demolition of a warehouse most probably relates The Arsenal was completed by the Duke and
to the caving in of the west portion of the floor where Provveditore Pietro Semitecolo who was in Hvar
storage space was located. from 1610 to early 1613. In a letter he wrote in 1611
he pointed out that when he came to Hvar in 1610
On June 10, 1607 the Duke and Provveditore Stefano he found that the reconstruction of the Arsenal was
Fig. 53 G.F. Camocio ,View of Hvar ( Isole famose porti, fortezze, e terre maritime sottoposte alla Ser.ma Sig.ria di Venetia, 1574 ca., tav 16)
271
2. DESCRIPTION
not completed while the very same year the Fornica The value of Semitecolos endeavour was also
structure reached the height of the vault. In mid emphasized by Jerolim Dona in 1618, when the five
August 1612, Semitecolo, embittered by the resistance warehouses of Fontika were mentioned for the first
of the Hvar nobility, dispatched a long letter to the time, although Semiteolo himself mentioned four
Senate in which he informed it that he has completed warehouses. Evidently, in the period between 1613 and
the Arsenal and built a spacious hall (Fontika terrace) as 1618 one of the warehouses was partitioned.
well as four warehouses (Fontika building) which also
served for the distribution of salt, on which the state The Fontika building had considerable similarities in
had strict monopoly at that time. terms of form with the Loggia, a fact that had already
been observed in literature. The similarity is especially
The nobility sent two petitions to the Senate in 1613 emphasized in a document from the late 18th century,
and 1615 one of which related to the gilt tablets in a sketch of the formal lighting which clearly shows
Semitecolo placed on the Fontika and the Arsenal. The that the original Belvedere railing had small pyramids
second petition pointed out that the construction of just like to Loggia.
the Fontika closed off the light on the north facade of
the Arsenal, which clearly indicated that the windows In 1712 the Adriatic Sea naval commander Morano
on the ground floor of the Arsenal in the mid 16th Capello organized carnival games about which Antun
century were on the north side.
Fig. 52 View of Hvar (Liesina), V.M. Coronelli., XVII sec. (in Parte delle Fortezze della Serenissima Republica di Venetia, Biblioteca Nazionale
Marciana, Venice)
272
Matijaevi Karamaneo wrote a long epic poem in The theatre in the east part of the Arsenal deserves
Latin. The introductory part of the poem consists of special attention. Pietro Semitecolo who allegedly
commendations to Marino Capello, followed by a founded the theatre in Hvar in 1612 is connected
description of the Arsenal and Fontika in which he with another historical theatrical fact, namely, that he
mentions the open ground floor, the upper floor organized the staging of the comedy La Fanciulla by
divided into two parts by a wall and the terrace of the Giovanni Batista Marzi on Corfu in 1583 while he was
Fontika, called the Belvedere, crowned by a series of the Fortress commander there. Semitecolo is only one
small pyramids. He also mentions five warehouses and of the Venetian commanders who organized theatre
the fact that the west part of the upper Arsenal level performances on Corfu and Crete. Before him, Antonio
was an arms and ship equipment warehouse while the da Molino was known for it and later on Francesco da
east part housed a theatre (Fig. 53). Mosto and Giovanni Aquila.
In 1716 Hvar was freed from the obligation of paying
for equipping of the commune galley, for which the It seems Semitecolo passed on his Greek experiences
Arsenal was also used, and from 1757, the Venetian to Hvar in 1612. Although the year of the establishment
fleet officially wintered in Kotor, instead of Hvar. of the theatre has not been proven with certainty it
However until the fall of the Republic of Venice, parts of has been confirmed that the theatre was located in
the fleet remained in Hvar. the Arsenal in the first half of the 17th century. This
fact is confirmed in the document Colleggiety delle
'JH(JPWBOOJ+VTUFS 1MBOPG)WBS 7FOJDF 0TUFSSFJDIJTDIFT4UBBUBSDIJW,SJFHTBSDIJW 8JFO

+VTUFSTDJUZQMBOTDIFNBUJDBMMZEFQJDUTUIF
most important already known elements of the naval port. He is the only one who shows the seat of the Adriatic Fleet captain on the east side
of the port. It is interesting that he named the Church of the Annunciation as St Barbaras Church after the altar of the artillerists brotherhood
from Fortica stationed there.
273
2. DESCRIPTION
spese from 1676: ...Et dovendosi per bisogno d agiustar

il Teatro destinato per la recita delle Comedie da questa
Communita nell Arsenal, far spesa in Tole, chiodami,
mistri, et altro, fu istessamente posta parte da ditto
Spettabile Signor Guidice se devono contribuirsi dalla
Camera di questa Communita lire cinquante a tal effete,
giusta il practicato per Avanti.
It is important to point out that the repairs were being

done according to tradition, taking into consideration
that the theatre had been in the Arsenal considerably
before 1676. As opposed to Greece, theatre
performances in Hvar existed much earlier. One of the
oldest Croatian secular dramas was created in Hvar,
almost a century before the theatre. It was Luis Slave,
from around 1525. Therefore, in the early 17th century
an intermingling of the local theatre tradition and the
theatrical practices of Venetian officials is quite evident
(Fig. 54,55).
Fortica Fortress
In the mid 14th century the Fortress in Hvar is

mentioned for the first time. As early as January 1358,
when citizens of Omi, Split and Trogir pounced on
Hvar, its population, together with the Venetian
representative Nicolo Corner, found shelter precisely in
this Castello, which remained unoccupied.
5PXBSEUIFFOEPGUIF)VOHBSJBO$SPBUJBOSVMFJO)WBS
a civil conflict broke out and according to the peace
agreement from 1418, the frontal, newly built tower of
the city Citadel on its south side was to be completely
demolished to the ground and all those that have
settled there with their families had to move out of the
Fortress. By all accounts the decision was implemented
because K von Grnembergs drawing from the late
15th century shows the Fortress without the tower on
the south line of the bastion (Fig. 56,57).
Throughout the 15th and 16th centuries Fortica was

known as castrum or castellum in Latin, namely, castello
in Italian. The domestic, Croatian name for it was Katil
as we can see from the toponym Zakatil. Since the city
fortress was regularly called Fortezza in Italian in the
17th and 18th centuries, the citizens of Hvar named
it Fortica and it retained that name to this very day 'JH7JFXPGUIFPSJHJOBMTUBUFPGUIFOPSUIBOEXFTUGBDBEFT
whereas panjola is a wrong name given to the Fortress BOEDSPTTTFDUJPOPGUIFArsenal 0TUFSSFJDIJTDIFT4UBBUBSDIJW
Kriegsarchiv, Wien).
for unknown reason during the French administration
in the early 19th century.
274
A laconic but important fact about the Fortica can be considerably rehabilitated (Fig. 58).
found in the panegyric on Hvar and the Slavs from 1525
by the Dominican Pribojevi in which he states that it The funds intended for the reconstruction of the
can only be accessed from the west, where there are 'PSUSFTT JO UIF QFSJPE XFSF VTFE CZ %VLF
three powerfully fortified towers, as similarly presented Pietro Semitecolo for other purposes, so the population
in Grnembergs drawing. of Hvar reported him to the Government. In April 1611,
The building of the new Fortress began around 1530 however, Semitecolo pointed out that the Provveditore
which can be concluded on the basis of the analogy General insisted on the reconstruction of the Arsenal
with the building of the Arsenal. However, while at and after that of the Katil and Loggia.
least some documents have remained in the case of
the construction of the Arsenal, as far as Fortica and During the so called Uskok war, the Spanish enemy
Fabrika were concerned none did, so actually nothing fleet passed near Hvar on April 12, 1617 and the
is known about their construction apart from the year cannonade from the Fortress did not hit the target due
of completion. to the inappropriate seats of the guns.
As already mentioned, in 1525 Pribojevi spoke of A naval battle took place on the day after in front the
a medieval Fortress while the renaissance one was Hvar port between Spanish and Venetian ships with
completed in 1551, a fact confirmed by the inscription the support of Fortress guns.
above the once main entrance to the Fortica, in the
TPVUIFBTU XIFSFUIFSFJTBEBNBHFESFMJFGPGB4U.BSL
lion above the door and the inscribed year M.D.L.I. That
it was actually completed in 1551 is confirmed by G.B.
Guistinan in his travel book from 1553 in which he calls
it castello fortissimo.
Therefore, the Fortress was completed during the most

intensive activities of the general naval commander
Stefan Tiepolo, who evidently built the Fortress first
as the most important part of the trefoil of the Hvar
renaissance port.
Although many reports indicate that the Fortress
was inadequately armed and that the crew was
inexperienced in the handling of guns, it nevertheless
saved the population from death and slavery in August
1571, when the city was attacked by a fleet of eighty or
so Ottoman galleys. The guns from Fortica prevented
the entry into the port but the Turks nevertheless
charged from the surrounding coves and plundered
and burned the entire city. The population was saved
by taking shelter in the Fortress.
The most severe destruction of the renaissance

Fortress occurred in 1579 when lighting caused the
explosion of 300 barrels of gunpowder and other
ammunition. All the structures in the Fortress were
demolished and numerous houses in the city including
six galleys anchored in the port destroyed. Damages
on the Fortress were assessed at 20000 ducats. Owing
to the efforts of Marcantonio Veniera, the Croatian 'JH 7JFX PG )WBS EFUBJMT PG UIF Fortress, Konrad von
Grnemberg, 1486
%VLF JO BQQSPYJNBUFMZ UIF 'PSUSFTT XBT
275
2. DESCRIPTION
The city duke Gierolimo Donado informed the Doge In his report of November 15, 1635 the hitherto Duke
on October 25 of the same year that after six months of Hvar Giromalo Barbarigo noted that the west wall
of reconstruction works the Fortress has become of the Fortress should be heightened because it could
unconquerable. actually be conquered with the use of a ladder.
The following year, in 1618, the Hvar Duke, Gierolimo
Donado informed the Government in more detail of From the preserved minutes of the Expenditure Council
the repairs on the Fortress undertaken the previous of the Hvar commune, we learn about a number of
ZFBSBOFXCBTUJPOXBTCVJMUPOUIFXFTUTJEF BXBMM minor repairs on the Fortica in the first quarter of the
heightened in the north, a house built for the fort 18th century which primarily related to the house
commander within its walls, who previously could not of the fort commander and accommodation of the
live there, as well as a building for the crew. crew. In the years 1721 and 1728 the Fortress church
He renovated the demolished cistern providing of St Ivan was equipped and renovated. After the end
TVDJFOUXBUFSGPSUIFDSFXIFBMTPTUSFOHUIFOFEUIF PG 7FOFUJBO0UUPNBO XBST Fortica lost almost all its
back northern door by an embankment and grid. All importance. The French rehabilitated Fortica not long
these renovations cost 3500 ducats and were taken after they took claim of Hvar in March 1806, most
from the commune treasury (Fig. 59, 60). probably after the Russian siege in late April and early
Fig. 58 A.Degli Oddi, Veduta di Lesina, 1584, (Udine, Biblioteca Arcivescovile, ms. 109)
276
May of the same year in which the city fort played an

important role (see chronology in this paragraph).
Built Quay Of The Hvar Port
The built quay of the port was constructed

BQQSPYJNBUFMZGSPNUP UPHFUIFSXJUI
the Arsenal and Fortica. It is distinguished by the tongue
and groove building technique and massive corbelled
stone in the lower row. The works in the first half of the
16th century included the construction of Fabrika, the
west and north part of the port and a smaller part on
the east side in front the Luci and Vidali houses. The
'JH7.$PSPOFMMJ 1MBOBOEQFSTQFDUJWFPG-JFTJOB )WBS

#JCMJPUFDB.BSDJBOB 7FOF[JB
277
2. DESCRIPTION
communal wharf and Mandra are medieval structures Duodo prohibited the spreading of fishing nets on
which were renovated and incorporated into the new both Fabrika and sitting bench made for the benefit of
port. the general public.
The bench has been preserved to this day and has been
Fabrika is the name of the built quay bordering the annexed to the one meter high wall built parallel with
north and west coast of the port. Although it was the new waterfront in order to protect it from debris
called the Riva di S. Marco in the mid 16th century, from the hill. The building of the bench on one of more
from the early 17th century the name Fabrika became beautiful Hvar Belvederes is of interest.
habitual both in official documents as well as in daily It is stated in a report of an anonymous duke from
communication. approximately 1740 that the shore in Hvar is among
Very few facts exist on the building of the quay the most unique things in Dalmatia, which indicates
called Fabrika. However, in the documents on the that as early as the 18th century the Hvar quay was
construction of the Arsenal, credit was given to Duke singled out as something unique.
Pizzamano about who the commissioners for Dalmatia,
M. Bon and Erizzio wrote to the Government in 1559 According to documents from the 19th century, Fabrika
pointing out that owing to his efforts a beautiful wharf VOEFSXFOU BO FYUFOTJWF SFIBCJMJUBUJPO JO
was built to the great advantage of Your Graces Navy together with the paving of Pjaca. On that occasion
which is usually anchored there and for which about new stone anchoring columns were made which
four thousand ducats were spent. were missing at the time. On Santinis drawings from
1668 the columns can be seen and were there most
In January 1557 Duke Pizzamano threatened to inflict probably from the time of they were built. Even today
strict fines on those who violated his provisions on the the older, square ones can be distinguished from the
sale of fish, including among other with eight days of newer round ones with octagonal rings.
labour on the new road, undoubtedly meaning the
above construction. The communal pier, molum communis, was
Pizzamano was the one who completed the undoubtedly started as early as Hvar came under
construction since it lasted much longer as is evident Venetian rule, i.e., 1278, since its completion is
from the decision of the Hvar Noblemens Council of mentioned in the Statute from 1331.
December 13, 1556 on the continued construction It is later mentioned in a series of documents from the
of the new wharf of St Marco, named that way here 14th and 15th centuries, and in 1478 that two communal
after the nearby Dominican monastery located in the wharfs existed, the old one and new one separated by a
northwest corner of the Hvar port and which extended road, implying that the wharf was expanded in the mid
in the past to the shore, representing for centuries the 15th century. In 1554 the improvement, perfezionare
westernmost structure in the city. of the wharf is mentioned, whose shoreline was
connected by tongue and groove building technique
Around 1571, in his panoramic depiction of Hvar the with the Fabrika waterfront. The south stretch of
Venetian cartographer Camotio calls Fabrika its new the wharf that is preserved to the present implies an
waterfront while in 1584 Fabrika is named the main intervention from the mid 16th century.
wharf in all of Dalmatia, especially for war ships. In The Mandra is first mentioned in 1459 and in the
UIF1SPWWFEJUPSF(FOFSBM"MWJTF;PS[JDMBJNTUIBU course of centuries it was mentioned in documents
Fabrika is exceptionally important for general public primarily in connection with the need of its cleaning.
comfort, as an embellishment of the city and to the Important interventions were made by the
benefit of the state. At the session of the Great Council provveditore general Marino Capello who added the
in 1666 it is established that the quay in the Hvar port is small pyramids, spires on the south and east side of
very famous and built at enormous expense, primarily wall while those opposite the Loggia were set in 1610.
for war ships, but for merchant ships as well which The present day appearance is from 1795, when a stele
trade with Venice (Fig. 61). was placed on the wall which evokes this undertaking.
However, the irregular layout of the Mandra is quite
In a proclamation of May 18, 1671 Duke Allesandro interesting because it has the shape of an uneven
278
pentagon instead of a parallelogram, given that the stone blocks and tongue and groove technique.
southeast corner is somewhat muddled in order to However, contrary to the remaining part of the newly
create a connection between the Pjaca and the space built Fabrika, houses already existed there which had
in front of the Arsenal. It can be concluded that this the right of usage, namely those of the nobles Luci
shape could have appeared only in the mid 16th and Vidale. The mentioned drawing of the city and
century when the new floor plan of the Arsenal was church of St Venerande depicts two stone anchoring
defined and which in addition had a single stairwell columns at the beginning and end of this portion.
along the northwest corner so that generally speaking As early as 1582, mention is made of Antonios pier in
the building stretched out much more toward Mandra that place (the son of the poet Hanibal Lui), and in
than was the case with the smaller medieval Arsenal. 1637 the pier of Mrs. Vidali.
In other words, the construction of the renaissance In 1659 the Lui house was in the ownership of the
naval port in Hvar caused a change in the plan of the Brotherhood of Mercy who rented it to the Vidalis,
Mandra. No other interventions from the first half of neighbours from the north, together with its pier, colla
the 16th century have been noted in documents nor sua Riua. In 1733 the pier in front of the Vidali house
discerned on the monument. (Fig. 62) was called a public pier named Vidali.
It has already been mentioned that the fragment on the In addition to the mentioned features, the historical
east side of the port at was built at the beginning of the navy hospital and large cistern on the main city square
second half of the 16th century in the same manner as also belong to the navy port. During the Uskok war
the communal wharf and Fabrika, in massive chiselled
UIF IPTQJUBM XBT MPDBUFE JO UIF 1BMBEJOJ
Fig. 61 View of Hvar from the hill near the church of St Venerande, G. Santini 1668. (Museum of the City of Split). View of the city from the west.
Just like on the previous pantings the Fortica and Fabrika are depicted in detail whereas the Arsenal and city only summarily. The depiction of
church bell towers is also very detailed.
279
2. DESCRIPTION
palace on Hvars Pjaca, while the doctors and nurses The large cistern in the main city square, Pjaca, was
lived in the upper palace. built in 1519 and reconstructed in the mid 18th and
A military hospital was built around 1720, one of the first half of the 19th centuries. The present day corona
earliest structures specifically built as a hospital in originates from the 19th century.
Croatia. It was the main source of water supply for naval ships
In the early 19th century the Austrian army used the in the port.
building for accommodating its Engineer Corps and its
surveys originate from that period.
Fig. 62 View of Hvar, Giovanni Juster, Venice 1708. (Museo Correr). Justers view of Hvar gives a reliable depiction of Fortica with the still
preserved wall merlons, the Arsenal with the sea reaching its west facade but not penetrating inside. A series of mooring columns stands out
at the Fabrika
280
2.b.4.8 Fortified city of Korula
In order to give an overall view of the events that For a detailed analysis of the history and development
characterised the fortified city of Korula below is a during the Serenissima time, please see the text further
summary of the phases that precede and follow the below.
Venetian era.
Prehistory Archaeological fragments of lithic arms and Eneolithic pottery in the vicinity of the city
Metal Ages "OVNCFSPGESZTUPOFXBMMTBOECVSJBMNPVOETGPVOEBSPVOEUIFDJUZ
UIOED#$ The whole island of Korula inhabited by Illyrian tribes.
It is assumed that there was a maritime station of the Delmatae at the location of the city
4th c. BC 5IF (SFFL HFPHSBQIFS 1TFVEP4DZMBY OBNFE UIF JTMBOE ,PSLZSB .FMBOJB JO IJT 1FSJQMVT
without mentioning any urban settlement
3rd c. BC The stone psephisma verifying the division of the land on the island to Dorian colonists by the
Illyrian native population is found in the vicinity of the city.
2nd c. BC *O1TFVEP4DZNOVTTi1FSJFHFTJTwNFOUJPOJTNBEFPGUIF$OJEJBODPMPOZPOUIFJTMBOE
5IFTBNFXBTXSJUUFOCZ4USBCPO BQQSPYJNBUFMZJO#$
BOE1MJOJVT4FDVOEVT "%

but there is no proof that the colony inhabited the location of the historic city.
1st c. Livius wrote that Corcira Nigra was a strong pirate outpost and Apianus indicated that Emperor
Octavian August conquered the island in 35 AD for that very reason.
2nd c. A later date replica of the map by the Alexandrian geographer C. Ptolomeus denotes the
island under its Latin name Corcyra
6thc. 5IF#Z[BOUJOF3FDPORVFTUJOUFHSBUFEUIFJTMBOEJOUPUIF&BTUFSO3PNBO&NQJSF
UIUID In De administrando imperio of the Byzantine emperor Constantinus Porfirogenetus the city
is named Kurkar: its old Croatian name
999 The Venetian doge Petro Orseolo II conquered Dalmatia and reached the Peljeac Channel
with his fleet. However, no mention is made of the City of Korula in the chronicles.
UIUID Frequent changes of the rule or patronage over Korula by a number of small sovereign Slavic
states from the territories of present day Croatia and Bosnia, Montenegro and Serbia
12th c. Consolidation of the local municipal administration
1129 For a short period of time Korula surrendered to Venice while she was at war with Genoa for
supremacy in the Mediterranean.
13th c. Dubrovnik occasionally lays political claim on Korula

1254 ,PSVMBFMFDUTBTJUTEVLFUIF7FOFUJBO.BSDJMJP;PS[JBOEFTUBCMJTIFTUIFSJHIUUPJOIFSJUBODF
of the title which lasts for a number of centuries
1298 Great sea battle between Venice and Genoa near Korula in which Marco Polo was captured
and taken to a Genovese prison
"OVNCFSPGBSNFESFCFMMJPOTPGUIFDJUJ[FOTPG,PSVMBBHBJOTUUIFSVMFPGUIF;PS[JGBNJMZBT
the representatives of the authorities in Venice
1358 5IF )VOHBSJBO$SPBUJBO ,JOH -PVJT UIF (SFBU PG "OKPV BCPMJTIFT UIF SVMF PG 7FOJDF BOE
integrated Korula into the largest West European Empire
14th century, second half on behalf of the Anjous the city is ruled by the duke of Dubrovnik or else dignitaries from
Croatia and representatives of the Bosnian kings
281
2. DESCRIPTION
An administrative unit of the islands of Korula, Hvar and Bra is established over which the
same foreign political administrations are attempting to impose rule
1416 5IF)VOHBSJBO$SPBUJBO,JOH;JHNVOEHBJOTQSJPSJUZBOETVCKFDUT,PSVMBUPIJTBVUIPSJUZ
It was then that the fortifications were reinforced, new towers built, the canal dug toward the
island, a bridge built over it and the cathedral foundations laid
1420 The Anjou dynasty sold Korula and the whole of Dalmatia to Venice which kept it under its
rule for strategic and tax collecting reasons until its fall
1483 While at war with Venice Korula was attacked by the royal navy of Naples and army of the
duchy of Ferrara but the city repulsed their military actions
15th c. %PNFTUJDTFMGHPWFSONFOUJOTUJUVUJPOTJOUFOTJWFMZEFWFMPQFEUIFFOUJSFDJUZ SFJOGPSDJOHUIF
fortifications, building a new Town Hall and expanding the cathedral with a bell tower.
1571 On the eve of the battle of Lepanto a small Turkish fleet entered the Adriatic, raided the
Dalmatian islands and only Korula succeeded in defending itself from attacks from the sea
UIUID Serenissima provided support for the reconstruction and maintenance of fortifications and for
the expansion of the port with the addition of a public loggia in front of the entrance to the
city.
1797 The Venetian territories after Napoleons victories were taken over by Austria. However it
disclaimed Dalmatia to the benefit of French rule over the Illyrian provinces.
1805 The Russians and the English contained the French and besieged Korula.
The city was peacefully taken over by the Russian fleet.
The island municipality came under English rule and they built a small fort above the city.
8JUIUIFEJWJTJPOPGFOUJSFQPTU/BQPMFPOJD&VSPQF UIFNVOJDJQBMJUZXBTJOUFHSBUFEJOUPUIF
state of Austria as part of the province of Dalmatia. From that time the modernization and
expansion of the city began outside the fortified centre began.
19th c. The neglected walls around the city were lowered to todays level and all the towers survived
owing to the instructions of the central state commission for the protection of built heritage.
1919 The island and the city were given to Italy for a few years.
1921 Korula as a unique county became part of the newly formed state of Serbs Croats and
Slovenians, and then of the Kingdom of Yugoslavia which did not care much for the
preservation of heritage.
The island and the city with all of Dalmatia were occupied by the Italian military power and
Korula was bombarded on a number of occasions which caused considerable damage to the
towers in the port.
1944 The entire coastal region in which Korula is located was liberated from the fascist yolk
Croatia was part the Socialist Republic of Yugoslavia whose laws prescribed measures of
DPNQSFIFOTJWFQSPUFDUJPOPGUIFDJUZNPOVNFOUBOEXIJDIJOWFTUFEGVOETJOJUTSFWJUBMJ[BUJPO
BDDPSEJOHUPTNBMMPSMBSHFTDBMFQSPKFDUT
1956 A new display of the collection of church artefacts The Abbey Treasures of St. Mark was
opened to the public in the former bishops palace.
1962 The City Museum was opened in the Gabrielis Palace on the main city square.
1991 With the establishment of the independent state, the Republic of Croatia, the island was
divided into a number of municipalities which, along with that of Korula, fell under the
%VCSPWOJL/FSFUWB$PVOUZ5IFSFIBCJMJUBUJPOPGUIFDJUZTVSCBOGBCSJDBOESFTUPSBUJPOPGUIF
built heritage are ongoing processes.
282
Given the long Venetian presence in Korcula in the interventions dated between the 15th and 17th
Middle Ages and the important work carried out by the century. In fact, the fortified city of Korcula is the most
specialist of the Republic of Venice at the time, a study TJHOJDBOUFYBNQMFPGTPDBMMFEiQFSJPEPGUSBOTJUJPOwJO
is presented below in order to clarify the conditions to alla moderna Venetian military architecture.
VENETIAN WORKS IN THE MIDDLE AGES
Under such circumstances it is completely unclear why the city capital gradually became, in order to protect itself, a real Fortress
in Korula is not mentioned at the time the Doge Petro II Orseolo, and within it, in order to maintain the entity of its constitutions, it
at outset of the second millennium, conquered Dalmatia or in organized in an exemplary fashion the space of it own progress.
UIF FBSMZ UI DFOUVSZ XIFO 1PQPOF ;PS[J SVMFE UIF JTMBOE BT
his feudal fief. More detailed information about Korulas fortifications can be
However, it is considered that Korula attained at least its gained from the introduction to the Statute, namely, the statement
rudimentary appearance at the time of the codification of UIBU UIF 7FOFUJBO EJHOJUBSZ .BSTJMJP ;PS[J IBE SFDPOTUSVDUFE UIF
the Statute of the City and Island of Korula in 1265 as the entire town when he seized it in the mid 13th century.
GPVOEBUJPOGPSSFTPMWJOHUIFEBZUPEBZOFFETPGUIFDJUJ[FOTPG It can be presumed that it was then that they acquired their
this island municipality. present day proportions, comprising of high indented walls with
The necessary presumption for the establishment of a firm SIZUINJDBMMZEJTUSJCVUFEPMEUZQFDVCJDUPXFST
social system was the security of the town so the set relations There are only a few written entries from the period about them
stipulated in the codex found a physical reflection in the building while no precise determinations regarding the time of their origin
fabric of the city. according to style can be established considering that in most
It was amended and revised as the small city became the centre cases they had been altered.
of an autarchic administrative unit and from 1300 also the centre Some were named after prominent local families turris Cernoe,
of a separate diocese. Chergnan, Berim and others indicating that they were, according
However, the building of stronger fortifications, closely linked to to the custom of the times, in private ownership although their
the urban system, required the potential of more potent political positions were not specified.
powers. The positions of Turris communis or Turris comitis as well as Turris
Considerig that a number of them from the nearby continent caceris were clearer because they kept the same positions for
as well as from overseas territories competed for centuries for centuries.
dominance in the part of the Adriatic around the island, its The same applies to the south city gate tower: Porta magna
civitatis, also called Porta terre firmae or Janua quam itur ad casalia
since it led to the outer space of the island without which the city
could not survive.
The west Porta maris or Portas Molus, namely, Janua portus is
mentioned for the first time in 1265 indicating the long standing
maritime orientation of the city.
Defence of the city in the 14th century reconstruction

Graphic reconstruction of the system and points of the citys defence
assumed to have existed in the 14th century. The ring of fortifications all
UIFUPXFSTBSFTRVBSFBDDPSEJOHUPNFEJFWBMDVTUPNTSFNBJOFEUIFCBTJDT
for subsequent improvements with only sporadic alterations.
283
2. DESCRIPTION
Fig. 63 Idealized depiction of Korula coloured woodcarving from Konrad von Grunembergs book Pillgerreise von Constanz nach Jerusalen,
1486
The oldest picture of Korula shows a distorted image of the city as was the custom at the time as well as of the surrounding hills depicted with
a lot of imagination but the most evident result of this concept is the prominent fortification ring and the oversized cathedral with the bell
tower in the centre. The picture was obviously made from memory so the entrance to the city was incorrectly situated by the sea on the north
TJEFPGUIFQFOJOTVMBXIFSFBTUIFPMEFSTRVBSFUPXFSTBOEUXPGSPOUTFNJDZMJOESJDBMPOFTXFSFDMFBSMZEJFSFOUJBUFE5IFZXFSFKVTUCVJMUBU
that time so they understandable made on impression on the German passing traveller heading on a pilgrimage to the Holy Land.
284
VENETIAN ERA FROM 15th TO 17th CENTURY families stand out more distinctively by their more
affluent appearances and Gothic embellishments.
In 1420, such as it was, Korula peacefully came under (Fig.63)
the rule of Serenissima and became an important link The density of construction limited the dimensions of
in the chain of its fortified cities in the province of the layout for everyone so they strived towards height
Dalmatia along the east Adriatic shore. In a balance of its giving considerable attention, for the sake of prestige,
own inner stability and vital outer incentives the small to decorations cut in stone, the more so as in the vicinity
island city developed somewhat more distinctly than of the city, near the ancient quarries, a large number of
the other cities of the same status, testimony to which skilful stone masons lived.
are not only its the walls, but the functional distribution Due to the hermetic quality of the small town
of its urban amenities as well as the appearance of the environment and relatively modest economy they did
structures that housed them . not decisively change the once adopted typology of
construction and variations in form while tradition that
Depending on their purpose they vary in size and was under the considerable influence of Venice was
morphological and stylistic features while the unreadily abandoned.
cathedral and Town Hall are among the anthological This is made evident by the greatest works such as the
achievements of Renaissance architecture on the soil faade of the Arneri palace from the late 15th century,
of present day Croatia. or complex of the so called Marco Polo House whereby
Among the mainly more modest houses of the most in the 16th century only a few private buildings on
numerous middle class, the palaces of the patrician prestigious locations, such as the Ismaeli-Gabrielis
VENETIAN WORKS WITHIN 15 TH AND 18 TH CENTURY (reconstruction by B. Kalogjera)

a b c
a) DEFENCE OF THE CITY IN THE 15TH CENTURY. largest number of towers distributed according to the range of cold
5IF UXP OPSUI UPXFST HPU UIFJS TFNJDZMJOESJDBM TIBQF BOE UIF XFBQPOTC8FTUTJEFBMPOHUIFQPSUXJUIBOFYUFSJPSMPHHJBOFYU
TPVUIXFTUQBSUPWFSUIFQPSUXBTGPSUJFEXJUIBEPVCMFXBMMBOE UPUIFBSDIFEDJUZHBUFD4PVUIXJUIUIFTUSPOHFTUCVMXBSLBMPOH
BMBSHFUXPQBSUDJTUFSOGPSTVQQMZJOHTIJQTBOEDJUJ[FOTXJUIXBUFS the city gate with a bridge and an extended bastion further on
was built between the old and new. The south, straight line of the with built in warehouses for weapons and equipment for the fleet
wall was particularly fortified since it was located above the low to which Korula was the last Adriatic port on their journey to the
plains where the enemy could set camp for a longer lasting siege. Levant, namely, first on their way back.
Accordingly, a ditch was dug along the entire side of the wall and
JOUIFQFSJPEMPXCBTUJPOTXFSFXBMMFEXIPTFDPSOFST c) THE CITY AND WALLS IN THE 18TH CENTURY
ended with small cylinders. In the centre of the former city gate A view of the final formation of the fortifications the novelty is the
tower an entrance was opened on the side and a little further on a walling of the bastion along the entire tract of the south walls, the
moveable bridge added as the only unhindered but well protected erection of a cylindrical tower by the Dukes palace and above the
access to the city. port. The vestibule of the entrance to the city through a tower and
a loggia for the reception of passengers confronting it are to the
b)VIEWS OF THE CITY IN THE 16TH-18TH CENTURIES west of the port. On the north side there is a rampart with a cannon
Revised interpretations of each side of the city individually: a. platform that safeguarded the most exposed parts of the city from
East the most complex in view of direct attack since it had the attacks from the waters of the Peljeac channel
285
2. DESCRIPTION
palace on the main square, embraced the Renaissance. economic branches: shipbuilding geared by the needs
Priority, however, must be given to the monumentally of the same ruler of the Adriatic and stone production
forged cathedral, built in phases from the 1410s to for export to numerous parts under its rule .
1550s and in no way accidentally devoted to the The trade in agricultural products via Venice followed
evangelist St Mark as the protector the Republic of from which it collected considerable taxes. Although
Venice. the Serenissima, holding all the reins of power and
All this allows for the valuation of Korula as a mirror economic resources in its hands, took more from
of the local societys form of expression which has Korula as a colony of a kind than it gave it, without
directed the benefits of its geopolitical position under the presence of Venice the development of the centre
Serenissima to development based on the strongest would in every respect be less prominent.
Fig.64 Panorama of the city from the 16th century (State Archives, Turin)
The drawing illustrates in detail the state of the south section of the city with a relatively convincing indentation of the fortifications. Their
shapes and elements are to the main part objectively provable so the organization of the port with two small piers and large water cistern in
front of the internal higher wall seems acceptable. Confirming the authenticity of the drawing is not only the loggia near the arched entrance
to the city but also the visible change in the dynamics of the distribution of houses along the walls and similar details, among which the
location of the shipyard on the isthmus in front of the city.
286
Priority, however, must be given to the monumentally The trade in agricultural products via Venice followed
forged cathedral, built in phases from the 1410s to from which it collected considerable taxes. Although
1550s and in no way accidentally devoted to the the Serenissima, holding all the reins of power and
evangelist St Mark as the protector the Republic of economic resources in its hands, took more from
Venice. All this allows for the valuation of Korula as a Korula as a colony of a kind than it gave it, without
mirror of the local societys form of expression which the presence of Venice the development of the centre
has directed the benefits of its geopolitical position would in every respect be less prominent (Fig 64).
under Serenissima to development based on the
strongest economic branches: shipbuilding geared by As opposed to city building regulated by the Statute,
the needs of the same ruler of the Adriatic and stone Korulas fortifications were developed in phases in the
production for export to numerous parts under its rule. sense of fortifying their defensive effectiveness which
Fig. 65 Illustration of Korula .G.F. Camutio 1572 (Isole famose, porti, fortezze e terre maritime sottoposto alla Serenissima Signoria di Venetia,
Venezia)
On a separate page entitled Curzola insole et citta nella Dalmazia... there is a summary drawing of the urban centre with powerful exterior
towers and exit road towards the excessively hilly and forested area to the south. In accordance with the requirements of Portolan charts, as
ship navigation manuals, in addition to sea harbours on both sides of the large island, the shipyards in the vicinity of the urbanized peninsula
were also accentuated.
287
2. DESCRIPTION
was mainly based everywhere on the height of the was constructed in the shape of the letter L and vaulted
walls and towers in order to ward off exterior hostile and the security of the Western Gate enhanced in a
attacks. similar manner.
For that reason in 1430 the Municipality approached The first wall was moved from them toward the space
the government in Venice and asked of it to redistribute of the port to the corner Dukes tower, doubled with a
part of funds the island paid for the procurement of salt bastion while further along the antemurale on the land
for heightening the then relatively low walls around side a moat and bascule bridge were made in 1475
the city. allowing entry into the city.
The request precisely related to the adding of corridors In this way the line of medieval defence was
on top of the defensive belt and the same method of broadened at the crucial points of contact with exterior
providing funds from taxes paid to the state continued communications with corresponding reinforcements
to be applied later on as well. In effect the complete XIJMF UP UIF XFTU BMPOH UIF TFNJDMPTFEJO TNBMM
burden of the works on the fortifications fell on the port it became a water reservoir for supplying ships.
local community which also provided the working However as the main and sole public cistern Tre pozzi
GPSDFBMMBCMFCPEJFENFOBTXFMMBTUIFJOIBCJUBOUTPG for the needs of citizens it collected rain water from
the island had the obligation to directly partake in the NPTUPGUIFSPPGTPGUIFTPVUIXFTUEJTUSJDUUISPVHIB
works or else pay labourers who would replace them. network of high canals above the streets, including the
In addition donations were collected as sign of dignity. cathedral located at the very top of the citys centre.
These activities increased in intensity particularly An urban planning system conceived in such detail
from the mid 15th century in the general fear of the demonstrates the distribution of interior collective
Turks who were irrepressibility advancing to the coast amenities that are completely in line with the
through Balkan lands and threatened to conquer the fortifications.
Adriatic from the East. In that regard, the fact that the seats of the most
Along with the restoration of the existing walls against powerful citizens guilds with their churches of St.
possible attacks, the reconstruction of the most Mihovil and All Saints, after which the furthermost fort
sensitive points was undertaken whereby even without was named, are to the east of the entrance square is
taking on comprehensive modernization measures the of key importance. The surrounding houses, mainly
flourishing phase of development of the fortification belonging to common folks as well as the ones farther
system was nevertheless initiated. The process was away from the centre, are more modest than the houses
accelerated by the wars Venice was waging with other of the nobility who strived to be as close as possible to
Mediterranean powers, so the Aragon fleet from Naples the foci of public life.
entered Adriatic territory on two occasions attacking
Korula with no avail. Similarly, in 1571, on the eve According to the corresponding rule the complex of
of the infamous battle at Lepanto a small part of the administrative buildings is located to the west of the
Turkish fleet invaded central Dalmatia, ravaging the entrance square: the first in line the Municipality with
southern islands and their centres with only Korula the lodge of the courthouse pressed to the wall with
warding off the attack (Fig. 65). the Dungeon tower added to the antemurale. Further
The city systematically prepared for such attacks striving on, shielded from all winds and isolated, the house of
to prevent, by walls that were envisaged for a different the Duke spreads out above the bordered part of the
type of attack, the effects of new cannon artillery. outworks that was also used as his garden. The granary
'JSTUMZ UIF MBTU TBXUPPUIFE SJOH PO UIF DVSUBJO XBMMT was located along the opposite small bordering street
were heightened and foundations fortified in specific towards the living quarters and lower down the smaller
points, while the cubic bodies of the corner towers public arms square with an Arsenal squeezed in next to
from the 14th century were lowered and fortified with the cistern by the port which could be reached through
angled scarps. The entire southern tract was doubled a small door from the Dukes palace.
XJUI B OBSSPX QSFXBMM BOUFNVSBMF
JO UIF DFOUSF PG
which the role of the Land Gate was emphasized by a It enabled the quickest possible withdrawal of foreign
ravelin . dignitaries by sea in case of danger, enemy attacks,
Around 1450 the entrance to the city through this Gate citizens rebellion or similar events. And in effect, such
288
departures from the city took place on two occasions With a general insight into the utmost rational
when the enemy arrived by sea and the natives of DPOTUSVDUJPO PG UIF DJUZGPSUSFTT FWFSZUIJOH JOEJDBUFT
Korula succeeded in repulsing the attack with their that the attacks were expected primarily from the
own forces. plateaux on the low isthmus south of its centre where
This separately closed in block of buildings in the it was easiest for the enemy to embark. In order to
corner of the city is protected by the cylindrical, prevent the attackers from making camp and engaging
otherwise, highest tower, called the Dungeon Small, or in a longstanding siege, all the previous structures
Upper Tower that is connected with an also cylindrical standing there were demolished and new ones
but lower strong bastion that directly guards, similarly prohibited from being built up to the 17th century
to a real artillery battery, the western and eastern sides when shipyards began emerging on the shores edge.
of Korula. With their evident importance emphasized
by their positions and form, these two towers together The rehabilitation of the fortifications evolved quite
had and still have a powerful symbolic meaning. slowly until that time with emphasis being placed
Fig. 66 G. Juster, Pianta do Curzola, Venice 1708 The excessively geometrical scheme of city plan measurements with graphic emphasis on the
fortification ring indicates that the map was drawn for military purposes and was to accommodate higher interests, namely, that the planning
PGUIFGPSUJDBUJPOTPSJHJOBUFEJO7FOJDF BDUVBMMZJODPPQFSBUJPOPGUIFEVLFTHPWFSOPSTBOEUIFMPDBMCVJMEFST"DDPSEJOHMZ UIFEFTJHOGPDVTFT
on the establishment of the port and defence works regarding the entry point from the continental side and at the same time reveals, that
Korula, as opposed to most strategically important cities, did not have terrapieni (embankments) in front of the entire ring of walls until the
early 18th century.
289
2. DESCRIPTION
on the exposed open space of the edge towards the and reinforcement of some towers that were most
island, where in a longer period of time two circular exposed to attacks.
towers (tarjuns) were erected, with low and angled
walls up to 3m thick. In addition to this and connected All the works were carried by the local working force
to the antemurale from which the dungeon stand outs and it seems that the Dukes Large or Lower Tower and
and ends at the entrance gate tower with its ravelin, a the All Saints Tower, that understandably changed its
second antemurale with a tower at its centre stretches name to Torione Tiepolo, were the first to attain their
out to the east. present day appearance. On these towers the cannon
This so called Large Ravelin concludes the Torione ports were positioned quite low above sea level, and
Grande that is an eye in the older Al Saints Tower therefore, deadly for the ships hulls so works on their
implanted in its body, while the Arsenal grande for improvement and accompanying ravelins were carried
storing ammunition was added at the end of the out with the financial support of the state in the period
elongated bastion later.
At that time in order the prevent the effects of In addition, the peak of the peninsula towards Peljeac
gunpowder explosion on the interior side of the basic channel was not neglected either. Owing to intensified
high wall a number of buttresses with arcades was built efforts of the dukes in power, the two towers that had
and on them a passage way that connected the corner been exposed to the sea during the last quarter of the
tower with the City gate tower. UI DFOUVSZ XFSF SFNPEFMMFE JOUP TFNJDZMJOESJDBM
Continuing to be built up the 16th century it was the ones without back walls.
strongest segment of the fortification and a point from Mutually similar, the escarps of their slim bodies
which the plateaux could be effectively monitored and were narrowed towards the bottom with protruding
guarded since all the roads to the island branched out indented parapet crests of the machicoulis at the
from it and where at the end agglomerates of new top such as were not preserved on the other towers.
suburbs developed (Fig. 66). The thick escarps have by their nature radial inner
casemates, niches for cannon with small round ports to
The fortifications in western part of the island, which the exterior for firing guns at sea level. Their inner void,
were always important due to the location of the small just like in all other towers around the city, are fortified
port sheltered from the windy storms that frequently by single vaults, when cubic in shape by barrel vaults,
blew in the Peljaac Channel, went through similar BOE XIFO SPVOE CZ BSDIFE PS TFNJBSDIFE WBVMUT
transformations. At the same time a large cistern was mostly conceived according to the need of guarding
added in front of the old wall, along the Sea Gate Tower or protecting ammunition.
with an interior vaulted chamber, the low Small ravelin Along with modernization the latter changed names
was built and next to it a logia for the reception of and were accordingly renamed after the Venitian
travellers from the enlarged port. dukes of the times, in other words, Kernjan Tower
became Tiepolo Tower and the Bokar Tower became the
The remaining walls and towers of the city were Barbarigo Tower. The latter also partly guarded the port
resilient to the guns carried by ships at that time and while the former completely protected the sea passage
were additionally fortified after 1483. It was namely at the end of the main city street, the more so as an
then that Korula was threatened by the Aragon army earth filled low battery with an uncovered platform for
while at war with Venice which penetrated not only to the biggest guns was added next to it.(Fig 67)
the Apennine region but also to the Adriatic.
It raided the island but did not succeed in conquering Further along the east section of the city, in front of the
the city, and since it was warded off on the Day of St. preserved medieval wall with 2 cube shaped towers,
Bartolomeo, from that time onwards, the saint has a bastion like main rampart with exterior escarps
been revered as its protector the second, after the was added.The original plans behind the decision to
first official one Saint Mark. demolish all this in the 19th century when a promenade
What is more important, however, is the fact that the was conceived as a unique terrace at the level where all
following year Korula received from Venice its artillery the streets exited are unknown.
weapons cannons, which required the reconstruction
290
The fortifications as they appear today with all the professional soldiers were stationed in Korula. It was
irregularities in their form is a reflection of the course considered that the city can and should be defended
of their gradual construction. Along with the successful by its own citizens who were forbidden, to that end,
materialization of defence requirements, what they by the Statute to move out of the city and settle in the
had in common was their accommodation of temporal more attractive and fertile agricultural neighbouring
conditions and the resourcefulness of the builders to areas. In addition, with a view to keeping alive the
adapt to the configuration of the terrain. Within these urban fabric of the city as well as the number of civilian
frameworks no integral restructuring took place that defenders, legal acts were passed regarding limits on
would in any considerable way transform the medieval the number of houses that could be abandoned and
system dependent on limited investments of resources on taking away materials from the ruinous ones. The
and inseparable from internal communications. EFHSFFUPXIJDIUIFDJUZXBTCZJUTWFSZOBUVSFBTFMG
defending unit is also indicated by a provision on the
It is evident that the greater part of the works was prohibition of building arches or vaults over the streets
not done by highly skilled military engineers since no that would be lower than the height of a spear in order
Fig. 67 Presenting the city in three dimensions the military engineer displayed the insulation of Korcula in regard to the port where galleys
were repaired at the time. He clearly depicted the entrance to the city with a loggia and two columns as symbols of state authority and
devoted special attention to the south side with the correctly drawn fortification system and access to the city by a bridge. In that regard the
authenticity of the coloured drawing was in line with the political interests of Serenissima which did not prevent the author to express his
modest artistic reach and pretensions.
291
2. DESCRIPTION
Fig. 68 City plan drawn up for urban analyses by the central art history institution in Croatia, dating the urban and defensive elements
292
to provide the exit of armed men from their houses to Also following ancient Roman tradition a pair of
the walls at all times. columns was erected on the bordered platform in from
The overall maintenance of the fortifications was the Port Gate.
carried out in line with the collective decisions of the
Municipality composed of patrician members living on All of them clearly objectify the aspiration of Korula
the island and quite interested in the defence of the to present itself as Serenissimas city, which it actually
city. All the decisions were inscribed in the revisions XBTJOTQJUFPGJUTTFMGHPWFSONFOUUIFTDPQFPGXIJDI
of the Statute and evidence of payments for the was dictated and limited by the supreme political
works indicates that they were mainly done by local power. It was within that context that the quite original
builders and experienced stone masons implying that commemorative feature dedicated to the prominent
considerable works were done in an archaic fashion victor against the Turks at the time of their expulsion
from the technical point of view. from the coastal region in 1650, L. Foscolo, was created,
The only more prominent individual in this respect was namely, a triumphal arch plastically positioned against
Marko Andriji from Korula who was the municipal the interior side of the main city gate.
master builder and to who credit must be given for These elements that were executed in the style of
the design of the grand cathedral and the equally NBOOFSJTN CZ EPNFTUJD TUPOFNBTPOT NPEFMMFE
impressive bell tower in the late 15th century. The after traditions from antiquity, were meant to be a
numerous modifications and finishing touches on the confirmation of the absolute power of Venice but also
fortifications that are visible today and are decisive for to aesthetically embellish the interior and exterior of
the aesthetic impression they leave originated from the city.
that period.
Priority in this regard should be given to the pair of However Venetian envoys indicated in their reports in
north towers which are precisely the fruit of Abdrijevis the second half of the 16 century that the fortifications
project. were ineffective and served more as decoration
However, the rational modifications and extensions of than for defence purposes as time had made them
the medieval structures, and particularly of the towers, obsolete. This is apparent even today, although by
began when the city of Korula was directly integrated the harmonious relationship of dimension and form
into the defence works of Venetian Dalmatia or the as well as vivid malleable correlation of the city and
DFOUVSZPME4UBUPEFMNBS the picturesque articulation of the fortifications, they
The anonymity of their authors is a strong confirmation corresponded to the taste of the baroque, inspiring
that they were built with the consent of the thus a poet to describe Korula as the ornament of the
representatives of the state and local administrative world, thinking more about the aesthetic impression
bodies, without individual commissions but as part than of the operational function of the unique complex.
of artisans guilds of the medieval type which actually The fortifications represented the crown of the most
justifies the lack of standards of stylistic development. comprehensive public works in the city.
The history of this process on Korulas fortifications

is not fully discernable by the stages of construction
interventions (Fig. 68).
However, in a number of prominent places
commemorative inscriptions adorned with the coats of
arms of the dukes in office or proveditore (local district
governor) in power who undertook or initiated them
and particularly numerous relief images of Saint Marks
lion which adorned the walls as the states symbol are
still visible.
Rhetorically in line with them were the two columns,
the older one in the square in front of the Municipality
and the latter one in the corner of the cathedral square.
293
2. DESCRIPTION
2.b.4.9 Forte Mare, Herceg Novi
In order to get a complete picture of the events For a detailed analysis of the history and development
characterizing the formation of the walled town of during the years of the Republic of Venice, see the
Herceg Novi and in particular of the Forte Mare, it is following text.
here presented a register particularly illustrative of the
steps preceding and following the Venetian Era .
1382 Realization of the Forte Mare for want of King of Bosnia Tvarco
1482 The Turks settled in Risano and Herceg Novi and the Straits are the theater of exhausting
battles
1537 Conquest of Herceg Novi with Spanish infantry by the Venetian Vincenzo Cappello, who made
renovate defenses from Ferramolino.
1539 Barbarossa recaptures Herceg Novi. On the ruins of the oldest Spanish Fortress above the
town, it does create a new one calling "Spanjola".
1571 Hercenovi attack by the Venetians. They failed.
1664 Turks enlarged the town eastward in the line Kanli Kula, Fortress St. Girolamo, the Gate of
Perast
1687 Gerolamo Cornaro, general superintendent of Dalmatia on behalf of the Republic of Venice,
defeated the Turks. Herceg Novi becomes part of the Venetian domain. Reconstruction by the
Venetians of the Forte Mare. Even Risant becomes Venetian.
1687 Forte Mare was reinforced by the Venetians.
1699 Treaty of Vienna in which it is recognized to Venice the dominion over all the Strait, except
Sutiorina and Garbili
1700 Construction of a lazaret for the quarantine of merchandise in Herceg Novi
Restoration and reinforcement work of the fortifications in Herceg Novi and Kotor
1797 End of the Venetian domain on Herceg Novi
1898 3FDPOTUSVDUJPOQMBOPGUIF"VTUSP)VOHBSJBOHPWFSOBODF
1966 Reconstruction of Kanli Kula
1979 Forte Mare in Herceg Novi turns out to be partially damaged by the earthquake
1984 The Forte Mare was restored with new functions
The town developed on the ground that is sloping cliffs, of Sutorina it was connected with caravan roads of
especially towards the west. They stretch from the sea Hercegovina and Bosnia.
to mainland with length of 380 m. The cliffs rise from
the water forming a rise, where there is fortress Forte Anyway the Forte Mare (or Abbas Pasha Tower and
Mare, and then with remarkable hill on the mainland Lower Tower) was not useful for the trades, but it was
with the height of 85 m (Fig. 69). a strategic point for the defense and control of the
The town is opened to the sea and would be able strait. Actually it is the second fortification nucleus
to receive transportation of commodities from all of the defensive perimeter in Herceg Novi, under
the coast of Adriatic sea, than through the valley which at the sea level there existed an abounding
294
Fig. 69 The development of the city together with the growing of Forte Mare is well represented in this sequences of images. During the ancient
times the Fortress had a single function, as an outpost overlooking the sea that defended the high town.
Then the wall belt was realized and fortified, especially when the Ferramolino arrived in Herceg Novi, including the Forte Mare that became the
more important bastion of the defensive wall system. It reached the real importance and strength (and also the same shape of today) when
the Venetians conquered definitively the city.
The reinforcement of the defense walls became more and more powerful thanks to the addition of other elements of protection (Mezzaluna
and other bastions) but the Forte Mare maintained in the years the task of principal supervisor of the entrance at the Bay.
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mora
295
2. DESCRIPTION
water spring. Its southeastern part with the oldest

morphology of the perimeter building existed before
the year 1482, when the government was taken over
by the Turks. This opus of the masonry perimeter of
irregular shape, with shooting and loopholes, which
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the coast to the upper underground level the todays
fortress, indicates the importance of this in the genesis
originally separated fortification object, which had
the task of defending docks. Todays main body and
matrix of the fortification are formed during the Turkish
governance until 1687. Significant and still present
are sea gates of the city (Porta di Marina). But Forte Fig. 70 Map of the city, castle and surrounding area of Castelnuovo
Mare became really important during the Venetian (Herceg Novi) V.M. Coronelli,1684 (Description gographique et
administration, that improved and consolidated the historique de la Mor [...])
fortification, maintaining the defensive importance,
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UIBUXBTUIF
focal point for the military control of the bay during the Fig. 71 Map of Castel Novo (Herceg Novi), G.F. Camocio,1574 ( Isole
Turks period (Fig.71), instead it assumes the character famose porti, fortezze [...])
296
of band cannon fortification during the Serenissima on the fortifications. Also the Turkish Barbarossa took
domination, in which the defense strategy moved on possession again of Herceg Novi the following year.
the sea. Herceg Novi will unnecessarily besieged by the
Venetians, actually, seccedeed in conquest Herceg Novi Venetians in 1571. The definitive conquest of Herceg
thanks to a studied strategy: as we can see from the Novi is part of the last campaign extension of the Stato
1684 Coronellis map (Fig.70), all the possible strategic del Mare domains led by Francesco Morosini, Peter
areas for the attack are stressed. They are places around Valadier, Leonardo Foscolo and Girolamo Cornaro.
the city from which attack military points of the walls
and conquer the city (eg. Monte San Veneranda, dal Actually up to the year 1664 Turks enlarged the town
quale si pu battere il castello, Mount St. Veneranda, eastward in the line Kanli Kula, Fortress St. Girolamo,
from which you can beat the castle ). It is evident the lack the Gate of Perast. The town was divided in two parts
of strategic positions from which attack the Forte Mare.
This confirms that Forte Mare was already considered a
military unassailable point by the Venetian Army. This
is why, once conquered Herceg Novi, the Serenissima
based its defensive tactics of the city on the strength of
the Forte Mare.
The southern rampart of the town on that time was

not on seaside, how it is in todays time. Quadrangular
towers are from former period, because when was
coming cannon war strategy the tower construction
became round base, because of defense strategy.
The Venetians took the maximus advantages from
the position of the fortified town of Herceg Novi,
located in a strategic position at the mouth of the Boka
Kotorska (Fig. 72) even if it passed under the Serenissima Fig. 72 It is here well represented the strategic role of Herceg Novi
domination until 1687 (except for a brief period of between Dubrovnik (Ragusa), and the city of Kotor. Map of the bay
of Kotor with Dubrovnik (Ragusa), Herceg Novi and the city of Kotor,
Venetian domination of only one year in the 16th
G.F Camocio, 1574 ( Isole famose porti, fortezze[...] )
century).
The Venetians tried, however, to wrest from the Fig. 73 Representation of Herceg Novi just became Venetian and its
Turks the strategic stronghold of Herceg Novi: he relation with the around area In Floor plan of Castelnuovo (Herceg
succeeded in 1537 the Superintendent of the Army Novi) Fortress, V.M Coronelli,1688 ( Fortezze, ed altri Luoghi principali
dell' Albania [...] )
(with a mandate to keep the peace with the Ottomans)
Vincenzo Cappello, who gave Admiral Andrea Doria the
task to attack. The following year he made restructure
defended by the engineer and military architect
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superintendent for the construction of the artillery of
the Arsenal of Venice (1529).
He designed a new fort, closer to the water and
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lune (Mezzaluna) or Citadel, to work alongside and
reinforce the defensive role of the existing Forte Mare
commissioned by the King of Bosnia Tvarco in 1382.
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because, almost immediately, he was called to the
nearby Sea Republic of Ragusa (Dubrovnik) to intervene
297
2. DESCRIPTION
and above the upper part there is fortification so called central part there were residences, so called Palace of
Bloody Tower (Fig. 73,74). In the western wall there are Providurs. Next to this were warehouses, administration
three towers, including the southern one of Abaz Pasha buildings, barracks, etc.
(Forte Mare). Next to Forte Mare there was the gate which lead to
The town wall encircling lower town is quite broken, the pier (Marina Gate). All gates had doors and closing
not very remarkable and it mostly leaned against mechanism.
fortification on seashore (Mezzaluna), but in the The regulation of the streets is approximately like
Venetian era they overworked this splitting for the today. The function of the street along the ramparts
complete control of the entire zone all around. was gradually lost by time. The buildings on the
In the upper part of the city there is square Piazzeta squares were knocked down and the newly built ones
with the church and cistern for drink water supply on got a new regulations.
todays square Bellavista, then central residential part The Venetians reinforced the walls for the sake of better
and sacral building in todays square near the church cannon resistance. It is evident that old fortifications
St. Girolamo which by one of its sides leans on the were filled with soil, or old ramparts were used to assist
mentioned wall. Below the wall which divides town perimeters for the defense. The structure of the town
there are building which belong to the Franciscan is arranged around two squares which are connected
Monastery. In the western part, above the Forte Mare, CZ UXP QBSBMMFM FYUFOEJOH TUSFFUT OPSUI TPVUI
5IF
there are remains of undefined buildings. For the first middle city wall is called old rampart, giving us hints
time the real characteristic and the traits of the Old that, as mentioned before, its origins are of a much
Town terrain are noticeable. later date.
The streets were connected with five transversal During the Venetian period the elementary schools
passages from Kanli Kula to the middle rampart. In the were placed in the Franciscan monastery of Sant Anthon
Fig. 74 Pianta di Castel Novo (Archivio di Stato,Torino)
298
dating from 1687 and in the Capuchin monastery of during the first half of the eighteenth century, when
Sant Francis founded in 1688. in the Venetian domain grows the need to repair and
Hercenovi became Venetian and showed the need restructure the defense system, in particular in Herceg
for a complex restructuring that had to go well Novi and Kotor between 1736 and 1737 (Fig.75).
beyond its fortifications. They were well prepared Venice loose the control on Herceg Novi when the
several suggestions for improvement and a draft empire fall down in 1797.
regulation of water. Precisely for this purpose Venice
sent to Herceg Novi an Judiciary water expert, the After the First World War it kept its functional status,
public mathematician Domenico Guglielmi (Bologna until the sixties of the twenthieth century when the
1BEPWB
'PS SFTFBSDI JO BTUSPOPNZ BOE interior was interpolated with a structure for a summer
hydraulics he was appointed professor of mathematics theater, while after the earthquake of 1979 Forte
at first, then of the University of Bologna hydrometry. Mare has been repaired and restored according to the
His classic work on the rivers nature (1697) is one of the conservation requirements and the approved designs
foundations of modern river hydraulics. of the Institute for Protection of Cultural Monuments
March 3rd, 1700 in Herceg Novi began the construction of Montenegro.
of a hospital for the quarantine of merchandise, located Today, in the inner corpus there is a summer theater
near the convent of St. Augustine fathers, where a new with auditorium which was reconstructed in 1984.
park ships was going to build, in the suburb south of Below the theater there is renovated and in function
Meljine. the underground part with the southern bastion.
Another round of fortifications of the walls occurred
Fig. 75 View of Castel Novo, 18th century At the time Forte Mare was included in the boundary wall but it had anyway an isolated position far
from the urban center and with a respect area all around. The Venetians considered the Fort and Cittadel the main important point for the
defence of the city against the attack from the sea. Museo Correr, Venice
299
2. DESCRIPTION
2.b.4.10 Fortified city of Kotor
characterizing the formation of the fotified city of Kotor, during the years of the Republic of Venice, see the
it is here presented a register particularly illustrative of following text.
the steps preceding and following the Venetian Age.
168 a.C Ascrivium or Ascruvium is the Roman name of Kotor
297 Inclusion of the entire Seno Rizonico in the Roman province of Dalmatia (Reform of Diocletian)
395 Inclusion of Boka Kotorska (Roman province of Dalmatia) in the Western Roman Empire
476 Fall of the Roman Empire: the Strait passed under the Byzantine Empire
535 Construction of the Fortress hill to protect the Gulf of Kotor (Justinian emperor)
639 "DSVWJVN$IBUBSVNCFDPNFUIFNBJODFOUFSPGUIF4USBJU
840 Saracen conquer part of the city that takes the italic name of Kotor
10th century Kotor construction of the urban part on the seaside
989 Looting of Kotor and Risano by Bulgarians

1003 Kotor is ceded to Serbia by the Bulgarian Tsar Samuel
1043 Defeat of the imperial army of Constantinople by Serbs near Kotor
1115 Ampliamento del territorio cattarino fino alle Bocche orientali da parte del re Giorgio Bodino
King George Bodino expansion of the Kotors territory to the Boka eastern part
Construction of the Cathedral of St. Tryphon to Kotor
1177 Kotor is allied with the Roman Empire of the East until the fall of the imperial support
1186 Kotor passes under the king of Serbia Nemagna
1201 "UUIFIFBEPGUIF.VOJDJQBMJUZPG,PUPSUIFSFJTUIF7FOFUJBOOPCMFNBO-PSFO[P;BOF
1301 "UUBDLPG,PUPSCZ%VCSPWOJLXJUIBOBSNZPG;BEBS 7FOFUJBOTBOE$SPBUT
1335 Conclusion of the commercial treaty between Kotor and Venice that reinforce the relations
between Venice and the Montenegrin Dalmatia
1351 Extension of the territory of Kotor granted by the king of Serbia. Risan and Herceg Novi remain
under the Herzegovinian hegemony
1366 Extinction of the Nemagna and beginning of the territorial disputes due to pressure on the
Serb border. Kotor invokes the protection of Venice, which refuses to seven times
1371 The region fell under the government of the Hungarian Croatian King Ludwig I
1378 "Act of Dedication" of Kotor to Venice. Siege of Kotor by Ragusei helped by the Genoese.
Vettor Pisani defeats the Genoese and reconquest Kotor and Perast.
1385 Submission of Kotor to the king of Bosnia Tvarco and restoring trade with Venice against
Ragusa.
1392 Independence of the municipality of Kotor threatened by Balsa. Up to 1420 will be independent
DJUZTUBUF
1395, 1404, 1405 Additional offers of surrender to Venice from Kotor
300
from 1406 The Venetians set out in the main centers of the South Adriatic many outposts. The Bay of
Kotor become the extreme southern of the Venetian rule on the Adriatic.
1414 Offer of surrender to Venice from Kotor

1420 Kotor joined the domain of the Stato di Mare (July 25). Perast also joins the Venetian
possessions.
1470 Building of the Venetian circular tower in Kotor called Gurdi.
1482 The Turks settled in Risano and Herceg Novi and the Bokas are the theater of exhausting
battles
1518 Construction of the votive church of Our Lady of Health
1555 Construction of Marina Gate in Kotor
1563 Earthquake
1569 The military engineer Giulio Savorgnan is called upon to intervene on the fortifications of
Kotor.
1572 Kotor is scourged by the plague
1606 Publication in Venice of the Statutes of Kotor: Statuta et leges civitatis Cathari
1613 Realization of Kotor "Piazza Soranzo" between the port and the city gate.
1657 Kotor was besieged by the Turks

1667 Earthquake
1699 Treaty of Vienna in which it is recognized to Venice the dominion over all the Boka, except
Sutiorina and Garbili
Restoration work of the fortifications in Herceg Novi and Kotor
1797 Published in Venice statutes of Kotor "Statue et lege civitatis Cathari"

1797 Venice falls. The region became Austrian
1806 The region passes for one year under the Russian Government
1807 The region became French, until 1813
1813 Meeting of the Bay of Kotor and Montenegro under a temporary government with the name
of the Central Commission
1829 Closure of two entrances of the St Giacomo bastion
1918 The region joined the Kingdom of Serbs, Croats, Slovenes (later Kingdom of Yugoslavia)
1945 The region became part of the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia
1979 Earthquake
2006 It will form the independent state of Montenegro
301
2. DESCRIPTION
PREMISES TO VENETIAN ERA
The first potential fort on the site of todays Kotor Fortress, could have been an Illyrian Fortress on the hill of St. Ivan. There are no traces
of the eventual Roman Fortress Catarum or Acruvium (Acruvium has the status of a fortified Roman city oppidum civium Romanorum),
but it almost certainly existed, on the basis of available sources. At the time of Diocletian, in 168 BC, Acruvium belonged to the Roman
province of Dalmatia.
Anyway Kotor became powerful between the thirteenth and fourteenth centuries, but then, openly object of contention between
7FOJDFBOEUIFDPOUJOFOUBMQPXFST JUXBTBUUBDLFEJOCZ%VCSPWOJL UIFO7FOFUJBOTVCKFDUT XJUIBOBSNZPG;BEBS 7FOFUJBOTBOE
Croats.
Following a decree of the Republic of Venice (1331), which inflicted heavy fines to those who had dealings with Kotor, April 30, 1335 the
city signed a commercial treaty with Venice that recreated relations between Venice and the Montenegrin Dalmatia. In 1361 the people
of Dubrovnik, again besieged the city that could resist only thanks to the intervention of the Venetians. When the Nemagna family was
extinct (1366), a half century of struggle began, because of the Serbs pressure on the border.
It is possible that the city was under the sovereignty of Venice since 1369. About the possible period of Venetian rule in Kotor there
are no reliable historical data. However, it is possible that before 1371 Kotor sought the protection of some powerful foreign state, and
protection of the Hungarian and Bosnian king was just a temporary solution. In 1378, the Venetian fleet under the command of Vetore
Pizani won Kotor and forced it to agree to a contract of surrender. The lower, inhabited part of the town on the coast could not resist
the attack, but the upper town, the castle of St. Ivan, on the hill, showed readiness to resist. In agreement with the Venetians, Perast (Fig.
78) forced Kotor to surrender. However, with the Turin peace in 1381, it was agreed that the town and Fortress of Kotor are to return to
Hungary.
Fifteen years after the Pizani conquest, Kotor realized that only the government of the Republic can provide protection. Conditions of
acceptance by the Venetian authorities are not known, but the Venetians, at least in principle, recognized very extensive rights to Kotor.
However, given that the holder of supreme authority in the city was a Venetian duke, in time the privileges and autonomy tapered, and
the citys strong economic and commercial center turned into a military stronghold. The pressure of the Venetian authorities was still
mostly felt in the economy, because the Venetian economic system crafted itself on prohibitions and restrictions, which have protected
the interests of capital, and struck its subordinate cities. In the case of Kotor, particularly affected were craftsmanship and trade.
Additionally, the once famous masonry has left no valuable objects. For the expansion and renewal of the system of fortifications, which
began at the end of century, protomasters were brought from other places, and a large part of the qualified workforce. There was no
hope that Kotor under Venetian rule would be spared the ravages of war. The forces of Balsa III inflicted damages already in 1420/1421,
and by 1422 the whole region was in the hands of Despot Stefan Lazarevic, there was plague, the city was faced with drought and
refugees. Fort commander Ivan de Luksia, due to the poor condition of the fortifications and the fear of the fall of the city, called the
commander of the squadron to the Adriatic fleet to appear before the city.
Fig. 78 Particular of the Boka Kotorska map with the position of the three main towns in Kotor Bay: Kotor, Perast and Risan, in CORONELLI, Vincenzo.
Repubblica di Venice p. IV. Citta, Fortezze, ed altri Luoghi principali dell' Albania, Epiro e Livadia, e particolarmente i posseduti da Veneti descritti e delineati
dal p. Coronelli, Venice, 1688, Aikaterini Laskaridis Foundation Library
302
VENETIAN ERA FROM 15th TO 17th CENTURY with 84 licensed captains and the first nautical school
in Dalmatia, enough to be considered the second
Kotor, when it became part of the Venetian domain, Venetian maritime center.
invested a substantial assets in the construction of
massive fortification, still perfectly preserved. Many Exactly the Republic of Venice took Kotor under its
fortifications were built in the Venetian period, protection as well as its associated area, the southern
although the system of the forts and defensive walls part of the Bay of Kotor 'JH ), in 1420, after
was not built in a single moment, but it has developed many repeated and long lasting requests by the city
through the centuries, it began in the Byzantine period municipality.
and was gradually strengthened until the nineteenth The event which marked the Venetian control of the
century. The walls, high between 15 and 20 meters Straits was the final acceptance of Kotor in the Republic
and with a thickness from 2 m to 16 m (Fig. 79), they of Venice. The green light was given by the Venetian
form this enclosure closed and have a perimeter of 4.5 Senate in November 1419, February 2, 1420 when
km, starting from the Lower City and coming up to the the Municipality appointed a prosecutor to be sent
Fortress of St. John located 260 meters above the city. in the lagoon for the conclusion of the Agreement,
Surely not only it got a port in a strategic position in the senate accepted the requests and 15 March in
the Mediterranean, but also some benefits from the the Ducal Palace was signed the Act of acceptance
economic point of view thanks to revenue from the of Kotor. The precious document shows the will of
salt. Undoubtedly it represented a strategic point for the city to show singular and devout reverence and
Venice for control of the Mediterranean, just think affection the desired faithful obedience to the Doge and
that the local merchant navy had 54 ships in the Bay the ducal Signoria. Attorneys Rosso Marino and Albano
of Kotor, one of the most important of the Republic Badoaro welcomed and accepted the city on behalf of
of Venice, boasting a considerable number of owners the Signoria, promising to treat citizens as loyal and
Fig. 79 G. Rosaccio, View of Kotor in Montenegro, with the fortress of Saint John on the top and the massive walls all around the city, 1598
(Viaggio da Venetia, a Costantinopoli [...])
303
2. DESCRIPTION
devoted subjects. It was then established some clauses di Mare the government of Kotor was inspired by the
regarding taxes, duties and remuneration payable Venetian model: with a Higher Council, consisting of
to the count of Kotor, and were recognized statutes only noble, Minor and a secret council of six members
and municipal ordinances and the return of certain and a Senate (or Council of Prayed) of fifteen persons.
territories. As early as 1301 the town had been, in fact,
governed by its own statutes which will be published in From the meeting of major and minor council all
Venice in 1606 with the title of Statuta et leges civitatis officers of the municipality were elected, including the
Cathars. supervisors of the health, the three judges of the court
of the Chancellor and the supervisors of the Mint. Even
Bosnians manifested on several occasions their in the Venetian period the mint of Kotor continued to
intention to retake the city, but Venice is always coin types of coin circulated in the lower Adriatic and
opposed vigorously. The Republic of Venice confirmed Albania. Justice was administered by the Rector, but in
the ancient privileges of the city and made it the seat civil cases the three local judges had to vote and their
of a rector and a superintendent in charge of the decisions, by virtue of a decree of the Venetian Senate
administration of civil and criminal justice, as well as in 1433, was admitted an appeal in front of one of the
a Camarlengo and Captain, which was entrusted with colleges of doctors of Padua, Vicenza, Verona or Treviso.
the collection of revenue and finance management
public. Both these officers, Venetian nobles elected Djuradj Brankovic attacked the city area in 1448, and
by the Senate for a year, depended by the general subsequently, as did, on two occasions, Ivan Crnojevi,
superintendent and professor of Dalmatia and Albania, in 1465 and 1489. From Venice, weapons and money
CBTFEJO;BEBS $SPBUJB
were transported to Kotor, and warriors and engineers
Even before becoming a full member state of the Stato of the trade also arrived, though, seldom to the
Fig. 80 View of the Adriatic coast, from Kotor in Montenegro to Durrs in Albania, ROSACCIO, Giuseppe. Viaggio da Venetia, a Costantinopoli:
per mare, e per terra & insieme quello di Terra Santa, da Gioseppe Rosaccio, con brevit descritto, nel quale, oltre settantadui disegni, di
geografia e corografia si discorre, quanto in esso viaggio si ritroua, cio : citt, castelli, porti, golfi, isole, monti, fiumi mari : opera utile
mercanti, marinari & studiosi di geografia, Venice, Giacomo Franco, 1598, Private collection
304
necessary extent. Since the beginning of the Venetian As was feared for the safety of Kotor, the Senate
rule, authorities attempted to prepare for Kotor to have predicted a circular system of fortifications to be raised
a war galleon at its disposal, built in the Arsenal of Venice around the city, and one tower to be built on both sides
and equipped and armed by the city municipality. of Verige. Although not implemented, these measures
have already indicated that Kotor is designed for the
On the pier there was a shelter for the galleys, which, new center of defense zone, which is to become when
because of damage to the roof, was to be repaired the Venetians, after the conclusion of peace with the
in 1449. Prince and katelan included locals in the Sultan, left Shkodra in 1479.
defense of the town. In anticipation of the Turkish
attack, in spring 1454, Kotors walls were guarded day In May 1480, Djordje Byzantines begged the Senate to
and night. The new attack was expected in 1469, when send 20 stonemasons and 500 ducats to disrupt the hill
the Venetians took the first radical intervention to of St. Ivan on which was the castle, as to, with obtained
reinforce the old fortifications, even though in 1439 the material, enforce and enlarge it, and also to begin
prince was issued an order to carry out repairs of the building of the new tower on the sea side.
walls. At that time (1470), the tower in Gurdi was built, Great fortification works began, and Kotor became
the most important fortification point of the southern an administrative, military and maritime center
work of the city walls, with which the approach from and important stronghold of the Republic, whose
LBMKBSJ XBT EFGFOEFE ,PUPS BOE UIF FOUJSF #PLB BT possessions were clustered along the coast and from all
a stronghold and port became especially important sides surrounded by Turkish territory. Increased military
during the first Turkish siege of Shkodra (1474). function of the town in relation to the economic and
Fig. 81 CORONELLI, Vincenzo. Geographical and historical description of the Morea, recaptured by the Venetians of the kingdom of Negroponte,
the neighboring places, and those they submitted in Dalmatia, and in Epirus, since the war they have declared against the Turks 1684 iusqu'en
1687. Fortified with several levels of the same views & spaces Country, by Coronelli, Cosmographe of the Serene Republic of Venice. Paris,
Nicolas Langlois, 1687, Aikaterini Laskaridis Foundation Library
305
2. DESCRIPTION
administrative functions, is reflected the replacement occasions, the Turks and their subjects were entering
of the title of Prince of the city with the title Rector and UIFDJUZJUDPVMECFBUISFBUUPUIFTFDVSJUZPGUIFDJUZ
provider. and the Fortress. Around 1460, the power of Kotor
Due to almost permanent threat of war, in addition to rapidly declined, and the city treasury income declined.
the functions of the provider, since 1492, the Republic The weakening of trade caused by the Venetian
introduced in their hierarchy yet another important requirements and prohibitions caused an exodus to
DJWJM TFSWBOU FNFSHFODZ QSPWJEFS iQrovveditore neighbouring cities with developed manufactures,
estraordinario). primarily to Herceg Novi and Dubrovnik. Emigration
The unfavourable situation in the Bay, with the threat of was also encouraged by the heavy commitment of
war and the Turkish environment, was reflected in some watchmen on the walls.
of the decisions the Venetian authorities, including also
the behaviour of Kotor citizens, especially nobility. As said before, in Kotor the Venetians reinforced the
A very harmful decision was adopted to demolish the ancient medieval walls with buttresses and also with
city salts in Tivat. Also, the Sunday fairs were abolished, the construction of a high retaining wall inside the walls
which were always held in all Byzantine cities. As in those and a sequence of vaults (Fig. 83). The first significant
Fig. 82 H. Beaubau, All the Venetian defensive elements are realized, included the circular Bastion (Relation Iournalire du Voyage du Levant
<>
)FMMFOJD-JCSBSZ"MFYBOEFS40OBTTJT1VCMJD#FOFU'PVOEBUJPO
306
Kotor to an army of 6000 infantry and 3000 cavalry,

work of strengthening the fortifications of Kotor by the
to possess the whole area around the Kamenari, and
Venetians in 1470 was the construction of the circular
to build a Fortress on Verige. Similar attempts were
tower of Gurdi (Fig. 82). This tower, located on the sea,
repeated later too. The situation worsened, and the
in the southern part of the walls, took its name from the
importance of Kotor in military terms increased further
nearby source.
with the submission of the northern part of the Bay of
After the fall of Scutari to the Turks in 1479, Kotor
the Turks, with the towns Risan and Herceg Novi (1482).
CFDBNF UIF DBQJUBM PG UIF TPDBMMFE Albania Veneta.
By the end of the fourteenth century Jacopo Coltrino
This period saw the resumption of maritime trade in
from Brescia had assumed the post of Engineer over
the region, and the settlements of Perast, Prcanj and
the Fortresses by conducting design and technical
Dobrota rises to important commercial and maritime
supervision on behalf of the Republic. In Kotor and
centres. In this period the region of the Strait could
in the Stato di Mare initiatives revision, restructuring
DPVOUPOBFFUPGPDFBOHPJOHWFTTFMTBOENBOZ
and renovation entrusted to Coltrino were directly
smaller for coastal navigation.
instrumental in the defense of Venice and they were
perfectly integrated with his work in the mainland in
The hardest blow to the city was inflicted upon Grbljani
order to define a more precise and stringent Border
tribe, when in 1497 they placed themselves under the
system of places and fortified cities.
supreme authority of the sultan, not being able to
tolerate levies and oppression of Kotor nobility any
Anyway at the time of Turkish invasions in Dalmatia the
longer. The loss of Grblja significantly worsened the
Serenissima decided to keep only the most strategically
food supply for the city, cutting it off from caravan
important cities and militarily defensible including
traffic and blocking it from the other side as well.
Kotor.
Already in 1498, Signoria sent Kotorans ducats for the
It was repeatedly besieged in vain by the Turks (1538,
purchase of grain.
1569) and was forced to increase its fortifications: in
The blockade of Verige was very dangerous for the
1538, as a result of the conflict which began with the
survival of the city, since it hindered the entry of ships
Turks, the Serenissima sent to Kotor Giovanni Matteo
into the inner bay and thus intersecting commercial
#FNCP GSPN 7FSPOB
UIBU UIF GPMMPXJOH
waterways, and the only way of getting significant help
year he faced the Barbarossa and in 1541 he was elected
to the besieged city.
SFHFOUJO,PQFSEBUFTUIFDPOTUSVDUJPOPGMarina
In August 1501, the provider Sebastian Kontarini rose
Gate, the main entrance to the city from his forehead
to the sea, while in 1569 it was called the famous
military engineer Giulio Savorgnan. Furthermore it was
necessary to realize the plateau that requires a certain
number of demolitions.
At the beginning of the sixteenth century, at the mouth

of Skurdame, at the time of provider Dieda (Vettori
Diedo), a bastion of Citadel was erected, located in the
extension of the promenade above the Marina Gate. In
those years a new bastion was also built over the source
Skurda, later called the Riva, as well as, not far away
on the other side of the door from the river, the largest
bastion of Kotor, Bembo. They were not finished until
1539, when Barbarosa attacked Kotor.
Increasing interest in the Venetian Kotor resulted in

Fig. 83 Vedute from manuscript: A. Degli Oddi Padovano,1584 a report by provider of Kotor Gritti (Domenico Griti)
(Viaggio de la Provincie di Mare delle Signorie di Venetia Biblioteca
Arcivescovile, Udine) in 1528. There is a designated length for certain parts
of the city walls. Bastion Gurdi cannons guarded the
307
2. DESCRIPTION
TPVUIXFTUBQQSPBDIUP,PUPSGSPN5SPKJDBBOELBMKBSJ and the history and Italian culture. To remember to title

and Citadel bastion at the mouth Skurda protected the PG IPOPS UIF QSJOUFS "OESFB 1BMUBTTJDI BDUJWF
access from the north, from Dobrota. It is understood 92), the humanists Bernando Pima and Tryphon Bisanti
that both bastions defended the city of cannons from EJFEJO
UIF1FUSBSDIJTU-VEPWJDP1BTRVBMJ
the ships that approached him. The artillery position of 1550), the playwright and poet Christopher Ivanovich
the Castle closed the entrance to the city from Lovcen, EJFEJO
BOEUIFMBXZFS5SZQIPO7SBDIJFO
and later, when the range of the guns increased, fired 1783).
towards Trojice and the sea. Contact of enemy forces was inevitable in a narrow
It was necessary also the construction of a building for area, especially in Kumbor and Verige, and it was
the rector and chancellor, the Pretoria chamber and thought that two enemy passing through one and the
offices for public facilities and it dates back to the late same door could not last for long. Yet such a situation
sixteenth century the construction of the hospital. lasted for two whole centuries, until 1687.
The Venetian rule left a deep imprint in the urban This attitude has resulted in a hitherto unprecedented
TUSVDUVSFPG,PUPSBOEJUTDVTUPNTUIF*UBMJBOXBTUIF activity on the reconstruction of Kotor fortifications,
language used in all public acts and teaching, especially primarily those in the mountains, which were the most
for pushing the noble class and the powerful class of vulnerable to a potential attack from Montenegrins.
merchants and sea captains. Even today, the population The works were carried out on schedule and under
of Kotor speaks a dialect mix of Venetian and Slavic. the supervision of Ing. Filseka, mainly in 1768.
Vivid was also the participation of the Mouths of Kotor Venetians gradually replaced the old vertical walls
Fig. 85 V.M.Coronelli, view of Kotor,1688 (Citta, Fortezze, ed altri Luoghi principali dell' Albania [...])
308
with escarpirated. Also, the small medieval square the general provider Corner (Cornaro Catterini) sent
towers with high vertical walls were replaced with the NBTPOTGSPN;BEBSUP,PUPSUPIFMQXJUISFQBJSTUPUIF
round torion, later with polygonal bastions, with the city, primarily of some walls on the coast. One of them
same sloping wall surfaces, so that an artillery shot could have been a wall between two bastions towards
just slipped. The most extensive work of the Venetian the sea (Valier and Korner), on which the roof of the city
period in Kotor fortifications, were made in just a few market leans, and the second one between bastions
years, practically in one breath, and were linked to Korner and Kotor old wall at the theatre. It is possible
FQBO.BMJ&WFSTJODFIJTBQQFBSBODF UIF7FOFUJBOT that bastions were built at that time or later, but with
were afraid that he could attract many bokelj since he a large degree of certainty can be concluded that at
appeared as a Russian car. least a corner bastion was built immediately after the
earthquake, and it was named after the general prefect
To cope with the difficulties of the times of famine and at that time.
plague, Paris Malipiero in 1629 he decided to resort
to real welfare measures in the square in Kotor before Long after the great earthquake providers, supervisors
he could address the issues in terms of new factories and Fortress engineers from Kotor unsuccessfully
specifications (a hospital isolation), he shall, on the one sent reports about the poor, often catastrophic state
hand, a greater number of accommodations for the of fortifications and public buildings. Awareness of
militias, to prevent them wandering around the city the need for significant investment is likely, but the
UP TQSFBE UIF JOGFDUJPO PO UIF PUIFS IF HJWFT UP UIF economic force of the Republic waned.
miserable people three ounces of biscuit and four The Valadier Bastion was to overlap the medieval walls
PGCFBOTQFSQFSTPOQFSEBZUPFOTVSFUIFMJWFMJIPPE BOE UIF 3PNBOFTRVF(PUIJD Porta urbica of the 14th
PGUIFQPQVMBUJPOFWFOJUSFBDIFT PO'FCSVBSZ UP century as evidenced by the remains found.
double the amount of food distributed, along with the
rest of the prudent suggestion of the administrator of During the first half of the eighteenth century, in
health Lorenzo Contarini. the Venetian dominions the need to restructure the
defense system continued, in particular between 1736
Kotor in 1657 is again under siege by the Turks for and 1737 in Herceg Novi and Kotor (Fig. 88). Regarding
the first time moving their armies from the ground. Kotor, the city acquired particular importance towards
Following this attack, until 1760, all the defensive the end of the Serenissima JO UIF NJEFJHIUFFOUI
operations will focus on the face of the earth by century, when new military strategies led the Venetian
building walls that grow on mountain slopes. These government to transfer to the Bay of Kotor the main
walls that formed Regia munitae Rupis way that still naval base of the Serenissima for the middle and lower
leads to the Castle of San Giovanni. The latter, located "ESJBUJD
Fig. 89).
at an altitude of 260 meters above sea level, already in
1576 was considered locho fortissimo se ben piccolo, The centuries that followed failed to bring the city
perch lascesa cos faticosa, difficile e pericolosa. security and prosperity. In fact, from 1420 until the fall
of the Republic of Venice in 1797, Kotor was ruled by the
Although at a slower pace, the reinforecement of the Venetians, who eventually denied the city privileges.
city continued until the beginning of the seventeenth This long period can be characterized as a period of
century. Then, within the Citadel two large bastions decadence, the period of disappearance of some large
were built, with cannon openings with arched and important economic, cultural and trade centers,
openings to the river and rehearsal space for soldiers, which, because of the interest the Venetian authorities,
called Piazza Soranco (Fig. 85). reduced to the fortification system of the city, and it
was surrounded from all sides by Turkish holdings, had
Already damaged by the earthquake of 1563, the over time turned into a great military center. This, very
fortified city was further hit by the devastating difficult period in its history, was marked by Turkish
earthquake of 1667, during which the facade of invasions, fires, epidemics and earthquakes.
the cathedral collapsed with the bell tower and the
palace of the Rector. After the earthquake in 1667, Some significant works were undertaken by the middle
309
2. DESCRIPTION
of and especially in the second half of the eighteenth

century. In 1730 the old powder magazine al posto
della Madonetta del Monte exploded and the following
year a new warehouse was built. At that time there
were also other big repairs, and the works to build a
defense corridor to Gurdi were undertaken. The walls
were repaired also in 1747, and the works were carried
out for fourteen months after the plan of ing. Conte
Lodoli. The most extensive work of the Venetian period
in Kotor fortifications were made in a few years and
linked to the emergence of Stephen the Little (Scepan
Mali).
During this radical reconstruction, stone tablets were

installed on the very positions with inscriptions that Fig. 88 (above) Kotor Fortress, Marina Gate Area Plan, Alessandro
bear witness to the extensive work during this period. Ganassa, XVIII c., Archivio di Stato di Venice, Provveditori alle
From the entire outer fortification belt, works were Fortezze, ex. B 83, dis. 121
performed not only on the part of the tower Kontarini to 'JH CFMPX
.BQPG,PUPSCBZJO.POUFOFHSP#&--*/ <+BDRVFT
the battery Priuli and shorter turn around the situation Nicolas]. Decription Gographique du Golf de Venise et de la
Pedokjo, although there were more serious damages. More. Avec des remarques pour la Navigation et des Cartes et
Plans des Ctes, Villes, Ports et Mouillages, Paris, Didot, 1771, The
(FOOBEJVT -JCSBSZ 5IF "NFSJDBO 4DIPPM PG $MBTTJDBM 4UVEJFT BU
Athens
310
In this occasion, great works were performed in In Kotor, in order to chart a new coastal road, the
positions within the hills and transport links, as well Austrian authorities destroyed the Venetian bastion
as additional military facilities (warehouses, barracks, that had been listed since 1785 in the drawing map of
military hospitals, etc.). The greatest works that Venice Captain Francesco Gironci (Fig. 90) as Piattaforma di
undertook on Kotor findings were also the last, because San Francesco rovinosa site north tower Gurdi toward
a few decades later followed the fall of the Republic of the old Venetian hospital. In this same area, in the
St. Mark. direction of the medieval walls of Kotor reinforced by
buttresses Venetians, the Austrians built an escarpment
Next, a particularly turbulent period of Kotor, which whose masonry is hardly distinguishable from that of
had a particularly negative impact in the field of the Venetian walls.
architecture and urbanization of the city, came after
the fall of Venice, and from the end of the eighteenth to
the early decades of the twentieth century, Kotor lived
through four foreign occupations: Austrian, Italian and
French.
Fig. 90 Kotor, Plan of the Town and Fortress, Francesco Gironci, 1785, private collection
311
2. DESCRIPTION
2.b.4.11 Fortified city of Ulcinj
characterizing the formation of the fortified city during the years of the Republic of Venice, see the
of Ulcinj, it is here presented a register particularly following text.
illustrative of the steps preceding and following
Venetian Age.
7th2nd century B.C. (SFFL*MMZSJBOQFSJPEDPOSNFEQSFTFODFPGUIF0MDJOJBUBTUSJCF SFNBJOTPGUIFDIBSBDUFSJTUJD

fortification
163 B.C. Roman conquest
OE DFOUVSZ #$UI The town is named Olcinium, first opida civium romanorum, and then municipia
century A.D.
4th century AD Dalmatian region is Christianized and Latinized
5th 6th century Fall of the Roman Empire in 476: in 535, Justinian I included into the Eastern Roman Empire
the province
.JEUIDFOUVSZ Short period of independence.
10th century Byzantine annexion of Serbia, Ulcinj was again part of the Eastern Roman Empire
11th century Ulcinj belongs to the sovereigns of Doclea
12th 14th century 1FSJPEPG4FSCJBOSVMF TUBUFTPG;FUBBOE#BMTJD-PSET
Ulcinj was the seat of Lord Durad Stracimirovic Balsic.
18th century The Church of Our Lady attested
1278 Franciscan presence.

Late 18th century Mongolian conquest.
1405 'BMMPGUIF;FUBTUBUF
Venetian period (Venice Republic). Ulcinj is a fortified town, important regional, political,
commercial and naval center
15th 17th century The Church of Our Lady attested while most of the inland was under Ottoman Empire, except
GPSUIFJOEFQFOEFOUTUBUFPG;FUBJOUIFOPSUI
In 1514, Montenegrin Ottoman region had the status of an independent region.
1510 Realization of the Renaissance Church in the Citadel
1571 Ulcinj passes under Turkish domination. Venice loses control of the city.
Ottoman period. Changes in the town structure (mosques, hammam, fountains, towers, palace,
turbe).
Important Turkish garrison, quarters.
1880 Affiliation to the Principality of Montenegro
1967 The Archaeological Institute presented to the City a scientific study and a project of protection,
conservation and revitalization
1979 Earthquake
312
PREMISES TO VENETIAN ERA
Ulcinj is an ancient seaport. The wider area of Ulcinj has been

inhabited since the Bronze Age, based on dating of Illyrian tombs
UVNVMJ
GPVOEJOUIFWJMMBHFPG;PHBK JOUIFWJDJOJUZPG6MDJOK5IF
town is believed to have been founded in the 5th century BC by
colonists from Colchis, as mentioned in the 3rd century BC poem
by Apollonius of Rhodes.
The territory of Ulcinj, in the centuries preceding the Roman

conquest, is inhabited by the Illyrian tribe of Olciniati. Illyrians lived
in the region at the time as there are traces of immense Cyclopean
walls still visible in the old Citadel (Kalaja).
The town is frequented by Greeks who maybe settle their traiding
DFOUFS VTJOH UIF FYJTUJOH QPSU GBDJMJUJFT TVCTFRVFOUMZ JU CFDBNF
autonomous municipality with the name of the Roman Olcinium
or Ulcinium and played an important commercial role at the
crossroads between the hinterland and the opposite shores of the
Adriatic and it so easily acquired the Latin Mediterranean culture
(Fig. 91).
This is a feature that will be of particular importance also in the
Venetian period: it is just that his role as a crossroads between
Fig. 91 J. Von Sandrart,1687 Map of the coast from Kotor, Montenegro to
internal and sea that make Ulcinj, in the short period of Venetian %VSST "MCBOJB (FOOBEJVT -JCSBSZ 5IF "NFSJDBO 4DIPPM PG $MBTTJDBM
rule, a great trading post. Studies at Athens)
In 1390 George II Balsa appropriated Filippo Barelli (Fig. 92). The text, reported in the tenth book of
goods, a Venetian citizen, but later, to defend Commemorali, is prepared in the Venetian dialect, with
themselves from the Ottomans, he took accordance a note of the Doge in Latin.
with Venice and gave to the same Scutari, Sati and In 1405 the Venetians conquered the town that
Drivasto. Then it approached to the King Sigismund remained under the Serenissima, for 150 years. Under
of Hungary. In 1396 failed to terms with Venice and Venetian control, the city was renamed Dulcigno in
recognized to the Turks the rights to the territories that Italian.
had previously given to Venice.
In 1401 again in difficulty, he applied for and obtained In 1407 the Balsa recognize the Venetians rights of
forgiveness and help by Venice. In 1403 after Giorgio Ulcinj, but they failure to keep thats promise after a
happened Balsa III which opened to the Turks and the GFXNPOUITXJUIQFBDFPG%VSSFTJOUIF7FOFUJBO
Orthodox Church and started a conflict with Venice and influence on the city was emphasized. In 1412 Venice
the Catholic Church. In 1405 Venice occupied Ulcinj will have to accept the passage of Ulcinj to Balsa in
and in September 1405, the Senate elected the first exchange for assurances and promise to treat well the
Venetian count and captain of Ulcinj, who remained people and not to take revenge. The hostile behavior
in office for two years. In early 1406, at the request of of Balsa does not change in 1419 and they devastate
some Ulcinjs ambassadors, the Doge Michele Steno the Catholic places of worship. This finally causes the
confirmed the pacts with Ulcinj of 24 July 1405, signed reaction of the Serenissima in 1420, after nine years
by the doge Marino Caravello as a doges delegates of oppression, Ulcinj is freed and in 1421 signs an Act
of Dedication to Venice (Archivio di Stato di Venice,
313
2. DESCRIPTION
$PNNFNPSJBMJ9* D
S
S OVNBOUJDB SS type with sumptuous palaces, churches and squares.
num moderna): Doge Francesco Foscari confirmed and On a high wall, in the small enclosed square near the
approved the agreements and conventions concluded North entrance to the Old City, with red brick the name
two years earlier. of the rector Johani Bolani and captain of the Venetian
city is written. At that period also the Renaissance
In the second half of the fifteenth century, at the end of church of 1510.
UIFSFJHOPG.FINFE**
UIFTFBSPVUFUIBU The Venetians maintained control until 1571, when the
connected Valona to the Italian coast was considered Ottoman Turks conquered Ulcinj.
by the Ottomans as the way to quickly bring the land Actually the Venetians took again the city in 1722 but
armies in the Italian peninsula, and then in Rome. The they maintain it in their domain for a few year.
QFBDFUIBUFOEFEUIFXBSXJUI7FOJDF
HBWF
Scutari to the sultan but left Antivari, Ulcinj, Budva, It was one of the city that the Venetians lost first
Durazzo and Alessio to the Venetians. but, as seen from the date of the nearby resorts and
inland areas, Ulcinj passed very late under Ottoman
The Venetian era brought new elements in the urban SVMFBMSFBEZUXPIVOESFEZFBSTIBEQBTTFETJODFUIF
structure and architecture. The walls, gates and towers Turks had begun the conquest of the territories of the
were rebuilt (Fig. 93). To the city was imprinted the Balkans (in 1371 they had crossed the river Maritza)
stamp of the Venetian urbanism of the eastern Adriatic and about 90 years after the conquest of Herceg Novi.
This shows that the Venetians gave great importance
to the Fortress of Ulcinj on the strategic level, maritime,
economic, political, and had done everything to keep it
as much as possible under their control.
Thanks to the reading of the cards we can understand
the important changes that have taken place in the city
and its defensive system following the rule of Venice. It
is evident the escarpment whose base was far wider
compared to the current situation, which denotes a
sinking of the peninsula in the Adriatic Sea in the last
four centuries.
The fortified wall was characterized by the regular
presence of towers with battlements that allowed to
control the entire area (Fig. 94). Especially in the north
there was the public building then changed in its upper
part with the arrival of the Turks. Next to it two towers
soared, exactly opposite. Of them now it remains
only one intact, while only the ground floor featuring
vaulted cells remains of the Venetian building.
In correspondence of the tower in the south it is
possible to see clearly the gateway to the city, still
present in the same location today.
It is also clear the continuous walkway around the

entire perimeter of the walls. The residential area was
flanked by internal religious services, of which you can
still see in the map of 1606 the bell towers, gradually
break down from the Turks. In fact the city changes
Fig.92 Dulcigno, Patti di Dulcigno senza dedizione esplicita, greatly appearance in the seventeenth century: in the
$PNNFNPSJBMJDPQJB* DSS "SDIJWJPEJ4UBUPEJ drawing of 1717 the defense towers disappear and
Venice.
only the defensive bastions remain, as you no longer
314
see the northern building, while remaining one of the a question, the Venetian Senate in 1547 stated that i
two towers that flanked it. luoghi fortificati non si possono dire fortificati se non sono
provvisti di unadeguata fornitura di cibo (you cannot
Another significant element identified by the cards is a say in strong fortified if they are not provided with an
small station signal (speculation), an observation tower adequate supply of food).
located south of the city outside the walls, identified in Ulcinj shall provide itself therefore a range of facilities
the map of 1615 (Fig. 96). suitable for the storage of food and water, exploiting
It remained within the Ottoman domain for over 300 existing medieval ones that are adapted to the use of
ZFBST EVSJOHXIJDIUJNFJUTGBSSFBDIJOHSFQVUBUJPOBT the fortified city of Venice (warehouses, tanks).
a lair of pirates was established. Initially, this band of To preserve the heritage of Ulcinj in 1967 the team
buccaneers comprised about 400 North Africans and of the Archaeological Institute presented to the
Maltese corsairs, but before long many others was City a scientific study and a project of protection,
involved: Albanians, Turks and a certain number of conservation and revitalization, offering, for example,
Serbs (Fig. 97). to bring back the original splendor of the church,
Anyway, during the 16th century the Venetian which has since become a mosque, in order to contain
government undertook a massive fortification the part of the museums collection of Ulcinj, which
program. A frontier town, however strong they might would be made up of a series of exhibition spaces and
be his defenses, would still be bound to fall if from the an archaeological side (Fig. 98).
near towns could not arrive troop reinforcements and All the work was followed under the control of the
food (Fig. 95). Institute for the protection of historical monuments
So the question of provisioning of food and water of Montenegro. The project also continued despite
had to return necessarily the principles guiding of the the catastrophe of 1979, which caused many other
new defense plan, like the design of the ramparts. The problems in addition to the existing ones. Today the
idea of creating a network of fortifications scattered project is almost fully completed and Ulcinj appears as
throughout the territory ready to succor each other a full city where different cultures overlap within the
in case of siege, which was oriented towards the historic fabric.
Venetian government, contemplated their supply,
as well as troops, even genres food. In a preamble to
Fig. 93 (left) View of Ulcinj published by the Italian Simone Pinargenti in Isole che son da Venetia nella Dalmatia et per tutto lArcipelago, fino a
Costantinopoli, con le loro Fortezze e con le terre piu notabili di Dalmatia, Venice 1573, Bibl. Nazionale Centrale Di Firenze
Fig. 94 (right) Representation of Ulcinj and of all the Venetian defensive fortifications. In Viaggio da Venice, a Costantinopoli Per Mare, e per
Terra, & insieme quello di Terra Santa da Gioseppe Rosaccio con brevit descritto, Venice, appresso Giacomo Franco, 1598
315
2. DESCRIPTION
Fig. 95 (above)Representation of the arrival of the commercial ships from the sea and of the fields in the hinterland for the production of the
food resources. In Dulcigno in Dalmatia, G. Rosaccio, 1606
Fig. 96 (below) Representation of the elements that Venetians built: the palace, the 2 towers, the church, etc. In Dulcigno Henri de Beauvau,
i3FMBUJPOJPVSOBMJFSFEVWPZBHFEV-FWBOUw )FMMFOJD-JCSBSZ"MFYBOEFS40OBTTJT1VCMJD#FOFU'PVOEBUJPO
316
'JH6MDJOKJOUIFQFSJPEPGUIF0UUPNBOTEPNJOBUJPOBMMUIFDIVSDIIBWFCFFOEFTUSPZFE*O7JFXPG6MDJOK&SIBSE3FVTDI QVCMJTIFECZ
Johann Kaspar Monath in Vedute der Stdte und Festungen des venezianischen Dalmatiens, 1718
Fig. 98 The exposition area of the Ulcinj museum realized inside the church (transformed in the Ottoman domain in a mosque). Inside many
ruins and object of the Venetian period are conserved.
317
3.
JUSTIFICATION
FOR
INSCRIPTION
3. JUSTIFICATION FOR INSCRIPTION
3. JUSTIFICATION FOR INSCRIPTION______________________________319

3.a.1 Brief synthesis _____________________________________________________ 321
3.a.2 Criteria under which inscription is _____________________________________ 322
proposed and justification for inscription under these criteria ______________ 322
3.a.3 Statement of integrity _______________________________________________ 334
3.a.3 Statement of authenticity ____________________________________________ 338
3.a.5 Protection and management requirements ______________________________ 340
3.b Comparative analysis __________________________________________________ 342
3.c Proposed Statement of Outstanding Universal Value _________________________ 357
3.c.1 Brief synthesis _____________________________________________________ 357
3.c.2 Justification for criteria ______________________________________________ 358
3.c.3 Statement of integrity _______________________________________________ 358
3.c.4 Statement of authenticity ____________________________________________ 359
5.c.5 Requirements for protection and management __________________________ 359
320
3.a.1 Brief synthesis extraordinary alla moderna defence works takes
shape and is developed uniting the Stato di Terra
I) SUMMARY OF FACTUAL INFORMATION and the Stato di Mare of the powerful Republic of
Venice.
The Venetian Works of Defence between 15th and 17th
Centuries are the subject of proposed inclusion in II) SUMMARY OF QUALITIES
UIF 8PSME )FSJUBHF -JTU PG B USBOTOBUJPOBM TFSJBM TJUF
through 15 components distributed between Italy, t Readability of the property through the
Croatia and Montenegro the site shows the most location of the components. The location of
representative results of the grandiose defence project each component in the original site permits us
undertaken by the Republic of Venice to control its to precisely reconstruct the line of defence
territories and the trade routes that extended to the conceived by the Serenissima as a transnational
Middle East. network. Within the geographical area around the
Adriatic Sea (historically the Golfo di Venezia) the
t The site extends over 1,000 km between the 15 selected components represent a summary
-PNCBSEQSF"MQTBOEUIFFBTUFSO"ESJBUJDDPBTU of the physical and functional connections of
or rather the area controlled in modern times the innovative fortified network where each
by the Serenissima and historicall divided into component carries out a precise role within a
Stato di Terra (Italy) and Stato di Mare (Croatia, broad and unitary project (integrity and authenticity)
Montenegro). This kind of unique and ancient
enclave formed around the Golfo di Venezia, t Complete excursus of the Venetian experience
today the Adriatic Sea, recognised as the epicentre on alla moderna military architecture. The site
of the wide Venetian dominion. represents the entire iter carried out by Venetian
fortification specialists, from the experimental
The 15 components are distributed in this vast phase to the codifying of the models.
area as follows: This excursus, broken down into three phases,
sheds light on the gradual refinement of the
*5"-: 'PSUJFE DJUZ PG #FSHBNP 'PSUJFE DJUZ PG UFDIOJRVFT UIBU MFE UP UIF SFBMJTBUJPO PG B OFWFS
1FTDIJFSB EFM (BSEB %FGFOTJWF TZTUFN PG $JUZ PG CFGPSFTFFO BOE alla moderna defence works
Venezia represented by four components: Arsenal, aimed at becoming a global reference point in the
Fort of St Andrea, Poveglia Octagon and Alberoni panorama of military architecture.
0DUBHPO$JUZ'PSUSFTTPG1BMNBOPWB In the first construction phase, that we may consider
a phase of transition, the Republic of St. Mark
$30"5*" %FGFOTJWF TZTUFN PG ;BEBS 'PSU PG 4U puts itself to the test in a series of interventions
/JLPMB JCFOJL ,OJO $PVOUZ %FGFOTJWF TZTUFN and experimentations that reveal a leap from the
of Hvar represented by two components: Fortica medieval war techniques to the new methods of
'PSUSFTT BOE "STFOBM XJUI CVJMU RVBZ PG QPSU defence (15th century). But it is not until the 16th
Fortified city of Korula. century that we see the maximum distribution of
the technically more advanced Venetian military
.0/5&/&(30'PSUF.BSF )FSDFH/PWJ'PSUJFE TUSVDUVSFT DPODFJWFEUPBOTXFSUIFCZOPXXJEF
DJUZPG,PUPS'PSUJFEDJUZPG6MDJOK spread use of firearms.
'JOBMMZ EVSJOH UIF UI DFOUVSZ UIF QSFWJPVTMZ
t The time period under consideration, from the started works were completed and defence
later 15th century to the end of the 17th century, techniques refined which, together, represent
represents the most significant period of the some exceptional examples of the new military
Serenissimas long history, illustrating the years architecture (integrity and authenticity)
ranging from the maximum territorial expansion
to the gradual decline of the power of Republic
of St. Mark. Within this chronological ambit, the
321
t Innovation and complexity of the defence and support tools. The defence structures still
project. The fortification process undertaken by today greatly characterise the places in which they
the Serenissima for around three centuries was were built. Austere, following the strictest military
aimed at a very articulated procedure that was principles or permeated by civil connotations,
managed and controlled directly by the capital city the 15 defence works reflect the extraordinary
Venice. refinement of the alla moderna GPSUJDBUJPO BSU
The focus in multiple aspects meant the operation individual forts, or urban set ups are still poles that
was unique and innovative for the times. attract the community and local administrations
A competent and great group of specialists and which promote initiatives to preserve and valorise
government men worked together on a range of them (criterion iii).
fronts: from surveying the territory to the project of
the fortified work, from the execution of the work to t Plurality of typological solutions. The property,
the management of human resources and finances through the selection of these components,
necessary for the functioning of the work. This represents the wide typological variety of the
complex modus operandi was methodologically defence solutions created by the Serenissima JO
repeated on all the components, connecting each fact, the series is made up of complex fortified
one as a real constructive business and left a varied cities, individual forts, an ideal Fortress city,
wealth of testimonies (integrity and authenticity
defence workss and auxiliary Arsenals for military
activities. Each component bears significant
t Plurality of the documentation. The direct witness to its typology and stands out from the
testimonies gathered here regarding the DSPXE GPS UIF HFPNPSQIPMPHJDBM DIBSBDUFST PG
15 defence works chosen are joined by an the surround context and its specific role in the
invaluable wealth of indirect sources made up network (criterion iv).
of drawings, reports, wooden models all carried Italy, Croatia, Montenegro consider the Venetian
PVUCFUXFFOUIFTBOEUIFT5IFXJEF work of defence the focus of a project of
scale distribution of these sources preserved in transnational integration, thereby committing
the three Countries involved but also in a variety themselves to preserve and valorise this cultural
of other European countries, bears witness to heritage that is one of a kind in the world, today
how alla moderna Venetian military culture went concentrated as in the past on the Adriatic Sea (see
beyond the borders of the Serenissima becoming a the management plan).
heritage of global scale. Intended as fundamental
means of communication between the dominions 3.a.2 Criteria under which inscription is
and the capital city, the sources are an added value proposed and justification for inscription
to the defence project and confirm the authenticity under these criteria
of the property (criterion iii and authenticity

CRITERION II
t Integration between local identities and exhibit an important interchange of human values, over
models exported from the capital city Venice. a span of time or within a cultural area of the world, on
The Serenissimas established experience in developments in architecture or technology, monumental
the ars bellica is how Venice passed on to its
arts, town-planning or landscape design
territories a large amount of managerial, social
and cultural models regarding fortified works.
The property is an outstanding example of the
These models passed down and received by the
continuous interchange of values that occurred
communities depending on the local specifics
between the Republic of Venice and the geo-
still represent today a great trait dunion between
cultural areas with which it dealt from the 1400s to
the components chosen here (criterion ii

the 1600s.
This interaction between cultures took shape as the
t Quality and durability of the defence works Serenissima asserted itself as a commercial power
322
The Provveditori alle Fortezze (Fortress governors): specialists ars bellica sent by Serenissima in the Stato di Terra and Stato di Mare to control the
operations of fortification (Palmanova, Piazza Grande. Photo by Alessio Buldrin, detail).
323
poised between East and West and took on European distant one from the other and which, nevertheless,
proportions when the great Empires menaced the recognised the city-capital of Venice as a model.
border of the Republic to such an extent that a
general review of its overseas fortifications (Stato di Each separate component of the property refers back
Mare) and Terraferma fortifications (Stato di Terra) UP UIF HSFBU JOGPSNBUJPOTIBSJOH TZTUFN JOWPMWFE JO
could no longer be delayed. the completion of each fortification and its role as
In todays international macrocosm, stretching from part of the entire network. Indeed, the circulation
northern Italy to the Adriatic coast of the Balkans, of benchmark models and new design ideas was a
we can clearly perceive the different strands of a fundamental prerequisite for launching this defensive
cultural web that found an extraordinary synthesis programme, just as continuous communication
in the Republic of Venice widely distributed defence between Venice, the Terraferma, Dalmatia and Albania
works and the quality of their construction. 7FOFUB XBT FTTFOUJBM GPS UIF DPNQMFUJPO BOE OF
Moreover, the many channels used to spread tuning of these defences.
Venetian military culture concurred to define the Architects and engineers constantly travelled
supralocal value of alla moderna fortifications: the from one state to another JO TPNF DBTFT UIFTF
central hubs of a defensive project of European were experts who had been loaned and who, as
scope. they travelled, expanded their personal baggage of
knowledge, offering it to the Prince in keeping with
The objective that lay at the heart of this ambitious employment formulae that have hardly dated.
programme to reconstruct defences was the union
of subjects, understood by the Serenissima as an Thanks to these comings and goings, the greatest
action that would be of universal benefit. To this day, contributions that were to prove the turning point for a
the result is the extraordinary integration of social defensive programme that had already been outlined
and religious customs, construction practices and in previous decades, but had not yet come to fruition,
models that can be traced back to the presence of the reached Venice in the early 1500s. Indeed, prominent
Venetians, who left their mark on the Dalmatian coast QSPGFTTJPOBMT GSPN UIF NPTU BWBOUHBSEF SFHJPOT BT
and Venices Terraferma. far as experimentation in the art of fortification was
5IF AWFSUJDBM DPOUSPM FYFSDJTFE CZ UIF DJUZDBQJUBM concerned, gravitated towards Venice at this time. In
Venice over every stage of the defensive programme this way, Venices military culture took its cue from
guaranteed the creation of a complex and logically the experience gained on construction sites and
unified system of fortifications characterised by on battlefields by the most ingenious minds of the
a standardised administration that was the same in time.
different geographic areas.
A true, rigorous modus operandi formed in La These specialists conveyed alla moderna elements to
Dominante as Venice was known at that time which and between central Italy (Tuscany), the Papal States
was however sensitive towards the cultural differences (Emilia Romagna), the Duchy of Savoy (Piedmont) and
which, particularly in its Stato di Mare, characterised Venices dominions.
UIF QMBDFT SFRVJSJOH GPSUJDBUJPOT BMM QPQVMBUJPOT Here, in its Stato di Terra and Stato di Mare, Venices
irrespective of their origins, had to feel safe within the architects developed new solutions that were passed on
borders of the state and were allowed to prudently to their colleagues, thus becoming quite independent
preserve their identity. of their original models. In this way, Venices defensive
XPSLT UPPL PO QBSUJDVMBS XFMMEFOFE DIBSBDUFSJTUJDT
This property clearly demonstrates this type of and, in general, this complex defensive programme
approach, thanks to examples where different became an international benchmar. Indeed, after
cultural influences within Venetian culture co-exist. having completed their service at the Republic of
In general, the defensive works demonstrate a Venice, these professionals were commissioned by
compromise between Venices desire to create a other Italian states and European empires, taking the
DPNNPOMZ TIBSFE VOJUZ BOE UIF QFDVMJBS TPDJP experience they had gained in Venices territories with
political characteristics of geographic areas that were them.
324
Often, Venetian military culture was passed down territories of the property, from northern Italy to
from generation to generation within what were, to Dalmatia, was the role played by the enormous number
all intents and purposes, family dynasties that operated of state officials: the rectors, admirals, castellans
at different levels and in different geographic areas. and, above all, the Provveditori alle Fortezze (Fortress
As well as the architects mentioned earlier, officers governors) who were sent to the Republics colonies to
with a proven track record on the field of battle, oversee fortification work, as well as exercise political
entrepreneurs and specialised builders were all related and economic influence over these places.
to each other. Each member of the family absorbed, For them, contact with different cultures was a daily
challenged and returned their skills within, and exercise that had to be carried out from time to time,
outside of, the borders of the Serenissima, having depending on the particular situation: mediation with
had the benefit of the technical skills and important local customs affected socio-economic and political
contacts fostered within the family. aspects as well as the construction of fortifications.
The Provveditori were particularly important in
A different, but equally important, role in fostering transferring the experience gained to different parts of
the communication that unified all the different the Republic, promoting a model of administration
Golfo di VeneziaUIFTQIFSFHFPIJTUPSJDBMNPTUSFQSFTFOUBUJWFPGUIFDJSDVMBUJPOBOEEJTTFNJOBUJPOPGalla moderna Venetian military culture

(G.F. Camocio, Map of Italy and the eastern coast of the Adriatic Sea [c. 1574] in Isole famose porti, fortezze, e terre maritime sottoposte alla
Ser.ma Sig.ria di Venetia ...).
325
that applied to all Fortress construction sites in FOBDUNFOUT GFTUJWBMT QMBDFOBNFT BOE DVMUVSBM
Italy, Croatia and Montenegro. As regards this associations that commemorate the centuries of
aspect, interaction with Venice became essential, Venetian influence in different ways at a local level hark
as the materials needed for the construction and back to this common Venetian sense of identity.
maintenance of defensive works on the Terraferma and
DPBTUDBNFGSPNUIFDJUZDBQJUBM
CRITERION III
Long voyages from one end of the Republic to the
other were also the norm in the professional life of bear a unique or at least exceptional testimony to a
skilled builders, who became an excellent vehicle for cultural tradition or to a civilization which is living or
turning typically local practices into a system of which has disappeared;
knowledge.
This property is exceptional testimony to the
The Venices military personnel travelled even more. military culture that developed in the Republic of
These were leading military figures based in Fortress Venice as part of a global defensive programme
as well as outside them, on the battlefields. The now of European scope that affected its vast
Republic spent a large proportion of its finances on dominions in early modern era. This colossal
them, recruiting a high number of mercenaries from operation left a number of traces that are all
among the ranks of Grisons, Corsicans, Saxons, Swiss interconnected; military and civil architecture,
and Greeks, supported by local militia such as the urban and territorial projects, decorative art and
famous stradioti: cavalry recruited in the Balkans. series of documents are the distinctive features of
Above all, they were employed in defending the the defensive projet and contribute, when taken as
overseas dominions, overseeing the coasts and acting a whole, to defining the extraordinary value of alla
against piratery, mainly present at the borders of the moderna Venetian military tradition.
possessions (Ulcinj).
The militia proved itself capable of binding together Thanks to the selection of 15 prime examples, the
QMBDFTUIBUXFSFEJTUBOUGSPNUIFDJUZDBQJUBMEVSJOHUIF property demonstrates the extent to which the
many occasions when men from different geographic art of fortification was a layering of knowledge for
BOEDVMUVSBMCBDLHSPVOETXFSFGPSDFEUPMJWFTJEFCZ the Republic of Venice from the 15th to the 17th
side. centuries, when it defended itself vigorously by
land and sea to protect its role as an intercontinental
The widespread distribution of emissaries and trading power.
goods is clearly discernible in the prolific exchange Managing to overcome the economic difficulties
PG MFUUFST CFUXFFO UIF DJUZDBQJUBM BOE JUT UFSSJUPSJFT inherent in these colossal fortification operations
Reports and dispatches were continually sent from and adapting to constant geopolitical changes
the most diverse parts of the Republic to its central along its borders, Venice concentrated its most
KVEJDJBSZ BU UIF TBNF UJNF extraordinary sketches ambitious construction projects in the Stato di Terra
of the defensive works underway circulated, and (north-eastern Italy), menaced by the expansionist
not just within the borders of the state. Treatises of ambitions of European empires, and the Stato di
international importance on alla moderna military Mare (the east coast of the Adriatic) where Turkish
architecture were published in Venices printing works. incursions repeatedly attempted to rob Venice of
its trade domination over the Adriatic Sea, which
The circulation of all these elements created new was recognised by these same enemies with the
communication channels and methods, facilitating term Gn al-bandiqn (Golfo di Venezia). In these
the creation of a network never seen anywhere else two geographic areas, the Venetian works of
in the world before, a network that brought places defence and the historical records concerning them
that were distant both geographically and culturally demonstrate the political foresight and unique
closer together, using a common language we can nature of this operation, which was extraordinary
TUJMM SFDPHOJTF UPEBZ 5IF NBOZ MPDBM IJTUPSJDBM SF from a design, administrative, executive and
326
technological point of view. become totally distinguishable and clearly characterise
these defensive works, irrespective of their geographic
First and foremost, the 15 fortified components location. The gates to a city are still a trademark of the
demonstrate the Republics ability to assimilate, SerenissimaPG7FOJDFXIFUIFSBVTUFSF JOLFFQJOHXJUI
develop, customise and codify the new language of the strictest military principles (e.g Brescia Gate of
alla moderna military culture. The complete range Peschiera del Garda), or richly decorated, in line with
of solutions developed by the Republic listed here the rules of civil architecture of the time (e.g Terrafirma
demonstrates the complexity of the defensive (BUFPG;BEBS
UIFTFGFBUVSFTIBSLCBDLUPUIFWBSJPVT
programme and focuses on the features that then, as different influences that contributed to Venetian
now, bound different elements together. military culture, from references to Classical art to
Generally speaking, each component has preserved Venetian reworkings of the Renaissance. Whether they
the traces of a consolidated military outpost: the were entrances to a single fort (e.g Fort of St Andrea
rural landscape associated with Terrafermas defensive of Venice) or placed at an urban crossing where
works and the coastal landscape of Adriatic sites bear main roads met, these gates are still landmarks for the
obvious traces of clearings, moats, bastions and local community and local authorities who organise
sheltered moorings that clearly date from the fruitful initiatives geared towards preserving and promoting
season of construction that took place from the 15th to them (e.g St Agostino Gate of Bergamo).
the 17th centuries.
The passage of time and the inevitable changes that These gates are inextricably linked to their curtain walls,
occur over the centuries have altered the appearance a distinctive feature of all components that, though in
of these places to varying degrees but, nevertheless, different states of conservation, have maintained their
the signs of the original defence plans are still clearly original imposing size over time, demonstrating the
visible in their entirety when viewed in impressive aerial enormous technical and theoretical expertise achieved
photographs. While a reading of Venetian defensive by Venetian architects and builders (among other
works from above may be considered a privileged components citing the exemplary model of double
point of view, the traces that are still in situ allow us wall of Palmanova).
to reconstruct from below the particular strategies The impressive structure of these perimeter
employed to stop the enemy from advancing, used in defences involving raised features, underground
the construction of each component. passages, external elements and annexes illustrates
Today, people visiting these 15 Venetian fortifications extraordinary alla moderna military scenarios in each
experience the same sensations that must have been different component. The differences that characterise
GFMUCZUIFCFTJFHFSTPGUIFQBTU"NPEFSOEBZWJTJUPS each one are linked to the geomorphological
will experience, in quick succession, the surprise caused peculiarities of each site, to the construction that
by the appearance of a Fortress camouflaged in plain preceded or followed Venetian domination and to the
(e.g Palmanova) or in lagoon (components of Venice) role played by each single defence work as part of a
or perched on the rocks of a hill (e,g Bergamo, Fortica complete system. For example the bastioned walls of
Fortress of Hvar, Forte Mare of Herceg Novi, Ulcinj), Kotor and Bergamo are exceptional work created to
the astonishment of beholding a sensational work of protect the city, adapting to the morphology of the
QSPUPIZESBVMJDFOHJOFFSJOH FH1FTDIJFSBEFM(BSEB
place, as theyre an uninterrupted circuit in which the
and hesitation when faced with attractive moorings walls act as a hinge between the mountains and the
protected by fortified defensive walls (e.g Kotor). sea or plain.
These traces in the landscape clearly demonstrate The initiatives organised by a number of different
how territorial defence in the Republic of Venice cultural organisations and groups are geared towards
was guaranteed by constructions, artificial devices understanding this extraordinary heritage, through
and mans intervention, but that all this was always the organisation of educational tours and maintenance
additional to, and interwoven with, an enhancement of work that can preserve and bequeath the value of this
a sites natural characteristics (CALABI, 1994). heritage to future generations.
As we get closer, the signs of Venetian influence Within these imposing defensive walls, a number of
327
structures demonstrate the extent to which these On the other hand, an enormous number of religious
fortifications, in actual fact, affected the entire and civil buildings (in Ulcinj, there is the church, the
city. Here, civil buildings existed alongside military toll house, the episcopal palace, etc.), as well as statues,
facilities, creating a unique architectural ensemble fountains and decorative collections, still bear the
that was designed around urban spaces and important emblems of the Republic of Venice coats of arms,
communication routes. Today we can still clearly friezes, the winged lions of St Mark as memories
perceive the dual role of fortified cities from within sculpted on buildings that send out messages and
these urban organisms. sometimes declare themselves as an attempt to
On the one hand, the continuing existence of encourage (CALABI, 1994) local communities.
gunpowder magazines, storerooms, soldiers lodgings These traces clearly indicate the Republics wish to
and city squares designed for mustering troops clearly create safe havens that would also be pleasant to live
demonstrates a military purpose (e.g Peschiera del JOBOEXPVMEPFSBDDFQUBCMFMJWJOHTUBOEBSETBXIPMF
(BSEB
BDUJWJUJFT UIBU JO TPNF DBTFT DPOUJOVFE VQ series of devices, either visible or found in written
until the 20th century, reaffirming Venetian foresight records, hark back to this aspect, associated with the
and guaranteeing the survival of these buildings as channelling of water, the water supply (aqueducts and
in City Fortress of Palmanova. The same continuity of DJTUFSOTQSFDJTFMZEPDVNFOUFEBU;BSB
UIFDSFBUJPOPG
use is a feature of the palaces that were designed to urban allotments and to naval production (the Arsenals
lodge Venetian authorities, such as the Provveditori and of Venice and Hvar) and the trade function (Ulcinj
Capitani, now reserved for local authorities (such as customs office).
the council, public libraries, etc , as in the significant
FYBNQMFPG,PSDVMB
UIFTFBSFHSBOECVJMEJOHTUIBUBSF As well as direct evidence here associated with
usually located in the centre of a fortified city, bearing components, indirect evidence offers an essential
all the hallmarks of Venetian style, which in some contribution if we want to understand the various
cases incorporates and permeates previously existing different ways in which Venetian military culture
buildings (e.g Kotor). brought innovation. Hence the following are an integral
An exemplary case of fortified city significantly characterized by morphological hillside context (Bergamo, Upper City)
328
part of this grand defensive programme: Venice (and now kept in Venices Museo Storico Navale),
the logistical heart of the defensive programme. The
Written records of inestimable value, which have three dimensions of these maquettes still provide
survived to this day thanks to a unique tradition of us with an accurate image of the defensive work of a
archive management found nowhere else in the particular period and, in some cases, of the site where
world. These reveal the Republics ability to organise it was located.
and systematise all the States information, even the The third instrument consists of a body of written
most reserved kind (such as defence records) and documents whose size it is impossible to quantify.
demonstrate the Republics desire to annotate what 5SBWFMMPHCPPLT EJBSJFT PUIFDVOPUFTNBEFJOUIF
existed, the necessities that needed attending to and margins of official documents dating from the 15th to
the changes that were carried out on each component the 17th centuries, written by the Republics officials, fill
during the fortification phase, and even before starting the enormous premises of conservation organisations
construction work. located inside and outside its historical borders. Among
Three main instruments were used to record the other documents that exist, the Relazioni or
JOGPSNBUJPO XIJDIIBWFSFNBJOFEFYUSBPSEJOBSJMZXFMM reports written by rectors and ambassadors sent out to
preserved over time. the dominions as well as most of the states of Europe,
The first is an inestimable treasure of visual material from Constantinople to Egypt and Syria provide us
that illustrates, in detail and using different scales with a complete overview of Venices extraordinary
The Venetian Works of Defence between 15th and BOEDPNQMFYGBDUOEJOHBOEPSHBOJTBUJPOBMANBDIJOF
17th Centuries. Every illustration is the result of an UIFTDFOBSJPXIFSFUIF3FQVCMJDOFUVOFEJUTHMPCBM
extraordinary ability to recognise and analytically defence programme.
interpret the territory, which is why Venetian military *O BEEJUJPO UIF XPSMEGBNPVT USFBUJTFT XSJUUFO GSPN
FOHJOFFST XFSF FTUFFNFE BOE UIFSFGPSF TPVHIU the second half of the 16th century on demonstrate
after, more than any other specialist from other the unique nature and exemplary value of Venetian
fields or nationalities (Fiore, 2014). Depictions on a military culture. These extraordinarily important
territorial scale showing the distribution of land and writings are endless sources of theories and techniques,
sea dominions, views of bays, waters, mountains, construction criteria and practices, which can be
plains, urban plans and villages are the environments compared to the foremost best practice manuals used
where defensive works were constructed. Analytical today. The principles of alla moderna fortification, tried
TVSWFZTPGQSFFYJTUJOHDPOEJUJPOTBOEEFTJHOQSPKFDUT and tested by the Republic of Venice and illustrated in
for new construction work, simulating ballistic these works, clearly demonstrate the level of expertise
trajectories, illustrate the technical skill of Venetian that their authors had achieved, men who worked
military culture in minute detail. Indeed, every single both on the battlefield and in direct contact with the
illustration demonstrates the extent to which every components selected here.
phase of construction work, from the conceptual These voluminous tomes usually contain thematic
stage to the completion stage, was characterised by a sections that reveal the enormous level of organisation
particular interest in the settlement, demographic and JOWPMWFE JO UIF XPSL JOEFQUI BOBMZTFT PO QMBOF
technological implications of each Fortress and the geometry, diagrams of modern Fortress, investigations
network as a whole. into design and construction criteria, traditional
The extraordinary nature of this heritage involves a solutions, innovative proposals and siege techniques
number of conservation organisations, which hold crowd the pages of these precious records of the
themed exhibitions and conduct studies designed to Venetian ars bellica.
promote a unique visual heritage whose historical and
documentary value is recognised by a vast audience of Thanks to its outstanding nature, this precious heritage
TDIPMBSTBTXFMMBTOPOFYQFSUT has catalysed the attention of many contemporary
The second instrument is the maquette. These are TDIPMBST JOTQJSJOH JOEFQUI TUVEJFT UIBU IBWF
UISFFEJNFOTJPOBMXPPEFOTDBMFNPEFMT NBEFGPSUIF contributed to creating a vast bibliographical store of
Provveditori alle Fortezze in the early decades of the knowledge. Indeed, transoceanic interest in Venetian
17th century and preserved for years in the Arsenal of works of defence is demonstrated by the thorough
329
analyses carried out by the most prestigious members (1846), and on Venices fortifications (1902) are equally
of the scientific community: from Le Corbusiers important (see chap.7.e).
reflections on the perfect city (Urbanisme, 1925),
Steiger and Hesss historical map of urbanism (with CRITERION IV
Schmidt, 1935), Giedion (Space, Time and Architecture,
1941) and the more recent Military Considerations in be an outstanding example of a type of building,
City Planning: Fortifications (1972) to studies on the architectural or technological ensemble or landscape
defensive programme with its political and military which illustrates (a) significant stage(s) in human history
implications, the very recent description of a systematic
approach (Fiore, 2014) or a framework of international The property is an exceptional example of a network
studies where Venetian military architecture emerges of alla moderna fortified works (a bastioned
yet again. Other scholars such as professor Luigi system) built by the Republic of Venice in line with
Firpo, who published Relazioni di Ambasciatori Veneti the innovative techniques introduced with the
al Senato (original reprint) 60 years ago, arranged growing use of firearms (artillery) following the
in chronological order based on the best editions widespread adoption of gunpowder.
available consider the importance of this enormous As regards this aspect, the Republic of Venice
CPEZPGSFDPSETQPTUIVNPVTFEJUJPOTPGUIF%JTDPSTJ gradually gained logistical ability and technical
written by Francesco Maria della Rovere, Duke of know-how, becoming the leading Fig. in what was
Urbino, on Dalmatian issues published in Venice a true military revolution which led to significant
Areal view of Venice Arsenal
330
and definitive changes: the pioneering construction t isolated fort built as military garrisons first sighting
criteria and new construction site practices tested and equipped with a defensive autonomy (Fort of
in the territories of the Republic met the need for 'PSU PG 4BO /JLPMB JO 4JCFOJL ,OJO $PVOUZ 'PSUF
modern combat strategies that shifted from an Mare Herceg Novi).
offensive to a defensive orientation, preferring
prolonged sieges to attacks, which had now become Each component makes an important contribution to
obsolete practices. demonstrating the characteristics of its category and
The 15 fortified components presented here distinguishes itself from other similar examples thanks
represent this enormous change, which began to the geomorphological features of its surroundings
in the 15th century and continued until the 17th and the specific role it played in the network as a
century. Each one, with its particular characteristics, whole. Whether coastal, montane, lakeside or in
contributes to defining the enormous variety plains, fortified works in their respective, striking
inherent in the Venetian fortified network that, environments reflect an extraordinary ability to adapt
thanks to this very diversity of components, is alla moderna fortification criteria to the particular
a unique example of a system of alla moderna natural characteristics of a site.
military architecture.
These four types of fortification were built in vast
In its diverse range of solutions, the property boasts construction sites that went on over long periods
four main types of fortification: of time, where work was interrupted or resumed
depending on such factors as the Republics economic
t fortified cities (Bergamo, Peschiera del Garda, resources, the design variations applied as construction
Korula, Kotor and Ulcinj). These constitute an continued and geopolitical changes.
extraordinary example of integration between alla
moderna military works and previously existing These aspects resulted in a fairly fragmentary work
constructions which, even when extensively TDIFEVMF OFWFSUIFMFTT UIF TFMFDUJPO QSPQPTFE IFSF
reconstructed, were never totally destroyed. covers from the experimental phase to its codification
The result is an urban ensemble that suit within the construction process, which started with
the limits imposed by this new language of reconstruction work on existing buildings, then went
construction the geomorphological peculiarities PO UP DPNQMFUF VOQSFDFEFOUFE BWBOUHBSEF NJMJUBSZ
of the area and the defensive layout inherited from works and ended up with the perfect mastery of the art
UIFQBTU of modern defence.
In short, the defensive network evolved its typological
t fortress city of Palmanova unique, extraordinary features during the following three phases:
example of the perfect new fortified city, where
DJWJMBOENJMJUBSZQSFSPHBUJWFTDPFYJTUFEJOQFSGFDU t The first phase NJEToD
DIBSBDUFSJTFE
harmony. Palmanova broke every record in terms by the renovation and extension of existing
of the early date of its construction and the structures. Here we find the largest extensions
excellence of the result achieved. Here, Venetian built on to medieval structures, which demonstrate
military culture in the widest sense had a free hand the rapid acknowledgement that artillery was an
thanks to a new design that did not have to deal essential factor that had to be taken into account
XJUIQSFWJPVTMZFYJTUJOHTUSVDUVSFT when first reviewing the function of fortified
buildings.
t defensive systems consisting of a variety of The best examples of this are visible in Korula and
fortified features each with its own specific purpose in Ulcinj where the Venetians built the city walls on
and characteristics, designed to work together UPQ PG UIF QSFFYJTUJOH i$ZDMPQFBOw XBMMT XIFSF
to defend a particularly strategic area as in the stretches of medieval curtain wall join up to the
case of the north entrance to the Venice Lagoon enormous Venetian round towers whose design
or strategic city of the Dalmatian coast (defensive can still be traced back to traditional models from
TZTUFNTPG;BEBSBOE)WBS
central Italy that were then reworked by Venetian
331
NJMJUBSZFOHJOFFSTJOUIFQIBTFUIBUGPMMPXFE Among others, the bastioned perimeter walls

PG #FSHBNP 1FTDIJFSB EFM (BSEB BOE ;BEBS
t The second phase (c.1530 early 1600s), which demonstrate the evolutionary development of
featured a notable increase in activity, particularly Venetian military culture, which during this phase
in the Stato di Terra , with the introduction of highly successfully combined the nature of a site and
innovative criteria: the systematic completion of IVNBO JOUFSWFOUJPO XFMMUSBJOFE JO alla moderna
entirely bastioned works, the key feature of a new requirements. But the Venetians also carried out
design paradigm. punctual interventons: two Dalmatian example are
The first examples of bastioned fronts, still of an Forte Mare and Fort of St Nikola, built by engineers
experimental nature (promoted by the famous from the Serenissima who fortified it by introcuding
Francesco Maria I Della Rovere) cleared the way OFXFMFNFOUTGPSNPEFSOEFGFODF
for a rigorous construction practice that combined
technical knowledge and organisational ability. t The third phase (1600s), mostly characterised by a
The widening differences between figures with further expansion of bastioned works, which were
STUIBOE FYQFSJFODF PG UIF CBUUMFFME BOE extended out and equipped with a vast network
AOPONJMJUBSZ QSPGFTTJPOBMT CFDBNF JODSFBTJOHMZ PG DPVOUFSNJOF UVOOFMT BOE VOEFSHSPVOE
obvious: a crucial issue in debates, to the point galleries. These improvements demonstrate the
where it influenced the pace of work. The choices now established use of technically advanced
made by the Republic of Venice led to the gradual and specialised knowledge that saw its peak,
specialisation of its technical experts, heightening for example, with Palmanovas twin defensive
the differences between civil architects and perimeter.
military engineers.
The spread of artillery triggers the new design approach .Through three different phases of construction come to life varied typological
solutions which are representative of the Venetian military culture
332
Buildings that played a complementary role to of previously existing settlements outside Fortress
primary defences were equally important in the XBMMT TPBTUPGBDJMJUBUFMBOEMFWFMMJOHPQFSBUJPOT
complex framework of this advanced military
culture developed by the Republic of Venice. t THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE DEFENSIVE
During this phase, fortified structures were fitted &-&.&/54 "/% 5)& 13&&9*45*/( 63#"/
with buildings that played an auxiliary role in SURROUNDINGS: these fortified works were
military life, such as leper hospitals (e.g Herceg complex, unified organisms. Each part of a Fortress
Novi), military hospitals (e.g Kotor), storerooms, has a shape and size that was calculated on the
gunpowder magazines (e.g Bergamo), Arsenals (e.g basis of a precise geometric ratio compared to the
)WBS
BOE BCPWFBMM CBSSBDLTBXFMMEFOFEMBZPVU others, or the entire organism risked vulnerability.
that is perfectly represented by the barracks of This ratio between parts is also noticeable
Palmanova and Peschiera del Garda (see the image from the functional point of view, creating an
in the page before). interdependency between the primary defensive
line and areas considered to be auxiliary to defence
With these three phases, Venetian works of defence inside the Fortress. The result was a redesign of
codified a type of military architecture that can be the urban road network and a reconstruction of
entirely traced back to Venices fortification programme. buildings that was more or less obvious depending
To put it very succinctly, the defining characteristics on the role played by the component in the system
of the network as a whole can be divided up into the BTBXIPMF
following aspects:
t 5)&%&4*(/0'%*''&3&/5&-&.&/548IJMTUUIF
t THE PROCEDURE: the military culture promoted typological range of features varies enormously,
by the Republic of Venice did not limit itself to mainly dictated by the geomorphological
constructing Fortress. It also developed a truly differences and varying functions of different
modern and effective process, based on precise, sites, we can still identify a number of constant
EJTUJODU TUBHFT UIF DIPJDF PG TJUF B TVSWFZ PG UIF elements that reappear in all the works presented
designated area, recording its physical, as well here: lowered bastioned walls, made thicker at the
BT TPDJPFDPOPNJD DIBSBDUFSJTUJDT UIF EFTJHO CBTFDPNQBSFEUPNFEJFWBMXBMMTDJSDVMBSCBTUJPOT
of the fortification, based on a proactive debate that gave way to orthogonal sides compared to
CFUXFFO EJFSFOU ATQFDJBMJTUT UIF SFDSVJUJOH PG UIFDVSUBJOXBMMT DPNQMFUFXJUIPSJMMPOTMPXFSFE
MBCPVS BOE OBMMZ UIF BDUVBM DPOTUSVDUJPO TUBHF BUCBTUJPOTJOUIFNJEEMFPGUIFDVSUBJOXBMMTBOE
The systematic application of rules, guaranteed by a series of detached outworks including ravelins,
UIF DMPTF TVQFSWJTJPO PG PCTFSWFST GSPN UIF DJUZ an outer curtain wall and cavaliers, all connected
capital, resulted in a fortified network in keeping by galleries.
with alla moderna requisites, both from the point
of view of its type and construction as well as the In conclusion, the typological impressiveness of
MPHJTUJDBMQPJOUPGWJFX The Venetian Works of Defences between 15th and
17th centuries is due to the constant attainment of
t THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN A FORTRESS AND technological and logistical expertise which led to a
ITS LANDSCAPE: the new approach to fortification gradual improvement of alla moderna Venices military
profoundly influenced the relationship between culture. The fact that these fortifications were destined
what was constructed and its surroundings in an to be copied both as regards their concept and function
irreversible way. Alla moderna military design led even by the French military school during Napoleons
to radical changes in the medieval landscape, domination, thus remaining in use until modern times
replacing crenellated towers and castles with demonstrates the extraordinary quality of construction
round towers during the first phase (15th century), of these fortifications.
angular bastions in the second phase (15th century)
and finally advanced works (17th century). These
additions involved the partial or total demolition
333
3.a.3 Statement of integrity works in which civil and military demands cohabit in
BOiJEFBMwDPNQPTJUJPO UIFVOJWFSTBMMZSFOPXOFEDBTF
The Venetian Works of Defence between 15th and of Palmanova), works conceived as a true military port
17th Centuries should be considered as the most (Hvar) or where the military act has a supportive role to
representative results of a complex (in its vastness and the trade function of the work (Ulcinj).
contents) defence project carried out in the territory Moreover, the complete representation of the defence
that was controlled by the Republic of Venice for over project is also expressed through the selection of
three centuries. Through the building of this colossal certain natural contexts in which the components
fortified system, the Serenissima was able not only to are located and which, thanks to their morphology,
protect its trade both on land and sea, but also to create have greatly influenced the constructive choices of
a real ante litteram European network characterised UIF EFTJHOFST JO UIF QSPQFSUZ UIF MBLF BOE MBHPPO
by new models of architecture, communication and environment, the hills, the vast plains, the gulfs and
management. deep coastal inlets alternate, recomposing the entire
varied environmental landscape within which the
5IF QSPQFSUZ TIPXT UIF NPTU SFQSFTFOUBUJWF HFP specialists of Venetian defence operated.
historical ambit of this extraordinary project, or rather
the vast area historically known as the Golfo di Venezia, This aspect is also joined by the visual integrity of each
and today the Adriatic Sea. Herein, the 15 components defence work which has maintained the idea of strong
chosen equally between Italy, Croatia and Montenegro, element within the coastal landscape of Croatia and
together give a complete geographical representation Montenegro, just like in Northern Italy. For example,
of alla moderna defensive works. the strong bastioned walls emerging from the water
Overall, the series restores in its integrity the in Fort Mare in Herceg Novi, rising on the rock of the
chronological period within which the three phases Bergamo hills or blooming in the plains of Palmanova,
that characterise the project unfold the years in which BSF BO VONJTUBLFBCMF USBEFNBSL PG 7FOJDFT MPOH
traditional models were reviewed (14th century), the lasting presence, a visual reference point catalysed
long period of experimentation and codification of the by both the water (sea, river, lake, lagoon) and the
new techniques (15th century), and finally the years in Terraferma (plains, highlands).
which the results were perfected (16th century).
From the typological viewpoint, in the vast heritage
As well as the geographical and chronological integrity, of military architecture built following the widespread
the components together show the complexity of the use of gunpowder, the site identifies the complete
design criteria, the logistic and management aspects programme of alla moderna fortified works carried
and the execution measures which characterised the out by the Serenissima in the Golfo di Venezia. Each
project. component, in its own geographical, morphological
Each individual work contributes to the definition of and functional context, adds a different aspect to the
the exception universal value of the property. In fact, system, contributing to integrally define the great
the 15 components have been carefully selected based variety of type of alla moderna Venetian works of
on specific attributes which, when seen together, defence. In this viewpoint, the series proposes five
restore the overall strategy of the operation. fortified cities, three defence workss, two isolated forts
In particular, each component bears extraordinary BOEPOFDJUZGPSUSFTT
XJUOFTT UP UIF IJTUPSJDBMDVMUVSBM DPOUFYU BOE UIF
QBSUJDVMBS SFBTPOT UIBU HFOFSBUFE JU JO GBDU UIF These typological categories, while sharing a basic
selection is made up of works with a clearly military concept, have within them components that differ
connotation (as in Peschiera del Garda, Fort of St Nikola by their date, morphological context, and role in the
BOE'PSUF.BSF
VSCBOTDBMFXPSLT FHGPSUJFEDJUJFT system and functional aspects (see table Internal
of Bergamo and Kotor) or individual manufacture comparative analysis).
designed to celebrate the power of the Serenissima (e.g
or the Fort of St "OESFB
NPSFPWFS UIFTFSJFTFYIJCJUT Moreover, construction guaranteed the complete
presentation of the mobility processes and the
334
connection forms between the various cultures, works (TFF DIBQ BC) has been guaranteed by their
identifying the main players and the tools that made continued use, where in some cases such as the
the modern Venetian defence project unique to the military quarters of Palmanova and Peschiera del Garda
world. The integrity of an extraordinary documentary oTPNFNJMJUBSZEJTUSJDUTBSFTUJMMMPDBUFEUPEBZBWFSZ
heritage is vital here, not only to prove the authenticity common theme in all the components, is the use of
of the site, but also to reconstruct the numerous buildings that were once used as local organisations
connections between the fortified works, builders and of the Republic (Superintendents of the Fortress,
the main government or rather, the protagonists of Captains) and today used by local administrations
the project. thereby guaranteeing their preservation.
A high level of integrity is maintained throughout the Generally speaking, the normative system in Italy,
site in accordance with the Operational Guidelines Croatia and Montenegro made up of national, regional
of the World Heritage Convention. The areas have and local protection laws contributes to the correct
been strictly defined in order to guarantee the conservation and valorisation of Venetian Works of
DPOTFSWBUJPOPGUIFWBMVFTBOEUIFJOUFHSJUZPGUIFTJUF Defence respecting their integrity and exceptional
each Nominated property is surrounded by a suitable value (TFFDIBQUFSCE).
buffer zone to further guarantee the integrity of the
Nominated property especially the visual integrity We have to keep in mind that, dealing mainly with
which is an important part for each component of property that is completely integrated in living
the series. Moreover, inside the buffer zone are some urban contexts, they may have different conditions
defence works so far not selected but considered of integrity due to specific situations which, over
nonetheless in the management plan projects. time, have affected the individual component as,
for example, the demilitarisation of the areas and the
The technical and constructive expertise of the wartime events of the last century (in particular, in
designers and Venetian masters has ensured the UIF DPBTUBM DJUJFT GBDJOH POUP UIF "ESJBUJD 4FB
JO BOZ
long survival of the fortified works which, with some case, the setup of the works and, more generally, the
insubstantial revisions, were used as military systems numerous attributes that make them so valuable are
even after the fall of the Republic of Venice. easily discernible.
In some cases, the preservation of the defensive
335
336
g
m Intergity of the property expressed by defensive

works:
a. Fortified City of Bergamo

b. Fortified City of Peschiera del Garda
c. Defensive system of City of Venezia
d. City Fortress of Palmanova
F%FGFOTJWF4ZTUFNPG;BEBS
G'PSUPG4U/JLPMB JCFOJL,OJO$PVOUZ
g. Defensive System of Hvar
h. Fortified City of Korcula
i. Forte Mare, Herceg Novi
l. Fortified city of Kotor
m. Fortified city of Ulcinj
337
3.a.4 Statement of authenticity Adriatic between the XVI and XVII centuries (Fiore,

5IJTUZQFPGJOEFQUITUVEZoXIJDIXFNBZ
The Venetian Works of Defence built by the Republic of define as systematic is joined by a number of
Venice between 15th and 17th centuries are supported analyses on the individual components: from the
by an exceptional documentary, bibliographical and Stato di Terra to the Stato di Mare, each fortified city
iconographical heritage which illustrates its entire life JTXJEFMZEPDVNFOUFEXJUIBSJDICJCMJPHSBQIZ
cycle, from its origins until the present day.
Moreover, a large quantity of scientific and technical t thematic studies on the Fortress, with vast
analyses on the international theme of alla moderna iconographic and photographic repertoires, can
military architecture helps us to understand the be found on the web sites of cultural associations,
important role undertaken by the Serenissimas local historians and, more generally, by enthusiasts
military specialists in the wider global scenario. on the theme.
The extraordinary correspondence between the
documentary sources (indirect sources) and the *OUFSOBUJPOBMMZSFOPXOFE TDIPMBST BENJOJTUSBUJWF
fortification works still in situ (direct sources) leaves technicians, cultural associations, all agree on
no doubt about the authenticity of each individual the authenticity of the site and animate an up to
component, of the context in which they are located, date multidisciplinary debate on the high level of
the role carried out by the system and all the attributes authenticity of the system both as an overall complex
that contribute to the universal value of the property. as well as its individual components.
Moreover, the presence of such documentary wealth
is at the very base of the work to preserve the site, Finally, the heritage of historical archives contributes
allowing us to maintain the conditions of authenticity HSFBUMZ UP UIF BVUIFOUJDJUZ PG UIF TJUF JU JT B QSJDFMFTT
of the individual components and the overall system. heritage that goes beyond the national dimension, even
interesting countries outside of Europe, confirming the
In particular, the authenticity of the site is proven by: transnational dimension of Venices defence works.
The archives, libraries and museums of each component
t censuses on the cultural heritage, carried out by holds a one of a kind documentary heritage that is
competent Ministers from each participating able to reconstruct the architectural events of the
State TFFDIBQUFSD
Fortress within a heterogeneous overview made up of
the histories of the populations who, for almost four
t censuses and cataloguing on the specific theme of centuries, were an integral part of the Serenissimas
the fortifications, carried out by cultural institutes grandiose defence project and who, by uniting, played
and associations (see chapter 7.c) leading roles in a unique story.
Within the documentary heritage, the authenticity of
the site is expressed through writing, iconography and
t surveys (metric, photogrammetric, etc) of the
wooden models.
individual elements, carried out by the Technical
Offices of the individual Mounicipalities for Referring to:
preservation purposes (see chapter 4.a) Form and design: the geographical development
of the system divided up into 15 components is
t numerous international studies carried out by the perfectly discernible, likewise the original plan of
scientific community on the theme that, created each component. The material testimonies still in situ
to start from the 1980s, is deeply illustrated in correspond perfectly with the historical drawings and
DIBQUFS F JO UIF WBTU QBOPSBNB TVSWFZFE CZ the descriptive reports dating to between the 15th
scholars of alla moderna military architecture, the and 17th centuries which narrate the construction,
defence project undertaken by the Serenissima transformations and the entire life cycle of the
is recognised as being of exceptional value on a defensive work until the present day.
global scale, as is highlighted in the volume Military
Architecture in Venice on the Terraferma and in the Materials and substance: the expert use of durable
338
a
b
c
d
e
h
B
QSPKFDU DB JO #JCMJPUFDB .BSDJBOB 7FOJDF
C

QSPKFDU "SDIJWJP EJ 4UBUP 7FOJDF
D
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The extraordinary correspondence between the documentary sources 3BDDPMUB#FSUBSFMMJ .JMBOP
E
SFMJFG "SDIJWJP4UPSJDP
(indirect sources) and the fortification works still in situ (direct sources). For $PNVOF EJ #FSHBNP
FG
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example: the fortified city of Bergamo (right) and, in details, its neighborhood 4UPSJDP $PNVOFEJ#FSHBNP
HI
SFOEFSBOEDBSUPHSBQIJD
depicted in different historical periods processing, 2015 (SiTI, Torino)
339
materials, primarily stone, has allowed the structures and coast) in which they were conceived. According to
to last for centuries. A significant example of this is the an imaginary line, the union of the 15 fortified points
extraordinary state of conservation of all the city walls still links today the Stato di Mare (Croatia, Montenegro)
articulated between the imposing stone bastions and with the Stato di Terra (Italy) placing Venice at the
UIFTUSFUDIFTPGDVSUBJOFWFOUIFUVOOFMT EFTQJUFCFJOH historical hub between the Terraferma and the Adriatic
by nature more vulnerable, have largely maintained Sea.
their original aspect thanks to the strength of the stone
and the building ability of the masters. Language and other forms of intangible heritage: the
place names are a distinctive feature of the defence
Use and function: based on historical documentary works. In particular, the elements making up the
TPVSDFT o XIJDI SBOHF GSPN BSDIJUFDUVSBM UP TPDJP components have kept their original names, which
political themes we can understand how the defence usually reflect the highest institutional positions in
works was constructed, how state politics conceived it modern day Venice (for example, the Soprintendenti
and how the system worked during the three centuries BMMF 'PSUF[[F4VQFSJOUFOEFOU PG UIF Fortress) or the
under consideration. symbolic places of the capital city (Piazza San Marco St
Moreover, continued military use from the 18th Marks Square) (see chapter 2.a.4).
century onwards can easily be seen in chapter 2.b "MTP PG HSFBU TJHOJDBODF BSF UIF IJTUPSJDBM SF
which illustrates how alla moderna Venetian works of enactments and commemorations that are variously
defence were at the very foundation of contemporary MJOLFE UP UIF ZFBST PG 7FOFUJBO EPNJOBUJPO UIFTF
XBSBDUJWJUJFTJOGBDU JONBOZDBTFT UIFWFSZTVSWJWBM initiatives are supported by local associations, such
of the buildings themselves is confirmation of their as the Comunit Nazionale Italiana del Montenegro
continued use. (National Italian Community of Montenegro, which has
been active since 2004) or the Gruppo Storico City di
Traditions, techniques, and management systems: Palmanova (Historical Palmanova City Group, which
the formal characteristics of the various defence types was established in 1977) (see chapter 8.c).
TFMFDUFE TIPX UIF VTF PG BWBOUHBSEF UFDIOPMPHJFT
that Venetian specialists were able to adapt to the Spirit and feeling: following the demilitarisation of
specific environmental conditions of the places, such the Fortress most of them were opened to the public.
BT HFPNFUSJD TZTUFNT BEBQUFE UP UIF QSFFYJTUJOH In particular, the walkways around the walls and the
structures, curtains cut by the living rock, water systems squares for the troops, the access gates to the cities
to redirect waters, or ditches, esplanades and ramparts are still considered by the communities to be places for
built into the landscape. social gathering.
The extraordinary technical abilities of the designers
and masters determined the success and exceptional
duration of the defence works.
3.a.5 Protection and management
The inventories (see chapter 7.c) and the numerous requirements
conservation and maintenance projects already
undertaken (see chapter 4.a.2) or anticipated in the The Nominated site documents the fact that the three
management plan bear witness to the interest of States partiesare together in this long and complex
the States and individual communities in carefully unitary project, which starts from the proposal for
preserving the original techniques and materials. nomination to set up the foundation for an aware and
Moreover, the products and urban spaces were compatible management of the values expressed by
intended to be an integral part of the historical identity the fortified system that has survived the changes of
of the places and are, therefore, important reference time.
points for the communities.
As transnational serial property, The Venetian Works
Location and setting: all 15 components have of Defence between 15th and 17th Centuries affects the
maintained their original geographical location and jurisdiction of three countries and their respective
environmental context (hills, plains, lake, lagoon, sea, national and local laws. As we are dealing with a cultural
340
site, these laws mainly regard the protection of cultural municipalities, and impose limitations on cultural
property. Nonetheless, all laws protecting the natural heritage and landscape.
sites that cross or are adjacent to the components, also In Croatia the main national act regulating the
contribute to protecting the value of the components protection of cultural heritage is the Act on the
themselves. Protection and Preservation of Cultural Property, that
provide instructions for inscription in the national
The juridical outline that can be applied to the three Register of Cultural Properties. In accordance with
countries shows a number of pertinent regulations, the historical, cultural, urban and architectural values
on various levels, regarding the protection of the site. of the area, three levels of a protection regime are
These measures have been examined transversally in prescribed: they provide specific protection measures
order to identify any common aspects that will allow for each zone. The protection of single components
for the creation of a specific legal architecture for the is also guaranteed by the Fig. of a specific supervisor
integral protection of the site, in compliance with that apply locally the requirements given by national
UNESCO requirements. The countries involved have a legislation.
number of regulations that aim to regulate the various In Montenegro, the Law on the Protection of Cultural
aspects of protecting the proposed property, starting Property is the reference tool for the protection of
with legislation regarding tangible heritage. cultural heritage. It is implemented at the local level
through the regulatory instruments which govern
The site includes fortified property that is generally urban transformations. (More details about the
subject to legal protection measures, guaranteed measures to protect the property locally are provided
both by the adherence of the three States in specific in Chapter 5d).
international conventions and recommendations, Management of the Nominated property is
as well as by regulations and normative set up and summarized in the Memorandum of Understanding
applied by the competent national authorities in each signed by the three State Parties and provided in
of the three States. Parties This guarantees that each annex. It packs a management arrangement of
property is subject to regular measures of control and Nominated property and has been developed by the
monitoring and supervision by personnel qualified competent authorities of the three States Parties of
in conservation during restoration, maintenance and Italy, Croatia and Montenegro according to article 132
refunctionalisation works. of the Operational Guidelines for the Implementation
of the World Heritage Convention.
At national level the protection of the property is The management for the Nominated property
guaranteed in any State party by the existence of a is therefore presented over all the three levels
specific body of legislation devoted to the protection (international, national, regional , local), and establishes
of cultural heritage. Each of these legal protection additional structures and rules to ensure an effective,
measures is consistent with the principles of transversal coordination between the States Parties
international protection expressed in Conventions and on the one hand, and between regional entities and
Recommendations, and find specific implementing other stakeholders on the other. In order to coordinate
arrangements in each State. management of the transnational serial property on an
Concerning Italy, the Cultural and Landscape operational level, in accordance with the Management
Heritage Code, which is the result of a long tradition Commitment, an International Coordination Group
regarding the protection of cultural heritage, regulates is established. It is responsible for operational
national protection matter and requires specific coordination of the site and will be responsible for the
indications regarding the protection, conservation and international coordination of the work undertaken
enhancement oh cultural heritage. Each component at on this serial transnational property and will, as well,
the local level is also subject to protection measures guarantee the coordination towards the national
concerning individual artifacts (i.e. Fortress, walls) as coordination groups and the persons in charge of the
well as whole parts of the historical urban landscape. local components. The Coordination Group implements
These tools operate on protective measures which and updates regularly the international Management
regulate the urban transformation of individual Plan. Also at the local level each component possesses
341
qualified staff to manage the property, generally universal value of the entire serial property. It is worth
QFSUBJOJOHUPQVCMJDBENJOJTUSBUJPO*OBEEJUJPO TPNF stressing that the table does not include elements that
components (i. e. Venice, Kotor,) already have an Office pertain to the entire property, such as, for example,
dedicated to UNESCO world heritage as site inscribed proof of how Venetian social models and expertise
on the Word Heritage List previously. circulated from one component to another.
This analysis highlights how the components each

3.b Comparative analysis have distinctive features, each one contributing the
elements needed to represent the complex Venetian
COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS BETWEEN THE defensive programme, which was a benchmark in
COMPONENTS military architecture on a global scale.
Thanks to this combination of components, the
Each of the 15 components that make up this property can thoroughly represent the following
transnational serial property is essential in order to aspects:
convey the values of the Venetian defensive system in t the territories and commercial trade routes that
its entirety, in that each makes a particular contribution stretched as far as the Middle East between the
to the justification of that value. Each component Stato di Terra and the Stato di Mare, with the
boasts specific characteristics in terms of the type of systems main centres located in the Golfo di
modern military work, the role that the component 7FOF[JB
played within the defensive programme as a whole, t the complete programme of alla moderna military
in terms of the construction period, in terms of the architecture, including the various different types
surrounding environment and landscape, in the scale PGEFGFOTJWFTUSVDUVSF
of the project and the presence of particular elements t the complete nature of a construction programme
of excellence. that involved several experiments in design and
varying scales of operation, which evolved over
The table below particularly highlights the features UIFDPVSTFPGUIFUISFFDFOUVSJFTFYBNJOFEIFSF
that characterise each component, so as to clarify the t the various different environments that made an
special contribution made by each one to the potential enormous impact on the shape of these military
works and on the materials and construction
techniques used.
Environmental
Constituting Role within the Period of
Component Type and landscape Main attribute/s
elements property construction
context
Synthesis between
Fort of
Individual military and
St Andrea, 16 th
fort representational
Venice
architecture
To defend main
Poveglia Individual
access to the
Octagon, sighting 16th
City of Venice Forerunners of the
Venice Defence element
defence works on
Alberoni system Individual detached forts
Octagon, consists of sighting 16th Lagoon
Venice multiple element
elements
Main structure
for naval
15th 17th
Venice Production production
(first Size and quality of the
Arsenal, buildings and and nerve
mentioned in structure
Venice docks centre of the
12)
States military
logistics
342
Environmental
Constituting Role within the Period of
Component Type and landscape Main attribute/s
elements property construction
context
Extreme Synergy between

Bastioned fortified elements
Fortified north-western
Fortified walls, with varying functions
city of defence point 16th - 17th Hill
city external forts,
Bergamo and celebrative Quality of the civil
urban fabric
city architecture
Bastioned
City Extreme
City walls, urban Model of civil and
Fortress of north-eastern 16th - 17th Plains
fortress layout and military ideal city
Palmanova defence point
fabric
Extreme
Fortified defence point Pentagonal geometric
Bastioned
city of Fortified towards the River-lake set up
perimeter, 16th - 17th
Peschiera city other side of convergence
urban set up Water works
del Garda the Mincio
River
Peninsula
Defence
Bastioned Design of
Defence works
walls and Capital of the underground Bastion: countermine
works di consist of 16 -17
th th
extra-urban Stato di Mare tunnels and Ponton
Zadar elements
Fort countermine
connected
galleries
Fort of San Central
Prototype of alla
Nicol, Individual garrison for
Fort 15th -17th Island moderna bastioned
ibenik - element the Golfo di
fort
Knin County Venezia
Fortica
Fortress, Defence Fortress
Hvar works Functional structures
consists of Laying up for for the inspection and
17th Island
Arsenal and multiple the navy fleet management of the
individual Port and naval fleet
built Quay
Arsenal
of Port, Hvar elements
Fortified Bastioned Control over

Fortified Transitional (pre-alla
city of perimeter, sea trade 15th Island
city moderna) elements
Korula urban set up routes
Bastioned Administrative Bastioned wall

Fortified Fortified
perimeter, hub of the Bay 15th -17th Gulf extending between
city of Kotor city
urban fabric of Kotor hill and sea
Entry control Position of the fort

Forte Mare, Individual
Fort to the Bay of 17th Gulf right on the cliffs
Herceg Novi element
Kotor down to the sea
Land garrison
Poly- Structures used
Fortified Fortified to check trade
functional 15th -16th Coast to check goods
city of Ulcinj city to and from the
city (customs)
Orient
343
COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS WITH SIMILAR PROPERTIES chronological parameters. To this end, prime examples
of defensive architecture on a global scale were taken
The following comparative analysis was carried out on into consideration above all and, as specifically concerns
three different types of properties: properties on the WHL or on Tentative Lists, properties
where this theme is the predominant factor in defining
t properties already on the WHL, so as to UIFJS VOJWFSTBM WBMVF 5IJT JOJUJBM QSFTFMFDUJPO TUBHF
demonstrate that the values possessed by the then gave way to a further selection process based on
Nominated property are still missing from that List typological and chronological factors, excluding, for
TUFQ*
example, archaeological sites or those belonging to a
t properties on the Tentative Lists of States Parties period of time that was excessively distant from that
TUFQ**
of Venetian fortifications (i.e. the modern age). In order
t fortification systems considered to possess similar to ensure a more complete comparison, settlements
values (step III). that are emblematic of Venetian culture in the
Mediterranean were also taken into consideration, as
The comparison was carried out by considering well as properties that represent cultural and/or trade
the main values and attributes that characterise routes of vast territorial importance.
the Outstanding Universal Value of the Nominated
property and can be illustrated as follows: The comparison was carried out using a table that
Elements of Outstanding Universal Value Attributes

x The illustration of a military project with cultural
This property is a prime example of interaction between dif BOE TPDJPFDPOPNJD JNQMJDBUJPOT PG JOUFSOBUJPOBM
ferent cultures in modern times significance
$SJUFSJPO JJ
x The merging of military expertise and social cus
toms
x The unified design (military, urban and civil) and

This property provides extraordinary evidence of Venices
administration of the territorial system
military culture as found in other parts of the world
x The survival of Venetian architectural evidence,
$SJUFSJPO JJJ

documentary evidence and social models
x The presence of prime examples of modern mili

This property is an outstanding example of the development
tary architecture
of modern military architecture
x A wide variety of different types of defensive archi
$SJUFSJPO JW

tecture
These attributes are supplemented by other basic features the following fields:
information that is equally useful if we wish to identify
possible analogies between properties: World Heritage BASIC DATA:
List or Tentative List inscription criteria and property t State Party / name of property / year of inscription
UZQF TFSJBMPSTJOHMFTJUF
PO8)-TVCNJTTJPOPO5-
t criteria of inscription / nomination
The properties singled out for this comparison were t BASIC TYPOLOGICAL COMPARISON:
selected on the basis of thematic, typological and t 5ZQFPGTJUF TFSJBMPSTJOHMFTJUF

344
t Type of fortified architecture (system of
fortifications, walled city, single Fortress, etc...)
9 Comparable attributes
BASIC CHRONOLOGICAL COMPARISON:

t Time frame (the time taken to complete the Partially comparable attributes
8
fortified work or system)
/PODPNQBSBCMFBUUSJCVUFT
In this first section of the table, similarities with
the Nominated property are highlighted in bold in 'PMMPXJOH UIF UBCMFCBTFE FWBMVBUJPO UIF QSPQFSUJFT
each field. that proved to be most similar to the Nominated
QSPQFSUZXFSFUIFTVCKFDUPGBGVSUIFSJOEFQUIUFYUVBM
ATTRIBUTES: analysis, which aimed to clarify the similarities and/or
differences in greater detail.
t Presence of structures that exemplify modern
BSDIJUFDUVSF 'PMMPXJOH UIF UBCMFCBTFE FWBMVBUJPO UIF QSPQFSUJFT
t A wide variety of different types of defensive that proved to be most similar to the Nominated
CVJMEJOH QSPQFSUZXFSFUIFTVCKFDUPGBGVSUIFSJOEFQUIUFYUVBM
t The representation of a cultural/commercial route analysis, which aimed to clarify the similarities and/or
PGJOUFSOBUJPOBMJNQPSUBODF differences in greater detail.
t &WJEFODFPGDSPTTDPOUBNJOBUJPOCFUXFFOXFTUFSO
and eastern cultures in the architectural, artistic COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS WITH PROPERTIES ON THE
BOETPDJBMFMET WORLD HERITAGE LIST
t 5IF VOJFE EFTJHO PG B UISFFUJFSFE TZTUFN
NJMJUBSZ VSCBOBOEDJWJM
The World Heritage List features a number of properties
t The existence of written evidence, illustrations and that illustrate defensive architecture, dating from
7FOFUJBOTPDJBMNPEFMT different historical periods and differing enormously
t The readability of the system on a micro and from a typological point of view. The comparison
macro scale. below was carried out whilst taking into account the
values specifically mentioned in the Statement of
Attributes are compared using the following evaluation Outstanding Universal Value.
system:
345
BASIC
CHRONO-
BASIC DATA BASIC TYPOLOGICAL COMPARISON characters related to OUV
LOGICAL
COMPARISON
Readability of the system on the

Unitary planning of the system
on three levels (military, urban
Typological variety of defence
Evidence of contamination of
western and eastern cultures
Representation of a cultural/
Presence of examples of alla
repertoires, Venetian social
Permanance of figurative
international importance
commercial itinerary of
micro and macro scale

moderna architecture
STATE PARTY / NAME OF
criterion types of property typology time frame
PROPERTY / YEAR
architecture
and civil)
models
ITALY, CROATIA,
MONTENEGRO
The Venetian Works
of Defence between
15th and 17th
(ii) (iii) (iv)
serial
transnational
defensive system 15th-17th
9 9 9 9 9 9 9
centuries
ALBANIA settlement ,
Butrint
(1992)
(iii) singular fortifications
(remains)
since 4th
b.C. 9 9
ALBANIA
Historic Centres
of Berat and
Gjirokastra
(iii) (iv) serial national fortified cities since 13th
9
(2005)
ARGENTINA,
BOLIVIA, CHILE,
ECUADOR,
PERU Qhapaq
an, Andean Road
(ii) (iii) (iv)
(vi)
serial
transnational
cultural route 13th16th
9 9 9
System (2014)
";&3#"+"/
Walled City of
Baku with the
Shirvanshah's Palace
and Maiden Tower
(iv) singular walled city 12th15th
9
(2000)
CANADA
Historic District
of Old Qubec
(1985)
(iv)(vi) singular fortified city 18 th

CHINA

(i)(ii)(iii)
The Great Wall serial national wall 14th17th
(1987) (iv)(vi)
CHINA,
,";",)45"/
Kyrgyzstan
9 9
Silk Roads: the (ii)(iii) serial
cultural route 2nd b.C.17th
Routes Network (v)(vi) transnational
PG$IBOHhBO
Tianshan Corridor
(2014)
346
BASIC
CHRONO-
LOGICAL
COMPARISON


PROPERTY / YEAR
architecture
and civil)
models
COLOMBIA
Port, Fortress
and Group of
Monuments,
(iv)(vi) singular Fortress 16th-17th
9 9
Cartagena (1984)
CROATIA
Historic City
of Trogir
(1997)
(ii) (iv) singular city , fort 13th15th

CROATIA
Old City of
Dubrovnik
(1979)
(i) (iii) (iv) singular city , Fortress 14th
9
CUBA
Old Havana and
its Fortifications
(1982)
(iv)(v) singular Fortress 16th-17th
9
ETHIOPIA
Fasil Ghebbi,
Gondar Region
(1979)
(ii)(iii) singular fortified city 16th -17th

ETHIOPIA
Harar Jugol, the
Fortified Historic
Town (2006)
(ii) (iii) (iv)
(v)
singular fortified city 13th16th

FINLAND
Fortress of
Suomenlinna
(1991)
(iv) singular Fortress 18th
9 9
FRANCE
Fortifications
of Vauban
(2008)
(i) (ii) (iv) serial national
fortification
system
17th
9 9 9 9
FRANCE
Historic Fortified
City of Carcassonne
(1997)
(ii)(iv) singular fortified city 13th
9
GAMBIA
Fortress, city,
Kunta Kinteh Island
and Related Sites
(2003)
(iii) (vi) serial national amministrative
buildings
15thth
9
347
BASIC
CHRONO-
LOGICAL
COMPARISON


PROPERTY / YEAR
architecture
and civil)
models
GHANA
Forts and Castles,
9
Volta, Greater serial fortification
(vi) 15thth
Accra, Central and national system
Western Regions
(1979)
GREECE
Medieval city
of Rhodes
(1988)
(ii)(iv)(v) singular fortified city 14th16th
9
GREECE
Old Town of Corfu
(2007)
(iv) singular city , Fortress 14th17th
9 9 9 9
HAITI
National History
Park Citadel, Sans
Souci, Ramiers
(iv) (vi) singular
historical
national park
19th

(1982)
INDIA
Agra Fort
(1983)
(iii) singular fortified city 16th

INDIA
Hill Forts of
Rajasthan
(2014)
(ii) (iii) serial national
fortification
system
8th 18 th
9 9
IRAQ
Erbil Citadel
(2014)
(iv) singular fortified city 2nd17th
9
ITALY
Castel del Monte
(1996)
(i) (ii) (iii) singular Fortress 13th
9
ITALY
City of Verona
(2000)
(ii) (iv) singular city , Fortress 13th 18th
9
ITALY
Ferrara, City of
the Renaissance,
and its Po Delta
(ii) (iii) (iv)
(v) (vi)
singular city, Fortress 15th-16th
9 9 9
(1995)
348
BASIC
CHRONO-
LOGICAL
COMPARISON


PROPERTY / YEAR
architecture
and civil)
models
ITALY
(i) (ii) (iii)
Venice and
its Lagoon
(1987)
(iv) (v)
(vi)
singular city, lagoon from 5th
9 9
JAPAN
)JNFKJKP
(1993)
(i) (iv) singular castle 17th

KENYA
Fort Jesus,
Mombasa
(2011)
(ii) (v) singular fort 16th
9 9
REPUBLIC OF KOREA
Hwaseong Fortress
(1997)
(ii) (iii) singular Fortress 18th
9
LUXEMBURG
City of Luxembourg:
its Old Quarters
and Fortifications
(iv) singular Fortress 17thth
9
(1994)
MALAYSIA
Melaka and George
Town, Historic
Cities of the
Straits of Malacca
(ii ) (iii)
(iv)
serial national city, Fortress 16th
9 9 9
(2008)
MALTA
City of Valletta
(1980)
(i)(vi) singular
ideal city,
Fortress
16thth
9 9 9
MEXICO
Historic Fortified
Town of Campeche
(1999)
(ii) (iv) singular fortified city 16thth

MONTENEGRO
Natural and
$VMUVSBM)JTUPSJDBM
Region of Kotor
(i) (ii ) (iii)
(iv)
singular
settlement,
Fortress
15th-17th
9 9 9
(1979)
MOROCCO
Historic City
of Meknes
(1996)
(iv) singular walled city 17thth
9
MOROCCO
Portuguese City of
Mazagan (El Jadida)
(2004)
(ii) (vi) singular fortified city 16th
9 9
349
BASIC
CHRONO-
LOGICAL
COMPARISON


PROPERTY / YEAR
architecture
and civil)
models
.0;".#*26&
Island of
Mozambique
(1991)
(iv) (vi) singular fortified city 15th-17th
9
OMAN
Bahla Fort
(1987)
(iv) singular Fortress 12th15th

PAKISTAN
Rohtas Fort
(1997)
(ii) (iv) singular Fortress 16th

PANAMA
Fortifications on
the Caribbean
Side of Panama:
1PSUPCFMP
(i) (iv) serial national Fortress 17thth
9
San Lorenzo (1980)
PORTUGAL
$FOUSBM;POFPG
the Town of Angra
do Heroismo
in the Azores
(iv) (vi) singular city, Fortress 15thth
9
(1983)
REPUBLIC OF KOREA
Namhansanseong
(2014)
(ii) (iv) singular city, Fortress 18th
9
RUSSIAN
FEDERATION
Citadel, Ancient City
and Fortress Buildings
(iii) (iv) singular
Fortress , walled
city , Citadel
5th19th

of Derbent (2003)
SAINT KITTIS
AND NEVIS
Brimstone Hill Fortress
National Park (1999)
(iii) (iv) singular Fortress 17th18th
9
SPAIN
Historic Walled
Town of Cuenca
(1996)
(ii) (iv) (v) singular fortified city 12th

SRI LANKA
Old Town of Galle
and Fortifications
(1988)
(vi) singular fortified city 16th
9
350
BASIC
CHRONO-
LOGICAL
COMPARISON


PROPERTY / YEAR
architecture
and civil)
models
SYRIAN ARAB
REPUBLIC
Crac des Chevaliers
and Qalat
4BMBI&M%JO
(ii) (iv) serial national Fortress 12thth
9
(2006)
5"/;"/*"
Ruins of Kilwa
Kisiwani and Ruins
of Songo Mnara
(iii) serial national city, Fortress 13th16th
9
(1981)
TUNISIA
Medina of Sousse
(1988)
(iii)
(v)
(iv)
singular Fortress 9thth

UNITED KINGDOM
OF GRAT
BRITAIN AND
NORTHEM IRLAND
Castles and Town
Walls of King
(i) (iii) (iv) serial national
castle,
Fortress
13thth

Edward in Gwynedd
(1986)
UNITED KINGDOM
OF GRAT
BRITAIN AND
NORTHEM IRLAND
Historic Town of St
George and Related
(iv) singular city, Fortress 17th
9
Fortifications,
Bermuda
(2000)
UNITED STATES
OF AMERICA
La Fortaleza and
The comparative
San Juan National
of attributes
Historic Site
(vi)
table highlights how
serial national
supporting the OUV of The
the combination
fortification
system
16thth
Venetian Works ofalong 9 northern
the western, and eastern
12 groups of buildings and fortified sites located
borders
of Defence
in Puerto Rico between 15th and 17th Centuries property is of France.
(1983)
absent from all other properties on the World Heritage The main difference between this property and
List. Nevertheless, as far as properties with the highest The Venetian Works of Defence between 15th and
number of similarities are concerned, we believe it is 17th Centuries lies in its design methods and
useful to briefly examine the comparison. aims and what it represents in terms of military
architectural history, as the works of Sbastien Le
t The Fortifications of Vauban serial property consists Prestre de Vauban were the product of one single
351
architect who applied his personal experience to make up the property are based on construction
single projects as part of a strategy to defend the models that had already been widely tested in
states borders, whilst the property of Venetian Europe, and therefore are not eminent examples in
fortifications is the result of a dynamic circulation the history of modern military architecture.
of architects and expertise, which aimed to
complete an interconnected system set up within t The Kunta Kinteh Island and Related Sites serial
a particular commercial route. property which includes the fort on the island
Cultural layers or stratified social models are of Kunta Kinteh and a series of sites associated
not to be found in Vaubans work. Furthermore, with the first European occupation of the African
Venetian fortifications belong to a time that continent differs from that of the Venetian
preceded the phase that saw Vaubans defences, fortifications in terms of typological representation
constituting important precedents for the model (the fortified architecture generally consists of
that this French military engineer was to complete single forts) and physical and functional integrity
practically a century after the most important (most of the sites are in a state of ruin),It represents
Venetian fortifications had been built. a particular geopolitical context (mostly associated
with Portuguese colonialism and the slave trade
t The Old Town of Corfu property has World Heritage phenomenon), which has no common features
recognition in that it is an eminent example of a with what occurred in the Republic of Venice.
MBUFNFEJFWBM.FEJUFSSBOFBODJUZJOEFFE UIFPOMZ Moreover, it is worth pointing out that the OUV
criterion that justifies its inscription is Criterion (iv). of this property is not focused on the theme
Its Outstanding Universal Value is based on the of defensive architecture, but rather on how it
various influences that existed and the merging represents the historical phases that characterised
of different peoples (the Byzantines, Angevins, the era of the slave trade.
Venetians, French and British) that occupied the
island in succession. t The Forts and Castles, Volta, Greater Accra, Central
Corfu is also an important example of modern and Western Regions serial property which
fortification, designed by Sanmicheli during the consists of a series of fortified buildings including
years that Venice dominated the island. However, castles, forts and sites with traces of fortified
BTUIJTJTBTJOHMFTJUFQSPQFSUZ JUDBOOPUSFQSFTFOU buildings constructed by the Portuguese between
the complex spectrum of values of a serial property 1482 and 1786 does not boast the wide range
such as The Venetian Works of Defence between 15th of defensive buildings found in the Nominated
and 17th Centuries, values such as the Republic of property and the single buildings are not examples
Venices vast territorial intentions and design plans of modern fortifications.
and the sheer variety of types of architectural The property is recognised for its highly symbolic
solutions adopted, which were in turn influenced value it is inscribed thanks to Criterion (vi) only
by very different urban and environmental in that its Outstanding Universal Value is mainly
circumstances. centred on the slave trade phenomenon, a theme
that is completely absent from The Venetian
t The La Fortaleza and San Juan National Historic Works of Defence between 15th and 17th Centuries
Site in Puerto Rico serial property includes property.
characteristic examples of military construction
methods from the 16th century through to the 20th COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS WITH PROPERTIES ON
century, which adapted techniques and designs NATIONAL TENTATIVE LISTS
of European origin to the particular conditions of
Caribbean ports. An examination of the Tentative Lists of States
The property is inextricably linked to the history Parties has highlighted the presence of a number of
of the New World and colonialism, a very different nominations that focus on fortification systems, even
geopolitical and cultural environment to that of the of a transnational nature.
7FOFUJBOQSPQFSUZNPSFPWFS UIFUISFFFortress that
352
BASIC
CHRONO-
LOGICAL
COMPARISON
repertoires, Venetian social models
Presence of examples of alla moderna

Unitary planning of the system on

three levels (military, urban and

STATE PARTY / NAME OF types of
criterion typology TIME FRAME
PROPERTY / YEAR property
architecture
architecture
civil)
ITALY, CROATIA,
MONTENEGRO
The Venetian Works
of Defence between
15th and 17th
(ii) (iii) (iv)
serial /
transnational
Sfortification
system
15th-17th
9 9 9 9 9 9 9
centuries
";&3#"*+"/
The Caspian
Defensive
Constructions (2001)
n.d. serial national
fortification
system 9 9 9 ?
#3";*-
Brazilian
Fortress Ensemble
(2015)
(ii) (iv) serial national
fortification
system
16th18th
9 9 9
%&/."3,(&3."/:
ICELAND
system of
-"57*"/038":
Viking monuments
and sites
(iii)
serial
transnational
settlements,
Fortress
10th
9 9
(2011)
GREECE
Fortress of Spinalonga
(2014)
(i) (ii) (iv) (vi) singular Fortress 17th20th
9 9
GREECE
Late Medieval
Bastioned
Fortifications in
(ii) (iv) (v) serial national
fortification
system
14th18th
9 9 9 9
Greece (2014)
GRENADA
St. George
Fortified System
(2004)
(ii) (iv) serial national
fortification
system
18th
9
HUNGHARY
SLOVAKIA
System of
Fortifications at the
Confluence of the
Rivers Danube and
(i) (ii) (iv) (v)
serial
transnational
fortification
system
19th

Vh in Komrno
Komrom (2007)
INDIA
Monuments
and Forts of the
Deccan Sultanate
(ii) (iii) serial national
system of
buidings, Fortress
14th 18th
9 9
(2014)
353
BASIC
CHRONO-
LOGICAL
COMPARISON
repertoires, Venetian social models
Presence of examples of alla moderna

Unitary planning of the system on

three levels (military, urban and

STATE PARTY / NAME OF types of
criterion typology TIME FRAME
PROPERTY / YEAR property
architecture
architecture
civil)
ISRAEL
The Crusader Fortress
(2000)
(iv) (v) (vi) serial national
fortification
system
12th15th
9
ITALY
Citadel of Alessandria
(2006)
(ii) (iii) (iv) singular Fortress 18th19th
9
ITALY
Historic Centre
of Lucca
(2006)
(ii) (iv) singular fortified city
roman age
19th 9 9
SPAIN
Bulwarked Frontier
Fortifications
(1998)
(ii) (iii) (iv) serial national
fortification
system
16thth
9 9
UKRAINE
Trading Posts and
Fortifications on
9 9 9 9
serial fortification
Genoese Trade (ii) (iv) 11th15th
national system
Routes. From the
Mediterranean to the
Black Sea (2010)
In this case, as before, a comparison of attributes the Venetian property. The remains of Brazilian
highlights the unique nature of the Nominated fortified buildings are less impressive from a
property and its Outstanding Universal Value. Below is technical, construction and design point of view
an analysis that delves further into the properties that than their Venetian counterparts, and much less
boast the most similarities. varied as they generally involve single forts. The
political and cultural background is also totally
t The Brazilian Fortress Ensemble serial property different from that of the Mediterranean, where
includes a selection of 19 monuments that were the Republic of Venice was operating, evidence
the defence centres that lined Brazils maritime and of which is found in the dynamic circulation of
fluvial borders during the colonial period. The main people, goods and arts.
difference between this property and The Venetian
Works of Defence between 15th and 17th Centuries t The Bulwarked Frontier Fortifications property
is that the property aims to illustrate the work of boasts the highest number of similarities with the
native resident populations and not the result of a Nominated property, in that the series states that it
unified project organised by a central government, is made up of elements that met the new defensive
which is, in contrast, the main characteristic of needs imposed by the use of artillery, producing
354
various different types of defensive construction, defence programme developed by the Republic of
such as fortified cities, military Fortress, a castle Venice and designed by great military engineers
and a few examples of the reuse and updating such as Michele Sanmicheli. The transnational The
of previously existing medieval defence workss. Venetian Works of Defence between the 15th and
These Spanish defences are remarkable examples 17th centuries property boasts a greater variety in
of modern fortified architecture, even though terms of settlements and environments, including
they date from a century after the first Venetian examples from both the Stato di Terra and the Stato
experiments with this type of construction. di Mare (the Greek Fortress all belong to the latter),
Nevertheless, the main difference compared providing significantly more complete evidence
to the Nominated property lies in the overall of the Republic of Venices unified political,
programme that lies behind the completion of military and cultural plans. Moreover, the state
these defensive works: the Bulwarked Frontier of conservation and physical integrity of many of
Fortifications property is, first and foremost, linked the Greek Fortress is far below that of the defences
to the defence of the Spanish border, with no included in the Nominated property of Venetian
direct connection to a trade route, which is instead defences. As regards authenticity, the Greek
one of the fundamental elements of the Venetian defences were reconquered by the Ottomans on
works of defence Outstanding Universal Value. several occasions, who radically redesigned them,
The Spanish property does not have traces of the leaving characteristics that often either overlap
layering of Mediterranean cultures through the or prevail over Venetian features. In contrast, the
JOTUSVNFOUPGNJMJUBSZBSDIJUFDUVSFSBUIFSJUXBTB components belonging to the Stato di Terra of
wide and intense programme set up to defend the the Venetian transnational property did not suffer
borders of a clearly defined territory. enemy invasions during the Republics dominion
and are therefore untouched, highly authentic
t The Trading Posts and Fortifications on Genoese examples.
Trade Routes from the Mediterranean to the Black
Sea property is made up of a range of structures COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS WITH SIMILAR DEFENSIVE
UIBUHFOFSBMMZQSFEBUF7FOFUJBOEFGFODFT BTUIFZ SYSTEMS
were built in the late Middle Ages. As a result, the
Genoese fortifications selected cannot be included As regards the examination of other sites that are
in the modern military architecture category. similar to the Nominated property, what was examined
The property clearly states that its intention is to was generally the phenomenon of modern defensive
illustrate urban maritime settlements based on architecture, which particularly considered the
their division into three parts: the castrum, civitas following:
and burgus, which was also the template for the
city of Genoa rather than fortifications. Moreover, t Fortification systems constructed in other Italian
unlike the Venetian approach, the Genoese system TUBUFTEVSJOHUIFTBNFUJNFGSBNF
did not aim to organise and control the territories t Examples of modern fortified architecture in
distributed along its trade route from the centre, &VSPQF
whereby common characteristics are less visible in t Fortification systems constructed in other Italian
each separate construction. states during the same time frame
t The Late Medieval Bastioned Fortifications in Greece From the late Middle Ages on, the need for defence
property is undoubtedly the case that is most against advancing Middle Eastern forces was a
similar to The Venetian Works of Defence between common factor affecting the whole of the West, forces
the 15th and 17th centuries, both chronologically that had developed an enormous offensive capability
and typologically speaking as well as in terms of the early on thanks to the use of gunpowder. Throughout
proposed criteria and OUV. Its nomination concerns Europe, all efforts focused on resisting sieges and, as a
a series of eight fortifications distributed along SFTVMU CVJMEJOHOFX IPSJ[POUBMMZEFWFMPQFEEFGFOTJWF
the coasts of Greece, which were part of a wider structures. Between the late 1400s and early 1500s, this
355
new type of defence was adopted throughout Italy: and cultural point of view than that of the Golfo
each of its many political powers developed a system di Venezia. The experts commissioned to design
of fortification and, often, its own body of military these defences were almost all from the area of
engineers who shared their expertise. Le Marche and the city of Urbino, which resulted
in a much less dynamic circulation of knowledge
t The first Italian attempt to develop a new kind and documents compared to that of Venice.
of architecture took place in the Papal States, Last but not least, the Tuscan sites were mainly
where the improvements entrusted to Antonio constructed during the course of the 16th century,
da Sangallo the Younger by Pope Clement VI thus a much shorter time frame than that of the
after the 1527 Sack of Rome were of fundamental Nominated property, which in contrast boasts a
importance for the development of the bastioned programme whereby modern systems evolved
front. His foremost achievements include Romes from the first experiments of the 15th century to
Ardeatine bastions, the Fortress Paolina Fortress in UIF NPSF IJHIMZEFWFMPQFE DPOTUSVDUJPOT PG UIF
Perugia and Anconas Citadel. Nevertheless, these 17th century.
were separate projects that were not connected
in any way with each other and despite their t 5IF %VDIZ PG 4BWPZ BMTP VOEFSUPPL B MBSHFTDBMF
enormous importance in the history of fortified defensive programme, which began in the second
architecture, as generations of military architects all half of the 16th century with Emmanuel Philibert
over Europe studied Sangallos fortifications they I and was designed to adapt military buildings
were not part of a systematic and interconnected to the criteria of the modern system. At first, the
programme like those of Venice. construction sites were limited to the border
areas with France and were later extended to
t *O $PTJNP * EF .FEJDJ MBVODIFE B MBSHF most of the territory in the 17th century, with the
scale programme of military construction, creation of fortifications in mountains, plains and
following a systematic plan that was adjusted coasts. Illustrious architects and military engineers
to suit the particular conditions of Medicean worked for the House of Savoy, including Francesco
territories. It involved the thorough renovation Paciotto, a leading Fig. on the international stage.
of existing structures and the creation of many From a chronological point of view, the House
new fortifications. Adjustments to new defensive of Savoys programme began approximately a
and offensive techniques led to the redesign century after the first Venetian efforts, at a time
of Fortress and city walls and, at the same time, when the modern system had developed and
to the development of an ambitious operation was already fairly widely adopted. Like what
that set up military centres along the frontiers occurred in other Italian states, Savoys territory
(Arezzo, Pistoia, Borgo San Sepolcro and Cortona), was much more compact and uniform than that
defending mountain passes (Fivizzano) and roads of the Nominated property and this resulted in a
(Grosseto) and protecting ports and coasts (the more limited stratification of values belonging to
Fortress cities of Livorno and Portoferraio on the different peoples, not to mention the lack of an
island of Elba). Like that of the Republic of Venice, important trade route requiring defence, which
the Medicean defensive programme of the 1500s in contrast was the basis of the entire Venetian
and Cosimo Is particular concerns focused on the programme.
safety of the states borders and the creation of
a network of strongholds that could protect the Examples of alla moderna fortified architecture in
capital, with examples of fortifications both on the Europe
mainland and in coastal regions. Nevertheless, the
Medicean programme does not feature the social From the 17th century on, Italian technical innovations
and cultural exchange among different peoples regarding modern fortified architecture were studied,
that characterised the Venetian case, as they were copied and developed by a series of military architects
projects that were limited to the territory of the who paved the way for two major northern European
Grand Duchy, a less varied territory from a social schools: the Flemish school and the French school.
356
The latter was to reach its peak with the work of stratification of different cultures of Mediterranean
Sbastien Le Prestre de Vauban at the court of King PSJHJO XIJDIPDDVSSFEUIBOLTUPBMBSHFTDBMFEFGFOTJWF
Louis XIV of France. Vaubans major works are already programme that is still clearly visible today and acted
inscribed in the World Heritage List, which is why as a global benchmark and testimony of the culture
a comparison has already been carried out in the that Venice exported throughout the world.
paragraphs above
3.c Proposed Statement of
As far as the Flemish school is concerned, its leading
FYQPOFOUXBT.FOOPWBO$PFIPPSO
POF Outstanding Universal Value
of the most prominent figures in the history of modern
fortifications, who developed two different systems of 3.c.1 Brief synthesis
fortification. His first system was applied to a number
of sites in the Netherlands, including Nijmegen, Breda Venetian works of defence built between the 15th and
BOE#FSHFOPQ;PPN BTXFMMBT.BOOIFJNJO(FSNBOZ 17th centuries are an exceptional fortified systems of
which was fortified by other engineers along the European dimension.
MJOFTEFWFMPQFECZ$PFIPPSOIJTTFDPOETZTUFNXBT The modern operation of reconstructing defence hubs
applied to Belgrade and Temesvar in the Balkans. is the result of an innovative project that is able to
Like what has already been said as regards Vauban, the join the technical expertise of the specialists with the
works of Menno van Coehoorn are the products of one management capacity of the SerenissimaUISPVHIUIF
single architect, who applied his personal experience CFTU TQFDJBMJTUT JO BST GPSUJDBUPSJB BOE BWBOUHBSEF
to single sites that were not connected to each other, bureaucratic apparatus, the Republic of Venice carries
whilst the Venetian fortifications were the result of a out a unitary project that, focussed on alla moderna
dynamic circulation of architects and expertise whose military architecture, redesigns the social, economic
purpose was to create a system of interconnected sites and political aspects of ambits that are geographically
that followed a specific trade route. As a result, Van far apart.
$PFIPPSOTXPSLTEPOPUGFBUVSFBDSPTTDPOUBNJOBUJPO
of cultural or social models. In the branching territory that was for centuries under
Furthermore, if we look at the period of time, Venetian control by the Serenissima, the site includes the most
fortifications were completed during an earlier period representative portions of the Stato di Mare (Croatia,
that predates those of this Flemish engineer who, Montenegro) and the Stato di Terra (Italy), both of
like Vauban, considered those designs as benchmark which faced onto the Adriatic Sea, the epicentre of
models upon which he based the development of his the vast dominion and historically known as the Golfo
own system. di Venezia. Here, there are 15 exceptional examples of
fortified cities, forts, Fortress cities and defence workss,
CONCLUSIONS conceived based on the role that each one would carry
out within the overall system.
This property completes the range of military heritage The function and morphology and the environmental
currently inscribed in the World Heritage List, both context of each component have determined a rich
from a chronological and typological point of view. typological range that bears witness to the exceptional
The fact that it is a transnational serial property means quality of alla moderna Venetian military architecture.
that this heritage can represent the development of An extraordinary heritage of architectural and urban
modern military architecture over various phases of testimonies, of documentary sources variably linked
experimentation in a complete way, starting with the to the defence works and deeply rooted in the cultural
transition from medieval construction techniques of the various places, identifies the links in a fully
UP UIF NPSF IJHIMZEFWFMPQFE BDIJFWFNFOUT PG UIF recognisable chain that closely links Italy, Croatia and
17th and 18th centuries, the latter so emblematically Montenegro.
represented by the Fortifications of Vauban property.
Moreover, the Nominated property brings to the
List an extraordinary example of the interaction and
357
3.c.2 Justification for criteria logistic ability and technical knowhow, becoming the
main player in a true military revolution which leads to
Criterion ii: the property is an exceptional testimony some important and defining changes: the pioneering
to the continual exchange of values between the constructive criteria and new building procedures
3FQVCMJDPG4U.BSLBOEUIFHFPDVMUVSBMBSFBTMJOLFEUP experimented in the territories of the Republic answer
it between the 15th and 17th centuries. This interaction the needs of modern fighting strategies passing
between cultures started when the Serenissima from offensive to defensive. This great change, which
imposed itself as a trade power between the East occurred between the 15th and 17th centuries, is
and West and was established on the European scale reflected in the 15 fortified components presented
when the great Empires threatened the borders of here: each one with its own typological connotation
the Republic such as to warrant a general review of contributes to defining the great range of the Venetian
the fortifications of the Stato di Terra and the Stato di fortified network that represents an exemplary system
Mare*OUIFOPXJOUFSOBUJPOBMoNBDSPDPTNNBEFVQ within the global panorama of alla moderna military
of Northern Italy and the Adriatic coast of the Balkans, architecture thanks to the diversity of elements
numerous cultural interweavings can be seen which proposed.
are commonly linked by the distribution and quality
of Venetian defence works. Moreover, the multiple 3.c.3 Statement of integrity
channels through which Venetian military culture was
transmitted contribute to defining the sovralocal value
The series proposed fully satisfies all conditions for
of the alla moderna fortifications which represent the
JOUFHSJUZ UIF DPNQPOFOUT SFQSFTFOU UIF QPJOUT PG
central hubs of a European scale defence project.
a geographically integral defence line, which extends
between the sea and land and clearly shows the same
Criterion iii: the property is the exceptional testimony of
logic with which it was built four centuries ago by the
alla moderna military culture matured by the Republic
Republic of Venice.
of Venice within a global defence project today of
The representation of the entire defence project is just
European scale which involved its vast territories of
as complete, from the three phases of development
early modern times. From northern Italy to the south
between the 15th and 17th centuries, from the
of Montenegro, the colossal operation left a number
management models, the motivation behind the
of evidences, all linked to form a singular system:
design of the individual works.
civil and military architecture, urban and territorial
The attributes chosen guarantee full representation of
scale interventions, decorations to celebrate the
the tools that connect the works with each other and
great Venetian power, documentary sources found
with the capital city Venice.
throughout Europe these are all elements that qualify
the defence project.
The typological variety of the chosen components
At the same time, the site shows the network
recalls the original function of the individual elements
PG UFNQPSBSJMZGPSNFE DPOOFDUJPOT CFUXFFO
which, thanks to their extraordinary design and
HFPHSBQIJDBMMZoBOEDVMUVSBMMZEJTUBOUBSFBT UIBOLT
construction quality, maintained a military vocation for
to the innovative management models transmitted by
a long time.
the capital city Venice. This resulted in an extraordinary
Extraordinary visual integrity distinguishes the 15
series of 15 defence works that strongly represent the
selected components which emerge from the lagoon,
exceptional project, from the design, management,
coastal, lake and plains landscapes, like catalysing
execution and technological viewpoints.
SFGFSFODF QPJOUT B QSFDJTF BOE IPNPHFOFPVT
architectural language, which can be unequivocally
Criterion iv: the property is an exceptional example of
ascribed to the Serenissimas alla moderna military
alla moderna fortified system (bastioned system) built
architecture, unites the components and highlights the
by the Republic of Venice following the innovative
system idea.
techniques that were introduced following the
The perimeters of the Nominated properties and
increased use of firearms (artillery).
the buffer zones were traced bearing in mind the
In this ambit, the Serenissima progressively builds up
358
protection measures that were already active in order sites that cross or are adjacent to the components also
to guarantee the preservation of the attributes and the contribute to protecting the value of the components
JOUFHSJUZPGUIFTJUFBHPBMUIBUJTBMTPEFBMUXJUIJOUIF themselves.
transnational management plan. The juridical outline that can be applied to the three
countries shows a number of pertinent regulations,
3.c.4 Statement of authenticity on various levels, regarding the protection of the site.
These measures have been examined transversally
in order to try and identify any common aspects
The Venetian Works of Defence built by the Republic that will allow for the creation of a specific legal
of Venice between the 15th and 17th centuries architecture for the integral protection of the site,
are supported by an exceptional documentary, in compliance with UNESCO requirements. The
bibliographical and iconographical wealth that shows countries involved have a number of regulations that
its entire life cycle, from its origins to the present day. aim to regulate the various aspects of protecting the
A large amount of scientific and technical analyses proposed property, starting with legislation regarding
on the theme of alla moderna international military tangible heritage. At national level the protection of
architecture agree on the authenticity of the site and, the property is guaranteed in any State party by the
more generally speaking, on the military culture of the existence of a specific body of legislation devoted to
Serenissima, considered a global leader in the matter. the protection of cultural heritage. Each of these legal
protection measures is consistent with the principles of
The extraordinary correspondence between the international protection expressed in Conventions and
documentary sources (indirect sources) and the Recommendations, and find specific implementing
fortified works that are still in situ (direct sources) arrangements in each State.
confirm the authenticity of each individual component, Management of the Nominated property is summarized
of the context in which it is found, of the role carried in the Memorandum of Understanding signed by the
out within the system and all the attributes that make three State Parties. It packs a management arrangement
up the sites universal value. of Nominated property and has been developed by
Each component of the series has been illustrated in the competent authorities of the three States Parties
great detail by historical drawings and meticulous of Italy, Croatia and Montenegro. The management for
descriptions that increase our knowledge on the Nominated property is therefore presented over
construction techniques, on the materials, on the all the three levels (international,national, regional
JEFOUJUZPGUIFEFTJHOFST4FFOBMMUPHFUIFS UIUI ,local), and establishes additional structures and
century perspectives reconstruct the contexts behind rules to ensure an effective, transversal coordination
the 15 components, focussing on the relationship between the States Parties on the one hand, and
between the fortifications, the construction fabric and between regional entities and other stakeholders on
UIFFYUSBVSCBOMBOETDBQF the other. In order to coordinate management of the
Moreover, numerous recent censuses are the transnational serial property on an operational level
foundation of the interventions to preserve the site, an International Coordination Group is established.
maintaining the conditions of authenticity of the Coordination Group implements and updates regularly
individual components and the system overall. the international Management Plan. In addiction at the
local level each component possesses qualified staff to
3.c.5 Requirements for protection and manage the property, generally pertaining to public
management administration.
As transnational serial property, The Venetian Works

of Defence between 15th and 17th Centuries affects the
jurisdiction of three countries and their respective
national and local laws. As we are dealing with a cultural
site, these laws mainly regard the protection of cultural
property. Nonetheless, all laws protecting the natural
359
4.
STATE OF
CONSERVATION
AND FACTORS
AFFECTING THE
PROPERTY
4. STATE OF CONSERVATION AND FACTORS
AFFECTING THE PROPERTY
4. STATE OF CONSERVATION AND FACTORS AFFECTING THE PROPERTY 361

4.a Present state of conservation ____________________________________________ 363
4.a.1 The general state of conservation of the Property _________________________ 363
4.a.2 The state of conservation of specific components _________________________ 363
4.b Factors affecting the Property ___________________________________________ 388
4.b.1 Development pressures _____________________________________________ 388
4.b.2 Environmental pressures _____________________________________________ 390
4.b.3 Natural disasters and risk preparedness ________________________________ 392
4.b.4 Responsible visitation at World Heritage sites ___________________________ 394
4.b.5 Number of inhabitants within the property and the buffer zone _____________ 399
362
4.a PRESENT STATE OF CONSERVATION
4.a Present state of conservation restoration charters and in keeping with national and
international conservation principles.
The bastioned walls are also subject to continuous
4.a.1 The general state of conservation of routine maintenance, often carried out by voluntary
the property associations, who particularly take care of removing
weeds, under the strict supervision of the government
The serial property is made up of a series of elements heritage departments.
of Outstanding Universal Value, selected, among other Moreover, a number of conservative restoration
things, on the basis of their state of conservation. In programmes have been carried out on the defences
any case, when dealing with a such a large collection of all these cities and an equal number of restoration
of works, one will come across differences due to the projects are currently being planned both by national
continuity or interruption more or less prolonged of and local authorities.
their use. As these are ancient fortifications that have
now lost their original role and any active purpose 4.a.2.1 Fortified City of Bergamo
(though they still represent their ancient role), though
one can still perfectly recognise their architectural The Fortified City of Bergamo is generally in an excellent
structure and the original features of Venetian state of conservation, both as far as the maintenance
construction. BOEASFBEBCJMJUZPGJUTNBJODJUZIVCTBOEPGJUT7FOFUJBO
built defensive layout are concerned (see chap 2.a.4.1),
The components are in different states, also due to their and as regards the physical and structural conservation
differing environmental, geographic and anthropic of its main edifice (its perimeter walls) and elements
locations. Below is a detailed description of the state of outside it (the St Vigilio and St Domenico Fort), as well
conservation of each component. as its urban component (the Rocca, Citadella and urban
fabric).
4.a.2 The state of conservation of specific
The bastioned curtain walls are in a good state of
components
conservation in that they have been periodically
restored and subjected to routine maintenance work
Italy TJODFUIFT"MBSHFTDBMFDPOTFSWBUJWFSFTUPSBUJPO
QSPKFDUXBTDBSSJFEPVUGSPNCZ#FSHBNP
All the components located in Italy feature works that municipality and the Soprintendence for Architectural
have almost entirely preserved their original shape Heritage and Landscape government heritage
and materials, thanks to continuous maintenance and department. Improvements were made to roughly
restoration work provided by a national conservation UISFFGPVSUIT PG UIF XBMMT UIF TUSFUDI CFUXFFO 4BO
and protection system run by MiBACT (the Ministry of Lorenzo and St Alessandro bastion), including the four
Cultural Heritage and Activities and Tourism), which for gates to the city.
some time has not only guaranteed the protection of Work concentrated on cleaning and reinforcing the
buildings, but has also ensured that suitable renovation surface by removing weeds, which are the main
methods are used, in line with the established principles cause of wall damage. In the vast area affected by the
of the Italian school of restoration. improvements, the wall surface is visible with regularly
The Soprintendence for Architectural Heritage and TQBDFE SPXT PG TUPOF BOE DPOUJOVPVT XFMMTFBMFE
Landscape (peripheral bodies of MiBACT) authorise, mortar.
supervise and monitor all conservation, restoration and Small areas of decay are noticeable near the parapets,
emergency maintenance work affecting listed buildings as well as surface deposits due to weathering.
(bastioned curtain walls and the main military and civil 5IF OPSUIXFTUFSO XPSL GFBUVSFT XFFET UIBU IBWF
buildings found in Bergamo, Palmanova and Peschiera caused the occasional detachment of individual blocks
del Garda and all the parts that make up the Venetian of stone. Vegetation also covers the open area in front
Lagoons defensive system), ensuring that the materials of the walls and limits the view of the walls themselves,
and techniques used are those recommended in creating problems such as damp and scarce air
363
circulation. A large number of the other embrasures have been

Last but not least, it should be stressed that, thanks walled up and are often full of earth. Nevertheless, the
to an efficient system of drainage designed by the parts that have been preserved are generally in good
Venetians that is still fully operative today, the walls are structural condition, despite the fact that the lack
not affected by leaks or subsidence. of use has led to problems such as leaks, damp and
Routine maintenance of the walls is mainly carried out surface deposits that are more or less widespread and
by two associations based in the city: Orobicambiente that make an overall renovation programme necessary.
and Amici delle Mura di Bergamo. They periodically The associated urban component, made up of buildings
remove weeds from the wall surface and the open land whose functions were linked to the citys defences, is in
in front. an excellent state of conservation.
The entire old town centre has been the subject of
The city gates are in an excellent state of conservation, a specially designed restoration plan since 2005,
with perfectly intact stone blocks that only feature a which has made it possible to complete a number of
tiny amount of surface deposits due to the pollution improvements to the urban fabric and its buildings in
caused by a modest level of car traffic. In 2013, a coordinated way, leading to the general restoration
restoration and reinforcement work on the viaduct both of its buildings and its open spaces.
leading to San Lorenzo Gate was completed thanks to Moreover, the existence of an approved colour scheme,
funding from Bergamo Municipality though not yet obligatory but widely adopted,
The two armouries are quite damaged, due to a long provides guidelines on the materials and finishings
period of neglect, and require an overall restoration most suitable for ensuring that improvements are in
programme. keeping with the original characteristics of the citys
buildings.
The St Vigilio Fort was restored in 2004, and this made
the complete renovation of the building possible. Of the old town centres most important buildings,
Moreover, starting in 2007, annexed buildings the Citadella was the object of restoration work on its
belonging to the fortress, such as the Casa del Capitano JOUFSJPSTBOEUIFDPVSUZBSEGBDBEFGSPNUP
BOE UIF TPDBMMFE (iardino dei Profumi have been more recently, the Palazzo del Podest was restored,
restored during the Master St Vigilio masters course, followed by the creation of the Museum of Venetian Age
designed to restore this historic site in its entirety. in 2012.
The St Domenico Fort was also the object of targeted
restoration work, so that its structure and outbuildings An agreement between the municipality and the
are in an excellent state of conservation. government heritage department envisages a new
purpose for St Alessandro Gates hortly, which will
The subterranean Venetian defensive network is in a be the site of the Terra di San Marco association: the
more precarious state of conservation, due to the fact organisation that has been set up to manage the
that it lies underground, in that it has been affected by UNESCO nomination at a local level.
the infrastructural works carried out over the last two
centuries to a greater extent.
This network was recently the object of a rediscovery
and enhancement programme that was carried out
by various associations including Bergamos Le Nottole
caving association, which was already working on this
in the 1970s, and which made it possible to rediscover
and explore many tunnels, raising awareness among
local authorities of the protection and enhancement
of these areas. This led to the restoration of the San
Giovanni and St Agostino cannon embrasures. These
two sections were recently restored by the local council
and are now open to the public.
364
FORTIFIED CITY OF BERGAMO
Fig. 1 (above)St Agostino gate, before and after work was done to remove weeds from the wall surface and the open land outside the
bastioned walls
Fig. 2 (below) Photographs, details of materials and reliefs on the conservation status of the Cittadella 1SPKFDUCZ
Municipality of Bergamo)
365
4.a.2.2 Fortified City of Peschiera del Garda XBT SFTUPSFE JO CZ UIF NVOJDJQBMJUZ5IF
gate was also reinforced more recently (2013) by the
The Fortified City of Peschiera del Garda is in an council, when a steel crutch was added to the structure
excellent state of conservation. The readability of the in order to restore its stability after a car had crashed
Venetian defence works is still identifiable: the layout into it, damaging the ashlar stonework on the side
of the main defence network, of the buildings linked to facing out from the city. Brescia Gate was the object of
it and its associated urban component (the Rocca s and maintenance work and roof repair work after having
the town) are clearly visible even from within todays been vandalised. These improvements were carried
urban sprawl. out in 2002/2003 by the civil engineering department.
Its relationship with the waters of the Mincio River and
Lake Garda, distinctive elements of this system, has The associated urban component is generally in an
remained almost unchanged over the centuries: the excellent state of conservation. One of the old town
curtain wall rises up from the water that has naturally centres most important buildings, the Palazzina Storica
defended it from attack and continues to heighten its di Comando located in Piazza Serenissima, has been
imposing aspect thanks to its reflection on the waters restored. This was declared a national monument on
surface. 20th December 1937 for having been the site of the
5IF BEEJUJPOBM QJODFSTIBQFE DPOTUSVDUJPO PO MBOE Peschiera Conference in 1918.
designed by Tensini has not remained intact, even The Palazzina Storica was the object of a conservative
though we can still work out its position thanks to the restoration programme and a loft conversion in 2005,
traces left behind on Land Registry maps. carried out by the municipality as part of regional law
The bastioned walls were the object of routine L.R. no. 15 of 16/06/03 entitled Regulations for the
maintenance carried out by the municipality and the protection and enhancement of Venetos walled cities.
Genio Civile, though there are few records documenting The tests carried out revealed the original colour of
this work. the facades. Inside the building, memorabilia from the
Risorgimento unification movement and the First World
The civil engineering department in particular War are on display.
concentrated on work to reinforce the banks of the
Canale Di Mezzo and the bastions, which are constantly Another building that was recently restored was the
lapped by the water, the main factor putting pressure Cacciatori barracks in Via Catullo. The ground floor is
on the ancient masonry. now occupied by the local police station and the offices
The area where the curtain walls seem most damaged of other associations such as the musical association
BU UIF NPNFOU JT UIF TUBUFPXOFE GPSNFS NJMJUBSZ and the yacht club. The first floor is now the site of the
prison (Rocca Caserma XXX Maggio - Cantarane bastion) public library with a reading room, offices and archive.
and the local authority is now finalising plans to set The attic floor has been renovated and turned into a
VQBTUBUFDPODFTTJPO BQSPHSBNNFUIBUQBTTFTTUBUF NJYFEVTFIBMM
owned property on to local and regional authorities) to Outside, the open space that leads to the San Marco
address this. bastion has been paved. The bastion is used as a venue
The creation of the centre of historical documentation, for seasonal activities, such as a summer theatre. The
which is run by volunteers and collects and provides buildings conservative restoration was carried out in
materials concerning the fortified city, highlights the 2000 by the municipality.
interest in the history of Peschiera felt by locals and
surrounding areas. For some time now, Peschiera has been working on the
historical and cultural promotion of this rich and varied
The two city gates leading to the curtain walls are in territory.
a good state of conservation: the materials used to On 5th December 2003, a proposal to enhance and
build them are almost entirely sound. The stone of promote the historic and artistic heritage of Peschiera
the vaults is in a particularly good state and only has del Garda was signed: a manifestation of intent with
traces of surface deposits caused by air pollution which the local authority took on board the promotion
from traffic. The roof of Verona Gate, in Via Catullo, of its own assets by working with all the institutions
366
responsible for their care. buildings, divided into the three areas traditionally
With regard to this, it is worth remembering the known as: Darsena Vecchia, Darsena Nuova and Darsena
Memorandum of Understanding dated 19/04/2010 Nuovissima.
agreed between Peschiera del Gardas local authority
and the Italian Ministry of Economy and Finance, which Darsena Vecchia
launched the concession process for a number of
Peschieras historic buildings. Darsena Vecchia is currently owned by the Italian
Ministry of Defences navy branch. Its eight hectares
4.a.2.3 Defensive system of the city of Venezia include some of the Arsenals most impressive buildings
that, thanks to their uninterrupted use, have remained
The Defensive system of the city of Venezia is generally in a good state of conservation.
in a good state of conservation, thanks to the many The first restoration work carried out on the buildings
restoration and reinforcement programmes carried dates back to the late 1800s by Casoni, who repaired
out over the years. Interest in the protection of its the Water gate, the Cantiere Acquatico dello Stradal
heritage is always the focus of the policies drafted Campagna and the Cantieri dello Stradal Campagna
by the associations responsible for its upkeep (from shipyards.
UIF MBSHFTDBMF DPNNJUNFOU UP SFEFWFMPQ UIF Arsenal
to the Fort of St Andrea enhancement programme) The improvements to the Cantiere Acquatico
and discussions with citizens, featuring a number of strengthened the front walls, built the central pier and
participatory initiatives. a raised walkway. Horizontal reinforcement work and
repairs to the roof and guttering were probably carried
Arsenale out shortly after Casonis improvements. The building
is in a good state of conservation and is currently used
A programme to redevelop the Arsenal was launched as a dry berthing for the Italian Navys vessels.
in the 1980s. The town planning programme
implemented by the municipality in conjunction with At the same time as work was carried out on the Cantiere
other associations working on the complex created an Acquatico, restoration work was also carried out on
essential tool for its later regeneration. This process was the Cantieri dello Stradal Campagna building, which
based on a shared recognition of the unique nature of involved reinforcement work, the closure of open bays
the cultural and architectural heritage of the site, the BOEBOFXSPPGNPSFPWFS EVSJOHUIJTQSPHSBNNF UIF
VSHFODZ UP SFQBJS EBNBHF BOE UIF OFFE UP SFUIJOL floor level was raised following the construction of a
its future in a unified way, making it accessible to the pier and the installation of narrow gauge railway tracks.
entire community.
In the 1980s, the Soprintendence fo Beaux Ats and
Much of the work to restore the buildings of the Arsenale Landscape for Venice and the Lagoon carried out
has been completed, especially in the last 15 years, further conservative renovation work on the Magna
UIBOLT UP TVCTUBOUJBM HSBOUT 0WFS UXPUIJSET PG UIF Gate and the covered shipyards of the Arsenal e Vecchio,
entire complex have been restored, to the point where which currently house the Italian Navys technical
the Arsenal is now a scientific and cultural centre open office, logistical warehouse and printer. The buildings
to the public. With the acquisition of a large swathe of are in a good state of conservation thanks to constant
the Arsenals property in February 2013 (27.4 hectares), routine maintenance work.
Venice municipality made a further commitment to
renovating and relaunching the Arsenal site from a The Squero di Terra slipway, dating from the first half
town planning, architectural and functional point of of the sixteenth century, boasts an earth floor with
view, in keeping with its historic, artistic, environmental a wooden sloping slide, the only one in the whole
and social values, developing a unified redevelopment complex.
programme for the entire area. It is in good condition, to the point where it is still used
for boat haulage and maintenance.
Below is a description of the current state of the Similarly, the Squero Acquatico building still boasts
367
NPTUPGJUTPSJHJOBMXPPEFOUSVTTFTJUJTJOBHPPETUBUF are concerned, these are currently being restored.

of conservation and is currently used for boat storage. Darsena Nuovissima
The Darsena Vecchia also includes the Palazzo
dellInferno, currently the headquarters of the ISMM (the The Darsena Nuovissima was also the object of
Italian Navy Institute of Maritime Studies), the historical conservative restoration work in the 19th century.
library (now the home of the Navys historical library) The four warehouses of the Tese di Novissimetta were
and the Casa del Bucintoro, used for boat storage. These rebuilt in the late 1800s and their original columns
are all currently in an excellent state of conservation were restored. These buildings are now in a fair state of
thanks to their uninterrupted use. conservation and the building furthest to the north is
still used as a slipway.
Darsena Nuova
The Squadratori building was built on the site of the
The redevelopment of the Darsena Nuova area began Tezzone delle Seghe, constructed in 1566 to store oak
in 1983 with the restoration of the roof of the Corderie QMBOLTJOBSPVOEJUTMBZPVUXBTBMUFSFEBOEJUXBT
building by the Soprintendence for Beaux Art s and used for drying pine wood, while in 1875 it was partly
Landscape for Venice and the Lagoon. In 1985, the demolished, made smaller and used to store 1:1 scale
Monselice stone paving was reclaimed and the narrow drawings of the main structures of ships. The building
gauge railway tracks at the centre were repaired, tracks is in a good state of conservation but is currently not
that crossed every part of the Arsenale BGUFS UIF NJE in use.
1800s. From 1997 to 2010, five Tese to the north of the
At the same time, restoration work began on some Darsena Grande, were restored and fitted as research
of the most important buildings in the complex: the laboratories.
entrance to the Artiglierie building and that of the Sale
dArmi. From the late 1980s on, renovation work began From 2000 on, due to its responsibility for the lagoons
on the roofs of the Gagiandre shipyard, the Artiglierie banks, the Magistrato alle Acque (the Venice Water
and the Tese dellIsolotto (the warehouses where sails Authority) reinforced and restored the banks, the
were stretched), a project that affected over 20,000 perimeter walls and the buildings leaning against
square metres of buildings in total. those walls, as well as the roofs and the upper sections
of masonry.
These buildings were also the object of reinforcement
and restoration work that allowed their current usage From 2007 to 2010, the Arsenale di Venezia SpA
GPS UFNQPSBSZ NJYFEVTF BDUJWJUJFT TVDI BT FWFOUT company founded in 2002 by Venice municipality
exhibitions, etc. and the Agenzia del Demanio (the Italian government
The west building of the Fonderie (foundries) and agency for state property) in order to enhance the
Giardini del Ferro were completely renovated and are Arsenale restored the Tese di San Cristoforo which
now in a good state of conservation. The three Officine became usable as temporary exhibition venues, the
Remi buildings and the Officine Fabbri building, whose Torre di Porta Nuova (the old mast house), which became
current layout dates back to 1562, are in a good state of a centre of scientific, cultural and artistic research, and
conservation and are currently the site of the Padiglione Tesa 105, which has become the new north entrance to
delle Navi (the ships pavilion), the outdoor section of the Arsenale.
the Naval History Museum.
The Tesa 105 project has placed a new building within
The six boat ramps of the Arsenale Nuovo (15th the old space, with four halls featuring an information
century), the Magazzini del Ferro, the east building of EFTL B CPPLTIPQ UIF PDF SFDFQUJPO BSFB B NVMUJ
the Fonderie and the east section of the Magazzini della purpose room and a caf on the ground floor. The
Canapa (hemp warehouses) are in a good state from a upper floor is where the management is located
structural point of view, but require assessment in view (offices, business incubators and meeting rooms).
of new regulations should they be used in future. Last
but not least, as far as the south Sale dArmi armouries Along the Darsena Nuovissima, the Galeazze Ovest
368
(16th century), the Tese delle Nappe, the three Tese Since 2000, the fort has no longer been manned by
della Novissima and the three Tese di Loreto have been soldiers and it is sporadically loaned for the hosting of
restored, making their temporary use possible. The temporary events, film shoots and visits from cultural
Galeazze Est buildings, dating from the 16th century, associations.
BSFDVSSFOUMZPMJNJUTEVFUPUIFDPMMBQTFPGUIFSPPG
In 2007, Venetos regional government approved
The Fort of St Andrea a preliminary project for the enhancement of the
complex, which envisages the creation of a historical and
The forts structure is good state of conservation thanks environmental tour of the fort and earmarks the fort as
to the restoration and reinforcement work carried out B DVMUVSBM BOE UPVSJTNSFDSFBUJPOSFMBUFE EFTUJOBUJPO
over the years, starting in the 1960s. The project has been included in the strategic planning
From 1964 to 1965, the Venice Water Authority of Venice municipality. The monuments ownership is
salvaged the north curtain walls (which had collapsed currently being transferred from the state to Venice
due to tidal currents beating against the foundations, municipality, which will undertake to enhance the fort.
consisting of wooden stakes) and strengthened the fort
by positioning gabions along the entire front section. The Alberoni Octagon
" TFDPOE MBSHFTDBMF SFTUPSBUJPO QSPKFDU BMTP SVO CZ The Alberoni Octagon is in an excellent state of
the Venice Water Authority, began in 1986 and was conservation, thanks to the fact that it is privately
completed in 1991, which resulted in the reinforcement owned and hence routinely maintained. The curtain
and restoration of the keep, of most of the masonry wall is currently in a good state of conservation, made
and the closure of several cannon embrasures. of Istrian stone at the base and brick above, where there
Thanks to these improvements, the central part of are also a number of windows. The buildings within its
the building where the grand doorway is located, the perimeter are also in a good state of conservation.
entrance hall and the keep are still in a perfect state of
conservation. The Poveglia Octagon
As regards the keep in particular, the barrel vaults
in herringbone masonry, the stairways that lead to The Poveglia Octagon is in a good state of conservation,
the upper terrace and the raised walkways between thanks to the restoration and reinforcement of the
bastions are all in excellent condition and look perimeter curtain wall undertaken by the Venice Water
marvellous. The only surveys to be carried out concern Authority. It is worth highlighting the missing bridge
safety conditions (the lack of safety measures and connecting it to the island of Poveglia, which can still
railings along the very narrow, exposed walkways). be seen in maps dating from Napoleonic times. A
thick layer of weeds is clearly visible from outside. A
As regards the north side of the fort, the curtain walls procedure to identify the organisation that will take
and side are in good condition, apart from the last over the concession for the monument from the state
cannon embrasure in the curtain wall, which has a is underway, which will make the restoration of the
vertical crack. Behind the embrasures, in the casemates Octagon and the island of Poveglia possible.
near the keep, the modernisation work carried out in
reinforced concrete from the late 1800s to the early 4.a.2.4 City Fortress of Palmanova
1900s is clearly visible.
The current state of conservation of the City Fortress
The southern part of the fort is in fair condition. It is of Palmanova should be considered good, though the
worth noting the closure of nine cannon embrasures area of the three fortified curtain walls is in a different
and part of the entrance halls, the presence of weeds state compared to the urban area, due to the different
growing over the casemates, walkways and the upper roles played by the two parts over time.
part of the bastions and subsidence affecting the In any case, the entire city/fortress is perfectly readable:
IPSJ[POUBM QBSUJUJPOT PG UIF UIDFOUVSZ TPMEJFST indeed, the defensive system with all its distinctive
quarters. features (bastions, curtain walls and ravelins) is entirely
369
SFDPHOJTBCMF FYDFQUGPSBTNBMMOVNCFSPGUIDFOUVSZ vegetation and in a state of ruin.

improvements and the limited loss of a few loggias,
caponiers and casemates built during the French era The fortified curtain wall dating from the Napoleonic
which, however, do not alter our understanding of period is similar to the other two curtain walls and is in
the original layout. The urban grid has also preserved a fair state of conservation in that it, too, is continuously
JUT UIDFOUVSZ MBZPVU XIJDI XIFO DPNCJOFE XJUI cleared of weeds and routinely maintained. It is worth
the defensive system of which it is a part, creates an highlighting that the three Napoleonic lunettes to the
example of exceptional integrity. west of Aquileia Gate gate were damaged to varying
degrees, due to the intentional use of experimental
The three curtain walls are generally in a fair state of explosives tested from the late 1800s until the First
conservation, even though the length of the walls and World War.
the range of different owners do not make it possible
to maintain the walls in the same state of conservation The problem of damage to the curtain wall has been
throughout. UIFTVCKFDUPGBOVNCFSPGJOEFQUITUVEJFT QBSUJDVMBSMZ
TJODFUIFNJETPO*OUIFXBLFPGXIBUIBEBMSFBEZ
The Gli Amici dei Bastioni volunteer associations been carried out in the past, a project to survey all the
support Palmanovas local authority. This organisation damage in order to update records concerning the
was founded in order to involve residents proactively in condition of the features of the fortresss first curtain
cleaning the fortifications and running enhancement wall and take a precise census of the types of damage
and promotion projects and initiatives. found there, the extent of damage and level of danger
was launched in 2009 and 2010 by the civil engineering
The inside of the two fortified Venetian curtain walls is department.
made up of a mixture of lime, stone and brick debris The analyses carried out led to an initial estimation
XIJMTU PO UIF PVUTJEF UIFZ CPBTU BO FYUSFNFMZ XFMM and establishment of the priority improvements to
BMJHOFETVSGBDFMBZFSJOTUPOFPSEPVCMFMBZFSFECSJDL be carried out at a later stage, highlighting the most
problematic areas.
There is some damage along the wall which gets worse
POUIFOPSUIBOEOPSUIFBTUGBDJOHTFDUJPOT Moreover, in order to facilitate a simpler way of
The damage is mainly due to the unusually strong force managing curtain wall maintenance and restoration, a
exercised by weed roots growing both along the top convention was signed in November 2011 between the
of the walls and inside the wall section, due to the lack Management Service and the Central Administration
of rainfall drainage, caused by blocked guttering, and of Agricultural, Natural and Forestry Resources, where
weathering from cold winter winds and strong summer it was agreed that the curtain wall masonry would
sun. The main consequences include the appearance be cleared twice a year (once in spring and once in
of gaps, wall surfaces that have fallen out of place and BVUVNO
XIJMTU BOZ EFUFSJPSBUJPO XPVME CF BTTFTTFE
small areas where the wall has collapsed and mortar the spring maintenance turn had already been carried
has worn away. The gaps in the masonry of the curtain out in 2014.
walls and bastions are mainly located in the brick
sections and mainly affect the first layer of masonry. From 2010 to 2012, a pilot scheme concerning the
Other features of the fortress, such as the gunpowder restoration of the stretch of curtain wall to the right of
magazine and the entrance to the moat tunnel leading Cividale Gate was drafted by the Friuli Venezia Giulia
to the ravelin, also have a small number of gaps. regions department of heritage. This operation helped
Moreover, the blocked drains, the resulting increase test a number of restoration methods and their relative
in water pressure and the growth of weed roots have costs for renovating the fortified complex. In 2013, the
caused a small section of the ramparts to collapse. heritage department opened a new construction site
near Udine Gate gate.
Two stone loggias in the Grimani and Savorgnan
bastions and one in the Foscarini bastion have partly In order to make it easier to maintain and restore the
collapsed over time. These are currently clear of curtain wall, an agreement with the Agenzia del Demanio
370
(the Italian government agency for state property) restoration of the area inside Aquileia Gate. From 2010
was signed in November 2011, which handed over a to 2011, the restoration project for the aqueduct near
large part of the Fortresss bastioned curtain wall on a Udine Gate was completed.
UFNQPSBSZCBTJTUP1BMNBOPWBNVOJDJQBMJUZUIJTNBEF
the launch of the PalmaNOVA 2011 project possible. It The urban component is generally in a good state
was in this way that a systematic programme to clear PG DPOTFSWBUJPO 'SPN UIF T PO MBSHFTDBMF
the entire defensive system with the help of the renovation work was carried out both on military and
regional civil protection body in partnership with the civil buildings and new uses were assigned to them. For
town council and over 4,000 volunteers was launched. example, the San Giovanni and St Andrea barracks, two
This programme made it possible to clear features of of La Serenissimas 12 military barracks, are now homes
the Fortress from weeds and reinforce a section of the and partly used as the headquarters of the Red Cross,
bastioned curtain walls masonry. following a long restoration programme.
In 2011, a redevelopment programme affecting part of
Following the removal of this vegetation, the Pronto the former Piave barracks and the Venetian San Pietro
Intervento project was launched in order to stop some and San Michele barracks was launched, with the aim
forms of unstable deterioration and collapse and of refurbishing them as council offices and as the
DPNQMFUFTBGFUZXPSL5IJTBFDUFEUIFFOUJSF7FOFUJBO headquarters of the Civil Protection body. The Foscarini
built first curtain wall. and Garzoni gunpowder magazines were restored and
allocated a new purpose and are now used for hosting
It is also worth highlighting that Palmanova municipality residents cultural activities.
launched its plans for Guidelines for targeted restoration From 1992 to 1993, the former Montesanto barracks
work and maintenance of the fortified system in 2012: a was also restored as a museum and as the offices of the
manual that will establish, on the basis of the different Autovie Venete company.
types of decay, the conservation work necessary.
Again in 2012, Palmanova municipality drafted a -BSHFTDBMF SFOPWBUJPO XPSL XBT BMTP DBSSJFE PVU PO
Feasibility study for the planned restoration of the Piazza Grande and its apartment blocks.
fortress which envisages maintenance work, the In 1999, the squares restoration programme which
creation of a historical park and the restoration of the featured new road paving and the reopening of the
surface masonry of the first curtain wall over a period old canal was completed, followed in 2012 by the
of no less than 15 years. pedestrianisation of the entire square. Moreover,
almost all the citys grand buildings have been recently
The layout and materials of underground features, restored, including the cathedral complex, the Palazzo
such as tunnels, exits, etc., were recently surveyed and Del Governatore Alle Armi, the Loggia Della Gran Guardia,
systematically mapped by the Commissione Grotte E. the Palazzo Dei Provveditori di Palma and the Palazzo del
Boegan caving association set up by the Societ Alpina Ragionato buildings.
delle Giulie (the Trieste branch of the CAI, the Italian Last but not least, the restoration of Palazzo Trevisan,
Alpine Club). Some of these tunnels are open to visitors which is now the site of the History Museum.
whilst others can be visited with a guide. The general
state of conservation is good.
The three city gates are in an excellent state of

conservation thanks to recent restoration work carried
out on them. In 2004, surveys were carried out outside
Udine Gate gate by the heritage department, which led
to the repair of wooden features. In 2007, Aquileia Gate
gates stone facade was restored, which was preceded
by a careful historical and artistic research programme
and a metric, morphological and damage survey. In
2009, the municipality carried out the conservative
371
CITY FORTRESS OF PALMANOVA
372
(above)Photos before and after restoration. (right) details of the fortified walls before and after the interventions of cleaning:
B
#BSCBSP#BTUJPOC
'PTDBSJOJ#BTUJPOD
NPBU
(in the previous page ) Civil and military buildings restored in the last 40 years. (photos by Municipality of Palmanova)
373
CROATIA their new functions.

'PS ZFBST OPX UIF $JUZ PG ;BEBS IBT CFFO QSPWJEJOH
All components located in Croatia feature artifacts or through a special programme, adequate financial
urban complexes which are in a good general state means for the preservation and necessary protective
of preservation regarding their design, shapes and interventions on the fortification system.
original materials.
This condition has been guaranteed over time by Citadelle bastion BQQSPYJNBUFMZ IBMG PG UIF IJTUPSJD
periodic maintenance and restoration managed structure has been preserved. In place of its other half,
by the competent national body for the protection the complex of the nuns convict of St Dimitrij was built
and preservation, in accordance with the "Act on the in the early 20th century, hosting today the various
Protection and Preservation of Cultural Property". departments of the Zadar University. The chapel of
St Dimitrij was recently reconstructed and serves as
Thanks to the cooperation of municipalities and university place of worship.
counties, which operate locally, the fortified heritage The remains of the Citadelle Fortress, built on that
of the four Croatian components has been subjected location in the second decade of the 15th century, were
to controlled interventions, which mostly consist of investigated, successfully revitalized (Youth Centre)
conservative renewals, restorations and extraordinary and presented. During the building of the bastion in
maintenance. the sixth and seventh decades of the 16th century the
These interventions have been carried out using Cittadella was backfilled with a cavalier embankment.
materials and techniques consistent with the The preserved part of the bastion was rehabilitated
recommendations of the restoration cards and of into a park and used as a summer cinema and public
national and international principles of conservation. performance venue.
The walls are also subject to regular cycles of Recently a conservation and regional development
maintenance aimed primarily at the removal of plan study of the entire bastion and medieval fort
infesting weeds, at the safety of the walls and at the XBT ESBXO VQ BT B SFRVJSFNFOU PG UIF BSDIJUFDUVSBM
usability of public spaces variously incorporated into city planning tender invitation for its adequate
defensive works. development and purpose with the strict respect for
Finally, many interventions of restoration have and rehabilitation of their monument parts.
been conducted on specific fortified elements, and
rehabilitation projects are under planning by both The east wall of the Citadelle bastion, which partially
national and local authorities.. closes the picturesque small port of Foa is in very
good condition and is regularly maintained by
B%FGFOTJWFTZTUFNPG;BEBS necessary cleaning and consolidation interventions.
The memorial stone plaque with an inscription on
5IFUIDFOUVSZ;BEBSGPSUJDBUJPOTZTUFNDPOTJTUTPG the completion of works was partially damaged. The
alternating bastions and curtain walls which encircle names of city officials were chipped off at the time of
the historic centre peninsula and grandiose Forte change of Venetian rule in the city, and parts of the
FortressPOUIFTPVUIFBTUFSODPOUJOFOUBMTJEF St Mark the Evangelist lion was destroyed in an act
of primitive aggression in the1950s. It was recently
5IF GPSUJDBUJPOT GBDJOH UIF PQFO TFB PO UIF TPVUI adequately restored and the intention is to integrate in
west corner, from the Citadelle bastion to the modest it the relief of the lion as well. On the northern face of
remains of the St Frano and St Nikola bastions (which UIFXBMMUIFXBMMFEJOFNCSBTVSFJTWJTJCMFBOEJUBXBJUT
are not a component part of the core zone) were a better presentation.
demolished at the very end of the 19th and early 20th
centuries). The curtain wall of the Citadelle bastion to the Ponton,
The remaining parts of the fortifications, from the Terrafirma Gate is also in good condition owing
Katela bastion on the northern, to the Citadelle the regular maintenance. On the southern curtain
bastion on the southern corner of the city are generally wall along the Citadelle bastion there is dilapidated
speaking well preserved and adequately presented in structure for homing pigeons built in the first half of the
374
19th century which impairs, by its inadequate size and the damages on the south part along Porta Terraferma
building method, the integrity of the curtain wall and were renewed in the late 1990s with the use of the
bastion, so consideration is given whether it should be same materials and building methods.
preserved or eliminated.
*O XJUIUIFDFTTBUJPOPGBMMEBOHFSTPGXBS ;BEBS
Terrafirma Gate, M. Sanmichelis masterpiece, is the became an open city. Soon after that, the Austrian
utmost achievement of Venetian late Renaissance military command transformed the entire surface of
architectural plastic. Only its exterior face towards the the bastions into city gardens. The park in the Ponton
picturesque small port of Foa has been preserved. The was particularly prominent all the way up to World
remaining parts, side and back walls were demolished War II, and its urban character with its functionality has
during the construction of the Austrian barracks. At that been extremely successfully restored during the last
time the sea defensive channel under the Poton bastion decade, and what is more, has become, together with
and the gate itself were filled and a communication the part in the Forte Fortress, an internationally awarded
road opened to the historic core for vehicular traffic horticultural monument, thus becoming a complex
through the gate and pedestrian through the smaller cultural property. In the north part of the Ponton an
side openings. The entire scarped skirting of the gate appropriate catering establishment is located, namely,
was filled but not damaged, as shown by its still visible a pleasant city cafe that contributes to its revitalization.
edge on the south side, built from large chiselled blocs.
The Five Wells Square, located between the west side of
The outer face of the gate is in very good shape as a Ponton and the remaining parts of the medieval city
result of the last restoration interventions undertaken defensive walls with a pentagonal Veliki Kapetan tower
after the damages inflicted during the 1991 war. The is part of this monument complex. It attained its name
conservation works consisted of the consolidation after the five well crowns of the large, namely, largest
of the interior side of the finishing crown built in the cistern in the city, built in the space of the previous
UI DFOUVSZ GSPN 3PNBO UPNCTUPOFT BT JUT DPVOUFS defensive ditch in the second half of the 16th century.
weight. Minor damages on the exterior from shell The cistern as well as the walking surface of the square
splinters were repaired. Parts of the bucranium in and well crowns have been renovated by a protective
metopes (oxen skulls and rosettes) were reproduced by rehabilitation intervention in the 1990s and are in very
the replication method. Works carried out in 1956 on good condition.
the replication of the chiselled off parts of St Marks lion
were exceptionally demanding and delicate. The curtain wall from Ponton to the St Marcele bastion
According to the detailed photo documentation, the was demolished in the late 19th century in order to build
lions head, tip of the wing and left leg femur were a new public content structure. The St Marcele or Moro
modelled in clay, first in a sculptors atelier and then in Bastion has been completely preserved. In the second
situ. Only after rigorous verification and conviction that IBMGPGUIFUIDFOUVSZUIF$PTNBDFOEJBOE4BMHIFUJ
we succeeded in attaining the maximum similarity and Drioli palaces were built in its place, and in the early
character of the missing parts did we begin to integrate 20th century a completely inadequate hotel building
them in artificial stone, imitating the tone, colour and that leaned on the northern wall of the Cosmacendi
texture of the original parts. Palace, aggressively crossing the edge of the bastion
The result was considered quite successful with wall toward the port. The hotel was partially demolished
positive reactions in Venetian cultural circles. Such during the bombings in World War II, and in its place
an intervention was justified due to the exceptional, an annex to the Museum of Ancient Glass located in the
already mentioned, artistic, architectural and sculptural Cosmacendi Palace was built in 2007, in considerably
excellence of the monument complex. smaller proportions and in adequately neutral forms
of contemporary architectural expression. This content
The Ponton Bastion was at the time of its completion proved to be an excellent solution in the context of
the largest of its kind in the territory of the Republic revitalizing the bastion itself. In the underground levels
of Venice. It has been preserved to this day. The face of the museum access to original dungeons of the
of its side walls built in brick is in good condition and bastion was provided, and the direct surroundings were
375
rehabilitated with appropriate gardens in the spirit manner. The vault in the entire breath of the wall has
of the overall methods of revitalizing the fortification been consolidated and parts of the architectural and
system applied in the second half of the 19th and early sculptural decorations conserved and partly restored
20th centuries. The bordering walls of the bastion, by modern laser cleaning methods.
made of lower stones and higher brick slopes, are in
good condition. On the port side of the gate, stone steps were built
In the curtain wall from the St Marcele bastion to the St that lead to the park surface of the St Dimitrije bastion.
Krevan or St Roko bastion there is a double entrance Its bordering walls have been preserved in full. Of the
gate to the city. St Rokos Gate is authentic from the curtain wall which stretches from it toward the peak
second half of the 16th century but was walled in soon of the peninsula, namely, to the Katela bastion, the
after that. It was reopened only in the second half of medieval city wall has been preserved completely. In
the 19th century. it, closer to the Katela, was a chain gate from which a
The second gate, closer to the St Marcele bastion was chain descended into the sea, defending the entrance
opened during a regulation intervention in the 1930s to the port. A gate, but reshaped into an unsurfaced
at the axis of the newly built bridge over the port and passage way between the two world wars, is still
main city square. Restoration works were carried out located in its place. In the same way and at the same
there recently in order to integrate the missing parts of time another gate, closer to the St Dimitrije bastion, was
the stone blocks as well as to consolidate the existing opened.
ones that were damaged during the war. The curtain
wall structure is in quite good condition. The Katela bastion has to the most part been preserved
in the entire bordering stretch up to the port. In its
St Krevan Bastion has been shortened in its peak toward interior it shielded the remains of a complex medieval
the port during the already mentioned regulation castellum whose remains were partially presented as an
intervention in the 1930s. octagonal tower, barbacana wall and rectangular fort,
The new face was reconstructed with very orderly whose south side was later named the Small Arsenal.
arranged and even dressed stones. The original shape 1BSU PG UIF CBTUJPO JUT FBTU TJEF XBT XBMMFEJO CZ
of the bastion is shown on the stone relief built into inadequate service buildings without, however,
the eastern wall of the bastion in the spirit of the then disrupting its structure. Their removal is planned.
theoretical principles of preservation and rehabilitation The surface of the bastion is intended for new catering
of cultural monuments. The east and west faces are in establishments, without any firm new buildings and is
very good condition. The interior of the bastion was open to any better and more appropriate purposes.
repurposed and is now used as the city fish market after It is important to mention that project documentation
investigative work and consolidation interventions for the regulation and rehabilitation of the public
from the late 1970s. The remains of the medieval wall cistern from the 16th century, namely, of the Three Wells
were also presented then. The surface of the bastion Square with precisely three well crowns has already
is part of the garden complex in the city fortifications been drawn up in the spirit of the preserved photo
system. In this context it is important to mention the documentation from the late 19th century. It is within
tree lines of evergreen oaks (the perpetually green the direct contact zone with Katela bastion as part of
coastal oak) which stretch in a regular rhythm along the core zone, and is similar in shape and function as
the edge of the bastion and curtain wall on the entire the already described cistern and Five Wells Square.
stroke to the city port and are an inseparable part of Parts of the fortification system, up to the modestly
the historical image of the city. preserved parts of the St Nikola and St Frano bastions,
have been demolished and to the main part replaced
The curtain wall from the last bastion to the St Dimitrij by city gardens.
bastion is well preserved. It holds the Marina Gate
built in 1573 as a memento the victory of the Holy The Forte Fortress has been preserved in full. It was
Alliance against the Ottoman armada in the sea battle built in an extremely short period of time, from 1566 to
BU-FQBOUP5IFBSDIJUFDUVSBMTUSVDUVSBMDPNQMFYPGUIF 1569, as the largest single Fortress in the territory of the
gate has recently been reconstructed in an appropriate Republic of Venice.
376
he barbacans and earth embankments (mezzaluna) repaired during recent conservation interventions.
toward the land that were added later on were The park in the Fortress is maintained very well and
demolished and the sea channel under the walls was supplemented with appropriate greenery and new
filled. The south stroke of the bordering wall was pedestrian paths. In the course of the last few years it is
lowered to the height of the incline at the time of being increasingly used for recreational purposes and
the construction of the Austrian barracks in the late enjoyment of visitors.
19th century. A new access entrance was opened on The park can be considered, especially after being
the west side at that time. The cistern from the 17th awarded for its preservation and excellent maintenance,
century has been preserved in full and is in good as a horticultural monument and inseparable part of
structural condition. The bordering walls of the entire the Fortress as a monument complex.
Fortress are extremely well preserved and the minor The potential rehabilitation interventions envisaged
damages to the face of the walls have been adequately JO UIF OFX DJUZ QMBOOJOHBSDIJUFDUVSBM QSPKFDU BSF B
%&'&/4*7&4:45&.0';"%"3
The lion of St. Mark before and after the restauration works
DBSSJFEPVUJO CFMPX
SFDFOUTUVEJFTBOENPEFMJOHJO
3D of Terrafirma Gate (photos by Ministry of Culture)
377
reflection of the high quality treatment given to the barrels.

Forte Fortress, Ponton bastion and the parks in them. On the fort plateau, north of the well crowns, the
The greatest contribution of this project, which has original structures for the accommodation of troops
been named The Gates of Zadar, is the reopening of the were demolished and a new building was erected in
sea channels between the Ponton the Forte bastions in the late 19th century, which was also demolished.
their original dimensions and forms and the one under
its eastern walls to the Terraferma. The present state of the fort on the plateau is the
After winning the tender, this project has attained the consequence of the removal of all structures.
importance of a regulation plan strengthened by the
decision of the city Council. To date, the following works have been undertaken on
the fort:
B'PSUPG4BO/JLPMB JCFOJL,OJO$PVOUZ a. drawing up of the documentation on the existing
TUBUFPGUIFGPSU OFXFTU%TDBOOFSJNBHJOH

The Fort of San Nikola is a maritime fortification which b. research work on the discovery of authentic
has undergone throughout its history a number of FMFNFOUT PO UIF GPSU QMBUFBV DJTUFSOT BOE TFNJ
alterations but without destruction and demolition so CBTUJPOT
that all the authentic fortification elements from the c. works on structural rehabilitation.
time of its construction have been preserved.
The interior of the (vaulted premises) has been The initial works under the supervision of conservators
preserved in its original form and partition walls were began in 1979 when the military left the fort. The
recently built only in a few places which did not impair works related to the renewal of the frames on the main
the authenticity of the space. entrance to the fort.
Due to the construction of new gun ports on the upper Works on the protection and rehabilitation continued
plateau, the light wells in the fort vaults on the west XJUIUIFSFDPOTUSVDUJPOPGUIFDBWFEJOWBVMUJOGSPOUUIF
side of the fort were partly closed. next to last gun port on the west side. The gun port was
The ventilation canals of the dungeons at sea level, reconstructed. The recent structures at the beginning
located in the width of the wall, and ending at the gun of the mushroom shaped part of the fort (tower) have
ports parapet superstructure have been preserved in been removed. A large amount of soil, rubble and other
full. waste material was removed from the tower. The signal
station built on the embankment approximately 7m in
The mezzanine of the fort, where the entrance is height was also removed. The mushroom shape part
located, has been preserved in its original state. PGUIFGPSUXBTIZESPJOTVMBUFEBOEBTUPOFQBWFNFOU
The entrance to the premises is through a Renaissance set. The former church of St Nikola was outlined in the
portal which has been completely preserved. Access layout of the pavement.
to the drawbridge of the entrance gate (waterfront 8PSLTXFSFJOJUJBUFEPOUIFSFIBCJMJUBUJPOPGUIFTFNJ
for anchoring ships) has also been preserved in its bastions and reconstruction of the walls between them
authentic form except for the drawbridge itself and in the in the jaws of the fort. On the orekion, along the
mechanisms for its drawing. entrance portal to the fort, the battlement and part of
The superstructure had been changed on numerous the fort curtain wall were rehabilitated.
occasions, depending on the development of military 5IFSFDFOUSFJOGPSDFEDPODSFUFSBNQPOUIFTPVUIXFTU
techniques and defence conceptions. TFNJCBTUJPO XBT SFNPWFE 1BSU PG UIF TFNJCBTUJPO
In the 17th century a heightened platform was added wall was also rehabilitated.
UPUIFGPSU JOUIFTFDUJPOPGUIFTFNJCBTUJPOTGPSUIF
purpose of installing new guns. 4.a.2.7 Defensive system of Hvar
In the 19th century, the built platform was removed
and the fort level restored to its original level. The renaissance naval port of Hvar consists of three
In the late 19th century, new gun ports were added to basic elements built at a stretch during the first half
UIFTFNJCBTUJPOBOEPWFSUIFXFTUDVSUBJOXBMMPGUIF of the 16th century: the Arsenal with the theatre and
fort in order to fit the new defence guns with grooved Fontik, walled wharf called Fabrika with the communal
378
pier and Mandra and the Fortica Fortress. In the by the company SER.CO.TEC As.r.l from Trieste. lasted
course of centuries the buildings underwent some from 2000 to 2002. According to the results of the
transformations. However it should be pointed out that monitoring, in 2003 the firm Lokoek projekt d.o.o.
three structures have to the most part been preserved ;BHSFC QSFQBSFE B QSPKFDU PG UIF SFDPOTUSVDUJPO PG
in their original state or only with slight alterations. In UIF MPBECFBSJOH TUSVDUVSF XIJDI MBTUFE GSPN
the course of the last decade intensive restoration and UP *O UIF QFSJPE UIF FOUJSF PPS
reconstruction works on these cultural properties have structure between the ground floor and upper floor
been underway. was changed and its reinforcement was achieved by
UIF VTF PG ,FSUP2 QBOFMT 5IF FOUJSF SPPG TUSVDUVSF
In particular: and exchange of roofing tiles was undertaken as well
The Arsenal underwent some modifications carried as reconstruction of the floor structure between the
out by the Austrian army that was stationed there. upper floor and loft in 2008 and 2009. Given that the
After the army abandoned the Arsenal in the late 19th painted ceiling was suspended on the floor structure,
century, no major works were carried out there for it was first fortified and protected in 2007 and then
approximately a decade. restored in 2010.
The exception is the renovation of the theatre on the
upper floor around 1900. Considering its connection A restoration study was drawn up in 2009 for the
with the city (it is located on the main city square) wooden theatre boxes whose author was Giuseppe
throughout the 20th century the Arsenal had a whole Sava, The following year an integral architectural
series of city functions. survey of the Arsenal building was made after the
Even during the Austrian rule, there was a gymnasium SFIBCJMJUBUJPOPGUIFMPBECFBSJOHTUSVDUVSF
in one part of the ground floor of the Arsenal while the In 2001 the conservation guidelines for the
remaining part served as a warehouse. The upper floor reconstruction of the Arsenal were completed
was reserved for city offices. (Department for the Protection of Cultural Heritage
After World War II a city cinema hall with a stage for Conservation Guidelines, coordinator Ambroz Tudor),
cultural events was opened on the ground floor. On the and all protective interventions carried out on the wall
upper floor a city gallery was added next to the theatre painting in the theatre (Croatian Restoration Institute
while municipal offices remained in the west wing. Restoration Department in Split).
In 2012, in line with the results of the invited tender,
In 1991 preparatory works were initiated on the an implementing project of the reconstruction and
reconstruction of the entire Arsenal, primarily due to interior rehabilitation of the Hvar Arsenal with the
the inappropriate state of the structural elements of theatre was drawn up. The firm Situs d.o.o. and author
the building. of the project Tomislav Krajina were selected and
The same year the firm IS-ProjectGSPN;BHSFCQSFQBSFE works in the building are underway.
a report on the state of the wooden structure of the All the mentioned projects or guidelines have been
building. The Faculty of Civil Engineering of the approved or implemented under the supervision of
6OJWFSTJUZ JO 4QMJU %FQBSUNFOU PG (FPUFDIOPMPHZ the Department for the Protection of Cultural Heritage
carried out in 1966 a series of drillings which established Conservation Department in Split.
the state of the ground under the Arsenal. In 1994 a
conservation study was drawn up for the rehabilitation Fabrika and Mandra have lost to a much lesser degree
of the Fontik and according to the design drawn up by their original purpose as part of the naval port than
the firm Lokoek project d.o.o. GSPN;BHSFC UIFQBSUJUJPO Arsenal and Fortica. Namely, the Venetian, Adriatic fleet
walls, which had been replaced with arches back in moved to Boka Kotorska as early as the second half of
1960 or so. were rebuilt. In this way the structure of the the 18th century and the Austrian fleet did not use the
entire building of the Arsenal was seriously disrupted. port for its war ships. In other words, Fabrika and Madra
In the period from 1996 to 1988 probes were dug began to be used for civilian and commercial purposes
into the foundations of the Arsenal which gave already in the 18th century. Fabrika and Mandra are
comprehensive archaeological findings. specific because unlike Arsenal and Fortica they were
The monitoring of the Arsenal structure carried out exposed to the destructive effects of the sea and wind.
379
one of the first disco clubs in the former Yugoslavia.

Accordingly, from as early as the 17th century mention Apart from the concrete hood along the west tower
is made of the numerous repairs on both buildings. the interventions made at that time can be assessed as
With the introduction of Portland cement and concrete successful.
in the late 19th century lasting repairs of Fabrika were
initiated which unfortunately changed the geometry In addition to these reconstructions, in the early 1970s a
of one of its parts. Originally, the underwater part was new illumination design of the Fortress, by M. Uaj, was
shaped in the form of a masonry slope (escarpment). introduced which was highly acclaimed and received a
This part was most exposed to the effects of storms and series of awards. It is still partly in use today although
often damaged so with the introduction of concrete it is evidently outdated and the Fortress needs a new
the slope was most frequently filled with cement which night illumination design.
formed a cement lining on the underwater part which The entertainment centre on Fortica was functional
in some places protruded above the sea level part of until the Homeland War. During the last 25 years the
Fabrika. Fortress has been open to visitors only during the day.
This not only changed the original state of the cultural One of the more pronounced problems of Fortica
property but also considerably disabled its function of is the large number of caper bushes which grow
breaking the waves on the part of the Fabrika that was from its walls. They were plucked out on numerous
above sea level. occasions but always grew back. In cooperation with
the association avina, the mountaineering club
In 2004 the firm Spegra d.o.o. carried out a static Mosor and Institute for Adriatic Cultures from Split an
rehabilitation of the critical parts of Fabrika which initiative was launched to definitely remove the caper
threatened to collapse due to large cavers in bushes, which although decorative have the capacity
the structure. In 2008 works began on the static of driving out stone blocks from the walls.
rehabilitation of Mandra according to the project for its The remaining parts of the Fortress are neglected but
intervention rehabilitation prepared by engineer Neven without structural flaws or major alterations of the
Kunjai. Since this project was never implemented, original state.
in 2013 the firm GEO data d.o.o. made a survey of the
existing state of Mandra as a whole and the same year Preparatory works on the project of reconstructing
the firm Expelo d.o.o. from Split made a GPR image Fortica began in 2011. The first step was the architectural
of the square precisely around the bordering wall of TVSWFZPGUIFFYJTUJOHTUBUVTPGUIFCBSSBDLTBOEHVO
Madra. Insights into the state of Mandra were used powder magazine carried out by the firm GEO data
for preparing a new implementing project for the static d.o.o. in 2011 and 2012.
rehabilitation of Mandra prepared once again by eng. The same firm surveyed the entire Fortress in the 3D
Neven Kunjai and approved by the Administration scanning technique in 2014. On the basis of these
for the Protection of Cultural Properties Conservation images the company Arhitektura i graditeljstvo
Department in Split. Its implementation was divided Matas d.o.o. prepared a project of rehabilitating the
into three phases. ground floor of the barracks and transforming it into
The first phase was carried out in winter 2014, the a restaurant. At the end of the year the firm also drew
second phase in early 2015 while the implementation up a project of reconstructing the upper floor of the
of the third phase is expected in 2016. barracks into a space for the Historic Collection of the
City of Hvar.
Fortica Fortress5IF"VTUSJBOBSNZBCBOEPOFEFortica
JOFOEJOHUIFSFGPSFJUTDFOUVSJFTPMENJMJUBSZSPMF The conservation guidelines for the renovation of the
The city bought the Fortress in 1884 and it has been entire Fortress are currently being drawn up by the
in the ownership of the city since then. After World architect Vlasta Mari from Split. All the mentioned
War II, a hotel enterprise that existed at that time took projects are being prepared under the supervision
over the management of the Fortress, remodelled it of the Administration for the Protection of Cultural
and transformed it into an entertainment centre with Heritage Conservaiton Department in Split.
a number of restaurants, coffee bars, night clubs and
380
DEFENSIVE SYSTEM OF HVAR
The recent restoration work inside the Arsenal and technical surveys of masonry (photos by Ministry of Culture)
381
4.a.2.8 Fortified city of Korula Among them, half belong to high categories according
to the official assessment of architectural monuments
The external image of the city of Korula with its ring (352 building lots are registered in the cadastre) while
of walls and towers around the historic centre on the assessments of the preservation of the structures vary
peninsula has suffered two piercing and unhealable considerably (57% very well, 29% well and 19% poorly
blows. maintained buildings).
In the late 19th century the walls of the eastern side This however changes successively because only in
were intentionally lowered and the two medieval the last decade fifteen or so demolished, roofless,
towers were negated by the construction, in the lower residential buildings due to longstanding neglect have
zone, of a newly formed promenade around the city. been renovated.
During World War II the old city core was bombarded All the renovations were supervised and in line with
XIFO UIF TPVUIXFTU DPSOFS PG UIF XBMMT UPXBSET UIF regulations so that only 3% are of questionable quality
port and a number of buildings in the background was in regard to the maintenance of the historic ambience
demolished. postulates. The fortifications fall under a different
The walls towards the port were renovated as early category because as public structures they are
as 1950s, but in a completely modernist fashion which subject to legal provisions under the authority of the
included a series of arcades for the needs of public Conservation Department in Dubrovnik (department
offices thus visually disrupting the image of the whole. PG UIF .JOJTUSZ PG $VMUVSF JO ;BHSFC
BOE UP TUSJDUFS
The other structures were either restored or supervision of the public administration that has
reconstructed mostly in their previous volumes from undertaken a number of planned minor interventions
private investments, while the Dukes palace, on the while others are under preparation.
south walls and also demolished during the war,
was replaced by newly built structures but in a much Owing to the close interdependence of the robust
more subdued articulation. Within the ring of walls a fortifications and urban structure, the fortified city as a
new building was interpolated at the location of the whole has been physically very well preserved.
PSJHJOBM NVMUJTUPSFZ TUSVDUVSF EFNPMJTIFE EVSJOH UIF The urban structure has remained intact and within it,
mentioned bombing of the city. the features built in the period from the 15th to 17th
centuries dominate as far as quality is concerned.
At the same time, the long neglected fortifications From the mid 20th century, considerable efforts were
which, owing to the development of the city and a exerted to reconstruct everything that was found at
number of radical interventions from the 19th century that time, so that to date, all the towers from the period
onwards, have suffered the greatest damage such of Venetian rule have been conserved or renovated,
as the removal of its eastern walls, are currently being whereas the southern facade was restored to its
successively rehabilitated, and given that the majority original form.
of the towers have remained intact some of them are
being repurposed. This applies particularly to the stylistic characteristics of
the palaces although the restoration and reconstruction
Otherwise, no visible changes took place, given that of the most valuable complexes is not finished yet,
there were no significant subsequent interventions in while for some of them, at least projects were prepared
the urban core of the city. on the basis of prescribed analyses (Ismaelis-Gabrielis
The original structural pattern of the streets and Palace which hosts the City Museum and the dilapidated
squares has been completely preserved, while the complex of Marco Polos House), while the timeframe of
fortifications were preserved at the level of a hundred their implementation cannot be precisely envisaged.
or so years ago. At the same time, the complex of small scattered
In that sense the analyses undertaken when the churches with the dominating cathedral within the
complex was legally protected are still valid, when it walls is maintained quite adequately with it collections
was established that over 85% of the existing buildings of different artefacts accessible to the public.
originate from the period prior to the end of the 17th
century.
382
MONTENEGRO organization of events inside the structure.
All components that fall within the territory of The inner part is now empty but the project of the
Montenegro have architectures that have kept almost municipality is to give to a cooperative the spaces in
intact the original structure, both in form and materials. order to manage them.
This is due to a careful restoration intervention In the past it has been a night club, a function not
occurred in all the sites after the terrible earthquake very compatible with the original task, but the
of the 1979. The restoration has been done in different transformations have not spoiled the Fortress anyway.
ways and period but always considering the original
characteristics. The surrounding area, in particular at East there is a
In particular many studies has been done on the lot of vegetation that could obstruct the view of the
Venetian patrimony, so the interventions has fort and the outer side is overgrown with bushes and
considered to create something authentic, both as weeds.
regards the construction techniques that for materials. Anyway the walls are clean and mostly without
Every single action that you want to do inside the vegetation.
historical centers needs to have the permission of All the pedestrian area inside on the walls of the fort are
the ministry of culture, that control and monitor the protected by parapets but not impactful.
interventions, ensuring the correct use of the coherent On contacts of the east interpolated plateau, with old
material, colors and techniques. units of the building, there are vertical and horizontal
cracks.
4.a.2.9 Forte Mare, Herceg Novi In the contact zone on the south side, on the
promenade, for already 20 years there is an interpolated
The Forte Mare occurs, in general, in good condition, inappropriate ground stone building, without
both in terms of maintenance and readability of permanent function.
Venetian elements and in reference to the preservation During the new functional exploitation of the interior
of the physical and structural primary structure and a number of devastations occured that are primarily
defensive elements. manifested in metal interior works. This applies in
particular to the devastated state of the buffet at the
Solid state is the general assessment of the present state top level, the cinema balcony, which is in a demolished
of this cultural property. The building structure of the state.
fortification was repaired after the earthquake in 1979
based on conservation requirements and methodology 4.a.2.10 Fortified city of Kotor
of protection of the architectural heritage, under
supervision of the Republic and Regional Institute for The Fortified city of Kotor occurs, in general, in
Protection of Cultural Monuments of Montenegro, on excellent condition, both in terms of maintenance
the basis of the restoration design of 1984. and readability of nodal characters of the urban and
defensive Venetian matrix and in reference to the
It is now used as a summer stage and the transformation preservation of the physical and structural primary
has not devalued the status of the building. It is not an structure and external elements.
impactful function: the chairs are removable and the
screen, even if with great dimensions and very visible The systematic renovation of the buildings damaged in
all around the Fortress, is fictitious, so easy to remove. the earthquake of 1979 was made according to plans
Even in the upper stage there is a fictitious structure: an drawn up by conservative architects, verified by the
iron pergola that is used in the summer season. commission of experts of the Institute for Protection.
The transformation of the Fortress has determined the The restoration process has also included a series
introduction in it of electrical system, plumbing, drains. of archaeological excavations that have allowed to
Thanks to the management of the Herceg Fest discover important remains of churches or buildings
cooperative all the Fort is in a good state of conservation. front.
They deal with the cleaning, managements and The cracks caused by the earthquake of ninth on the
383
Mercalli scale are remedied. a tourist center of fun. Inside the bastion it is now
The revitalization process was completed with the a nightclub and above there are the anointing of
addition of plumbing and electrical and sewer, restoration.
everything connected with new underground tunnels Towers, bastions, curtains, artillery emplacements,
dug beneath the narrow streets. military shelters, tanks and roads have been damaged
Furthermore, part of the walls were cleaned with jets by weathering, mugged by vegetation and become
of water at high pressure and the junctures welded fragile by earthquakes. Nevertheless this part so
with mortar of mixed cement and lime, while the walls peculiar of the fortification of Kotor continues to have
around the hill of St. John were only clean herbs and an allure unique for environment and landscape, which
lichens. would constitute a solid prerequisite for revitalization.
The ramparts around the city are in is enhancing little by The prospect of touristic and cultural revalorization
little by the administration. In 1950 the oriental portion of the site continues to have an infrastructural
of the northern walls was transformed in a public criticism. The principal fortified building (called castle)
pedestrian street. For this purpose on the curtains was overlooking the main summit of the hill of St. Johne had
built a parapet and some concrete bunkers and other been subject in the 20s of a project for the promotion
twentieth century additions were removed. of the entire system of walls, through the placement
of a cable car linking the lower part of the city to the
From the 1950 the Bastion Riva, from which begins the upper fort.
fortified walls that grows up over the hill, has been used It has been created a pedestrian path that allows to
as summer stage till the construction of a new stage on reach, from the historic city, the higher part of the
the Bembo Bastion, also called Vendramin. defensive walls, where there is the Sveti Ivan Castle.
It is characterized by some parts of mayor or minor
The protection and the requalification of the urban difficulty and its position allows to see each singular
fortification in Kotor has had a new pulse after the bastion that were forming the defensive system.
devastating earthquake in the April of 1979, The Another element of valorization has been the project
Cathedral of Sveti Tryphon, for example has been under of illumination of the fortified system, to valorize and
renovation and reconstruction, preserving the original make the place recognizable inside the Bay of Kotor
characters. even during the night. It is a light system of illumination
Even the northern work of the urban walls has been, that create a sort of crown all around the city and up till
after the earthquake, the subject of a reallocation the Sveti Ivan Castle.
of use project that succeed in the valorization of the
Citadel, potholes gunboats, the ramparts and other The protection and revitalization of the fortifications
QBSUTPGUIFDJUZGPSUSFTT on the hill remains in many ways to be defined. In fact,
this area of the fort is almost inaccessible and, unlike
In the 80s it was realized, with a project for restoration the coastal part, in recent years has not accepted any
of what was once the Venetian military hospital, function, even temporary.
destroyed in the earthquake of 1979, a cultural center. The artifacts hilly, although exceptionally strong, are in
The reinforced concrete and glass is located in a a poor state of conservation.
building that has a skin made in line with those who
were the canons of construction Venetian. Some remains of the fortifications were lost, as well as
some military infrastructure, such as gunpowder, the
It was in 1990 a project for the revitalization of the gallery entrance of the south gate, the barracks and
complex of the bastion of the Citadel and its inclusion auxiliary buildings.
in a larger tourist complex extended by the Watchtower
to the Town Hall. The project initially involved a simple Today the circular tower Venetian Gurdi (1470), is
cleaning of the earthen dam and then became oriented relatively well preserved externally, even though it was
towards the systematic removal of any element not founded on a cavernous limestone, near the spring
relevant to the idea of transforming the complex into itself. The top of it and the oldest part of the city walls,
384
located between that tower and the southern gate of condition.

the city, is in poor condition. The urban Gurdi Gate is quite well preserved and in
front of it there are till now the rest of the presence
The Venetian Corner e Valadier Bastions (after 1667) of the old drawbridge. It was defended by the Gurdi
have been investigated on several occasions and in tower and protected by a sort of long gallery.
accordance with the results of the research they were
the subject of revitalization projects, although they The other two gates are in the Marina Gate, in the south
are currently in good condition outside, they have part of the city, and the Gurdi Gate, in the west part.
a high degree of degradation due to the presence of There are both in good condition. The first one has
vegetation that annually returns. been modified during the first half of the XX century.
The other one would require an external cleaning. By
The Gurdi bastion is not accessible to the public: it has this it will come out on the bridge on the river Skurda.
a private usage, as a terrace for the overlooking houses. Instead, from the southern gate you come to the square,
The near Bastion Corner is accessible but it has been where it is possible to find the first important venetian
rebuilt after the earthquakes using incoherent material. elements: as the Clock Tower, It is in good conditions,
The Citadel Bastion has been completely renovated. also because it was built again after the earthquake.
It has a private property, differently from the others,
because a private investor gained the concession of it, The urban associated component is mostly in good
in exchange of the maintenance of the integrity of it. conditions.
The Bembo Bastion was one of the first intervention of The vehicular traffic is absolutely forbidden inside the
the municipality on a bastion: it has been transformed old city and this allow not only to have a historic center
in a summer stage used by the population in the perfectly livable, but permit not to have problems
summer season. linked to the atmosphere pollution.
The other important venetian bastions are found all As for the military infrastructure of Kotor some of
along the side of the mountain. The path to see them these have been preserved over time and have been
starts in the old city, where a typical venetian gate, converted to new compatible uses.
slightly degraded, with the lion symbol marks the The complex of the military venetian hospital in the 50s
beginning. has been reconverted in theatre and from the 80s has
The remaining parts of the walls are in different the function of Cultural Centre.
conditions: some of them are ruins, other are entire Inside the old city many other elements are present:
and well conserved. It is particularly difficult to reach some of them are religious building, some are civil
some elements, because the ground is disconnected, palaces.
so the path is more dangerous. However it is required The first category is represented by the catholic and
to pay an entrance to see this part of the high city. orthodox churches: Sv. Lukas, Sv. Klare, the cathedral
Inside the Valadier Bastion some remains of medieval of Sv. Tryphon, Sv. Mihalia, Sv. Marija, Sv. Paul all well
urban curtain were found and one of the city gates of preserved and recently renovated inside.
UIF DIBSBDUFST 3PNBOFTRVF(PUIJD PG UIF GPVSUFFOUI The external walls are generally clean and integer.
century was discovered too, although today everything In particular the Sv. Tryphon cathedral has been
is not visible. completely restored with a reinforcement of the basis,
the columns, the cracked walls. Now is in renovation the
There is however a good cleaning annual program of church of Sv. Franco. Sv. Nikole has been reconstructed
all the walls that cannot further increase degradation. in 1902. The less preserved is the church of Our lady of
There are traces of anthropogenic degradation due health, in an upper position, along the increasing walls
to vandalism or carelessness. Moreover, all accessible on the mountain.
routes are open to the public, allowing it to benefit
from all the assets. The Venetians palaces are: Drago P., Pima P., Gregorina
P., Bizanti P., Grubonja P., Buca P., the Princes Palace. All
The urban gates have been transformed during of them are in good conditions, recently renovated and
the century, but they occur, in general, in excellent there are no function incongruent with the original
385
usage (for example the Gregorian Place is the Maritime Protection of Cultural Heritage, the Pima Place is divided
Museum of Kotor, the only one present inside the old in a private part and a public part with functions of art
town, the Drago Palace is the Regional Institute for the gallery and municipal offices).
FORTIFIED CITY OF KOTOR
Every year in spring the Kotors walls are cleaned and the
vegetation is removed.
This ongoing maintenance can slow down the degradation
of the walls and allows to have walls aesthetically valuable
all years. It is useful to projects of ordinary and extraordinary
maintenance the full relief that was performed on all the
walls, a reference point for any project of the municipality.
386
4.a.2.11 Fortified city of Ulcinj the escavation in front of the church, take place. The
faade and all the decorative elements have been
The entire site of the Fortified city of Ulcinj occurs, in clean and restored, the same was done for the external
general, in good condition. staircase.
In particular the recent restoration after the The tower instead is now a space for temporary art
earthquake in 1979 has permitted to reinforce the exhibition.
structures: in some cases the reconstruction has been All the windows have been changed maintaining the
stone by stone, as for Balssidi Tower, in other ones the original aspect of the building. The stairs were made
restoration has been done with reinforced concrete safe thanks to the addition of the parapet.
and usage of powerful mortar. The same has been done for the episcopal palace that
is now the headquarters of the ethnological museum.
The ramparts around the city are well conserved but In front of the North Gate there is the old customs. The
there isnt a management and cleaning program for first floor is now the office of the museum, instead the
the historical elements. ground floor, the original part of the building, contains
the first exposition area of the museum system.
The urban gates are in good condition and they were
not transformed during centuries. Analysis of the current state of urban entity of the
Old Town of Ucinj points to preservation of individual
The urban associated component in inner part of the zones of urban and architectural entity, to which, being
old city is well preserved. complied with natural configuration of the terrain, and
In particular all the houses are in good conditions according to the Urban design the Old Town is divided.
because they have been restored after the earthquakes In terms of preservation of townscape properties of
in 1979. structures belonging to the urban entity, it can be said
The restauration has been respectful of the original that particular entity of the Old Town preserved their
characters and only compatible material have been cultural values, and that there are structures which,
used. by its appearance, materialization and dimensions are
Actually all the Venetian structures have been studied damaging cultural values of the entity of the Old Town.
and catalogued in an abacus. All this material has The disastrous earthquake in 1979, destroyed the Old
been important for the reconstruction and renovation Town of Ulcinj and many structures were razed to the
program in 80s. ground, so the unity and original concept of residential
In this context the Venetian north area has been complex as well as the urban structure of the Old Town
revalorized, restored and reused: a museum has been was already deteriorated back then.
created and it included the custom, the church, the Based on the conservation projects, in the 80s of the
tower, the walls, the archeological area, the episcopal twentieth century, extensive conservation measures
palace, etc. were taken, for the purpose of revitalization and
This is important for the preservation of the historical restoration of the old urban core of the city, as well as
elements because it is manage by a cultural its individual structures.
organization so the functions are surely compatible
with the original aim (differently from the rest of Urban plan, approved by the competent institutions
the old town that has been mostly transformed in a for protection, which was based on conservation
touristic use buildings). principles, defined the appearance of streets and
A problem is the presence of some not enhanced areas, facades, number of floors of residential buildings,
especially the archeological ones and the passages on renovation of buildings of townscape value, by
the walls: there is vegetation all around, the passage applying the conservation measure of reconstruction,
is difficult, the ruins are not indicated and explained. where possible, structural reinforcement, particularly
of roof and floor structures, with the desire to preserve
The sixteenth Church has been restored and it is now the integrity and authenticity of the urban tissue and
in excellent condition. The inner space is used as a cultural values of the entity.
expositive space in which all the reperts, found during By developing a number of conservation projects,
387
approved by the institutions for protection, including: 4.b Factors affecting the property
the Citadel, conservation project, Plateau I and II,
parterre solution with conservation works, the Old
Town of Ulcinj, the Main architectural design, the Within the diverse and complex system of assets that
Town bulwarks, reconstruction and revitalization of makes up the Nominated property, one can identify
the Fortress system, the Main design for conservation a number of pressures that affect all the components
SFTUPSBUJPO XPSLT BOE SFIBCJMJUBUJPO PG UIF NVTFVN in different ways, depending on their particular
complex structure and many others, conservation geographic location.
measures (conservation, restoration, renovation and
reconstruction) have been implemented. First and foremost, the fact that the Nominated property
In this way, with a clearly defined professional approach, consists of assets scattered over a wide territory and
numerous buildings and streets were restored, having involves vast swathes of urban fabric implies that it has
a positive impact on return of authenticity of the urban been the object of renovations over the centuries that
concept and structure of the city. have adjusted it to suit each citys need to develop and
Although house as a basic structural unit represents a modernise. Though never endangering the propertys
special urban and architectural value of the Old Town integrity and authenticity, changes have been made
of Ulcinj, which expressively illustrates the layering in order to respond to the need to expand the urban
of different civilization courses, and in that sense fabric beyond a citys walls. It is for this reason that we
architectural layering, emphasised changes in the sometimes come across edifices built on top of the
manner of construction relating to the period of the Venetian walls that, however, do not damage their
past 10 years are obvious. structure. In some very limited cases, these are private
The intensive construction brought introduction of homes, but they generally consist of public areas,
new elements, without approval of the protection such as city parks and trails that have replaced the old
service, so townscape and architectural values were ramparts.
impaired in certain structures.
This particularly relates to certain residential structures, This same need to adapt these buildings to new urban
which are privately owned, having the ground floor functions subjects the components to pressures
with a business purpose (trade, catering and other EVF UP UIF QSFTFODF PG USBD GPS NPTU /PNJOBUFE
services) where plateaus were formed on remnants components, the city within the curtain walls is limited
of the old destroyed buildings, which now have a to pedestrians, which means that areas set aside as car
function of the terrace of that catering structure, and parks are located near the walls and gates.
new plateaus were upgraded on many structures.
Pressure caused by tourism is another element that
Although on some buildings in the Old Town deviations affects a number of components: in particular, some
are evident, from the standpoint of preservation of of them attract a high number of tourists, especially in
architectural and urban characteristics and properties summer, as occurs in Venice and, to a lesser extent, in
of the urban entity, it can be said that these cultural ;BSBBOE,PSVMB)PXFWFS JUTIPVMECFTUSFTTFEUIBU
values are preserved. this pressure is not concentrated on the area of the
Moreover, it is evident that during development of Nominated property, but more generally affects the
numerous conservation projects is underway. old town centres of these cities.
These designs are based on conservation requirements
issued by the competent authority, including: paving 4.b.1 Development pressures
the streets of the Old Town, renovation of the complex
Pasha Mosque, as well as renovation and reconstruction On the whole, the property is subject to limited plans
of certain housing units, which will significantly for urban development: the urban fabric inside the
influence the improvement of the state of the Old Town fortified cities is consolidated and local planning
of Ulcinj. regulations do not allow the construction of new
areas or the demolition of buildings with a recognised
historical value. As regards those portions of cities
388
4.b FACTORS AFFECTING THE PROPERTY
outside the walls and included in buffer zones, wherever traffic zone that only allows residents to drive into the
town planning envisages development areas or new upper town. As regards this aspect, it should not be
estates, the presence of specific protection measures forgotten that, even as far back as 1887, the funicular
guarantees that all new construction plans are subject railway that connects the upper and lower towns
to an assessment and approval process carried out by was already in operation, supplemented in 1912 by a
the relevant authorities. funicular railway connecting the upper town with Fort
of St Vigilio. As well as their high architectural value,
In previous decades, the need for infrastructural these cable cars are an important and sustainable
development and modernisation led to public works form of transport, offering an alternative to cars. The
that sometimes involved the demolition of small local authoritys actions therefore aim to make the city
sections of city walls, without however endangering more welcoming, transport safer and to improve the
the integrity and readability of the general layout. availability and quality of its urban spaces. Moreover,
At the moment, infrastructural development is no sustainable transport methods are incentivised, such
longer a pressure in these terms, as there are no plans as bicycle and public transport use.
to create new infrastructures that directly affect the
Nominated components in any of the cities involved. Kotor is also dealing with similar traffic challenges,
Nevertheless, some old town centres do suffer from which cause moderate congestion problems in the
traffic congestion, and here local authorities are front of the city. In that area there are the car parking
attempting to tackle the problem with specifically and the harbour of the cruises that arrived from the bay.
developed transport plans and the improvement That is the only way to cross the area and move from
of public transport. The pressure caused by cars is a the east to the west of Kotor. However the area around
problem found, for example, in Bergamo, where they the walls is in good conditions. There are lined plazas
cause moderate traffic congestion in the Upper City and a street furniture in line with historical city. They
The lack of car parks particularly encourages people divide in this way the vehicle road from the Venetian
to park their cars in many fine urban areas, such as the walls and from the car park. Moreover it is important
square of the Citadella, which creates pressure from to say that it is the only way because it is forbidden
a practical and visual point of view. In order to solve to enter inside the old city with any kind of vehicle.
this problem, Bergamo municipality has embraced Only the ambulances and other safety vehicles can
the principles of sustainable transport for some time, enter from the Main entrance Sea Gate. Last but not
implementing an Urban Traffic Plan and an Urban least, Palmanova is tackling the minor impacts caused
Transport Plan, combined with the creation of a limited by development, addressing this problem using the
various levels of conservation restrictions that apply to
the area and, particularly, to the Fortress as a heritage
monument: the relative Soprintendenza government
heritage department is therefore its principal
guarantor. Planning restrictions are supplemented by
the old towns Piano Particolareggiato (Master Plan)
expropriation plan. All these factors are geared towards
protecting the site as much as possible, maintaining
strict control even over the regions border, beyond
which landscape conservation restrictions continue to
apply.
The high number of visitors puts pressure on a number

of the propertys components, particularly during the
summer season, such as is the case in Hvar, where
problems caused by the arrival and berthing of
pleasure boats in its marina have been noted, as well as
Defensive System of Hvar . Visitors during the summer season. traffic caused by ferries and catamarans that sail in and
389
out of the port. The same is true for the fortified city UIF DBTF PG UIF ;BEBS 1FOJOTVMB UIFSF JT B TZTUFNBUJD
of Korula, where the greatest pressures are caused by analysis of air quality at the measuring station on the
the number of tourists that visit the old town. Last but QFOJOTVMB 5SH 1FUSB ;PSBOJD
GPS UISFF QBSBNFUFST
not least, the area of Venices Arsenale suffers pressure sulphur dioxide, smoke and total deposition. In spite of
from tourists during the important Biennale of Venice the traffic, the constant measurement of air quality on
international exhibition, whilst during the rest of the the peninsula proves that the air is clean.
year the area is not affected by the large numbers of
tourists that crowd the old city centre instead. The damage caused by the growth of weeds inside wall
surfaces, caused by cracks and/or cavities where spores
4.b.2 Environmental pressures and seeds settle, is more prevalent and serious. This
process is also encouraged by rainfall and exposure to
The property is not subject to particular environmental sunlight. The roots of weeds are very dangerous in that,
pressures. There are small problems linked to air if not tackled in good time, they can cause parts of walls
pollution and the presence of weeds: both these to detach and collapse. The relevant authorities are
pressures are not of a magnitude that can endanger well aware of this problem and regularly carry out root
the Nominated architectural property. removal work or prune and then kill these plants using
specially developed products. In general, all Fortress
As far as air pollution is concerned, the levels detected are subject to maintenance programmes, sometimes
are within the normal range in all components. All carried out by volunteers.
cities have systems that monitor air quality on a daily
basis and supply information on concentrations of the 5IJT QSFTTVSF HFOFSBMMZ BDUT PO BMM TJUFT DPNQPOFOUT
main pollutants. Pollution caused by vehicles, which is between them, Ulcinj, where the impact due to
concentrated in certain hubs such as city gates which the spontaneous growth of vegetation for which,
traffic is forced to go through if one wishes to leave or failed a systematic maintenance, is represented by
enter a walled city sometimes damages the surface of many species of tall trees, many of which are evident
buildings with the presence of deposits, stains and black in precarious conditions, the impact of which are
encrustations. Nevertheless, such damage is entirely particularly significant. Weeds have already attacked
reversible thanks to the routine maintenance work that significantly part of the walkway on the north walls.
local authorities regularly carry out. For example, in
AN EXEMPLARY ACTION: CLEANING THE WALLS IN PALMANOVA
Among the measures of emergency maintenance of the Fortress that were conducted by teams of volunteers, one of the largest (called
i1BMNB/07"w
UPPLQMBDFJOBOEJOWPMWFEUIFDJUZGPSUSFTTPG1BMNBOPWB XIFSFXBTFMEFEBIVHFXPSLPGDMFBOJOHUIBUIBTCSPVHIU
to light most of the Venetian walls once hidden by weeds.
The operation was brought forward from the opening of a technical committee with the participation of the Regional Directorate of Civil
Protection, the Regional Office of Civil Engineers, the Superintendence of Architectural and Landscape Heritage of Friuli Venezia Giulia and
the City of Palmanova. The technical committee set the mode of operation following a precise analysis of the conditions of the walls and
their degradation. The fortifications have been divided into three areas, where went into action, depending on the type of service required,
the men and the means of civil protection and individual teams of experts specialized in the recovery of the wall parts, as well as several
groups of volunteers.
The intervention, which mainly concerned the first Venetian city walls, involving thousands of workers from across the region, was focused
on the most critical points such as the walk along the pit and the path on the top of the ramparts, including around 125,000 square meters
in several days of work. The total cleaning of the ramparts through mowing, cutting of trees and limited consolidations of instability, as well
as guaranteeing greater security to those who enjoys the area, stem the main forms of degradation. The presence of vegetation allows a
rapid infiltration of water, which causes the separation of components of the wall and the collapse of parts of the vestments of the Fortress.
The largest operation conducted in 2011 opened the way for a regular maintenance program, that continued in the following years on
the basis of an agreement between the City of Palmanova and the Central Agricultural and Forestry resources by the Friuli Venezia Giulia
390
Palmanova map with areas for the cleaning intervention

highlighted and drawing on the mechanisms of instability
The extraordinary work was started by

a great operation led by Regional Civil
Defence thanks to about 4000 volunteers
coming from all over the Friuli Venezia Giulia
region.
Many Authorities and Associations offered

their cooperation to continue the cleaning
work in order to preserve and enhance the
great value of the Fortress Palmanova walls before and after cleaning intervention of the volunteers of the Civil
Protection performed during "PalmaNOVA", 2011
391
4.b.3 Natural disasters and risk preparedness DPNQMFUFE BNPOH PUIFS UIJOHT UIF EJTQMBDFNFOU PG
the harbor has the aim to mitigate the impact of these
As regards vulnerability to natural disasters, the transits on the values of the site. As for Venice, however,
property is subject to pressures from rising water possible design solutions for the management of cargo
levels and hence flooding, given the location of a and passenger ships are currently undergoing the
number of these components on the coast. Fortress Environmental Impact Assessment procedure.
located inland are not affected by the risk of water
and hydrogeological damage, as the danger there is The Italian Governement and the local competent
estimated to be very low. The risk of water damage Authorities are working to establish laws aimed to
and flooding is more noticeable in coastal and lakeside solve the problem. Strating from the Decree of 2 March
cities. In order to tackle this situation, the relevant 2012 entitled General provisions to limit or prohibit
authorities have adopted special prevention and the transit of cargo ships for the protection of sensitive
protection plans against hydrogeological and water areas in the territorial waters.
EBNBHF *O 1FTDIJFSB GPS FYBNQMF UIF .JODJP(BSEB It is a sensitive issue, whose consequences may affect
water basin is kept under control by a dam and a heritage conservation, but may also affect, in the
network of drainage canals. This system has helped opposite direction, the trend of tourist flows and the
keep the many flooding episodes that have occurred economic impacts relating thereto.
in the Sarca-Benaco-Mincio river area under control
and has ensured that they did not have an impact In order to tackle these problems, Venice municipality
that could endanger the Nominated property. The last carries out the following activities:
significant flood that affected towns along the banks of t the monitoring of subsidence affecting its historic
Lake Garda dates back to September 1960. CVJMEJOHTBOEUIFSJTJOHTFBMFWFM
t the limiting of waves, done by regulating the type
Similarly, one of the main causes of the decay of Venices BOETJ[FPGQPXFSCPBUTUIBUDBOFOUFS
historic buildings and lagoon settlements is the rising t the drafting of regulations and practices for the
sea level and the increase in high water episodes, as restoration and salvaging of buildings in its historic
well as the waves caused by power boats. The action of DFOUSF
waves lapping against the walls of buildings and banks t the planning of salvage and regeneration projects
causes erosion and the deterioration of their masonry, in decayed and abandoned areas.
already weakened by the removal of sediment and
the growing number of flooding episodes followed As regards these aspects, the condition of the Fort
by particularly low tides. These phenomena were of St Andrea is particularly worth highlighting. The
responsible for the collapse of the curtain wall of fortresss geographic location, placed on a sandy bank
the Fort of St Andrea and the damage done to the (which was first reinforced when the Fortress was built
containment walls of the Poveglia Octagon. Another in the 1400s) located opposite the entrance to the port
significant cause of damage to buildings is the increase of San Nicol, on the Lido, makes it so that the main
in tide levels, which causes rising damp from sea water environmental pressure affecting it is the movement of
that seriously endangers the preservation of walls. sea water, due to:
In particular, with regard to some of the cities involved
JOUIFQSPDFTT 7FOJDF ,PUPS )WBSBOE;BEBS
OFDFTTBSZ 1)the impact of tidal currents that are strong here
to stress one issue which is keeping the debate open, due to the bottleneck created by the entrance to the
involving the international scientific communities, and port. Here, these currents flow faster and the amount of
national and local governments and local communities: water in movement is increased, with effects that one
the transition and the docking of large ships in the can easily imagine on whatever object they come up
vicinity of candidate components. BHBJOTU
2)the impact of waves, which is particularly significant
*O UIF DBTF PG ;BEBS UIF DPOTUSVDUJPO PG B OFX here given the amount of traffic that naturally affects
harbor for commercial and passenger ferries is being this stretch of the lagoon facing the sea and along
which even large cruise ships pass, many of which are
392
PWFS HSPTTUPOOFTJOTJ[F the moat. These landslides are regularly monitored

3)the effect of high water flowing into the fort through by local authorities together with the regional civil
the monumental entrance gate of the defensive side protections Operations Department, and restoration
and the various open cannon emplacements that lie work was funded for the sections of masonry that
along the surface of the water. Water flows in at least required repair. Seismic risk should be considered of
as far as its entrance hall and along the northern walls limited impact in Italy, where all territories are classified
where traces left behind by the tides are fairly obvious as areas with low or very low seismic risk. As far as
(at the moment, such traces are primarily residues Croatia and Montenegro are concerned, where seismic
rather than visible damage to masonry). risk is higher, most of the Nominated components have
not recorded earthquakes of a level that could affect
A further impact that could be caused by the the fortified buildings. Nevertheless, should there be
completion of the MOSE system of moveable flood an earthquake, the authorities responsible for such
barriers has been (and is still being) discussed, which matters (in each of the three States Parties) boast
while on the one hand may help to significantly reduce specially developed emergency plans that identify the
the number of flooding episodes, on the other will procedures to be adopted in each risk scenario.
however contribute to increasing the bottleneck 3FMBUJOH UP UIF TFJTNJD SJTL UIF DJUZ PG ;BEBS JT JO BO
effect at the entrance to the port and thus increase the area of maximum intensity of expected earthquakes up
strength of the tidal currents discussed earlier. to VII grade of MCS (Mercalli Cancani Sieberg Scale)with
As far as the Poveglia and Alberoni Octagons are a 63% likelihood of a seismic event in a 100 year period.
concerned, located fairly high above the waters In the last few years, much minor seismic activity has
surface (with curtain walls that rise over four metres been recorded. Earthquakes can bring about direct and
with no entrances on the water), they are not affected indirect damage to the cultural heritage.
by the problem of high water, but they do suffer from
the effect of waves though to a much lesser extent Direct damage:
than what occurs at the Fort of St Andrea caused by t demolition,
the significant number of boats coming and going t fissures and similar deformations that cause
from the Malamocco and Poveglia canals and by sea structural damage to the cultural property ,
currents. t other material damage to the cultural property.
Floods are an increasingly common natural danger also Indirect damage:

JO;BEBS"TBSFTVMUPGHMPCBMXBSNJOH UIFBNPVOUPG t damage to the infrastructure (electricity, water and
rainfall is increasing and the level of the sea is rising so on) that can lead to fire and flooding and so on,
rapidly. At the beginning of our era, in the Roman t damage to the roads that can hamper the arrival of
period, the sea level along the Adriatic was almost emergency vehicles and the movement of citizens,
two metres lower than today. The result of this process t possible damage from secondary natural
is that some areas in the city, which have retained or consequences of the earthquakes (tsunamis).
restored the ancient floor level, are today below sea
level. A rise in the level of the sea level is often the Herceg Novi is one of the areas with high seismic
cause of effluent and drainage problems, which leads risks, and the return period for the earthquakes is
to flooding and the retention of water in public spaces. 100 years. However, throughout history, it was noted
Still, the stone pavement is laid in the ground, so the that in the period of thirty years, three devastating
water goes directly to the ground after a few hours, earthquakes of exceptional character were witnessed.
leaving no damage at all. Building of the drainage Accordingly, all the objects that are being built are
system would cause more damage to authenticity of designed in accordance with the Law on Construction
the monuments than the retention of rain water. and Spatial Planning, which proscribes the design and
construction of buildings in the areas of seismic risk,
Impacts due to heavy rainfall have been recorded in for the magnitude of an earthquake of 9 degrees on
Palmanova where, particularly during 2014, it caused the MCS, or 6.9 on the Richter scale. Beside the above
problems on the ramparts of fortified curtain walls and mentioned, Herceg Novi is known as the city of the
393
landslides, which may further affect the destructive 4.b.4 Responsible visitation at World Heritage
effects caused by earthquakes. The advantage of sites
the area of Old Town is that Forte Mare lies on the
limestone rock and thus occupies a barrier for the
The site features tourist flows strongly inhomogeneous,
landslide terrain in the background, preventing further
due to the different touristic appeal of the involved
subsidence towards the sea.
components. Cities as Peschiera del Garda, Hvar
and Kotor are subjected to high tourist flows (with
The Montenegros site, even if with particular problems
different seasonality and types of visitors) while places
with the natural disasters (earthquakes) is now
like Palmanova, and Fort San Nikola in Sibenik are
acquiring a spatial plan which identifies the degree
marginally affected by the touristic phenomenon. The
of vulnerability of coastal areas in Montenegro and
case of the defensive elements of the City of Venice
therefore to understand what types of actions are
deserves a separate mention: in fact, unlike the historic
possible and which are not. In particular to preserve
center of the city, which is always affected by massive
areas of particular value and cultural landscape, the plan
tourist phenomena, the selected elements of the
imposes specific constraints. In preparing the following
Venices defensive system are marginally affected by
document stand out as areas of particular vulnerability
touristic flows.
and therefore greater protection, including those
within the buffer zone of the candidate sites.
Tourist flows, if not properly managed or organized,
Similar is the example of Ulcinj: after the devastating
can constitute a risk for the conservation of cultural
earthquake in 1979, from the state and the city level
and natural heritage sites. For this reason, it is
administration, a series of activities was conducted
important to estimate the maximum number of
for the purpose of preventing and reducing the
tourists that a cultural heritage site is able to receive
consequences of any future catastrophes. Initially, these
without compromising its own integrity and without
activities were related to adoption of new regulations
decreasing the quality of the tourism experiences.
in the field of civil engineering, and are defined by
the Law on Construction of Structures and Spatial
On the other hand, tourism is an activity that generates
Planning, which stipulates designing and construction
income: where tourism is not developed or tourists are
of buildings in areas of seismic risk, for the magnitude
very few, it is important to define strategies oriented to
of an earthquake of 9 degrees of MCS, or 6.9 degrees of
increase the number of visitors.
the Richter scale. In accordance with these regulations
In the case of the selected components of the
all urban plans planned measures for protection from
transnational serial site Venetian Works of Defence
the seismic risk for all planned and existing buildings
between 15th and 17th Centuries, as said, the situation is
and structures which are cultural property. For this
quite diversified, because in some of the components
purpose, since 1979 the level of seismic risk or the
the tourist flows are significant and must be managed
degree of damage from possible future earthquake has
properly if negative impacts on equity and on local
been reduced on many structures that are a cultural
QPQVMBUJPOTXBOUUPCFBWPJEFEJOPUIFST UPVSJTUPXT
property.
are lower and can be enhanced with the support of
Last but not least, the risk of fire is not particularly
appropriate policies.
worrying. None of the sites are near large forested
areas, except for Bergamo, whose old town centre is
In order to assess the significance of tourist flows in
located in Colli di Bergamo Park, which has sporadically
the various components and to establish appropriate
suffered from forest fires that have never touched the
policies to manage tourist flows, it is necessary to
Nominated area. Nevertheless, all territories boast
hypothesise future trends and evaluate the Tourism
specialised personnel and a Forest Fire Prevention Plan,
Carrying Capacity (TCC) of the cultural heritage sites.
which states how forest fire forecasting, prevention
This will help providing a technical support to cultural
BOE SFHIUJOH BDUJWJUJFT TIPVME CF PSHBOJTFE BOE
development and tourism management policies.
supervised.
394
QUANTITATIVE TOURISM CARRYING CAPACITY that a particular tourist destination is able to sustain.
ANALYSIS
In other words, TCC is the point at which a destination
The TCC for the 15 components of the site Venetian starts experiencing adverse effects as a result of the
Works of Defence between 15th and 17th Centuries number of visitors. In most applications, the principal
will be calculated, according to the methodology difficulty of the Carrying Capacity approach lies in
presented in this paragraph, with the coordinatin of determining how many tourists are too many?. But
the International Coordination Group (see attached 5$$JTOPUPOMZVTFGVMXIFOUPVSJTUPXTBSFUPPIJHIJU
Management Plan for further information). is a tool very suitable to analyse situations in which the
destinations are underutilized.
TCC is a quantitative methodology oriented to quantify
the optimum number of tourists that a particular Due to the lack of numerical data for the selected
tourism destination is able to sustain (Coccossis and sites, the analysis in terms of TCC is qualitative and it
.FYB 6OJUFE /BUJPO &OWJSPONFOUBM 1SPHSBN is oriented to define strategies to improve the quality
2003). of the tourism and, where possible, to increase the
number of tourists.
More and more policies oriented towards sustainability This approach is able to define negative and positive
represent a possible solution to the complexity aspects of the management system and suggest
and at times to the inadequacy of contemporary guidelines for future decisions and strategies.
development. In this context, the tourism work faces
an urgent challenge, because its competitiveness is In general, the TCC analysis required to evaluate
grounded in environmental and cultural quality. different aspects of the tourism destination:
Research and application of sustainable tourism is t Theoretical TCC: its the maximum number of
perfectly consistent with strategies which aim at tourists that can stay at the same time in a certain
increasing the economic value of the work and, at the MPDBUJPO JUJTBHFPNFUSJDBMDPOTJEFSBUJPO

same time, they are fundamental because they tend to t Physical and functional TCC: it is the TCC related
achieve the objectives of preservation and promotion to physical or functional aspect of the site, such as
of environmental resources and of cultural heritage. elements that reduce or inhibit accessibility, safety
law prescriptions (maximum visitors allowed at the
According to the definition of literature, Tourism same time, etc.), architectural barriers.
Carrying Capacity is a quantitative methodology t Social TCC: it describes the perception of residents
oriented to quantify the optimum number of tourists toward the touristic phenomenon, both from the
qualitative and the quantitative point of view. This
evaluation includes important elements, such
as the seasonality of the tourists flows, tourists
behaviours, number of visitors.
t Psychological TCC: it is linked to the perception of
tourists toward the site theyre visiting, how they
judge the level of services, hospitality policies,
QSPQFSTJHOQPTUJOH
t Infrastructural/territorial TCC: is a wider spectrum
evaluation, that includes consideration about
the environment around the site, infrastructures
and transportation policies adequacy, number of
parking lots, factors linked to the specificity of the
territory.
Fortified city of Kotor 5IF STU TUFQ UP FWBMVBUF $$5 JO HFOFSBM BOE TPDJBM
395
BOEQTZDIPMPHJDBM$$5JOQBSUJDVMBSJTUPBOBMZTFEBUB satisfy a variety of needs, is a mission impossible, as

related to: the results of the calculation depend greatly on the
context of reference (Kun, 2002, in Coccossis and Mexa,
t tourist flows and features of their holiday (average 2004).
stay, average daily spending, arrivals, overnights, Based on the definitions given regarding the concept
UPVSJTUTTBUJTGBDUJPO FUD
of TCC and the growing need to use this tool as an
t MPOHUFSNPCKFDUJWFTPGUIFUPVSJTNQPMJDJFT element of preliminary analysis within the setting up of
t FYQFDUBUJPOTBOEIBCJUTPGUPVSJTUTBOESFTJEFOUT policies and strategies to strengthen the tourism offer,
t typology and quality of services for tourists. the MiBACT has developed, in collaboration with the
Higher Institute of Territorial Systems for Innovation
The tourists flows in the selected sites are not (SiTI), a study entitled The Tourist Carrying Capacity:
monitored, and data available are limited and not a tool to manage the cultural heritage, aimed at
always significant. For this reason, it is necessary to knowing what effects tourism has on places of culture
define a monitoring plan aimed to collect input data and the territories linked thereto, both regarding the
for CCT evaluation. conservation and maintenance of functional integrity
The Carrying Capacity is a concept aimed at measuring as well as economic and social development, proposing
UIF MFWFM PG TVTUBJOBCMF VTF PG B DFSUBJO SFTPVSDF a general analysis methodology to be applied to places
therefore, it aims to define the specific use scenario of culture in Italy with the aim of providing support
beyond which there is no reason to push without to the policies of cultural valorisation and tourism
compromising the integrity of the resource being management.
analysed. In the event in which this tool is applied to The work summarises the main results obtained in
the evaluation of tourism phenomena, it becomes terms of methodological set up and application on
more complex, as there are a number of environmental the territory, with the report of two case studies. This
BOE TPDJPFDPOPNJD GBDUPST BU QMBZ UIBU JOUFSBDU XJUI research could, in fact, be the methodological basis on
the tourist destination (many of which depend on the which to work to identify the TCC of the components
subjective perception of the tourists and the hosting involved in the candidature of the site Venetian Works
community). We thereby enter into the evaluation of of Defence between 15th and 17th Centuries.
DPNQMFY TDFOBSJPT XIFSF UIF NVMUJDSJUFSJB OBUVSF PG
the elements involved requires that the problem be The methodology proposed aims to define a tool to
broken down into basic parts and then recomposed. All TVQQPSU EFDJTJPONBLJOH EFWFMPQJOH BO JOOPWBUJWF
this to be done with the assistance of a multidisciplinary methodology that allows us to carry out a sort of
panel of experts. reconnaissance regarding the current situation of the
According to the official definition proposed by the components and the policies to manage current tourist
World Tourism Organization, the Carrying Capacity flow and to outline future objectives and priorities for
of a tourist resort (CCT) is made up by the maximum the Body managing the transnational serial site.
number of people who visit the place at the same time,
without compromising its environmental, physical, QUALITATIVE ANALYSIS OF FUTURE TRENDS OF
FDPOPNJD BOE TPDJPDVMUVSBM DIBSBDUFSJTUJDT BOE TOURISM PHENOMENON
without reducing the satisfaction of the tourists (WTO,
2000). The qualitative analysis of future trends of tourism
The WTOs basic definition has been followed over phenomenon in the selected components of the
UJNFCZBOVNCFSPGSFFMBCPSBUJPOTBOEJOUFHSBUJPOT transnational serial site Venetian Works of Defence
attempting to make the CCT tool operative. between 15th and 17th Centuries must take into account
In fact, there are a number of definitions of CCT, none the following elements and objectives:
PGXIJDIJTVOJWFSTBMMZBDDFQUFENPSFPWFS BTPGUPEBZ
no unequivocal procedure to evaluate it exists in t the services work, and tourism in particular, is the
literature. According to some authors, developing an main driver of economic activities in many of the
unequivocal quantitative methodology to measure sites components (such as Peschiera del Garda,
CCT in such different sites which, therefore, is able to )WBS ,PUPS

396
t the local authorities intend to fully tap the necessary to face the issue of accessibility of the
potential of the cultural heritage destinations to TFMFDUFEDPNQPOFOU JOUFSNTPG5$$
promote sustainable tourism by defining long t it is necessary to increase communications and
UFSNUPVSJTNEFWFMPQNFOUWJTJPOGPSUIFTJUF cooperation among stakeholders and potential
t despite the touristic potential, in some of the JOWFTUPSTUPBUUSBDUQSJWBUFJOWFTUNFOU
selected components (such as Palmanova and t average stay is very different from component to
Ulcinj) the tourism is underdeveloped and the DPNQPOFOU
UPVSJTUPXTBSFOPUNPOJUPSFE t some of the components do not implement any
t in some cases, such as Bergamo and Venice, the monitoring plan of tourist flows.
UPVSJTN JT XFMMEFWFMPQFE CVU UPVSJTU PXT BSF
attracted by the historical centre of the city, and Taking into account the situation described and the
OPUCZUIFTFMFDUFEXPSLTPGEFGFODF objectives identified, three different scenarios of
t activities to promote the selected components as tourism development are proposed and analysed.
attractive tourism destinations vary considerably Each trend is characterized by strengths and
from component to component (see, for example, XFBLOFTTFTUIFTab. 4.1 summarizes the three scenarios
;BEBSWT)FSDFH/PWJ
JOTPNFDBTFT FH ,PSVMB
and their main features.
UIFSFJTBMBDLPGMPOHUFSNTUSBUFHJFT
t in some cases (such as Fort of San Nikola) it is
Scenario 1 Inertial Scenario

Main features Strengths Weaknesses
This scenario is characterized by the OPFYQFOTFTUPCFJODVSSFE OPTJHOJDBOUJODSFBTFPGUPVSJTUPXT
absence of interventions and actions to OPJOWPMWFNFOUPGUIFQPQVMBUJPO
manage tourism. MPXJODPNFEFSJWFEGSPNUPVSJTN
MPTT PG PQQPSUVOJUJFT UP EFWFMPQ
cultural tourism
MPXRVBMJUZPGUIFUPVSJTUFYQFSJFODF
Scenario 2 Economic Development Scenario

Tourist flows are linked to economic, JODSFBTF PG JODPNF EFSJWFE GSPN OPJOWPMWFNFOUPGUIFQPQVMBUJPO
cultural and social development for tourism MPTT PG PQQPSUVOJUJFT UP EFWFMPQ
tourist destinations, but when the DSFBUJPOPGOFXKPCTSFMBUFEUPUPVSJTN cultural tourism
number of tourists becomes excessive JODSFBTFPGPWFSOJHIUTUBZTBOEUPVSJTN MPXRVBMJUZPGUIFUPVSJTUFYQFSJFODF
or the flows are not managed, a spending MPTT PG PQQPSUVOJUJFT UP QSPQPTF B
degradation of the natural environment JODSFBTFPGQSJWBUFJOWFTUNFOU iDPNQMFUFwUPVSJTNFYQFSJFODF
may occur, bringing negative MBDL PG B MPOH UFSN EFWFMPQNFOU
consequences for tourists and local TUSBUFHZ
inhabitants. MBDLPGBOJOUFHSBUJPOCFUXFFOOBUVSBM
This scenario is characterized by a DVMUVSBMBOETPDJBMSFTPVSDFT
steady and continuous increase of MPTTPGJOUFSFTUPOUIFQBSUPGJOWFTUPST
tourist flows, with the unique objective and tourists.
to increase the economic impacts.
Of course, it has positive economic
impacts, but could have negative social
and cultural impacts.
Tab. 4.1 Tourism development scenarios and their main features (continue in the next page)
397
Scenario 3 Sustainable Development Scenario

In this scenario, the economic and JODSFBTFPGUIFRVBMJUZPGUPVSJTN MPXFSJODPNFEFSJWFEGSPN
DPOTFSWBUJPOPCKFDUJWFTBSFJOCBMBODF JOWPMWFNFOUPGUIFQPQVMBUJPOJO tourism compared to the economic
its application can make it possible tourism management development scenario
to achieve goals such as preservation JODSFBTFPGUIFJODPNFEFSJWFEGSPN OFFEUPDPPSEJOBUFQSPDFTTFTBOE
of the natural and cultural resources, tourism strategies between a number of
promotion of economic development JODSFBTFPGRVBMJUZPGUIFUPVSJTU different subjects (such as: local
and satisfaction of the expectations of experience authorities, tour operators, population
tourists and inhabitants FOIBODFNFOUPGDVMUVSBMBOE etc.)
FOWJSPONFOUBMSFTPVSDFT
EFOJUJPOPGBMPOHUFSNEFWFMPQNFOU
strategy
JOUFHSBUJPOCFUXFFOOBUVSBM DVMUVSBM
and social resources
JODSFBTFPGJOUFSFTUPOUIFQBSUPG
investors and tourist.
Tab. 4.1 Tourism development scenarios and their main features
The assessment of the different scenarios, with their be implemented and appreciated: for this reason, it is
strengths and weaknesses, show a situation in which JNQPSUBOUUPFWBMVBUFBOBEEJUJPOBMTDFOBSJPBMPOH
only one solution is coherent with the objectives term scenario (10 years).
identified: the sustainable development scenario.
The Tab. 4.2 lists indicators useful to define objectives
Projections of future trends for 3 to 5 years are defined of the scenario for each of the 15 components of the
for this scenario. Development policies need time to DBOEJEBUF TJUF UIFTF JOEJDBUPST BSF UIF CBTJT GPS B
monitoring plan.
Component parts
Indicators 3 years 5 years 10 years
IT01 IT02 IT03 IT04 HR01 HR02 HR03 HR04 MNE01 MNE02 MNE03
+ 5%
+ 10% + 30%
Increase of number of c o m
co mpare d compared
hotel beds (%) pared to
to 2015 to 2015
2015
Increase of number of
tickets sold at museums + 20% + 30% + 50 %
(%)
average average
Increase of overnight average
stay 2 stay 4
stays (N) stay 3 days
days days
Increase of satisfaction
level of domestic visitors
50% 70% 100%
(% of tourists satisfied/
total)
Increase of satisfaction
level of international vis
50% 70% 100%
itors (% of tourists satis
fied/total)
398
Component parts
Indicators 3 years 5 years 10 years
IT01 IT02 IT03 IT04 HR01 HR02 HR03 HR04 MNE01 MNE02 MNE03
Increase of the
satisfaction of residents
50% 70% 100%
(% of resident satisfied/
total)
Seasonal adjustment
Proposal of activities for the
of tourism flows
autumn and winter seasons
(qualitative)
Involvement of
the population in Organization of activities aimed to
tourism management population involvement
(qualitative)
Proposal of activities/services
Increase of quality of
aimed to increase the quality of
the tourist experience
tourism experience (brochure,
(qualitative)
presence of local guides etc.)
Integration between Proposal of activities/services
natural, cultural and aimed to integrate nature, culture
social resources and social heritage
Tab. 4.2 Indicators for the sustainable development scenario
4.b.5 Number of inhabitants within the property and the buffer zone
Estimated population
Estimated population within
Id n Component part within the area of the
the area of the buffer zone
Total Year
component
*5 Fortified city of Bergamo 3200 8500 11700 2011
*5 Fortified city of Peschiera del Garda 320 2180 2500 2011
*5B Arsenale, Venezia 5
*5C Fort of SantAndrea, Venezia 0

131470 131500 2011
*5D Poveglia Octagon, Venezia 0
*5E Alberoni Octagon, Venezia 0
*5 City Fortress of Palmanova 2500 1000 3500 2011
)3 %FGFOTJWF4ZTUFNPG;BEBS 0 2000 2000 2015
)3 Fort of St. Nikola, JCFOJL,OJO$PVOUZ 0 0 0 2015
)3B Fortica Fortress, Hvar 0

500 500 2015
)3C Arsenal with built quay of port, Hvar 10
)3 Fortified city of Korula 1000 1000 2000 2015
./& Forte Mare, Herceg Novi 0 416 2015
./& Fortified city of Kotor 800 981 2015
./& Fortified city of Ulcinj 0 200 2015
399
5.
PROTECTION
AND
MANAGEMENT
OF THE
PROPERTY
5. PROTECTION AND MANAGEMENT OF
THE PROPERTY
5. PROTECTION AND MANAGEMENT OF THE PROPERTY _____________401

5.a Ownership ___________________________________________________________ 403
5.a.1 Proprietary structure of the specific components ________________________ 403
5.b Protective designation _________________________________________________ 412
5.b.1 International protection measures _____________________________________ 412
5.b.2 Protection measures of the specific components _________________________ 413
5.c Means of implementing protective measures _______________________________ 423
5.c.1 Means of implementing specific protective measures of the participating States 423
5.d Existing plans related to municipality and region in which the proposed Property
is located _____________________________________________________________426
5.d.1 Existing plans in the specific components _______________________________ 426
5.e Property management plan or other management system ____________________ 445
5.f Sources and levels of finance ____________________________________________ 445
5.f.1 General sources of finance ___________________________________________ 445
5.f.2 Sources of finance of the specific components __________________________ 447
5.g Sources of expertise and training in conservation and management techniques __ 450
5.g.1 Availability of competence and training projects of the specific components __ 450
5.h Visitor facilities and infrastructure ________________________________________ 455
5.h.1 Facilities and services for each component ______________________________ 455
5.i Policies and programmes related to the presentation and promotion of the
property_____________________________________________________________ 469
5.j Staffing levels and expertise (professional, technical maintenance) _____________ 471
5.j.1 Staffing levels for each specific component______________________________ 472
402
5.a OWNERSHIP
5.a Ownership can be transferred to territorial organisations.

t Ecclesiastical property. This type regards property
belonging to ecclesiastical organisations;
The components included in the serial candidature t Private property. This covers property belonging
Venetian Works of Defence between 15th and 17th to private subjects.
Centuries are characterised by a specific proprietary
condition for each site. Also regarding the Buffer Zone there are different
The complexity, determined by a different extension situations.
over the territory and the consistency of the heritage
involved, means it is necessary to carry out specific In particular, for the local System Defensive system
analysis for each component. of the City of Venezia it should be highlighted that
the perimeter of the buffer zone coincides with the
5.a.1 Proprietary structure of the specific perimeter of the UNESCO Site Venice and its Lagoon.
components The properties and juridical state are consequently
rather diversified including property belonging to the
ITALY State, region, council, ecclesiastical organisations and
private individuals.
The Italian components fall within the administrative
territory of four municipalities. The property is divided Even the territory included in the perimeter of the
in varying percentages among public and private. buffer zone of Palmanova consists mainly in privately-
Specifically, the types of properties found are the owned agricultural land.
following:
5.a.1.1 Fortified city of Bergamo
t Public domain. In Italy, the works intended for
national defense belong to the public domain. The overall surface area of this component is 119,61
In particular the permanent works engaged on hectares, all located within the administrative territory
national defense, such as fortresses, strongholds of the Municipality of Bergamo .
or fortified lines, are part of the state property
necessary military. The public domain property The heritage selected to be included in the Nomination
are essential to attain the purposes they are built has heterogeneous features and includes not only
for, and for this reason they are inalienable and manufactured products that make up the defensive
can not be subject to modifications. In addition, system, but also the constructed fabric of the associated
the assets recognized of great historical, artistic urban component; the resulting proprietary structure
and archaeological interest, whether they belong is therefore articulated and can be ascribed to various
to the state, shall also constitute part of the public subjects in varying percentages. The main subjects
domain, and constitute the cultural incidental involved are:
public property;
t Inalienable State property. The natural defences t Public domain,
and movable and immovable property which do t Public bodies (Lombardy Region, Province of
not have directly defensive purposes such as, for Bergamo, Municipality of Bergamo ),
example, barracks and armaments, belong to t Ecclesiastical organisations ,
the inalienable property of the State. The main t Private subjects.
characteristic of this property is its inalienability, as
it is in fact bound for public use; Defensive structure: the property is mainly public,
t Public property. This type of property belongs to distributed between public domain the surrounding
the State, when it is not part of the public domain walls and the Municipality of Bergamo the four
or inalienable property, or territorial organisations urban gates and the St Vigilio Fort. Only a few small
such as Regions, Provinces and Councils. Today, portions, including the St Domenico Fort, are privately
following a reform in the law, State public property owned.
403
THE PROPERTY
In 2010, the Municipality of Bergamo communicated 5.a.1.2 Fortified city of Peschiera del Garda
its interest in transferring the property of the entire
bastion perimeter to the Ministry of the Economy The overall surface of the component is 36,67 hectares
and Finances and the Domain Agency. To date, this and falls entirely within the administrative territory of
intention has not been formalised yet. the Municipality of Peschiera del Garda, in the province
Associated urban component: many buildings are of Verona.
public property, divided between State-owned
(barracks, shelters, offices, etc.) and council-owned The selected assets consist mainly of the master walls
(Fortress, Citadel and other public buildings). The and artifacts related to it which fall within it (such as the
remaining part of the urban fabric can be ascribed to associated urban component, the Fortress structure.
ecclesiastical organisations and private property.
Fig. 1 Proprietary set up of the defensive structure of the fortified city of Peschiera del Garda .
404
5.a OWNERSHIP
The proprietary subjects are: Cassa Depositi e Prestiti S.g.r. Investimenti commissions
the maintenance of the property belonging to them
t Public State domain, to a services company, REVALO Property Service Spa
t Cassa Depositi e Prestiti S.g.r. Investimenti, (formerly Beni Stabili BSPS Spa) which has proven
t Ecclesiastical property, timely intervention when needed.
t Private property,
t Public property . 5.a.1.3 Defensive system of the City of Venezia
Defensive Structure and associated urban fabric: Fig.1 All the components belonging to this local system falls
shows the current proprietary set up of the defensive within the administrative territory of the Council of
structure. Specifically, there are three main interlocutors Venice.
for the walls: Public Domain, which owns part of the
surrounding wall, the Querini Bastion, Porta Brescia ARSENALE, VENEZIA
and half of the Voltoni Bridge; Cassa Depositi e Prestiti
S.g.r. Investimenti, which owns the associated urban This property (31,69 hectares) belongs principally
component (Fortress-Barracks XXX Maggio), the other to the Council of Venice (formally passed to in 2013
half of the Voltoni bridge, the Cantarane Bastiona and whith Legislative Decree 17/12/2012 nr 221). The
the stretch of wall up to the Feltrin Bastion; the council remaining portion is divided between Military Marina,
which owns the remaining part of the outside walls, State Domain Transport and Navigation Area and
the stretch between Feltrin Bastion and Togno Bastion, Historical-Artistic Area.
including the Powder Factory near Porta Brescia, The uses and subjects present in the Arsenal (Legislative
where renovations have been completed. The council Decree 221/2012) are: Thetis spa, ACTV spa, Consorzio
also owns the Artillery Barracks, the Porta Verona hall, Venezia Nuova, Enel, CNR-ISMAR, Interregional
Radetzky Hall and San Marco Bastion, which were Provveditorato for Public Works for Veneto - Trentino
exchanged with the Ministry of Defence between 1985 Alto Adige - Friuli Venezia Giulia and the Venice Biennial
and 1986. The remaining part of the urban fabric within Foundation.
the walls is owned by ecclesiastical organisations (such
as the Church of St Martin), non-profit organisations FORT OF SANTANDREA, VENEZIA
and private owners. Porta Verona, which is regularly
subjected to routine maintenance commissioned by This property (3,06 hectares) belongs to the State
the Council, is currently the subject of an unresolved Domain and has been identified among that properties
dispute about the property, which is expected to be belonging to heritage of cultural interest (Legislative
solved in the near future. Decree 42/2004). The Fort of SantAndrea is subject
to a programme of valorisation (Legislative Decree
A valorisation project is currently underway for the 85/2010) regarding the free transfer of immovable
acquisition of Porta Brescia, the Command Palace of goods belonging to the States cultural heritage to
the Fortress and the relative gardens of the Querini territorial organisations, based on specific valorisation
Bastion (apart from the portion owned by the Police agreements. The programme plans to use the fort for
Academy) and the Serenissima Park, today known as tourist, cultural and museum activities and for cultural
Catullo. This property, which the council has been productions and public shows.
using for decades for public purposes by assuming
all necessary conservational works and maintenance, POVEGLIA OCTAGON, VENEZIA
will become property of the council who, through this
initiative, will confirm the commitment already taken This property (0,27 hectares) belongs to the State
towards the valorisation of this site. Upon conclusion Domain and has been identified as a piece of heritage
of this course, the Municipality of Peschiera will be able of cultural interest (Legis. Decree 42/2004). In May
to guarantee full public use of most of the works of the 2014, the property of the surface area of the octagon,
Venetian matrix. together with the other two islands in the Poveglia
compendium, was put to auction by the Domain
405
THE PROPERTY
Agency for a duration of 99 years. The commission 5.a.1.4 Fortified city of Palmanova
evaluated the offers received as not suitable and the
compendium remained the property of the State. The overall surface area of this component is 193,73
hectares and falls completely within the administrative
ALBERONI OCTAGON, VENEZIA territory of the Council of Palmanova.
This property (0,25 hectares) is privately owned. The heritage chosen includes the artifacts of the three
fortified walls, the urban fabric within the walls and the
Fig. 2 Identification of the properties .
406
5.a OWNERSHIP
council territory just outside the third and final fortified Defensive structure : as shown in Fig. 2, currently the
wall. There are a number of owners, the most important fortified walls of Palmanova and the manufactured
being: products found therein belong to two different
entities. The most consistent part of the walls belongs
t Public domain , to the Public Domain and is partly managed by the
t Military domain, Civil Engineers and partly by the Armed Forces, who
t Council of Palmanova, also manage the Museo della Grande Guerra e della
t Private subjects. Fortezza di Palmanova; the remaining part belongs to
Fig. 3 Ambit of the fortified walls indicating the property requested in Concession by the Council of Palmanova to the State Domain in 2011
and the other areas managed by the Armed Forces.
407
THE PROPERTY
the Council of Palmanova. belongs to County of Zadar,

In November 2011, a temporary consignment was t Ownership of the castle: City of Zadar.
signed between the Domain Agency and the Council
of Palmanova for a large part of the bastioned wall of 5.a.1.6 St. Nikolas Fortress, ibenik-Knin County
the fortress, Fig.3, to allow the Administration to carry
out works to clean out unwanted vegetation, and other The overall surface area of this component is 0,85
cleaning, preservation and protection works, while hectares.
awaiting a definitive consignment of the structure. The fort of St Nikola is described in the title deed as a
Currently, procedures have been set in motion for the Maritime Domain of interest to the Republic of Croatia.
definitive concession. On the basis of a concession agreement the property
was assigned for management to the Public Institution
Urban fabric: the city is divided up between council of Protected Natural Values of ibenik-Knin County.
property (areas for sports activities and cemeteries),
military property for the barracks and private property. 5.a.1.7 Defensive system of Hvar
CROATIA The overall area of all the components belonging to

this local system lies in the territory of the municipality
The Croatian components fall within the administrative of Hvar.
territory of four Municipalities. The property is therefore
divided in varying percentages between public and FORTICA FORTRESS, HVAR
private subjects. Specifically, the types of property are
as below: The owner of the fortress (1,44 hectares) is the City of
t Property of the State: some elements within the Hvar.
Nominated property (for example, the Old Glass
Museum in Zara, found on the top of one of the ARSENAL WITH BUILT QUAY OF PORT, HVAR
bastions) belong to the Croatian State,
t Property of the City. Almost all the elements of The owner of this component (1,37 hectares) is the City
public property belong to the respective Cities, of Hvar.
Private property. This type covers all property
belonging to private subjects. 5.a.1.8 Fortified city of Korula
Also regarding the Buffer Zones there are different The overall surface area of this component is 3,86
situations. hectares.
In Korula, as in all other old Croatian cities, there are
5.a.1.5 Defensive system of Zadar three categories of ownership of cultural properties
(Fig 4):
The overall surface area of this component is 11,19
hectares. t municipal,
The area of the component lies entirely in the territory t registered under the local administration (City of
of the municipality of Zadar. Korula) and
t Ownership of the walls: City of Zadar, t private, which includes physical persons and
t Ownership of the bastions: City of Zadar, privates church institutions.
(owners of some commercial activities laying on/
in the bastions), State of Croatia (owner of the Accordingly, all the fortifications as well as the secular
Glass museum laying on the St. Marcele bastion) public buildings preserved from the past are in the
defensive structure , ownership of the municipality-city while the residential
t Ownership of the fort: City of Zadar; except for the houses and palaces belong to various domestic
school, which uses a former Austrian caserma and or foreign private persons. The sacral architecture
is mostly in the ownership of the local parish or
408
5.a OWNERSHIP
Dubrovnik diocese although there are a number of MONTENEGRO

structures in the ownership of old city religious or
artisan brotherhoods. These components fall within the administrative
territory of three Municipalities. The property is
.258/$ 2ZQHUVKLS
]
SULYDWH
FKXUFK
SXEOLF
P
Fig. 4 Proprietary set up of the fortified city of Korula
409
THE PROPERTY
therefore divided in varying percentages between 5.a.1.9 Forte Mare, Herceg Novi
public and private subjects. Specifically, the types of
property are as below: The area within the limits of Nominated designated
t Public property. Almost all public property belongs heritage (0,07 hectares) is owned by the State, managed
to the respective councils, by Municipality of Herceg Novi.
t Private property. This type covers all property
belonging to private subjects. Ecclesiastical 5.a.1.10 Fortified city of Kotor
property. This type covers all property belonging All free and non-built areas within the limits of
to ecclesiastical entities. Also regarding the Buffer designated heritage (16,32 hectares) are owned by
Zone there are different situations.
Fig. 5 Specific proprietary structure of City of Kotor
410
5.a OWNERSHIP
the State, municipality of Kotor, that is around 60 per 5.a.1.11 Fortified city of Ulcinj
cent of the total area of designated heritage including
ramparts. The overall surface area of this component is 0,54
The rest are facilities within the town including: 30 hectares.
per cent of facilities in private property, 10 per cent The area of the component features varied ownership,
of facilities owned by the state/municipality and 10 as follows (Fig 6):
per cent owned by religious groups and other mixed t Public ownership (State/municipality) in regard of
ownership (Fig5.). the northern wall and the square,
t Private ownership of the church and tower,
t Custom building owned by the religious
community .
Fig. 6 Specific proprietary structure of Ulcinj
411
THE PROPERTY
5.b Protective designation reference:
t Convention regarding global protection of the

Regarding the regulatory aspect of the protection, the cultural and natural heritage (Paris, 1972) Date of
site contains fortified properties which are generally ratification/signature by the Participating States:
subject to legal protective measures by the competent Italy 1978, Croatia 1992, Montenegro 2007. Each
national authorities in each of the three participating State participating in the Convention accepts
States. This guarantees that each property is subject the obligation to guarantee the identification,
to regulatory control and monitoring measures protection, conservation, valorisation and
and the supervision by personnel qualified in transmission to future generations of the cultural
conservation during renovations, maintenance and and natural heritage in communal living and to
refunctionalisation works. integrate the protection of this heritage in general
planning programmes.
The technical terminology used varies depending t Convention for the Protection of Cultural Property
on the national context, but adequate and complete in the Event of Armed Conflict with Regulations for
protection is guaranteed for the components and the the Execution of the Convention 1954 (The Hague,
corresponding buffer zones. 14 May 1954) and its First Protocol relating to the
prohibition on exports of cultural heritage from
5.b.1 International protection measures occupied territories (The Hague, 14 May 1954) and
Second Protocol related to the event of declared
The protection of the site is guaranteed in the first war or of any other armed conflict which may arise
place by a series of international Conventions and between two or more of the High Contracting
Recommendations, referring in particular to the Parties and to all cases of partial or total occupation
safeguarding of historical cities heritage and landscape. of the territory of a High Contracting Party (The
These represent the juridical basis and the direction Hague, 26 March 1999). Date of ratification /
for the national legislation of each State Party which signature of States Parties: Italy 1958, Croatia 1992,
regulates the management of the heritage of its own Montenegro 2007.
country. t The Council of Europe, European Charter of the
Architectural Heritage (Strasbourg, 26 September
In particular, the conservation of urban heritage 1975).
is an important part of the contemporary policies t Convention for the Protection of the Architectural
regarding the protection of cultural heritage and Heritage of Europe (Granada, 1985). Date of
is an internationally-accepted, tested system of ratification / signature of States Parties: Italy 1989,
conservation principles that also finds recognition in Croatia 1993, Montenegro 2001.
the main national juridical tools. t European Convention on the Protection of
The sensitivity to conservation problems has gradually Archaeological Heritage (revised; Valetta, 16
extended from a conception of punctual protection, January 1992). Date of ratification / signature of
linked to the individual monuments and the States Parties: Croatia 2004, Italy 2015, Montenegro
complementary surroundings, to a wider consideration not ratified / signed.
of the urban environment. t Council of Europe, the European Landscape
Convention (Florence, 20 October 2000). Date of
This new conservation approach, integrated in a wider ratification / signature of States Parties: Croatia
urban context, is received in the conservation strategies 2003, Italy 2006, Montenegro 2009.
set up by the member States and applied by the local t Convention on the Protection of Underwater
authorities in elaborating tools able to preserve and Cultural Heritage (2001). Date of ratification
integrate the goals to conserve the urban heritage with / signature of States Parties: Croatia 2004,
those of socio-economic development. Montenegro 2008, Italy 2010.
t Framework Convention of the Council of Europe
Below are the main protection tools of international on the value of cultural heritage to society (Faro,
412
5.b PROTECTIVE DESIGNATION
27 October 2005). Date of ratification / signature Since May 2006, the process of economic and political
of States Parties: Croatia 2005, Montenegro 2007, stability accelerates, as well as the democratization of
Italy 2013. society and the priority national project - the process of
t Recommendation regarding the Historical Urban European and Euro-Atlantic integration. In this regard,
Landscape (November 2011). many national and local laws have been aligned with
European legislation and this process is continuing,
The protection and preservation of cultural heritage is with the reform of key government departments,
the subject of numerous regulations by UNESCO and training and empowering state administration.
ICOMOS and international professional associations: The achieved level of stability of the country and
the success of Montenegro in the process of the
t UNESCO Convention on the Protection of Cultural community of nations, have contributed to the creation
Property in the Event of Armed Conflict with of a favourable political and economic environment
Regulations on Execution (The Hague, May 14, for conducting adequate policy in the field of cultural
1954and its First Protocol relating to the prohibition heritage protection.
on exports of cultural heritage from occupied
territories (The Hague, 14 May 1954) and Second 5.b.2 Protection measures of the specific
Protocol related to the event of declared war or of components
any other armed conflict which may arise between
two or more of the High Contracting Parties and ITALY
to all cases of partial or total occupation of the
territory of a High Contracting Party (The Hague, The Italian components proposed for registration,
26 March 1999). Date of ratification / signature of thanks to the uniqueness and individuality of the
States Parties: Italy 1958, Croatia 1992, Montenegro cultural values represented and for their consistency
2007, characterised by historical, architectural and urban
t UNESCO Convention on the Protection of the World heritage, are subject to numerous protection and
Cultural and Natural Heritage (Paris, 16 November conservation measures and tools on a national level,
1972). Date of ratification / signature of States and particularly regarding:
Parties: Italy 1978, Croatia 1992, Montenegro 2007.
t UNESCO Universal Declaration on Cultural Diversity a) legislation to protect cultural and landscape
(Paris, 2 November 2001), property ,
t UNESCO Convention for the Safeguarding of the b) measures to protect State property and heritage,
Intangible Cultural Heritage (Paris 17 October c) regulations to safeguard the environment.
2003). Date of ratification / signature of States
Parties: Croatia 2005, Italy 2007, Montenegro 2009., a) legislation to protect cultural and landscape property
t UNESCO Convention on the Protection and
Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions As of today, Italian cultural and landscape heritage
(Paris, 20 October 2005). Date of ratification / is recognised and protected by the Cultural and
signature of States Parties: Croatia 2006, Italy 2007, Landscape Heritage Code (Legislative Decree nr. 42
Montenegro 2008, of 22nd January 2004) which represents the national
t ICOMOS, the International Charter on the reference regulation framework.
conservation and restoration of monuments and
sites (Rome, 26 May 1981), The unitary exercise of the functions to protect and
t ICOMOS, the Charter for the conservation of survey protected heritage is the responsibility of the
historic towns and urban areas - Washington Italian State and, therefore, of the Ministry for Cultural
Charter (Washington, 7/15. October 1987). Activities and Heritage and Tourism (MiBACT) and its
relevant offices known as Regional Management and
The stability of the state and the exercise of all of its Superintendencies.
functions are essential for adequate protection and
successful management of inherited cultural values.
413
THE PROPERTY
Moreover, the valorisation, management and landscape resources through special legislation.
predisposition of the best conditions of use of the Any intervention on these areas must be authorised
property are the responsibility of the Regions and by the Region (or delegated organisations). The
other local organisations. Superintendencys opinion is final following a
The protection measures acting in compliance with check that the project is compatible with the
the Cultural and Landscape Code on the chosen preservation objectives of the property;
components are the following: t Art.142 Areas protected by law (L.D. 42/2004):
protection measures applied to areas of landscape
t Art. 10 Cultural Property (Legislative Decree by law and not according to normal procedures.
42/2004): punctually indicates property of artistic, These are applied to coastal territory within 300
historical, archaeological, ethno-anthropological, metres from the shore, to territories bordered by
archival and bibliographical interest or anything of lakes within 300 metres from the shore, to rivers,
worth to civilisation. They are subject to protection streams, watercourses and the relative banks or
and conservation for public purposes. Each beds for 150 metres each, to mountains exceeding
activity is subject to specific authorisation by the 1,600 metres above sea level for the Alps and
competent Superintendent who may deny it for 1,200 metres above sea level for the Apennines
conservation reasons; and the islands, glaciers and glacial cirques, parks
t Art. 13 Declaration of cultural interest (L.D. and national or regional reserves, as well as buffer
42/2004): provides that all activities on the zones outside of the parks, land covered by forests
property declared as being of cultural interest must and woods, and areas of archaeological interest.
be authorised by the relevant Superintendency; Interventions on these areas are granted or denied
t Art. 28 Preventative cautionary measures (L.D. by the relevant authorities (Region or delegated
42/2004): reinforces protection system of the organisations). The Superintendency ensures and
Cultural and Landscape Property Code. The checks that the project is compatible with the
Superintendency may, in fact, order the suspension preservation of the resource in question.
of any intervention started without or in default of
the authorisation; b) Measures to protect State property and heritage
t Art. 45 Prescriptions of indirect protection (L.D.
42/2004): defines the distances, measures and The protection of state property is ensured at national
other regulations aimed at protecting the integrity level covered nationally by the Italian Civil Code.
of the cultural immovable property, as well as the
view or light or surroundings and decorations The protection of State property is guaranteed by the
thereof. This regulations are adopted in the following articles of the civil code:
framework construction regulations and urban
planning tools; t Art. 823 Juridical condition of the public domain.
t Art.134 Landscape property (L.D. 42/2004): This is a protection measure that defines the
safeguarding measures applied in areas of regime of inalienability for state property. The
interest thanks to their unique landscape features, protection of the property is the responsibility of
representing an expression of historical, cultural, the administrative authority. This authority has the
natural, morphological and aesthetic value in the right both to proceed in the administrative route
territory of reference. The Regions (or delegated as well as make use of ordinary methods to defend
organisations) award or deny authorisation for any the property and the possession thereof.,
intervention; while the Superintendency ensures t Art. 828 -Juridical condition of heritage. This is a
the legitimacy of the authorisation, verifying that protection measure that defines the impossibility
the project is compatible with the preservation of removing heritage sites from their purpose of
objectives of the property. use unless as established by the laws regarding it.
t Art.136 Real estate and areas of significant public
interest (L.D. 42/2004): safeguarding measures
applied to the areas of interest thanks to their
414
c) Regulations to safeguard the environment application of said measures is monitored by the

other members.
The complexity of the selectedterritories c means that
the components are subject to a further protection 5.b.2.1 Fortified city of Bergamo
regime determined by the regulations regarding
environment protection. The analysis of the obligations existing on the Fortified
In fact, the selected Italian territory includes some City of Bergamo fully defines the protection and
protected areas that are of national and regional safeguarding measures present in the area and working
importance thanks to their natural characteristics. on the chosen heritage which derive, as indicated in
Currently, the Italian State preserve the protected areas the national level, from the legislation and measures
and the preservation of species and habitats through regarding the protection of cultural and landscape
the Draft Law regarding Protected Areas (Law nr. 394 property and environmental safeguarding.
of 6th December 1991) aimed at guaranteeing and
promoting, in a coordinated way, the preservation and Specifically, the obligations of protection and
valorisation of the countrys natural heritage. conservation refer back to the following, previously
identified protection measures (see 5.b.2-a):
Moreover, the protection system of the protected areas
is integrated in the contest of the European Ecological t Art. 10 Cultural property (L.D.42/2004),
Network (Natura 2000), which finds the regulations and t Art.134 Landscape property (L.D.42/2004),
directions for safeguarding natural and seminatural t Art.136 Real estate and areas of noteworthy
habitats and biodiversity in the Community Directives. public interest (L.D.42/2004),
Directive 92/43/EEC was put into effect in Italy in 1997 t Art.142 Areas protected by law (L.D.42/2004).
through President of the Republics Decree nr. 357of 8th
September 1997 and aims to discipline the procedures further environmental protection deriving from
to adopt measures set up by directive 92/43/EEC the specific regulations regarding environmental
Habitat, regarding the conservation of natural and safeguarding (see 5.b.2-c).
seminatural habitats and wild flora and fauna.
The protection measures foreseen by the law regarding 5.b.2.2 Fortified city of Peschiera del Garda
protected areas and the Ecological Network are,
specifically: The analysis of the obligations existing on the Fortified
City of Bergamo fully defines the protection and
t Art. 12 (L.D. 394/1991): the protection is the safeguarding measures present in the area and working
responsibility of the Park Board through the Park on the chosen heritage which derive, as indicated in
Plan protection tool which must, specifically the national level, from the legislation and measures
discipline the general organisation of the territory regarding the protection of cultural and landscape
and its division into areas or parts characterised by property and environmental safeguarding.
different types of use, enjoyment and protection,
the obligations, vehicles and pedestrians Specifically, the obligations of protection and
access systems, equipment and services for the conservation refer back to the following, previously
management of the park and the criteria for identified protection measures (see 5.b.2-a):
interventions on the flora, fauna and the natural
environment in general, t Art. 10 Cultural property (L.D.42/2004),
t Art. 13 Declaration of cultural interest
t Art. 2 (Directive 92/43/EEC): to guarantee, through (L.D.42/2004),
the institution of Sites of Community Importance t Art. 45 Prescriptions of indirect protection
(SCI), the preservation of natural and seminatural (L.D.42/2004).
habitats, which benefit from particular priorities t Art.134 Landscape property (L.D.42/2004),
for its preservation. Special conservation measures t Art.142 Areas protected by law (L.D.42/2004).
are applied by each Member State, and the
415
THE PROPERTY
Further environmental protection deriving from 5.b.2.4 City fortress of Palmanova

the specific regulations regarding environmental
safeguarding (see 5.b.2-c). In particular SIC SPA of the The analysis of the obligations in operation in the City
NATURA 2000 nr. IT3210018 (Lower Garda) network fortress of Palmanova highlights the overall system of
and SCI of the NATURA 2000 nr. IT3210003 (Frassino measures to protect cultural and landscape property
Lake) network. and to safeguard the environment deriving from
national law.
5.b.2.3 Defence system of the City of Venezia The protection measures working in the council of
Palmanova are divided thus:
ARSENALE, VENEZIA
FORT OF SANTANDREA, VENEZIA t Art. 10 Cultural property (L.D.42/2004)
POVEGLIA OCTAGON, VENEZIA t Art. 45 Prescriptions of indirect protection
(L.D.42/2004)
Specifically, the protection and conservation t Art.142 Areas protected by law (L.D.42/2004)
obligations for all three of the above-mentioned t further environment protection deriving from
components of the system refer to the following the specific laws regarding environmental
previously identified protection measures (see 5.b.2-a): safeguarding (see 5.b.2-c).
t Art. 13 Declaration of cultural interest The protection measures applied by the Cultural and
(L.D.42/2004), Landscape Property Code affect the entire city of
t Art.136 Real estate and areas of noteworthy Palmanova.
public interest (L.D.42/2004). This obligation was
acknowledged by the Lagoon Area and Venetian CROATIA
Area Plan (PALAV) which has landscape value.
Unlike Italy, Croatia has a strictly nationalized system of
Finally it should be mentioned that the ambit of the cultural heritage protection.
Arsenal, the Fort of SantAndrea and the Poveglia
Octagon confines with environment protection The Constitution of the Republic of Croatia (adopted
measures (see 5.b.2-c) SCI - SPA of the NATURA 2000 nr. in 1990, amended in 2001, 2010 and 2014) guarantees
IT3250046 Venice Lagoon network. the freedom of scientific, cultural and artistic creativity
and prescribes that the state is obliged to stimulate
ALBERONI OCTAGON, VENEZIA and help their development (Article 69). It guarantees
freedom of thought and expression, freedom of the
Specifically, the protection and conservation media, freedom of speech and public activities, and
obligations for the Alberoni Octagon refer to the prohibits censorship (Article 38).
following previously identified protection measures The Constitution also guarantees the right to a healthy
(see 5.b.2-a): life and environment and requires government bodies
and legal entities to pay attention to the protection of
t Art. 10 Cultural property (L.D.42/2004), human health, nature and the human environment.
t Art.136 Real estate and areas of noteworthy The sea and other natural resources and items of special
public interest (L.D.42/2004). This obligation was cultural, historic, economic or ecological significance
acknowledged by the Lagoon Area and Venetian enjoy special protection by the state (Articles 69 and
Area Plan (PALAV) which has landscape value. 52).
Finally, it should be mentioned that the ambit of The main national act regulating the protection of
the Alberoni Octagon confines with environment cultural heritage is the Act on the Protection and
protection measures (see 5.b.2-c) SCI - SPA of the Preservation of Cultural Property (Official Gazette:
NATURA 2000 nr. IT3250046 Venice Lagoon network. 69/99, 151/03, 157/03, amendments 87/09, 88/10,
61/11, 25/12).
416
The system of protection measures in a cultural- t Ordinance on the form, content and method of
historical area is established according to the special keeping the Register of the Cultural Property of the
Instruction on the means of establishing the system Republic of Croatia (Official Gazette 89/11),
of protection measures for immovable cultural goods t Ordinance on professional titles in conservation-
proposed for inscription in the Register of Cultural restoration activities and conditions and manner
Properties. In accordance with the historical, cultural, of their attainment (Official Gazette 59/09),
urban and architectural values of the area, three levels t Ordinance on the determination of cultural objects
of a protection regime are prescribed: considered as national treasures of EU Member
t full protection of historical structures (Zone A), States (Official Gazette 38/04);
t partial protection of historical structures (Zone B), t Regulation on the merging of,public institutions
t protection in the immediate environment (Zone engaged in restoration activities (OG 2/97, 119/01),
C). t Regulation on the establishment of the
Measures for the protection of cultural-historical International Centre for Underwater Archaeology
areas prescribe zoning in these categories, of which in Zadar (OG 33/08).
the C category includes protection of the immediate
environment. This zone, according to the definition, Further international legal provisions:
contains sparse indications of historical structures,
or no important examples of architectural heritage, t Regulation on the promulgation of the Agreement
but nonetheless, preservation of the immediate between the Government of the Republic of
environment contributes to the harmony of the area, Croatia and the Government of the United States
and accordingly, greater inventions are only permitted of America on the protection and preservation
if protection measures are adhered to. of certain cultural heritage (OG International
In their own way, such protection zones have been Conventions, 9/06, 2/07 promulgation),
granted the status of buffer zones, but in recent t Regulation on the Ratification of the Treaty
times, the historical monument annuity has led to between UNESCO and the Government of the
the reduction of C-type zones, or their complete Republic of Croatia on the Establishment of the
eradication, and this has had negative consequences, Regional Centre for Underwater Archaeology in
particularly on the protection of the panoramic views Zadar, Croatia, as a Category II Centre under the
of historical settlements. auspices of UNESCO (OG 1/09).
A series of national ordinances and regulations Croatian regulations are aligned with the main
specifies the procedures and the instruments to gain European legal texts, Council of Europe conventions,
the full protection of cultural heritage: recommendations and resolutions. The experiences
of other countries have also been taken into account,
t Ordinance on the identity card of inspectors for including their legislation in the field of cultural
the protection of cultural property and on the form heritage protection.
and manner of keeping records on implemented
supervisions (Official Gazette 129/99), The Republic of Croatia has been an active participant
t Ordinance on conditions under which physical in the adoption of the Convention on the Protection of
and legal persons obtain permits for work on the Underwater Heritage and was the third country in the
protection and preservation of cultural property world to ratify it.
(Official Gazette 74/03, 44/10),
t Ordinance on the procedure and manner of issuing Following the ratification of the Convention on
permits for undertaking underwater activities in European Landscapes in 2002, Croatia did not
interior waters and territorial sea waters of the prescribe a unified methodology at the expert level for
Republic of Croatia that are protected as cultural identifying, making an inventory, evaluating, classifying
property (Official Gazette 22/09, 36/11), and protecting landscapes, which has made it difficult
t Ordinance on archaeological research (Official to implement the Convention in practice.
Gazette 102/10),
417
THE PROPERTY
The Republic of Croatia is a party to the Convention through landscape protection, management and
on the Protection of Cultural Heritage in the Event planning instruments.
of Armed Conflict and the Protocol relating to the In this strategy it was identified that the issue of the
prohibition on the export of cultural heritage from landscape conservation has not been fully understood
occupied territories of 8 October 1991, pursuant to due to the division of the competences between the
notification of succession. three main sectors involved (spatial planning, nature
protection and protection of cultural heritage).
The following current national Acts relate to the cultural The Nature Protection Act (OG 70/05, 139/08 and
heritage protection issues: 57/11) has several articles related to cultural heritage
and landscape (Articles 2, 5, 11, 13, 16, 18, 81, 83 and
t Act on Physical Planning and Construction (OG 129). In the terms of this Act, nature is defined as overall
76/07,38/09,55/11,90/11,50/12), biological and landscape diversity.
t Act on Architectural and Engineering Activities Therefore, nature protection is implemented through
in Physical Planning and Construction (OG the conservation of biological and landscape diversity
152/08,49/11), and protection of natural resources.
t Act on Procedures regarding Illegally Built
Structures (OG 86/12), For further information regarding the application of
t Act on Environmental Protection (OG 110/07), the abovementioned laws and regulations see chap 5.c
t Regulation on the Strategic Assessment of
the Impact of Plans and Programmes on the 5.b.2.5 Defensive system of Zadar
Environment (OG 64/08),
t Regulation on Informing and Participation of the Zadar as a cultural and historical unit has the attribute of
Public and Interested Public on Environmental cultural property in the sense defined by the Law on the
Protection Issues (OG 64/08) . Protection and Preservation of Cultural Properties (OG,
no. 69/99 and 157/03) and is inscribed in the Register
The current legislation related to the environmental of Cultural Properties of the Republic of Croatia List of
and nature protection is as follows: cultural properties of national importance, registered
number Z-3409 of 2007.
Environmental Protection Act (OG 110/07) regulates the
principles of environmental protection and sustainable Inside the spatial boundaries of the cultural and
development, as well as all aspects of the protection of historical unit, individual protection is enjoyed by
the environmental components. some complexes and individual historical buildings
The relationship between environmental protection that are inscribed in the Register of Cultural Properties
and cultural heritage is mainly based through ensuring of the Republic of Croatia List of protected cultural
sustainable development, where one of the goals is properties. Between these properties, there is the
protection and renovation of cultural and aesthetic Zadar fort.
values of landscape. The city walls are protected by the Act of Protection as
The Strategy and Action Plan for the Protection of part of the historic centre of Zadar.
Biological and Landscape Diversity of the Republic of The national conservation act applies on zones A+B.
Croatia and the Nature Protection Act are documents The fort is a botanic monument, protected by a specific
and regulations which are the most related to the environmental protection law.
cultural heritage.
5.b.2.6 Fort of San Nikola, ibenik- Knin County
The Strategy and Action Plan for the Protection of
Biological and Landscape Diversity of the Republic Fort of San Nikola is inscribed in the Register of Cultural
of Croatia (OG 143/08), elaborates on the Landscape Properties of the Republic of Croatia List of cultural
Conservation issue. Since the Republic of Croatia has properties of national importance.
ratified the European Landscape Convention, there is The national conservation act applies on zones A.
an obligation to implement landscape conservation Fort of San Nikola is protected by of the following
418
National Laws: 02/1; REF.NO.:2182/1-15/1-01-13-1).
t Law on the Protection of Nature, in force since 7 In accordance with paragraph 3, Article 43.b of the
July 2013 (Official Gazette no. 80/13): in particular Law on the Protection and Preservation of Cultural
art. 7, 9, 118, 130, Property which states that the notice on the intention
t Law on the Protection and Preservation of Cultural of giving a concession must also contain conditions
Properties (Official Gazette nos. 69/99,151/03, of the protection and preservation of cultural
157/03, 100/04, 87/09, 88/10, 61/11,25/12,136/12, properties established by the competent body, special
157/13,152/14), in force since 30 December 2014, conservation protection conditions were obtained for
t Law on Maritime Domain and Seaports (Official the Fort of St Nikola on the occasion of issuing the
Gazette nos.158/03,100/04,123/11, 141/06, concession for the special use of the maritime property.
38/09).
5.b.2.7 Defensive system of Hvar
The Public Institution of Protection of Natural Values
of ibenik-Knin County manages, in line with the FORTICA FORTRESS, HVAR
Law on the Protection of Nature (Official Gazette no. ARSENAL WITH BUILT QUAY OF PORT, HVAR
80/13), the significant landscape of the Channel Port
in ibenik, within which the Fort of St Nikola is located. The entire City of Hvar is protected since 1970, in line
with the laws in force at the time and inscribed in the
The significant landscape of the channel port was Register of the Regional Institute in Split under number
proclaimed a protected area of nature on the basis of RST-540. Most of the main public buildings, including
the Decision of the Municipal Assembly of ibenik no. those that can be considered parts of the renaissance
12172/1-ZS-1794 of 22 April 1974 and was inscribed in naval port were protected as individual monuments
the Register of specially protected features of nature as early as 1964 and also inscribed in the then Register
on 30 October 1986 on the basis of the Decision no. of the Regional Institute in Split under the following
UpI 31-1986. numbers: the Arsenal, RST-215; Mandra RST-212;
Fabrika, RST-213; city walls, RST-210; Fortica, RST-214;
The Proclamation Act specifies that the Fort of St Paladini Palace, RST-479.
Nikola is located within the protected area.
In line with the provisions of the Law on the Protection
It is clearly discernible from the court register and Preservation of Cultural Properties), Narone
certificate that the Public Institution of Protection of novine (Official Gazette nos.) 69/99, 151/03, 157/03,
Natural Values of ibenik-Knin County, is among other, 100/04, 87/10, 61/11, 25/12, 136/12, 157/13, 154/14
registered for the works on historical features and a revision was carried out of the previous decision on
structures and similar attractions for visitors and that it the protection of cultural-historical complexes of the
has the consent of the Ministry of Culture for carrying City of Hvar as well as of the previously mentioned
out such works in the form of a Decision specifying individual cultural properties. The revisions were
that the decision on the establishment of the Public carried out in the period from 2009 to 2014. The cultural
Institution is in accordance with the law. historic complex of the City of Hvar was inscribed in
the Register of Cultural Properties of the Republic of
The Public Institution is the authorized entity of the Croatia List of Protected Cultural Properties of the
concession for special-purpose uses of the maritime Republic of Croatia under number 5560 including the
domain with a view to carrying out activities in the other individually protected cultural properties which
fields of culture, science, information, protection and were also inscribed in the same Register: the city walls
sustainable use. In October 2012, the Public Institution under no. 5108, Paladini Palace under no. 6357, Fortica
of Protected Natural Values and the ibenik-Knin under no. 6362, the Arsenal under no. 6398, and Fabrika
County signed a Concession Agreement regarding under no. 6395.
the special use of the maritime domain of the St Ana
channel south side in ibenik (REG.NO.:342-01/13- In accordance with item 3.3. - Guidelines on the
419
THE PROPERTY
establishment of a system of protection measures for all the fortifications, and the same criteria have been
immovable cultural properties proposed for inscription kept to this day. However, in the subsequent urban
in the Register of Cultural Properties (Ministry of Culture, master and partial urban plans and development
Administration for the Protection of Cultural Heritage programme for zones outside the city limits for
of March 31, 2004), in the area of the cultural-historic the period 1971 -2000 the area of the surrounding
complex of the City of Hvar Zone A (complete territory was omitted from the controlled construction
protection of historic structures) and Zone B (partial provisions, so that the proposal for zone B in this
protection of historic structures) were established. project represents an intermediate solution less than
before but a little more in relation to the present state.
For the system of protection measures to be applied in
zones A and B, see chapter 5.d. MONTENEGRO
5.b.2.8 Fortified city of Korula The attitude of the state towards the cultural heritage
is stated in Article 77 and 78 of the Constitution
The entire city of Korula with its fortifications has been of Montenegro (Off. Gazette of Montenegro, no.
protected as a high category monument feature in line 01/07), which stipulates that the state shall protect
with the Law on the Protection of Cultural Monuments the scientific, cultural, artistic and historic valuable
and Natural Values of SFRY (Social Federal Republic of sites, to protect the natural and cultural heritage
Yugoslavia), dating from 1949. Thereby, its historical and that everyone is obliged to preserve natural and
identity and present value of exceptional urban cultural heritage of general interest. Such a definition
quality in full harmony with the characteristics of the for cultural and natural heritage is an appropriate
spatial environment have been recognized and serve constitutional framework for its protection.
as a basis for any future behaviour toward this unique
achievement. The adoption of the Law on Culture (Off. Gazette
The concrete act was issued by the Conservation of Montenegro, no. 49/08, 16/11, 40/11 and 38/12)
Institute for the Protection of Monuments from Split, marked the first step towards reform legislation in the
at that time competent for the whole of Dalmatia, in field of culture.
accord with the state Ministry for Construction and
Ministry of Education and Culture. In part, the act leaned The Law on the Protection of Cultural Property (Off.
on the Regulations on historic and artistic structures of Gazette of Montenegro, No.49 / 10 and 40/11) by its
the municipality of Korula brought as early as 1932 concept and content, with full respect for the rules
but not formally backed up by higher institutions. and standards contained in international documents,
is adequate normative and institutional response to
After World War II the Law on National Committees the increasing tendency of adverse conditions. The Act
obligated local administrations to draw up city and contains specific solutions and instruments for their
municipal regulation plans in cooperation with urban dynamic recovery and revitalization. In addition, the
planning and conservation institutes, so in 1950 a Act provided for the adoption of 17 bylaws, which will,
provisional Urban Plan of Korula was drawn up. It for ease of administration, elaborate and refine certain
was continually supplemented, and as the pressure of legal institutes.
increasingly intensive construction grew, especially in
the area round the historic centre, a restrictive Spatial The following laws comprise a set of reform laws in the
Preservation Programme with its marked capacity field of cultural heritage:
limitation was articulated in 1964. With the Agreement
between the Yugoslav government and UNO UNDP, t Law on Archives (Off. Gazette of Montenegro, no.
the drawing up of general urban plans of the coastal 49/10 and 40/11),
areas was initiated and Korula was included in the t Law on Library Activity (Off. Gazette of Montenegro,
comprehensive South Adriatic project. In all the no. 49/10 and 40/11),
documents the fullest attention was devoted to the t Law on museum activities (Off. Gazette of
integral preservation of the historic core of the city with Montenegro, no. 49/10 and 40/11),Law on
420
Protection of Natural and Cultural-Historical Environment Law (Off. Gazette of Montenegro, no.
Region of Kotor (Off. Gazette of Montenegro, no. 48/08, 40/10, 40/11 and 27/14) is the framework
56/13 of 06.12.2013). law in this area and it defines the basic principles
of environmental protection and sustainable
The new law contains the principles and obligations development, as well as a number of mechanisms
of the ratified conventions, relevant international and instruments that are closer to regulate matters of
directives, recommendations and resolutions, as well importance to the environment.
as rules of international professional organizations
In addition to these basic rules, legal and other
Legislative reform is implemented in line with European protection is provided by:
and international standards, as well as the positive
experiences of other countries in the region. t Local Government Act (Off. Gazette of Montenegro,
no. 42/03, 28/04, 75/05, 13/06, 88/09 and Official
Law on Spatial Planning and Construction (Off. Gazette, no. 03/10, 38/12 and 10/14),
Gazette of Montenegro, no. 51/08, 40/10, 34/11, t Law on Memorials (Off. Gazette of Montenegro, no.
40/11, 47/11, 35/13, 39/13 and 33/14) regulates the 40/08 and 40/11),
system of spatial planning, the terms and conditions t Law on State Property (Off. Gazette of Montenegro,
of construction of buildings, as well as other issues of no. 21/09 and 40/11),
importance for spatial development and construction t Law of Property Act (Off. Gazette of Montenegro,
of facilities. Planning the construction of facilities, no. 19/09),
creates conditions for the buildings to be constructed t management plan for the Natural and Cultural-
or reconstructed in accordance with the law and other Historical Area of Kotor from 201 years.
regulations, standards, technical norms and quality
standards in the field of building construction. For the Subordinate legislation closer to regulate certain issues
purposes of designing a law requires the issuance of in the field of cultural heritage protection are:
planning and technical requirements, which among
other things for the objects entered in the register of t Ordinance on the Register of Cultural Property (Off.
cultural heritage of Montenegro must also include Gazette of Montenegro, no. 19/11),
conservation conditions. In the process of issuing t Ordinance on the content and manner of keeping
building permits for the construction or reconstruction the registry of the museum (Off. Gazette of
of facilities of registered cultural heritage, the Montenegro, no. 19/11),
register of Montenegro stipulates the issuance of the t Ordinance on the method, procedure and
approval of the conservation project documentation. deadlines audit of museum materials (Off. Gazette
Conservation requirements and approvals are issued of Montenegro, no. 19/11),
by Administration for Protection for Cultural Property. t Rulebook on detailed conditions for museum work
(Off. Gazette of Montenegro, no. 19/11),
The specific principles for the protection and t Ordinance on the content and manner of keeping
improvement of nature are given in the Nature the registry of museum copies and the form of
Protection Act (Off. Gazette of Montenegro, no. certificates of museum copies (Off. Gazette of
51/08, 21/09, 40/11, 62/13 and 06/14) and refer to the Montenegro, no. 19/11),
obligation of legal and physical persons in the exercise t Rulebook on detailed conditions for granting and
of the actions and conduct of activities to contribute revoking licenses conservation (Off. Gazette of
to the protection and improvement of nature, Montenegro, no. 19/11),
preservation of biological and landscape diversity and t Rulebook on detailed conditions for granting
beneficial functions of nature and natural balance, and and revoking licenses of research (Off. Gazette of
that the use of natural resources can be made only Montenegro, no. 19/11),
to the extent that does not harm the biological and t Rulebook on detailed conditions for performing
landscape diversity and functioning of key natural conservation activities (Off. Gazette of Montenegro,
systems and processes. no. 19/11),
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THE PROPERTY
t Ordinance on Sada keeping of register library (Off. of cultural monuments in the Peoples Montenegro
Gazette of Montenegro, no. 20/11), (Official Gazette NRCG no. 9/61) Department for
t Rules of Procedure, deadlines and method of the Protection of Monuments of Culture of Peoples
auditing public library (Off. Gazette of Montenegro, Montenegro took the proceedings and issued a
no. 20/11), decision on the introduction of cultural monuments,
t Ordinance on measures for the preservation and urban entity, the walled city of Kotor, as well as the
protection of library materials (Off. Gazette of city walls in the Register of Cultural Monuments of
Montenegro, no. 25/11). the Peoples Montenegro . Registration is done on the
basis of Article 14 of the Regulations on registration
5.b.2.9 Forte Mare, Herceg Novi of cultural monuments in NRCG, by which the site is
placed under the protection of the Act.
Pursuant to Article 1 of the Law on Protection of
Cultural Monuments and Natural Rarities, Institute for Pursuant to Article 31 of the Law on Protection of
Protection of Cultural Monuments issued a Decision Cultural Monuments (Off. Gazette of Montenegro,
No. 1119 of 11.25.1957, which puts fort Forte Mare no. 16/77) and Article 10 of the Ordinance on the
under protection. content and manner of keeping the register of cultural
monuments (Off. Gazette of Montenegro, no. 22/79)
In accordance with Article 32 of the Law on Protection Municipal Institute protection of Cultural Heritage
of Cultural Monuments (Official Gazette NRCG no. issued a Decision No. 1218/4 of 25.12.1986, on the
36/60) and Article 14 of the Ordinance on registration introduction of cultural monuments in the old town
of cultural monuments NRCG (Official Gazette NRCG of Kotor Register of cultural monuments, with the
no. 9/61) Institute for the Protection of Cultural explanation that corresponds with that of the previous
Monuments, issued a Decision No. 01-1314 / 1-61 entry.
introduced Forte mare into the Register of Immovable
cultural Monuments of NR Montenegro. Pursuant to Article 33 paragraph 1 and 2 of Article 43,
paragraphs 1 and 2 of the Law on Protection of Cultural
Pursuant to Article 33 paragraph 1 and 2 of Article 43, Monuments (Off. Gazette of Montenegro, no. 47/91)
paragraphs 1 and 2 of the Law on Protection of Cultural of Article 3 and 4 of the Regulations on content and
Monuments (Off. Gazette of Montenegro, no. 47/91) manner of keeping the register of cultural monuments
of Article 3 and 4 of the Regulations on content and (Official Gazette of RM no. 55/92), a regional Office
manner of keeping the register of cultural monuments for the Protection of Cultural Heritage, adopted the
(Official Gazette of RM no. 55/92), a regional Office Decision No. 25/94 of 23.02.1994 of enrolment the
for the Protection of Cultural Heritage, adopted the old city centre of Kotor in the Register of immovable
Decision No. 240/98 of 14.12.1998. of enrolment of cultural monuments on the grounds that it represents
Forte Mare in the Register of immovable cultural a whole system of medieval streets and squares with
monuments category II. examples of architecture of Romanesque, Gothic,
Renaissance, Baroque, and to complement the
5.b.2.10 Fortified city of Kotor exceptional cultural value of the precious collection of
movable fund which are located in the sacral facilities
Pursuant to Article 1 of the Law on Protection of and cultural institutions.
Cultural Monuments and Natural Rarities, Institute for
Protection of Monuments of Culture issued a Decision 5.b.2.11 Fortified city of Ulcinj
No. 116 of 02.23.1949, by which the town of Kotor in
the walls, and the city walls are placed under state In accordance with Article 32 of the Law on Protection
protection. of Cultural Monuments (Official Gazette NRCG no.
36/60) and Article 14 of the Ordinance on registration of
Pursuant to Article 32 of the Law on Protection of cultural monuments NRCG (Official Gazette NRCG no.
Cultural Monuments (Official Gazette NRCG no. 36/60) 9/61) Department cultural Heritage Protection, issued
and Article 1 and 2 of the Ordinance on registration the 13.11.1961. Decision of number 01-1711 / 1-61 on
422
5.C MEANS OF IMPLEMENTING PROTECTIVE MEASURES
the introduction of urban complexes old city of Ulcinj in 5.c Means of implementing
the Register of Immovable Cultural Monuments of NR
Montenegro and thus placed under the protection of protective measures
the law, based on established monumental properties.
The protection system that acts on the components is
Pursuant to Article 33 paragraph 1 and 2 of Article now established and perfectly adequate for ensuring
43, paragraphs 1 and 2 of the Law on Protection of protection. Each Party State has carried out specific
Cultural Monuments (Off. Gazette of Montenegro, no. methods to implement the protective measures
47/91) Article 4 of the Regulations on the content and analysed previously.
manner of keeping the register of cultural monuments
(Off. Gazette of Montenegro no. 55/92) the Republic 5.c.1 Means of implementing specific
Institute for protection of Cultural Heritage, adopted
protective measures of the participating
the decision on registration in the Central Register
of immovable cultural monuments, No. 02-372, of States
31.05.1994, as urban ensemble of the Old Town. The
solutions listed Old Town of Ulcinj has been assigned ITALY
Category I monument, with the explanation that it
corresponds with that of the previous entry. As reported in Chapter 5.b.1, Italian legislation
covers a complex system to protect cultural and
Based on the above it can be concluded that the urban landscape property, aimed at defining boundaries
complex The old town of Ulcinj on the basis of national to the activities of the various subjects affected and
legislation in Montenegro, is declared a protected therefore to protect the integrity of the heritage. The
cultural monument of exceptional features (I category) protection established by the Italian State is based on
and that the status has been granted since 1961, i.e. the recognition of a collective interest that therefore
from the beginning of the process of registering of imposes a series of obligations and rules. The process
protected cultural monuments in Montenegro. to implement these measures on a national level
requires the intervention of the organisations involved
Area of the cemetery is outside the borders of the and responsible for protecting cultural and landscape
Old town of Ulcinj, but it is a part of its protected property, specifically the Ministry of Cultural Activities
surrounding. and Property and Tourism through his central and
peripheral organisations (Offices).
As the Law on Protection of Cultural Properties
protected surrounding has the same legal treatment as The protection measures are implemented through
a cultural property it is actually subject to jurisdiction authorisation procedures necessary to implement
of the Directorate for Protection of Cultural Properties interventions on limited immovable and areas declared
and measures and regimes it stipulates. This area will to be of landscape interest.
also be partly covered by the Spatial Urban Plan Coastal
Zone, as well as the Study of protection for the purpose CROATIA
of the Spatial Urban Plan Coastal Zone.
Cultural goods are of interest to the Republic of Croatia
The Detailed Urban Plan (DUP) Liman 1 and 2 planned and receive its special protection. Current legislation
construction of tourist content and a yacht marina, defines all types of cultural property: immovable,
which partially penetrate this area as well, so after movable and intangible.
developing the Study of Protection it must be partly
corrected. In order to achieve overall preservation of individual
cultural heritage, protection measures insist that
protective work within specifically defined spatial
boundaries, which may be to the detriment of the
integrity of cultural heritage, be undertaken only with
423
THE PROPERTY
the previous authorisation of the competent body with the Ministry of Tourism, Ministry of Construction
(Act on the Protection and Preservation of Cultural and Physical Planning (dealing with issues of land use
Properties, OG 69/99, 151/03, 157/03, Article.62). The planning, construction), Ministry of Environmental and
competent body may issue a positive or negative Nature Protection (dealing with the environment and
response to a request for such an authorisation. Previous issues of sustainable development) and the Ministry
authorisation by a competent body is necessary for for Regional Development and EU funds. Although
building work in an area which is a protected cultural- the prospects for closer inter-ministerial co-operation
historical area. are hindered by the strict sectoral division of activities,
there are some good examples of co-operation. One
According to the Act and general conditions for the is the establishment of an inter-ministerial working
protection and preservation of archaeological sites group between the Ministry of Culture and Ministry
on land, for which the characteristics of a cultural of Construction and Physical Planning dealing with
good have been established, work which may destroy cultural heritage, nature and environment protection
the integrity of the site is not permitted. If, during and spatial planning in order to implement the
authorised work on an archaeological site, the remains European Landscape Convention.
of buildings or archaeological finds are discovered, the
competent authorities or museum must be informed In order to improve management of cultural heritage
by those undertaking the work, and any finds must policy, the Ministry of Culture adopted the Strategy
be submitted to the competent museum. Similarly, if of Protection, Preservation and Sustainable Economic
during any work on underwater sites, archaeological Use of Cultural Heritage in the Republic of Croatia
discoveries or finds are made, the person leading the in 2011.This document provides guidelines and
work is obliged to cease investigations and inform recommendations for a future integrated approach to
the competent body without delay (Article 45). For heritage policy and management.
cultural-historical areas, directions for protecting and The Ministry of Culture has not yet adopted the
preserving cultural heritage must form part of the Action Plan for the implementation of the main
conservation study for spatial plans. goals of the strategy. The completion and revision of
existing registries (built as well as movable heritage,
Decision making and the implementation of cultural including archaeological objects) is one of the most
policy in Croatia involve procedures and interactions important prerequisites for the effective and efficient
between the Ministry of Culture, the government implementation of the main goals of the strategy.
and the Croatian Parliament on the one hand, and This is necessary in order to finalise the connection
consultative cultural councils, autonomous local of the registry with the cadastre, which will facilitate
government institutions, cultural Institutions, NGOs, investment in and restoration of cultural heritage.
and individual artists and their associations on the
other. National government, through the Ministry Furthermore, the Strategic Plan of the Ministry of
of Culture, plays the most important role in the Culture 2012-2014 lists the development of cultural and
governance structure of cultural policy, in particular in artistic creation and production along with protected
cultural heritage policy. and preserved heritage as two general cultural policy
objectives. Specific objectives for cultural heritage
The Ministry of Culture regularly cooperates with include development of an information system for
other ministries to bring general and related laws cultural heritage; securing an optimum model for the
into harmony with cultural legislation. They also protection and management of cultural heritage assets;
cooperate in fields in which the competences of development of museum and gallery activities and
various ministries are involved, such as the protection development of archive activities, including securing
of cultural heritage (with the Ministry of the Interior) conditions for regular underwriting of archival records
and conservation and protection of historical town (Ministry of Culture 2012).
centres (with the Ministry of Construction and Physical The main strategic objectives and activities
Planning). Regarding the issues of cultural heritage, encompassed by the general cultural policy objective
the Ministry of Culture fosters co-operation, primarily regarding cultural heritage are included in the
424
5.C MEANS OF IMPLEMENTING PROTECTIVE MEASURES
following national strategic documents: Strategy of Zagreb. The conservation and restoration activities
the Government Programmes 2010-2012; Strategic imply professional and scientific activities without
Development Framework 2006 2013; Strategic Plan administrative jurisdiction, implementing protective
of the Ministry of Culture 2010-2012; Strategy of works on cultural heritage with the aim of preserving its
Protection, Conservation and Sustainable Economic monumental character (Ministry of Culture 2011). Apart
Use of Cultural Heritage of the Republic of Croatia from the Croatian Conservation Institute, the Institute
2011-2015; Strategy for the Development of Archives for the Restoration of Dubrovnik is a public institution
Services in the Republic of Croatia; Strategy of the specifically founded for restoration, conservation and
Cultural Tourism Development; Strategy of the renovation.
Croatian Tourism Development up to 2010; Strategy on
Regional Development of the Republic of Croatia and Along with the aforementioned institutions, the tasks
Operational Programme for Regional Competitiveness. of research, analysis, record-keeping, restoration,
conservation and preservation of cultural property
The Ministry of Culture performs administrative may be performed by specialised legal or physical
and other tasks in the sphere of culture, including entities. The Minister of Culture prescribes conditions
those related to cultural heritage. As the principal which must be fulfilled by legal or physical entities to
bureaucratic public body that proposes and brings in acquire permission for the performance of these tasks.
legislation regulating the cultural sector, the tasks of The Ministry of Culture keeps a register of such legal
the Ministry of Culture cover the entire policy cycle in and physical entities (Council of Europe 2013).
all its aspects: from research that informs the decision-
making processes, to decision making, monitoring of Regional and local administrations may assume
implementation and evaluation of the implementation. authority in decision-making activities concerning
The Ministry of Culture is also the principal public body cultural heritage within their autonomous scope of
for financing the cultural sector; hence it aligns and work; according to the Act on Local and Regional Self-
supervises financial programmes for the protection of Government (2009); municipalities and cities carry
cultural heritage. out activities related to spatial and urban planning,
The Directorate for the Protection of Cultural Heritage communal commerce and culture, among others.
in the Ministry of Culture is the competent body Though cultural heritage is not specifically stated
for performing administrative and expert duties as a field of activity, the mentioned categories
connected with the protection and preservation of imply rules of engagement between regional/ local
cultural property. Conservation activities and the administration and cultural heritage. Moreover, local
protection and preservation of cultural heritage are administration units are, in most cases in Croatia, legal
carried out through the directorate together with its owners of the heritage buildings, sites and locations,
network of 21 conservation departments (organised hence, most actions - conservation, preservation,
according to regional principles) as well as through renovations or restorations as well as adaptive re-use
the City Institute for the Conservation of Cultural and projects necessarily include the direct involvement of
Natural Heritage, Zagreb, which is part of the local/ the local administration in the capacity of investor or
regional government structure rather than the Ministry administrative and managing authority.
(Ministry of Culture 2011). Also, as the owners of the cultural heritage goods, local
administrations are obliged to act upon the rights and
Conservation and restoration work in Croatia is duties of the cultural heritage owner prescribed by the
carried out by the Croatian Conservation Institute Act on Protection of Cultural Assets (2012). Tasks relating
as a central public institution, individual institutions to spatial and urban planning and culture are carried
such as museums, archives and libraries, restoration out by regional and local administrative departments,
departments of higher education institutions, and in the framework of the national laws provisions.
legal and natural persons who are licensed for works on These departments perform expert tasks relating to
cultural heritage. The institutes work is decentralised spatial planning and construction, grant funds, and
through restoration departments in Dubrovnik, Split, manage and oversee financial transactions relating
Zadar, Rijeka, Vodnjan-Jursici, Ludbreg, Osijek and to the authorised tasks and activities. Administrative
425
THE PROPERTY
departments for culture fund, monitor and co-ordinate which the individual sites are placed under protection.
activities within the scope of implementing projects to Activities and measures in order to prevent negative
protect and preserve immovable and movable cultural trends should be taken, defining the management
heritage (Council of Europe 2013). plans that work for protected areas, as is done in
the case of Kotor, which in February 2007 issued
MONTENEGRO Management plan for the protection of Kotor area
and which was accepted in July 2007, at the General
The Montenegro is taking care of the protection of Assembly of UNESCO.
movable and immovable cultural property since 1948,
when the Institute for the Protection of Cultural and On the contrary, insisting on integrated approach adds
Natural Rarities was established, conducted by the to the growing importance of whole space, authentic
National Museum, and a specialized institution for the values of the landscape, created also by man, as well as
protection of cultural and natural heritage was formed. other categories of cultural heritage as a resource for
Today, the protection of cultural heritage is achieved sustainable development.
through the performance of prescribed administrative The development of the landscape maintains the
and technical measures and actions taken by the development of civilization, its level, its social
competent organs of the state administration, cultural organization, orographic and climatic characteristics
institutions and other legal entities and individuals, as the most important condition for the survival of
which fulfil the prescribed conditions. ecosystems. The protection and improvement of
authentic cultural landscape and ambient, provides
In particular, the Ministry of Culture is the institution integrated protection of spatial units and special
in charge at the national level for the protection of complexes and facilities having characteristics of
culture, entertainment and art, culture and landscape, cultural heritage.
protection of cultural heritage. The Ministry does
not have peripheral organs located throughout the 5.d Existing plans related to
country but is acting directly on it. On the other hand,
Administration for the Protection of Cultural Properties, municipality and region in which the
as the body within the ambit of Ministry of Culture, has proposed property is located
the regional units in Kotor and Podgorica.
The attitude of local authorities to Immovable Cultural As well as the tools to govern the territory on local level,
Heritage needs to express itself through the process of the components of the serial site Venetian defence
urban development plans in which the institutions of works between the 15th and 17th century are included
cultural heritage protection must include in a timely part of the programme of territorial development,
manner. The plans must respect the principles of conservation and socio-economic conservation, drawn
protection during the treatment of the current situation up both on the public administration level as well as by
which is difficult to avoid the decision of legalizing private entities.
illegal construction, inadequate upgrading of facilities.
In that sense infrastructural and other development The transnational nature of the site and the complexity
solutions settlements in relation to protected group of the territories and the management thereof require
or the architectural heritage should have adequate specific analysis for each Participating State and for each
treatment in terms of harmony and ambience with component, which permits an exhaustive overview to
appearance. be supplied regarding the existing programming tools
which concur to protect the site.
Particular attention should be paid to the elimination
of the danger and the upcoming problems of
immovable cultural heritage concerning growing and
uncontrolled urbanization. If this type of development
is not controlled it can lead to the loss of value due to
426
5.d EXISTING PLANS RELATED TO MUNICIPALITY AND
REGION IN WHICH THE PROPOSED PROPERTY IS LOCATED
or outline plans that provide the programmatic lines

5.d.1 Existing plans in the specific of set up of the vast area, among which we should
components mention the Regional Territorial Plan, the Regional
Landscape Plan and the general plans and those for
putting strategies into effect, which in coherence and
ITALY accordance with the organisation plans, define the set
up of the more limited territorial ambit and translate
The components located throughout Italy are subject the objectives and strategic lines (including the General
to a complex system of planning tools which answer Council Urban Plan and the Executive Urban Planning
to the various organisations involved in governing the Tools) into purposes and methods of use, obligations
territory and specific regional regulations. These tools and limitations.
not only guarantee the protection and valorisation of
the substantial values of the site, but also favour an Regarding the Italian components of the selection, the
integrated management of the various peculiarities interested Regions are Lombardy, Veneto and Friuli
that distinguish the heritage selected. Venezia Giulia which all have a valid strategic planning
system of the territory on the super-local level.
The tools of planning and management of the
territory, acknowledging in their provisions and in the 5.d.1.1 Fortified city of Bergamo
regulations to put into effect the laws in force on the
matter, contribute to the safeguarding of the natural, TERRITORIAL PLANNING AND MANAGEMENT TOOLS
environmental and landscape worth of the territory ON THE REGIONAL AND PROVINCIAL LEVEL
and are fundamental to integrate and coordinate the
actions of the various subjects involved. The protection t Regional Territorial Plan for Lombardy approved
and conservation of the components is not, therefore, with PCR nr. 951 of 19th January 2010 and
to be exclusively considered linked to the regulative suitably updated in 2013 with the acquisition of
aspect that permits it to maintain its state, but also the prescriptions on the international level with
to the aspect of programming and design of the particular view towards the European Convention
planning of the territory which defines its valorisation on Landscape. It represents a fundamental act to
and therefore the maintenance of its integrity and direct, throughout the territory, the planning of
improved use, enjoyment ad promotion. the Regions sector, as well as guidelines for the
territorial planning and design of councils and
Law nr. 142 of 8th June 1990 establishes that there are provinces,
three sub-state institutional levels of government of
the territory: regional, provincial and council. t Territorial Coordination Plan for the Province
of Bergamo approved with Provincial Council
Generally speaking therefore, the planning process Resolution nr. 40 of 22nd April 2004. It is the
of the Italian regulative viewpoint is structured vast area strategic planning tool that defines the
hierarchically, with a super-local higher level (regional design development of the entire territory of the
or provincial) of tools which define the planning and Province of Bergamo, with particular reference
strategic lines for the transformations and set the goals to the sustainable development of the cities, the
to be reached, which head the tools to put them into protection and growth of the natural heritage
effect and those for the management of the territory in and the management of landscape and cultural
the local ambit (council level). The local organisations heritage.
are therefore responsible for the various territories
within a certain zone and set and apply certain rules TERRITORIAL PLANNING AND MANAGEMENT TOOLS
for use for them. ON THE MUNICIPAL LEVEL
Under the functional profile, this structure is t Territorial Government Plan indicates the
distinguished in an initial type of organisation plans area included within the Venetian walls as
427
THE PROPERTY
Homogeneous Zone A. The areas identified with There are also some specific indications for the
letter A represent the zones of highest protection built up fabric of the associated urban component
in which only interventions of renovation or regarding feasible interventions. Generally speaking,
preservation are allowed (reinforcement, recovery, these are integrated renovation interventions aimed
elimination of elements outside of the construction at conservation and recovery which allow the renewal
organism, renewal of the elements making up the and integration of materials, where necessary, but
building, insertion of systems required by the use always in full respect of the type, structural model
of the building). and the formal elements of the building organism
In the case of the fortified city of Bergamo, a type and conservative redevelopment aimed at ensuring
of particularly relevant protection is guaranteed by the functionality of the constructed heritage thereby
the constraints of the panoramic cones found in the guaranteeing conservation in this case as well. The
urban planning tool in acknowledgement of article Detailed Plan, moreover, has defined and outlined
136 of the Cultural and Landscape Property Code the complementary ambits, external urban areas
(Fig.7). surrounding the component with typical agricultural
characteristics, which descend from the more
The constraints of the panoramic cones set up to natural areas of the park of the hills encircling the
protect the visual of the Upper City were instituted in historical centre and protecting it from the continual
the Second World War through special decrees with construction of the modern city. This area has been
the objective of prohibiting the urban push of the reserved some interventions to maintain and valorise
city from determining its camouflage. The panoramic the landscape, in particular regarding interventions
cones are highlighted in maps by a V and a number on the vegetation and cultivating apparatus to
at the top which represents its regulatory reference. improve the perceptive connection between the hill
and walled city.
The eleven panoramic cones are true visual corridors
set out by defined borders which guide the view The territory identified as buffer zone is governed by
towards points of better observation for an excellent the following planning tools:
view of the defence system and the associated urban
component of the Upper City. The protection regime t Territorial Government Plan which puts into effect
that the Cultural and Landscape Property Code the indications regarding the valorisation of the
allows them to maintain their integrity, through the landscape and environmental aspects of the area
prohibition to construct structures that block the around the walls, controlling transformations of it
view thereof. as a large part of it is reserved as a green belt.
The buffer zone identified for the Fortified City of
t Detailed Recovery Plan for the Upper City and Borgo Bergamo mainly insists on the panoramic cones
Canale punctually defines and regulates the the protection of which as has already been
interventions that can be carried out on the defence mentioned also operates on the territory included
system and on the associated urban component in the component. The exceptionality of this tool to
following as its main principles the valorisation protect the perceptive integrity of an entire portion
of the historical heritage, environmental of a city is aligned with the protection objectives
redevelopment, identify maintenance and the of a buffer zone. Another main destination in the
functionality of the historical centre. buffer zone is defined by the fabric of the historical
In particular, regarding the city walls and the towns, including the five historical villages which
access gates, only conservative renovation extend along the access routes to the historical
works to confirm and valorise the existing gates of the Upper City found along the walls (Porta
structures are allowed, and aimed at valorising S. Alessandro and Porta S. Agostino) or along the
the building organism and the protection of the historical routes and pathways of the hills to which
building elements both regarding materials and the fortified city belongs. The intervention methods
construction techniques. allowed are listed in the relevant section of the
Historical Villages Catalogue Files attached to the
428
Fig 7 Panoramic cones, example of technical file created by the

Municipality of Bergamo, Landscape Assets Sector (Extract of
cartpgraphic elaborate "PR8 - Constraints and protection" of the Plan
Rules of Territorial Government Plan)
Territorial Government Plan. Generally speaking, buildings can be extended a single time. Each
any interventions must aim to fully recuperate the construction intervention, where allowed, must
identification stretches and the various phases of be undertaken in respect of the architectural
the transformation that the building cell has been features of the buildings subject to intervention,
subject to, of the pre-existing rural construction and
the surroundings of the park, both regarding
t Territorial Coordination Plan for the Colli Park, which typological and morphological solutions as well
identifies the area surrounding the defence system as building materials.
included in the perimeter of the buffer zone as
an area of great landscape value aimed at the Moreover, one part of the perimeter of the buffer
conservation and renovation of the landscape of zone is located in the landscape limit set up due to
the hills of Bergamo in its overall traditional value. the presence of rivers, streams and water-courses
Any interventions must aim at the protection, described in the lists of the Consolidated Act of the
recovery, valorisation of the overall landscape laws regarding water and electrical systems (R.D.
potential as well as preventing anthropic pressure. 1775/1933), and the relative banks or beds for a band
New buildings are forbidden apart from those of 150 metres each, specifically for the presence of
linked to agricultural activities, and existing the Morla river, and on the landscape limits Zone F
429
THE PROPERTY
Nullo SantAlessandro and Zone G Zone Borgo San and fundamental elements of the provincial
Leonardo. territory setup in coherence with the guidelines
for provincial socio-economic development,
5.d.1.2 Fortified city of Peschiera del Garda specifically regarding the main vocations, its
geological, geomorphological, hydrogeological,
TERRITORIAL PLANNING AND MANAGEMENT TOOLS landscape and environmental characteristics.
ON THE REGIONAL AND PROVINCIAL LEVEL
t Regional Territorial Coordination Plan: the regional

territorial government tool is above the provincial TERRITORIAL PLANNING AND MANAGEMENT TOOLS
and council plans and indicates the objectives ON THE MUNICIPAL LEVEL
and main lines of organisation and setup of the
regional territory, as well as the strategies and t Inter-council Territorial Setup Plan: the Councils of
actions aimed at the realisation thereof. The RTCP Peschiera and Castelnuovo del Garda on 05.02.2009
is the reference document for the landscape jointly approved the plan which was signed by the
theme: in fact, it is a territorial-urban planning Services Conference between the mayors of the
programme with specific consideration of the councils and the regional manager of the Territory
landscape values, and fulfils the obligation the Department. This approval was ratified with RCR nr
emerged with law nr 431 of 8th August 1985 930 of 07.04.2009 and published in URB nr. 33 of
to safeguard areas of particular environmental 21.04.2009,
interest through the identification, surveying and
protection of a wide range of categories of cultural t Plan of Interventions: affecting the entire council
and environmental property. The RTCP is divided territory (known as PI Second Phase) and approved
into area plans, as provided by regional law nr with Council Resolution nr. 2 on 19.04.2013.
61/85, which develop the themes and look more in
depth, on defined territorial ambits, matters linked Regarding the lake, the buffer zone further
to the organisation of the settlement structure and strengthened the protection of the core zone thanks
its compatibility with the environment resource, to the lake buffer strip, an area protected by law and
covering a strip of land 300 metres from the bank
t Garda Area Plan Baldo, adopted (RCR 827/2010) which overlaps the landscape limits (M.D. 20/01/1956).
initially, a clear plan is defined to recompose and
make the various decisions of the competent 5.d.1.3 Defence system of the City of Venezia
lake territory administrations and organisations
coherent, for an organic and balanced territorial TERRITORIAL PLANNING AND MANAGEMENT TOOLS
management design to be conceived as a useful ON THE REGIONAL AND PROVINCIAL LEVEL
and necessary multi-thematic discussion space
with the Lombardy Region and the autonomous t Regional Territorial Coordination Plan (RTCP),
Province of Trento. The plan is essentially approved with Regional Council Resolution
developed according to systems such as the nr 250 of 13.12.1991, is the regional territorial
system of fragility, the system of historical-cultural government tool. The RTCP identifies four systems:
property, the environmental system, the flora and the environmental, settlement, productive and
fauna system and of ambits of protection, and relational systems and dictates for each system
policies of sustainability of the Garda-Baldo linear the directives and prescriptions which must be
city, observed when drafting the area plans and the
subordinate plans. Within the context of the
t Provincial Territorial Coordination Plan, approved environmental system, the RTCP identifies the
with RCR nr. 236 of 03.03.2015. This Plan is the Venice Lagoon as a wet area according to the
intermediary planning tool between the Region meaning accredited by the Ramsar convention,
and Council which outlines the objectives and as one of the ambits of main national and
430
regional natural interest and therefore interested y with Decisive Services Conference on 30th
the institution of regional parks and reserves. September 2014(Fig.8).
t Lagoon Area and Venetian Area Plan (PALAV) ARSENALE, VENEZIA: planned is the recovery of
approved with Regional Council Resolution nr 70 cultural, productive and service functions preparing
of 9th November 1995. It is the specification tool the area for a new hub of urban and territorial interest
of the Regional Territorial Coordination Plan for the and providing suitable access thereto. [On the level
Lagoon Area and the Venetian Area, of planning indications, the area of the Arsenal is
t The Territorial Coordination Plan of the Province of highlighted as: Suitable areas for interventions to
Venice approved with Regional Council Resolution improve the urban and territorial quality for which
nr 3359 of the 30th December 2011. It is the vast the PAT provides that the physical and/or functional
area strategic planning tool that defines the transformation takes on a strategic feature regarding
planning development of the entire territory of the overall improvement of the settlement system
the Province of Venice. In particular, a series of or also regarding mainly public purposes of use.
activities are coordinated to slow the processes of The only southern part that is currently set up for
environmental and landscape degradation of the exhibitions is highlighted as Equipment and services
lagoon system and to contain the dispersion of of highest importance, for which the PAT identifies
settlements and urban planning along the coastal the equipment and services of highest importance,
areas. on the urban and territorial scale, to which it attributes
a strategic value both for the community and for the
Moreover, there are a number of strategic plans of the definition of the role of the city within the ambit of
sector in act on the Venice Lagoon: the vast area].
FORT OF SANTANDREA, VENEZIA: the fort is
t Physical and Environmental Safeguarding organised within the Optimal Territorial Ambit
Interventions Plan (Inter-regional Superintendency (ATO) nr 10 Islands of SantErasmo and Vignole, the
for Public Works in the Veneto - Trentino Alto Adige monumental and historical buildings are identified
- Friuli Venezia Giulia area), as invariants considering their critical elements. The
t Water Management Plan (acknowledges European physical and functional recovery of the entire complex
Directive 2000/60), and all pertinent areas is planned; moreover the
t SPA Plan of the Venetian Lagoon (Veneto Region need of identifying possible connections (including
- Inter-regional Superintendency for Public Works pedestrian) with the adjacent islands of Certosa and
in the Veneto - Trentino Alto Adige - Friuli Venezia Vignole is indicated. Regarding the purpose of use
Giulia area, currently being formalised); of the fort, a main cultural and museum type use is
t Port Urban Plan (approved with decree nr 319 of expected, while the pertinent areas will be used in
15th May 1965 for Marghera Port and with decree connection with the use and management of the
nr 603 of 15th May 1908 for the Historical Town historical building.
Centre), POVEGLIA AND ALBERONI OCTAGONS, VENEZIA: the
t Lagoon Fishing Management Plan (Province Octagons are organised within the Homogeneous
of Venice, approved with DCP 57352/1057 of Territorial Ambit (ATO) nr 7 Venice Lagoon, where
29.12.1999), they are identified among the invariants of historical
t Management Plan for the UNESCO site Venice and interest. Planned are the physical-functional recovery
its Lagoon 2012-2018. and the re-insertion within the city circuit. Within the
intention of favouring the economic investment, a
wide range of purposes of use has been planned. The
TERRITORIAL PLANNING AND MANAGEMENT TOOLS intervention must respect the historical-typological-
ON THE MUNICIPAL LEVEL architectural and landscape characteristics of
the significant buildings to be renovated and the
t Territory Setup Plan (PAT), adopted with Council documented pre-existing buildings.
Resolution nr 5 of 30-31/01/2012 and approved
431
THE PROPERTY
Fig.8 Territory Setup Plan (PAT),City of Venezia, approved with Decisive Services Conference on 30th September 2014. Details (by Municipality
of Venice)
432
t Detailed North Arsenal Plan, approved with Council

Resolution nr 51/2003 of 14/04/2003, is still valid 5.d.1.4 City fortress of Palmanova
for the part of its prescriptions, though the period
of efficiency has ended. The Plan has been drafted, TERRITORIAL PLANNING AND MANAGEMENT TOOLS
safeguarding the general design of the entire ON THE REGIONAL AND PROVINCIAL LEVEL
ambit of the Arsenal, with the aim of making the
development of the settled activities and those t Territorial Government Plan approved with
to be settled compatible with the protection of President of the Region Decree nr 84 of 16th April
the historical and environmental characteristics 2013. The regional territorial planning reform
of the area and the typological, construction and states that the Friuli Venezia Giulia Region must
architectural features of the buildings. The main carry out the function of territorial planning
aims of the Plan are: urban resetting of the area; through the Territorial Government Plan (TGP), a
renovation and reuse of buildings and open areas; strategic plan that defines the objectives for the
access to public use of the indoor areas of the walls; planning of a vast area, identifies the physical-
improved accessibility including the opening of functional systems of reference and structures the
new points of access, improved practicability of system for the safeguarding and management of
the entire area through a unitary route with the resources and heritage on the council level.
realisation of a new mobile bridge. The Detailed
Plan disciplines the settlement functions for t Regional directives for the protection of the stable
each construction unit and by ambit based on natural fields, Regional Law nr 9 of 29th April
the compatibility of the respective typologies, 2005. On the regional level, particular importance
construction and architectural characteristics. is given to the protection of stable fields. Stable
fields are grassy formations, made up of a high
t Variant to the General Urban Plan for the Old number of wild plant species which have never
City (VPRG Old City) approved on 19/11/1999, suffered tillage and are only maintained with
together with its partial variants of 2003 and 2005, hay-cutting operations and possibly fertilising.
plans purposes of use for cultural and exhibition The Friuli Venezia Giulia Region has mapped
functions for the South Arsenal. out the consistence between stable plain fields
throughout the regional territory. A consistent
part of the component, corresponding to the
t Directive Document for the Venice Arsenal drawn up
areas surrounding the walls, is classified as a stable
by the Council of Venice in 2014 with the intent to
plain field. The protection regulations for these
confirm, and update, the overall strategy for the
habitats, for example, prohibit any reduction of
development of the Arsenal defined over the past
the surface area under protection, cultivational
two decades, basing it on two main foundations:
transformations, modifications of the soil,
the identification of the settlement functions,
levelling of the ground, excavations, backfilling or
substantially aimed at research, shiup-builidng
depositing of materials.
industry, and the culture and definition of system
for the access and use of public areas aimed at the
TERRITORIAL PLANNING AND MANAGEMENT TOOLS
integration of the compendium in the city.
ON THE MUNICIPAL LEVEL
The territory identified as the buffer zone is governed
t Municipality General Urban Plan of the City
by the following planning tools: PTRC Veneto Region,
of Palmanova (Fig.9). The Urban Plan aims to
PTCP Province of Venice, PTCP Province of Padua,
safeguard the environment around the national
PALAV, PAT Council of Venice, PAT Council of Campagna
monument, forbidding construction in the
Lupia, PAT Council of Cavallino Treporti, PAT Council
areas surrounding the defence system in order
of Chioggia, PAT Council of Codevigo, PAT Council of
to guarantee its perception and visibility of the
Jesolo, PAT Council of Mira, PAT Council of Piave, PAT
elements that constitute it. Regarding the area
Council of Quarto dAltino.
within the city walls, the Council General Urban
433
THE PROPERTY
Plan foresees the recovery of the citys Renaissance buildings is permitted, as long as they respect the
road network which determines the characteristic traditional typologies and materials and on the
setup of the original urban fabric. This is divided condition that the main panoramic points seen
into blocks, known as Insule; the Intervention Units from the fortifications are left untouched, as well
(IU) are classified within each Insula. For each IU, as the access points and those of visual enjoyment
the Plan describes the current state, consistency of the fortified system.
and possibility for intervention defining heights,
covered surface areas and cubage. Regarding the area of the fortified walls, the Urban Plan
The buildings are classified as follows: foresees conservation thereof through interventions of
t A1 buildings limited in accordance with the maintenance and renovation and absolute prohibition
Cultural and Landscape Property Code; of construction of any kind.
t A2 buildings subject to typological conservation;
t A3 buildings subject to specific faade limits The territory outside of the fortified walls is
where demolition is possible with philological characterised mainly by agricultural terrain.
reproduction of the perspectives; Residential areas and areas for services such as the
t A4 buildings where demolition and hospital, the Regional Civil Protection operative centre,
reconstruction is allowed even where the new sports facilities and the industrial and artisan area are
construction organism is completely different concentrated along the roads that lead east, south and
from the original. north.
The entire remaining urban surface area is at the
t Detailed Plan: new road network in the historical same time subject to specific prescriptions of indirect
centre which aims towards the pedestrianisation protection that are to be respected in the event
of the Piazza Grande and the reorganisation of of interventions of super elevation, demolition,
the parking system in the historical city centre. reconstruction or new construction (Art. 29 former
The experimental phase of the new road network variant 57 to the CGRP in approval).
within the city centre, as identified in the Detailed
Plan, is currently in course as the reorganisation of CROATIA
the road network has not yet been completed.
As already explained in chapters 5.b and 5.c, the Croatian
The territory included in the perimeter of the buffer legislation related to cultural heritage protection and
zone is subject to the following landscape and -in general- land uses is mainly centralised, and all the
environmental protection obligations: indications for the preservation are issued by Croatian
central authorities, mainly the Croatian Parliament
t art. 142 L.D. 42/2004: Roggia nuova della Villa, and Government, the Croatian Ministry of Culture and
located west of the fortress; Roggia del Taglio, the Croatian Ministry of Construction and Physical
located south of the fortress; Roggia di Palma, Planning.
located north-west of the fortress, The main reference law for local planning of sites
characterised by the presence of outstanding cultural
t Municipality General Urban Plan. The council urban heritage is the Act on the Protection and Preservation
planning tool identifies the area surrounding of Cultural Property (Official Gazette: 69/99, 151/03,
the fortifications as an area of environmental 157/03, amendments 87/09, 88/10, 61/11, 25/12).
safeguarding of the fortress, zone E4, regulated by This law provides that the urban centres of Croatian
art. 22 of the Environmental Protection regulations cities and towns have to be classified according to the
(Fig. 5.7). Here, the plan aims to admit the following categories:
prosecution and development of existing activities,
especially rural ones, as well as to protect the ZONE A FULL PROTECTION OF HISTORICAL
natural aspect of the area surrounding the national STRUCTURES.
monument. The construction of new agricultural It refers to the cultural and historical whole, or parts
434
Fig. 9 Municipality of Palmanova - General Urban Plan
435
THE PROPERTY
of it, containing well-preserved, particularly valuable possible to adjust new functions and content to meet
historical structures. The system of protective measures contemporary needs.
in these areas depends on the application of the The setting of new installation elements is not
measures of environmental protection and preservation permitted windmills, solar collectors, exterior air
of cultural and historical values, with the utmost respect condition units on street facades or else sloped roof
for tradition, characterization of functional spaces panes. Aberrations from the above are possible only
and content. The introduction of new structures and in exceptional cases in regard to which different
cultural content of historical objects or inadequately measures of protection will be brought on the basis of
maintained should be strictly controlled in these areas. conservation guidelines.
The introduction of historical features and content
that meet modern requirements can be accepted, The demolition of historic structures or replacement
provided that it provides minimal physical intervention building is not permitted in Zone A.
in historical structures. Rehabilitation, conservation,
restoration, preservation and reconstruction are the Interpolations are not permitted in Zone A. Deviations
only acceptable methods in these areas. from the above are possible only in exceptional cases
in regard to which separate protection measures will
In Zone A all the historic layers are valorised as an be brought on the basis of conservation guidelines.
integral part of the cultural property created in its The introduction of new structures and inappropriate
historical development requiring therefore the integral content (open swimming pools, garages) is not
protection of historic values along with the respect of acceptable.
tradition and functions of the space and its content.
In regard to structures built in the shelter of the city
All construction interventions should be strictly walls the legalization of any interventions leaning on
controlled, and the only permitted interventions city walls is not possible.
relate to the rehabilitation and preservation of the
existing state with minimal interventions in the historic For the rehabilitation of public spaces it is necessary
structures (rehabilitation, conservation, conservation to obtain special conditions and the previous consent
reconstruction, presentation). In the reconstruction of the competent conservation department. The
of the buildings use of traditional building materials, substitution of the original (traditional) ground stone
structural elements and details is obligatory. In case slabs by contemporary materials is not permitted.
the valorisation of the building allows it the wooden
floor structures of stone houses can be construed The preservation of the coast line is obligatory without
as the existing ones or as structures composited backfilling the seashore and changing the geometry of
of wooden beams and slabs of light concrete. The the coast (either by constructing built breakwaters and
buildings should be reconstructed together with the piers or setting pontoon moorings).
fenced courtyards with which they make an integral
whole. Adding more storey to existing buildings is not ZONE B PARTIAL PROTECTION OF HISTORICAL
permitted (exceptionally in cases of repurposing former STRUCTURES.
small outbuildings barns, kitchens and storages These areas are characterized by the presence of
for contemporary uses if existing plan dimensions cultural-historical valuable units which are in a variable
so allow) while the repurposing of high lofts into state of preservation. The system of protection
residential spaces is allowed if the existing geometry measures in these areas, located within the perimeter
and roof slopes are preserved and windows shaped of historical or cultural sites, provides for the protection
after traditional models. The augmentation of plan and preservation of the basic elements of the urban
dimensions of the existing buildings is not permitted. historical matrix, of characteristic groups of buildings
In respect to the structures built immediately next to or individual buildings and all historical value units.
the city walls no types of interventions that lean on the The protection have to be exerted on all the elements,
city walls are allowed. The division of lots or merging of particularly shape, size and content of historical
smaller buildings lots into larger ones is prohibited. It is buildings and complexes. The actions allowed in this
436
area provide for adaptation of the transformation It is possible to adapt new functions and content to
functions to modern needs, but without the physical meet contemporary needs.
elements that would undermine conservation of The setting of new installation elements is not
historic structures. Acceptable methods are the permitted windmills, solar collectors, exterior air
conservation, rehabilitation and reconstruction for the condition units, on street facades and sloped roof
integration of historic structures with new structures panes on existing buildings.
and services arising from contemporary needs are the
acceptable methods in these areas. For each new structure within Zone B a separate
decision of the competent conservation department
In Zone B all the historic layers created outside the has to be brought and all required documents obtained
inner city core in the late 19th and first half of the 20th for the approval of such interventions.
centuries are valorised. The threat to the built heritage
in this zone is particularly expressed due to the various Interpolations have to respect the building structures
processes conditioned by changes in economic as they were as well as their position on the lots (built-
activities and the influence of tourism which initiated in construction on the already formed street lines)
the process of devastation of urban complexes. which has to be defined in the regional development
plan documentation.
In Zone B all interventions are acceptable which do
not lean on the exterior face of the city walls and those New construction is not permitted on lots that border
that do not disrupt the vistas and integrity of the street directly with the exterior face of the city walls which
prospects (rehabilitation, conservation, conservation has to be defined define in the regional development
reconstruction, presentation, re-composition, plan documentation.
reconstruction with the addition of storeys or
enlargement of plan dimensions) in accordance The construction of open swimming pools is not
with the valorisation of the building itself and its permitted in Zone B.
immediate surroundings. For each individual structure
within this zone a separate decision of the competent ZONE C ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION.
conservation department has to be brought and all The requirements for environmental protection in the
the required documents for the approval of such areas of historical and cultural significance, scattered
interventions obtained. with historic structures or evidence of significant
examples of historical buildings are designed to
In Zone B replacement construction is not permitted. ensure high quality design and effective presentation
It is exceptionally possible in place of dilapidated of cultural and historical values placed under total
traditional structures and ruins and only within their protection or partial (zone A and B). In these areas
original dimensions, without additional storeys, are acceptable all interventions, while respecting the
typologically in harmony with the surrounding and fundamental principles of the protection of cultural
respecting the basic characteristic of the space. The and historical values. The acceptable methods when
introduction of untypical form elements (terraces in or working on territorial planning are the reconstruction
on roofs flat roofs) is not permitted but it is possible to of existing and construction of new structures,
add balconies and windows in line with the typological provided that the preservation of the historical-
pattern of the whole. The renovation of historical cultural ensemble, particularly the traditional forms of
buildings should be carried out integrally regardless landscape character, is guaranteed.
of the ownership structure and the addition of storeys
and reshaping of the geometry of roofs only in one part All the local planning tools need to respect these
of the structure is not permitted. national provisions; local bodies in charge for spatial
planning need to strictly rely on the Act on the
The merging of a number of smaller built units into Protection and Preservation of Cultural Property,
larger ones is permitted. and cannot establish measures of land uses and
management different from what is prescribed by the
437
THE PROPERTY
national law. tourism and related services, traditional agriculture

and industry based on innovation and advanced
On the basis of the provisions of the Act on Physical technologies,
Planning and Construction, the Strategy of Spatial t Development Strategy of the city of ibenik: closely
Development of the Republic of Croatia (RC), linked to the County Development Strategy, the
Programme of Physical Planning in RC and Development plan identifies strategic objectives and horizontal
Plan for Areas of Special Character are strategic measures associated to the mentioned national
physical planning documents at the national level. strategic documents, as well as the purposes and
Physical plans of the counties, development plans for principles of EU strategy, declined in different
large cities /cities /municipalities are strategic physical Visions in two temporal horizons, 2020 and 2030,
planning documents, while urban development plans t Draft Management plan for protected area under
and detailed development plans are implementing the authority of the Public Institution Nature of the
documents. These Physical plans have the authority ibenik-Knin County 2014-2024: the 4th paragraph
and legal nature of by-laws. of this plan is dedicated to Management, in
particular (4.1) to risk assessment and the need
5.d.1.5 Defensive system of Zadar for management activitiesof important landscape
"Channel-Port in ibenik" that has great importance
The Nominated property of the Defensive system of for his biological, cultural and historical value and
Zadar are entirely located within the perimeter of Zone as a place of recreation ibenana and their visitors.
A as provided by the national law.
The existing plans are implemented through the
The buffer zone includes the entire peninsula of Zadar. Administrative departments of the City and ibenik-
To the west, the perimeter follows the coast including Knin County, Supervisory service of the Public
the corridor of water occupied by the port and which Institution and Nature protection inspection.
separates the coast from the peninsula. On the
opposite side, the perimeter includes a large stretch of 5.d.1.7 Defensive system of Hvar
the Adriatic Sea. The perimeter of the buffer zone traces
the area identified by protection laws as Zone B. FORTICA FORTRESS, HVAR
ARSENALWITH BUILT QUAY OF PORT, HVAR
5.d.1.6 Fort of San Nikola, ibenik- Knin County
The Nominated properties of the Defensive system of
The are several Plans aimed at protecting properties Hvar are entirely located within the perimeter of Zone
included in the Nominated property and buffer zone, A as provided by the national law.
as:
The buffer zone includes the ancient inhabited centre
t Regional Spatial Plan of the ibenik-Knin County: the and the higher fortress. The perimeter of the buffer
plan defines the basic principles for the definition zone retracts that already identified by the currents
and design of the building of settlements (in protection laws as Zone B, as defined by the National
particular Art. 26,38, 48,91 ,99), Conservation Act.
t Regional Development Plan of the city of ibenik
(Amendments (IV) Regional Plan of ibenik August 5.d.1.8 Fortified city of Korula
2015): the plan, at art. 34, defines the principles
for the retention of spatial structures in the area of The integral historical identity of the fortified city of
former military barracks;, Korula is not generally physically threatened at present
t Annual Programme of the Public institution Nature by any specific factors. The slow rhythm of rehabilitation
of the ibenik-Knin County for 2014 and 2015 : the and necessary revitalization of its urban core is being
plan defines the measures for the implementation carried out under the supervision of national laws on
of strategic objectives, as a competitive economy the protection of cultural properties which generally
based on foreign and domestic investment in and practically prevent to a considerable degree
438
excesses that are always possible. Some occurred and palaces were at the verge of ruin and only in the
anyway at the time of the overall reconstruction of the 1970s city plans began to be drawn up which included a
country after the world war, but their volume did not programme of revitalization of the old city centre. With
visibly disturb the authentic balance of old and new that end in mind the entire built heritage was analysed
architecture which was equally not disturbed by the and overview maps of its dating and evaluations drawn
planting of sparse greenery of mostly domestic sorts. up including the state of preservation (on the basis
of the documentation of the Art History Institute in
Up to the mid-20th century almost half of the houses Zagreb.
Fig. 10 Korula, zones A, B and C
439
THE PROPERTY
Comparisons show a decreased number of dilapidated of cultural heritage; reconciliation of interests of users
buildings and increased number of semi-public of space and priorities for interventions in space; public
content in them. Economic conditions and diversity of interest; private interest but not at the disadvantage of
ownership did not allow for the complete rehabilitation public interest; presence of the public in the spatial
of the city, but by taking an adequate stance toward development proceeding; establishment of space
the heritage, the original purpose of most of the related information system aimed to ensure more
old houses was restored and was done so under efficient spatial development; aseismic planning.
the regulative supervision of national or communal Construction of structures is conducted on the basis
services. Given that the legislation on the preservation of the principles of: protection of public interest,
of cultural properties under their jurisdiction is quite immovable and property; compliance with European
strict, there are not many cases of exceptional damage norms and standards; stability and life cycle of
to the integrity of the architecture which defines the structures, aseismic designing and construction of
specific traits of medieval-Renaissance Korula. structures; health protection, environmental and spatial
protection; protection against natural and technical
The main values of the immediate city surroundings hazards; protection against fires, explosions and
are also being quite successfully preserved due to the industrial incidents; thermal protection; economically
establishment of a zone of permitted construction of efficient energy use and energy efficiency; protection
structures which, neither by their dimension nor form, against noise and vibrations.
overpower the existing historic suburbs that are to the Spatial development and construction of structures
main part in harmony with the natural relief (Fig.10). must be compliant with special regulations in the area
Considering that the majority of hotel capacities are of environmental protection, protection of cultural and
located at a distance from the historical centre which is natural heritage, economically efficient energy use
functionally quite adequately organized, the pressure and energy efficiency, cultural-historical development,
of tourists does not as yet have negative effects. In man-made and natural heritage, soil, air, forests, water,
addition, due to the lack of an appropriate port for health; as well as for protection of energy, mining
large cruise ships, the number of occasional visitors and industrial structures; prevention and protection
is not viewed as a danger to the cultural properties. against natural and technical-technological hazards;
Generally speaking, the population of the whole city of infrastructural structures and networks; sport, tourism
Korula does not exceed the scope of its historic and and special purposes structures and infrastructure
existing possibilities while statistical data indicate a thereof.
downward rather than an upward trend in the number Law on Spatial Development and Construction ff
of inhabitants which has been around 6.000 for quite Structures (Official Gazette of Montenegro, No. 51 as
some time now (Statistical Data Issues of the Croatian of 22 August 2008, 40/10, 34/11, 47/11, 35/13, 39/13,
Bureau of Statistics. Census 2011). 33/14), proscribes the existence of state planning
documents and local planning documents. State
planning documents are: Spatial Plan of Montenegro;
MONTENEGRO Special Purpose Spatial Plan; Detailed spatial plan;
Location study at state level. Adoption of the Spatial
In Montenegro, Spatial development is conducted Plan of Montenegro and of the Special Purpose
on the basis of the principles of: coherent economic, Spatial Plan is mandatory. Local planning documents
social, ecologic, energy, cultural spatial development are: Town-planning scheme passed by the local self-
of Montenegro; sustainable development; incentives government; Detailed urban development plan; Urban
for balanced economic spatial development of development design; Location study at local level.
Montenegro; economically efficient use and protection Adoption of the town-planning scheme passed by the
of space and natural resources; compliance with local self-government is mandatory.
European norms and standards; protection of integral
values of space; polycentricism; competitiveness The Spatial Plan of Montenegro (Off. Gazette of
and cohesion; decentralization; protection and Montenegro, No. 24/08), adopted in 2008, is the
enhancement of the status of environment; protection strategic document and general basis for the spatial
440
organisation and development of Montenegro. The 5.d.1.9 Forte Mare, Herceg Novi
Spatial Plan of Montenegro stipulates objectives of
the state and measures of the spatial development, in The planning documents that treat the territory of the
accordance with the overall economic, social, ecological Old Town Herceg Novi are: Spatial Plan of Montenegro
and cultural historical development of Montenegro. This (Off. Gazette of Montenegro, No. 24/08), The Spatial
document specifically contains: space-use policy and Plan of Municipality of Herceg Novi to 2020 (Off.
development of functions and activities in Montenegro; Gazette of Montenegro - Municipal Regulations, No.
basis of long-term spatial organisation policy; basic 07/09 ), General Plan of Municipality of Herceg Novi
infrastructure systems and basic technical system (Off. Gazette of Montenegro - Municipal Regulations,
and manner of their connection with surrounding No. 1/89), UP Old Town (Off. Gazette of Montenegro
infrastructural systems; guidelines for increase of - Municipal Regulations, No. 17/84,) Amendments on
energy efficiency and use of renewable energy sources; UP Old Town (Off. Gazette of Montenegro - municipal
economic demographic analysis; basis for protection regulations, No. 11/87 and 16/91).
of natural and landscape values and cultural heritage;
guidelines for environmental protection; basis of The Spatial Plan of Municipality of Herceg Novi until 2020
protections of interest for the defence of the country; has defined areas of different types of development,
basis of prevention and protection against natural and such as the urban areas, rural areas, areas for the
technical-technological hazards; areas and modalities development of tourism, etc. The plan tends to
of transboundary and international cooperation; propose the ideal proportion of the projections of
prerequisites for development of planning documents population in comparison to the tourist facilities. This
for smaller territorial units; identification of regions plan has opened up new space for investments on the
of special significance for Montenegro; concession territory of the municipality, especially in the sphere
regions; economic-market projection; engineering of tourism and infrastructure. It also offers solutions
specifications or guidelines for construction of state- to infrastructure problems such as planned sanitary
owned structures of general interest; guidelines, landfill and wastewater plant.
measures, phases and time schedule for the Plans
implementation. Amendments on UP Old Town (Off. Gazette of
Montenegro - municipal regulations, no. 11/87 and
The Special Purpose Spatial Plan of the Coastal Zone, 16/91) - The basic starting points of the plan are that
which is under preparation includes coastal parts of all decisions are taken in accordance with the specific
all six coastal municipalities in Montenegro. The plan requirements, arising from the fact that the whole
indicated that the achieved levels of conservation of the old city is protected as a cultural property.
areas and development require a qualitatively different Consequently, it is necessary to apply the appropriate
relationship to the Coastal Management. It was conservation guidelines and requirements, the
specifically indicated that better practices need to be legislation on cultural properties, as well as the
conducted, as well as the better organization, spatial solutions arising from the conventions that were
planning, equipment and adequate protection of the signed by Montenegro. This planning document
area on the mainland.(Some priority projects indicated provides recognition of inputs from higher order plans
by STATUS project have their own planning foundation and development commitments at the local level, and
in this very plan document and state studies conducted also integrates results of analysis and evaluation of
also on the basis of this document.), existing documentation (relevant plans, strategies and
projects), as well as the situation on the ground.
The Regional Development Strategy for Montenegro
2010-2014 was adopted on the basis of the regional The buffer zone includes the whole walled city,
development and reflects an effort to coordinate protected as cultural property and included on the
national policy of regional development with the Register of Cultural Monuments of the Peoples
regional policy of the European Union. Montenegro .
The Spatial Plan of the Municipality of Herceg Novi to
441
THE PROPERTY
2020 and the General Urban Plan of the Municipality surroundings

of Herceg Novi, passed by the local self-government
define objectives and measures of spatial and urban t zone 2 - plan/law from Directorate:
planning development of the local self-government, The Spatial Urban Plan - SUP Coastal Zone is in
in accordance with the planned economic, social, its draft stage, and it will address the complete
ecological and cultural-historical development. coastal area including segments of the Old town
Buffer zone also includes two other small urban section of Herceg Novi and its parsed integral parts, all
son the south-west side of the walled city (see map on for the purpose of completing rehabilitation and
Fig. 11). presentation of the Old Town and the surrounding.
Furthermore, the Law on Protection of Cultural
t zone 1 - out of Granica Kulturnog Dobra law but Properties regulates relation of the community
protected by predlona zasticena zona kulturnog and the state towards cultural property, and set
dobra law: this zone is out of the boundaries of their preservation and revitalization as priorities.
the cultural property, but within the protected
Fig. 11 Herceg Novi : small urban sections on the south-west side of the walled city included in the buffer zone
442
5.e PROPERTY MANAGEMENT PLAN OR OTHER
MANAGEMENT SYSTEM
Both zones, although defined separately, involve and spaces, including the envisaged measures of
the same constraints in terms of legislation. Those protection and revitalization of all segments. In
constraints are also implemented in the case of cultural this sense, along with retaining and rehabilitating
properties. cultural and historical facilities and spaces among
them, it is also provided to develop catering
5.d.1.10 Fortified city of Kotor services, tourism, housing and activities, all
in connection with promotion of culture and
The buffer zone is a protected surrounding to the old tradition).
town, which is addressed with the existing planning
documents, the Urban Plan (UP) of the Old Town, the Other specific plans are the following:
Detailed Urban Plan (DUP) of Dobrota, the Detailed
Urban Plan (DUP) of kaljari, the State Location Study t In the north, the Detailed Urban Plan (DUP)
(SLS) for the Sector 15 - Dobrota and the State Location Dobrota, Zone 1, Detailed Urban Plan (DUP)
Study (SLS) for the Sector 16-kaljari in a wat that Dobrota (Official Gazette: 13/89, 01/08, 23/13) (in
preserves the integrity of cultural property. All planning the contact zone it is mainly provided to retain the
documents are mainly based on the previous protection existing population density with revitalization of
strategies, i.e. the Study of cultural property protection the area and the coastal park area),
and the Management plan of the Old Town of Kotor. t In the south, the Detailed Urban Plan (DUP)
For the purpose of developing a spatial urban plan of kaljari (Official Gazette: 19/89, 27/00, 17/08), it is
Kotor, which includes the protected surrounding as a mainly provided to retain the existing population
whole, the Study of Protection of Cultural Property for density with revitalization of the area (there is an
the Spatial Urban Plan of Kotor was developed, which idea of constructing a public facility - garage, at
has to be implemented consistently through the plans, the existing location of the market with overall
and which ensures integrity. dimensions Basement +1 floor),
t The State Location Study (SLS) for the Sector 15
The buffer zone includes the whole walled city, (Dobrota) in a protection zone provides mainly
protected as cultural property and included on the to retain the existing population density with
Register of Cultural Monuments of the Peoples revitalization of the area. The plan provides
Montenegro . construction of a public facility - garage, at the
existing location of the parking,
Buffer zone also includes also a small urban section t The State Location Study (SLS) for the Sector 16
on the south-west side of the walled city (see map on (kaljari) in a protection zone provides mainly
chapter 5.b.2.9). This area is classified as protected to retain the existing population density with
surroundings by the Protection of Cultural Property revitalization of the area.
Act, which defines it as a space around an immovable
cultural property which is of direct importance for its 5.d.1.11 Fortified city of Ulcinj
existence, protection, usage, appearance, preservation
and exploration, as well as for its historical context, The planning documents that treat the territory of
traditional environment and visual accessibility. It the Old Town Ulcinj are: Spatial Plan of Montenegro
represents a visual shield of cultural property and it has (Off. Gazette of Montenegro, number 24/08), the
the same level of protection as the cultural property. Spatial Plan of Municipality of Ulcinj by 2010 (OGM -
municipal regulations, No. 24 /99), General Urban Plan
The planning documents that treat the territory in the of Ulcinj (Official Gazette of Montenegro - municipal
Old Town of Kotor and its immediate surrounding are regulations, No. 2/86) and Urban project Old Town
the following: (Official Gazette of Montenegro , No. 7/83 - municipal
regulations).
t Urban Plan for the Old Town of Kotor (Official The Spatial Plan of Municipality of Ulcinj by 2010 (OGM
Gazette 19/84, 23/02) (the plan provides a mode - municipal regulations, No. 24 / 99) and General Urban
of developing the existing capacities of facilities Plan of Ulcinj (Official Gazette of RoM - municipal
443
THE PROPERTY
regulations, No. 2/86), cover the whole territory of 5.e Property management plan or
the municipality and represent a general, strategic
documents of the local community. These planning other management system
documents define that the bearers of development
should be the sector of tourism, agriculture and the A detailed management plan is attached to this
use of the sea. nomination file as a separate document. The
Urban project Old Town (Official Gazette of management plan is intended as a progressing
Montenegro, No. 7/83 - municipal regulations) document evolving and reflecting the current
proposes the model of functioning is based on the state of the work being undertaken jointly by the
valorisation of architectural heritage and the ambient, countries involved. Management arrangements for
were the Old Town is treated as the protected cultural the World Heritage nomination The Venetian Works of
assembly and the residential zone, with new contents Defence between 15th and 17th Centuries have been
(tourism, catering, crafts). developed by the competent authorities of the three
States Parties. They have been drawn up in accordance
Please delete the text that we previously proposed with Article 132 of the Operational Guidelines for the
The planning documents that treat the territory of Implementation of the World Heritage Convention.
the Old Town Ulcinj are Urban project Old Town
(Official Gazette of Montenegro, No. 7/83 - municipal The nomination The Venetian Works of Defence between
regulations) and Project for the revitalization of the 15th and 17th Centuries is proposed jointly by the
Old Town of Ulcinj, Phase II of the project, conceptual States Parties, but each State Party remains responsible
designs of buildings and infrastructure; Bureau-Cetinje for the practical preservation of the Nominated sites
and RZUP, Titograd, May 1982, Titograd. within its territory. The detailed management plan
(see attachment) considers these legal differences
The buffer zone includes the whole town of Ulcinj, which concerning the level of competencies, in order to
on the basis of national legislation in Montenegro, establish coordination, collaboration and common
is declared a protected cultural monument of aims on appropriate fields and with the right level
exceptional features (I category) and that the status has of partners while leaving individual measures to the
been granted since 1961, i.e. from the beginning of the legally qualified entities.
process of registering of protected cultural monuments The management for The Venetian Works of Defence
in Montenegro. between 15th and 17th Centuries is therefore presented
over all the three levels international national
It also includes the area around the old town (western regional / local, and, through the Memorandum of
cliffs, southern pier, western esplanade, eastern wooded Understanding, signed by all the competent bodies
side) already included in the protected surrounding of of the three State Parties, establishes additional
Old Town of Ulcinj. As the protected surrounding has structures and rules to ensure an effective, transversal
the same legal treatment as the cultural property, it coordination between the participating States Parties
is actually subject to jurisdiction of the Directorate for on the one hand and towards and between regional
Protection of Cultural Properties and measures and entities and other stakeholders on the other.
regimes it stipulates (Law on Protection of Cultural
Properties). Through the Memorandum of Understanding, the
countries involved declare their joint intention to
This area will also be partly covered by the Spatial Urban protect the Nominated property according to the
Plan Coastal Zone, as well as the Study of protection for guidelines and objectives set out by the World
the purpose of the Spatial Urban Plan Coastal Zone. Heritage Convention and to found an International
Coordination Group to meet these goals. This group
will be responsible for the international coordination
of the work undertaken on this serial candidate
World Heritage property and will as well guarantee
the coordination towards the national coordination
444
5.f SOURCES AND LEVELS OF FINANCE
groups and the persons in charge of the local sites. Its Germany, Croatia, Hungary, Italy, Poland, Slovenia
functioning is defined with detailed rules and accepted and Slovakia;
by the participating States Parties. 6. ESPON 2020 Cooperation Programme: eligible
For a detailed explanation of the management partners from the entire territory of the 28 EU
system acting on the site, please refer to the attached Members States + Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway
Management Plan. and Switzerland,
7. URBACT III: eligible partners from the entire
5.f Sources and levels of finance territory of the 28 EU Members States + Norway
and Switzerland,
8. Interact Programme: eligible partners from the
5.f.1 General sources of finance 28 EU countries,
The contracting states, with their administrative 9. Interreg Italy-Croatia Cross Border Cooperation
structures and authorities, are responsible for and agree Programme,
to the procurement of funding for the protection and 10. Danube Transnational Programme: eligible
preservation measures for the individual sites,but, there partners come from 9 EU countries: Austria,
are several sources of financing at the international Bulgaria, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Germany,
level, and specifically at european level, to which Hungary, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia; and 5
individual states can draw on, for the conservation and non-EU countries - Bosnia and Herzegovina, the
management about its assets. Republic of Moldova, Montenegro, Serbia, part of
Ukraine,
States proponents have already participated in various 11. tri-lateral programme Croatia-Bosnia and
forms of financing. In some cases, states candidates Herzegovina-Montenegro.
have already worked within these same forms of
programming , as in the ones listed below : Specifically for individual states, each of them took part
individually to other cross - border and transnational
1. Interreg Mediterranean Programme: eligible Programmes . In particular:
partners come from 10 EU Member States:
Croatia, Cyprus, France, Greece, Italy, Malta, 1. Alpine Space Cooperation Programme: eligible
Portugal, Slovenia, Spain, United-Kingdom; partners come from 5 EU countries: Austria,
Albania, Bosnia-Herzegovina and Montenegro Germany, France, Italy and Slovenia,
participate Participating with the European funds 2. Interreg IPA Cooperation Programme Croatia-
of Instrument for Pre-accession Assistance (IPA), Serbia,
2. Interreg Adriatic Ionian Programme: eligible 3. Interreg V-A Hungary-Croatia Cross Border
partners come from 16 countries: Albania, Cooperation Programme,
Austria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, 4. bilateral programme Bosnia and Herzegovina-
Romania, Croatia, the former Yugoslav Republic Montenegro,
of Macedonia, Greece, Hungary, Serbia, 5. bilateral programme Montenegro-Albania,
Montenegro, Slovakia, Slovenia, Italy and Ukraine, 6. bilateral programme Montenegro-Kosovo,
3. tri-lateral programme Italy-Albania-Montenegro, 7. bilateral programme Serbia-Montenegro.
4. Interreg Europe Programme: eligible partners
from the 28 EU countries: Austria, Belgium, In conclusion, within the framework of the 2014-2020
Bulgaria, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Germany, financial perspective:
Denmark, Estonia, Greece, Spain, Finland, -Italy (specifically, the three Regions of the proposed
France, Croatia, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Lithuania, property) will participate in 13 cross-border and
Luxembourg, Latvia, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, transnational programmes;
Portugal, Romania, Sweden, Slovenia, Slovakia, -Croatia will participate in 13 cross-border and
United Kingdom + Norway and Switzerland, transnational programmes;
5. Central Europe Programme: eligible partners -Montenegro will participate in 9 cross-border and
from 9 countries: Austria, Czech Republic, transnational programmes.
445
THE PROPERTY
Each Italian Region benefits, moreover, from grants of cultural property is financed through international
from the European Union, or rather Structural Funds, donations, in particular the Instrument for Pre-
distributed to the Member States based on subsequent Accession Assistance (IPA). Cultural heritage is for the
programmed seven-year periods. In particular, the two most part financed through the IPA Component II -
main funds available to the Regions are: Cross-Border Cooperation.
t The European Fund for Regional Development 5.f.2 Sources of finance of the specific
(EFRD), which supports programmes of regional components
development, economic change, strengthening
of competitiveness and territorial cooperation ITALY
throughout the EU. The priorities include research,
innovation, protection of the environment and risk The majority of the funding for the conservation of the
prevention. selected Italian heritage comes from the State (through
t The European Social Fund (ESF), which the Ministry for Cultural Activities and Heritage and
concentrates on four key ambits: growing the Tourism), the Regions, Provinces and Municipalities.
suitability of workers and businesses, improving These funds cover both the ordinary and extraordinary
access to employment and participation in the management of the property, as well as personnel
work market, reinforcing social inclusion and costs.
promoting partnerships for a reform in the field of
employment and inclusion. The Ministry for Cultural Activities and Heritage funds
projects to renovate the countrys most important
In Croatia, the most prominent examples of protected monuments as a part of the Large
international financing for the rehabilitation of Renovations Project. On the territorial level, the
cultural heritage are donations, pre-accession funds, Architectural Property and Landscape Office (linked
and loans. Foreign, private, trust and institutional with the Ministry) have an annual programme of
financial donations for the protection of cultural renovations of the heritage in their jurisdiction.
heritage formed a significant part of investments in the
renovation of architectural heritage damaged during In Italy, moreover, there is specific funding for UNESCO
the Homeland War (Dubrovnik) and its transformation sites: Law nr. 77 of 20th February 2006, which finances
for new purposes (Ludbreg). The use of resources from conservation and valorisation projects regarding
different European funds is still in the early stages up UNESCO sites in Italy and establishes priorities in
to now, many projects have been financed within the funding projects within the Sites themselves.
Instrument for Pre-accession Assistance programme
(IPA). Smaller projects have been carried out in Moreover, Italy can also be funded by specific
units of local self-government through cross-border programmes, such as: National Operational
cooperation programmes (e.g. IPA Adriatic Cross- Programme on Infrastructures and Networks, National
Border Cooperation Programme). Resources provided Operational Programme on Metropolitan Cities,
by international financial institutions have also been National Operational Programme on Enterprises and
used in projects for the sustainable exploitation of Competitiveness, National Operational Programme
cultural heritage (Vukovar/Vuedol/Ilok). on Governance and Institutional Capacity, National
Operational Programme on Research and Innovation,
Moreover, the Republic of Croatia is also funded National Operational Programme on Education, and
by the Competitiveness and Cohesion Operational by Regional Operational Programmes for the three
Programme, aimed at boosting economic regions involved.
competitiveness, supporting alignment with the
EU environmental acquis, investing in transport Within the ambit of territorial organisations, the
infrastructure (TEN-T) and network infrastructure. Regions own the widest available funds which they
share between the various relevant sectors. These
Also in Montenegro the protection and preservation
446
5.g SOURCES OF EXPERTISE AND TRAINING IN CONSERVATION
AND MANAGEMENT TECHNIQUES
cover a specific programme aimed at issuing funds the Ministry of Culture publishes in public newspapers
for planning of the territory and the valorisation of every year the Invitation for the Proposal of Programmes
the environmental, cultural and landscape heritage. In for the Public Use of Culture in the Republic of Croatia.
particular: Pursuant to the applications received, a Programme for
the Protection and Preservation of Cultural Heritage is
t The Lombardy Region, through Regional Laws drawn up, for the implementation of which funds are
nr. 39/1984 and nr. 39/1991, awards funding to assured from the State Budget, which represents the
promote the requalification and valorisation of the main source of finance for protection, conservation,
regional archaeological heritage and UNESCO sites, restoration, presentation and maintenance projects
in order to improve the publics use, to pincrease concerned with cultural heritage. Apart from the State
the public awarness and to promote educational Budget, funds are assured in the budgets of units of
and cultural projects of regional interest, local and regional self-government.
t To cover works on cultural property of Peschiera
del Garda, the Veneto Region has put aside, and A specific way in which funds are assured in Croatia
continues to put aside, funds within the ambit of is through the monument annuity. Physical and
European projects and initiatives of the Walled legal persons that carry out commercial activities
Cities of the Veneto association. In all cases, in immovable cultural heritage, or in designated
this regards partial funding added to Municipal protected urban zones, pay an annuity which amounts
funding , to 2% of revenues. Of this amount, 60% goes to the
t The Friuli Venezia Giulia Region, through town or municipal budget, and 40% to the state
Regional Law nr. 2/1983 Regional Interventions budget, at the disposal of the Ministry of Culture which
for Historical City Centres and Regional Law uses the funds to promote the preservation of cultural
nr. 10/2000, Interventions for the protection, heritage in less developed environments. Budget
conservation and valorisation of the fortified revenues from the monument annuity are disbursed
architecture of Friuli-Venezia Giulia works for the exclusively for the protection and preservation of
safeguarding of environmental, historical and cultural heritage. In general it is used for cultural
artistic properties of value in primary historical city heritage in public ownership, but also can be used for
centres and architecture for defence and awards a works on privately owned property for example to
special grant to the respective Councils made up of improve the condition of faades for the purpose of
one-off grants and constant twenty-year subsidies. improving the image of a place.
The Municipalities mainly in the ambit of the Triennial Budget funds may be used to finance all types of
Programme of Public Works, set aside funds for protection work and activities from research,
maintenance, recovery and valorisation of property. documenting and the production of project
documentation, to restoration and presentation works
Finally, there are a number of private subjects who (but, at present, the funds are not used for investment
aim for unsecured funding to carry out projects to in rehabilitation projects).
valorise Italys cultural heritage and to improve the
territorys attractiveness from a touristic point of view. Along with the Ministry of Culture, there are other state
In this regards, the contribution of banking institutions bodies which run permanent programmes, including
is highly important, as they are often sensitive to the for the restoration of heritage, of which the most active
maintenance of projects and cultural events and is the Ministry of Tourism (which support rehabilitation
interventions to recover prestigious architectural projects that provide added economic benefits, for
property, and issue grants through bids or direct example, for conversion of historical buildings into
transfer to territorial organisations or private subjects. holiday accommodation and the sale of home grown
products). Some public institutions for National and
CROATIA Nature Parks, which include cultural heritage assets,
may financially support such assets including their
Pursuant to the Act on Financing Public Needs in Culture, revitalization and rehabilitation for tourism purposes.
447
THE PROPERTY
Preservation of Cultural Property by the Government of

There are no regulations according to which the merging Montenegro at the proposal of the Ministry of Culture
and coordination of different sources of finance for represents a separate legal obligation. This Programme
protecting and preserving cultural heritage (the state, provides support, financing and co-financing to the
local administrations, religious communities) would programmes and projects relevant for exercising public
become obligatory, so that defining priorities and interesting the area of cultural heritage of Montenegro,
monitoring the course of renovations by the competent i.e. to the implementation of projects and programmes
conservation department are sometimes difficult to in the area of conservation, museum, librarian, archives
achieve, highlighting the need for guidelines to define and film archiving activities.
funding priorities for the cultural heritage (adoption of
management plans for cultural heritage assets would Designated funds from the annuity for the protection
provide an opportunity to provide such a guideline). and preservation of cultural property, in accordance
with Article 125 of the Law on the Protection of Cultural
MONTENEGRO Property, are complied and regulated by the Article 2
par. 1 and 2 of the Law on the Personal Income Tax (Off.
In Montenegro, the Law on Culture provides that Gazette of Montenegro, no. 36/2013), which provides
a minimum of 2.5% of the national budget minus
expenditures of government funds and capital budget,
shall be allocated to culture. The protection and
preservation of cultural properties are funded from
the funds of the owners and holders of the cultural
property, the general revenues of the budget of
Montenegro, annuity for the preservation of cultural
property, the municipality budgets, donations and
other revenues in accordance with the Law on the
Protection of Cultural Property. Funding through the
adoption of the Annual Programme of Protection and
Fig.12 Adriatic cross-border program and transnational programs represent a fundamental resource for the enhancement and protection
of the fortified heritage inside the three States Party
448
that the revenue from taxes on real estate belong to ITALY

the budget of Montenegro, the budget of the local
government and the Equalization Fund, in a proportion On the national, regional and local level, there are a
of 10%, 80%,10%, and that the funds in the amount of number of public and private organisations already
10%, which are allocated for the Budget of Montenegro operating on the territory and possess specific
will be used, among other things, to finance the competences in the conservation and management
protection of cultural heritage, according to Annual of the architectural, environmental and landscape
Programme of Protection and Preservation of Cultural heritage. In particular, the Ministry of Cultural Activities
Property, issued by the Government of Montenegro, at and Heritage and Tourism is the nations leading
the proposal of the state administration responsible institution for the protection of Italys culture, theatre
for culture, while paragraph 3 of the mentioned Article and artistic, cultural and landscape heritage. The
provides that the method of allocation of these funds Ministrys structure is divided into separate organs
will be prescribed by the Ministry of Finance. throughout the national territory. In each Region that
possesses the proposed property, there is a Regional
The method of allocation of the above mentioned Management for Cultural and Landscape Heritage which
funds is prescribed by the Ministry of Finance through answers to an Architectural and Landscape Heritage
Bylaw on the Distribution of Revenue from Taxes on Office, a Historical-artistic and Ethnoanthropological
Real Estate Belonging to the Budget of Montenegro Heritage Office, an Archaeological Heritage Office
(Off. Gazette of Montenegro, no. 54/13), in Article and an Archives Office. These offices are responsible
2, which provides that the income referred to in for all the landscape, architectural and historical-
paragraph 1 of this Article shall be distributed to the artistic heritage whoever they belong to. Experts in
Ministry of Culture, Directorate of Youth and Sport the various sectors (landscape architects and restorer
and the Ministry of Science in the ratio 65% 24%:11%. architects, art scholars, archaeologists, archivists) work
The funds from the annuity for the protection and in these offices, alongside designers, cartographers,
preservation of cultural property, as well as dedicated photographers and a number of other technical
revenue for the protection of cultural property shall professionals.
be used in accordance with the Annual Programme
of Protection and Preservation of Cultural Property, For some specific functions, reference can be made to
passed by the Government of Montenegro, at the the central institutes and offices of the Ministry, among
proposal of the Ministry of Culture. them:
t The Central Institute for Cataloguing and

5.g Sources of expertise and training Documentation (ICCD) based in Rome, defines
the standards and tools for cataloguing and
in conservation and management documentation of the national archaeological,
techniques architectural, artistic-historical and
ethnoanthropological heritage in collaboration
with regional technical organisations; it is
Technical competences and the professionalism institutionally responsible for the General
essential for the conservation and development of Cataloguing Informative System (SIGECweb), the
Venetian fortified sites is ensured in each discipline national system of acquisition and integrated
in each of the three Participating States both on the management of knowledge of Italys cultural
ministerial level and the local administrative level. heritage. (cfr. www.iccd.beniculturali.it),
High quality academic research is guaranteed by the
universities working in all the States. t The Higher Institute for Conservation and Restoration
(ISCR), the historical structure founded in Rome
5.g.1 Availability of competence and by Cesare Brandi in 1939, provides scientific
training projects of the specific components and technical consultation to the organs linked
to the Ministry, as well as the Regions, for the
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conservation and restoration of the cultural scientific and technological sectors (http://www.cnr.
heritage; it manages, coordinates or participates it). The Institute for the Conservation and Valorisation
in restoration works, throughout the national of Cultural Heritage (ICVBC) operates here, established
territory and also abroad, for particularly complex in July 2001 from the merging of the three CNR Study
interventions or those carried out for research Centres on the Causes of Deterioration and Methods
purposes or educational purposes for the world- of Conservation of Works of Art (instituted from 1971).
renowned Restoration Academy (SAF); moreover, Within the ambit of the restoration of cultural property,
it promotes projects to experiment methods and the ICVBC deals with research themes mainly on the
materials for conservation, and participates in scientific and technological aspects and the synthesis
setting up regulations and technical specifications of new products. The focus is mainly on manufactured
regarding conservation and restoration products found outside, in particular those made in
interventions; this variety of disciplines comes natural and artificial stone materials. (http://www.
from the various competences that produce icvbc.cnr.it/).
the scientific knowledge to preserve the artistic
heritage. (cfr. http://www.icr.beniculturali.it), Concerning the specific theme of fortified architecture,
a source of top level competence and training is
t The Factory of Semi-Precious Stones in Florence represented by the Italian Institute of Castles. Founded
(OPD), the result of a long, illustrious tradition of in 1964, it studies defence architecture, in order to
a modern and articulated activity, is home to the include it in the active cycle of modern life through
second most important state school of Italian activities to safeguard and valorise it. The Institute
restoration and has a number of restoration intends to make the properties accessible to the public,
laboratories, a highly specialised library, a very rich allowing for the broadest and most respectful use of
archive and a climatology research centre (http:// the property possible. The institute also conducts a
www.opificio.arti.beniculturali.it). large campaign to sensitise public opinion (http://
www.castit.it/).
Concerning the availability of specialist competences
and training in conservation techniques, we should also Moreover, the Centre of Studies and Historical Research
remember some more national organisations, within on the Military Architecture of the Piedmont area (http://
which some highly specialised figures work in research www.architetturamilitarepiemonte.it/) is a scientific
in the cultural heritage sector, such as the CNR National structure depending on the Piedmont Region and
Research Council, Italys largest public research body; made up of lecturers from the Polytechnic and
established in 1923, it carries out training, promotion University of Turin. The Institute possesses a wealth
and coordination activities regarding research in all of nationally-important knowledge and competence,
Fig.13Numerous scientific activities performed by the Italian castles for the enhancement and preservation of fortified heritage
450
also thanks to the highly specialised collections in the field of restoration and conservation work is included
library and drawings archive. in higher education study courses at the Arts Academy
Concerning the techniques and methods of in Split (Department for Conservation and Restoration),
conservation, other national organisations are available the Fine Arts Academy in Zagreb (Department for the
for the Site, such as the ICCROM - International Centre Restoration and Conservation of Works of Art), and
for the Study of the Preservation and Restoration of the University of Dubrovnik (Department for Art and
Cultural Property, established in Rome in 1959 (http:// Restoration).
www.iccrom.org).
Improving the work of protecting and preserving
On the national level, there are a number of training cultural heritage, and advancing conservation
institutes and Universities which offer II and III level and restoration work, can only be achieved by
degree courses and post-grad courses (doctorates, strengthening human resources. Lifelong learning
masters, specialisation courses) on the conservation has become an indisputable need, with the aim of
of cultural property, the restoration and valorisation of achieving and maintaining competence.
architectural, landscape and environmental property,
on territorial and landscape planning and on the Due to the experience and knowledge of the expert
management of the cultural heritage. In particular, staff of the Croatian Restoration Institute and its
within the Regions involved in the candidature project, technically well-equipped workshops, it would be
we can mention the Milan State University (www. possible to provide high quality, practical teaching
unimi.it), Milan Bicocca University (www.unimib.it), sessions for students taking restoration courses and
Milan-Sacred Heart Catholic University (www.unicatt.it/ the employees of private restoration workshops.
milano), Bergamo (http://www.unibg.it), Brescia (www. Using the knowledge and documentation of the
unibs.it), Verona (www.univr.it), Padua (www.unipd.it), Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Croatia would
Venice Ca Foscari (www.unive.it), IUAV (www.iuav.it), mean releasing significant potential for the commercial
Trieste (www.univ.trieste.it), Udine (www.uniud.it). exploitation of cultural heritage, particularly with
the aim of developing cultural tourism. As the
Moreover, there are the Academies of Fine Arts of conservationist view of the protection of cultural
Brera, the G.B Cignaroli in Verona and la Aldo Galli in heritage is broadening from individual elements to the
Como, which offer specific five-year training courses on cultural landscape, it is also demanded the involvement
restoration. of experts in other scientific disciplines in the service,
such as landscape architects, geographers, surveyors,
Finally, mention should be made of the Public Territorial etc., who would provide extra assistance in identifying,
Organisations (Regions, Provinces and Councils) which, evaluating and selecting areas of interest.
due to their specific competences, employ experts
specialised in the conservation, valorisation and The education of experts for the protection of
management of the architectural, urban, environmental cultural heritage is needed primarily in the area of
and landscape heritage. project management (identification, preparation,
implementation, monitoring and evaluation), financial
CROATIA appraisal of projects/feasibility studies, fund-raising
skills and business and financial management, which
Systematic training of staff for conservation work would be reflected in a significant way in the number,
in the area of protecting and preserving cultural quality and preparedness of projects. A small number
heritage in Croatia does not exist, although staff may of Ministry of Culture experts have gained experience
gain basic information regarding the problems of through the Ljubljana Process I in the area of project
protection through various university studies (art management, but their knowledge needs to be
history, archaeology, ethnology, architecture, etc.). The disseminated. In addition, training for experts in units
relatively satisfactory state of the work of the protection of local and regional self-government would contribute
service is the result of many years of experience greatly to the national initiative. Given the nature of
working on these tasks. The education of staff in the projects, it would be also desirable to provide training
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in traditional building skills. The existence of craftsmen restoration and other similar work regarding
with the necessary skills and knowledge required for cultural heritage items and their environments, and
renovation is important for the preservation of cultural archaeological excavations and research projects,
heritage, so apart from developing professional including underwater excavations and shipwreck
restoration knowledge, it would also be necessary to recovery.
create a system of economic stimulation to maintain
and develop traditional trades and crafts. Moreover, the Croatian Council for Cultural Heritage
has been established to monitor and promote the
Additional education is needed regarding the status of cultural property, comprising experts on the
integration of heritage and spatial planning, protection and conservation of cultural heritage items.
development controls and environmental protection. The Council considers general issues in the area of
Regardless of the regulations in force, when drawing the protection and preservation of cultural properties
up plans, town planners do not sufficiently take into and gives recommendations for the advancement
consideration the proposed conservation protection of activities for the protection and preservation of
measures, recommendations and guidelines cultural properties; acquaints itself with programmes
(prescribed by Ministry of Culture Conservation for the protection of cultural property and their
Departments see chap 4.), and these result in the poor implementation; recommends cultural heritage which
protection of cultural heritage in the physical planning should be proclaimed endangered to the Minister
documents adopted. of Culture; gives opinions concerning the removal of
immovable cultural heritage; gives opinions in the
The accessibility of high quality, complete decision-making process, considers controversial
documentation on cultural heritage is a basic issues in the area of protection and preservation of
prerequisite for its sustainable exploitation, and to cultural properties and recommends solutions.
this end, along with the on-line Register of Cultural
Properties, it is necessary to create a geographic- Institutions for the protection and preservation of
information system (GIS) of cultural heritage, which cultural heritage are restoration institutions or other
is one of the goals of the Strategy for the Protection, establishments, as well as museums, galleries, archives,
Preservation and Commercial Exploitation of the libraries and other public institutions in the field of
Cultural Heritage of the Republic of Croatia (2011-2015). culture that perform tasks in connection with the
In order to achieve it, financial resources are lacking, preservation, renovation and protection of cultural
both for technical equipment and a computer system. property.
It is also necessary to provide systematic training of Tasks connected with the restoration, conservation
expert staff and create horizontal interdepartmental and renovation of cultural property are performed by
coordination (State Geodesy Administration). the Croatian Restoration Institute, a public institution
in the ownership of the Republic of Croatia. The
The acquisition of new knowledge, particularly in the Croatian Restoration Institute was established in
field of project management, would be most efficiently 1997 by merging of two existing institutions for
achieved by exchanging experiences with experts conservation and restoration. The basic activities of
from other countries, particularly those with wide the Institute are the conservation and restoration of
experience in both preparing projects and finding immovable cultural heritage (the legacy of buildings,
solutions for project funding. wall paintings and mosaics, sculptures in stone, stucco-
work) and movable cultural heritage (free-standing
Supervision of the application of legal regulations in paintings, wooden painted sculptures, works of art on
practice is a matter for the Inspectorate Section of the paper and vellum, furniture, textiles and metal objects),
Cultural Heritage Protection Directorate. This section archaeological heritage and other items of cultural,
monitors the status of cultural property and the historical or technical significance. The resources for
implementation of measures to protect and conserve the regular activities of the Institute are provided from
them, the exploitation of and trade in cultural objects the Republic of Croatias State Budget funds, via the
and in particular the performance of conservation, Ministry of Culture, and from its own revenues, along
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Fig.14The state system for the protection of cultural heritage
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with subventions, sponsorships and donations. documents is conducted their protection and propose
protection measures are as follows:
Along with the aforementioned institutions, the tasks
of research, analysis, record-keeping, restoration, t Ministry of Culture,
conservation and preservation of cultural property may t Ministry of Sustainable Development and Tourism,
be performed by specialised legal or physical entities. t Ministry of Economy,
t Ministry of Transport and Maritime Affairs,
The Minister of Culture prescribes conditions which t Ministry for Information Society and
must be fulfilled by legal or physical entities to acquire Telecommunications,
permission for the performance of these tasks. The t Department for the Protection of Cultural Property,
Ministry of Culture keeps a register of such legal and t Centre for Conservation and Archaeology
physical entities (Ordinance on the conditions for Montenegro,
physical and legal persons to acquire permission to t National Museum of Montenegro,
perform tasks for the protection and preservation of t State Archive of Montenegro,
cultural goods, OG 74/03, 44/10). t National Library Djurdje Crnojevi ,
t Natural History Museum of Montenegro,
According to Articles 18, 19 and 20 of the Act on Local t Agency for Environmental Protection,
and Regional Self-Government (OG 33/01, 60/01, t Municipality of Kotor,
129/05, 109/07, 125/08 and 36/09), municipalities, t Municipality of Herceg Novi,
towns and counties may act independently in decision- t Municipality of Ulcinj.
making in activities within their self-governmental
scope of work (some municipalities and towns employ In particular, the Ministry of Culture is the institution
staff to deal with cultural issues including projects in charge at the national level for the protection of
concerning cultural heritage such as the initiation of culture, media and art, culture and landscape. The
rehabilitation projects some are more active than Ministry does not have peripheral organs located
others in this respect). Among other things, these throughout the country but is acting directly on it.
include tasks relating to spatial and urban planning In his office technical experts operate in different
carried out by their Administrative Departments. fields (architects, landscape architects and restorers,
They perform expert tasks relating to spatial planning art historians, archaeologists, archivists, as well as
and construction. Town and County Administrative designers, cartographers, photographers and many
Departments for Culture monitor and coordinate other technical figures).
activities within the scope of implementing projects to
protect and preserve immovable and movable cultural The former Faculty of Culture in Cetinje provided
heritage. education for conservators, but this unit ceased to
exist in the 1990s. The Faculty of Philosophy in Niki
MONTENEGRO provides education in the fields of history, geography,
sociology, pedagogy etc., while Cetinje is the seat of
The Montenegro begun to regulate the management the Music Academy, the Faculty of Dramatic Arts, and
and use of the protection of movable and immovable the Faculty of Visual Arts. The Faculty of Architecture
cultural property in 1948, when the Institute for and the Faculty of Civil Engineering are located in
the Protection of Cultural and Natural Rarities Podgorica
was established. Today, the protection of cultural
heritage is achieved through the performance of The professional competency of the national
prescribed administrative and technical measures and institutions is satisfactory. However, there is a lack of
actions taken by the competent organs of the state people with certain specialized skills in specific fields.
administration, cultural institutions and other legal For this reason is important the role of the universities:
entities and individuals, which fulfil the prescribed University of Montenegro (http://www.ucg.ac.me/
conditions. The institutions through which the lines eng/), Mediterranean University (http://unimediteran.
of those adopted legislative, contractual and planning net/index.php/mne/), University of Donja Gorica
454
5.h VISITOR FACILITIES AND INFRASTRUCTURES
(http://www.udg.edu.me/). The university studies and possibility where available for specific guided tours.
laboratories permits to deepen the aspect linked to the
national heritage. The defence works are described and illustrated in the
main tourist guides referring to each city or in brochures
Moreover there is the University of Montenegro Faculty and publications published by the individual councils
of Fine Arts, that represents a modern artistic and themselves.
educational institution that organizes work at academic
undergraduate, specialist and master studies within In the examples of Bergamo, Venice and Palmanova,
the following study programs: painting, sculpture, the cities also hold historical museums which illustrate
graphics, graphic Design, and it is particularly attentive the history and development of Venetian fortifications.
to the issues of restoration and enhancement of the
heritage. The components are indicated locally with a special
road sign network placed by the individual council
5.h Visitor facilities and administrations.
infrastructure 5.h.1.1 Fortified city of Bergamo
The site can be accessed through a variety of different Access to the fortress is guaranteed by the following
infrastructural connections that exist in each of public transport:
the three Member States. On the local level, each
component has facilities and services for visitors, t 18 bus routes, including the Airport shuttle bus
illustrated in detail below. to Orio al Serio. The service is managed by ATB
Azienda Trasporti Bergamo, transports company
5.h.1 Facilities and services for each t two cable cars which link the Lower City with the
Upper City,
component t a tourist train operating every Sunday and on
holidays which links (both inbound and outbound)
ITALY the main Upper City cable car station with Aperto
Hill, following the Viale delle Mura *Avenue of the
All components in Italy are open to visitors. All the Wall).
resorts are located near national and international
airports and are also served by the national road and The city of Bergamo and ATB also offer an organised car
motorway networks and the railway. The Defence parking system, part of which are paid car parks and
System of the Venetian Lagoon component is also regulated and others are free, allowing parking both
accessible by sea through the sea transport service that inside the Upper City as well as inside the urban fabric
supplies the Port of Venice and through the network of of the modern city.
ferries within the city.
The city has a number of accommodation possibilities,
All of the cities have facilities and services for visitors able to fully satisfy a rather low level of tourism. From
which vary greatly in terms of both quality and the qualitative point of view, the offer is characterised
quantity, depending on the context of reference. In by the presence of medium-high hotels (1,267 beds
fact, cities such as Peschiera del Garda and Venice are at 4 stars), a good number of B&Bs (382 beds) and a
very attractive to tourists, with a vast and varied range large number of other accommodation, particularly
of offers; Bergamo and Palmanova are intermediate for holiday homes and residences managed in a more
realities, while Palmanova has a more limited tourist entrepreneurial way (accommodation for business).
offer. Bergamo also has an excellent offer in food and
drink with 10 restaurants having won Michelin star
Each council has a tourist office which gives information recognition (one of which has three stars).
on how to access and visit the works, as well as the
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The Municipality of Bergamo has a Tourist Information Bergamo in History Foundation, which includes an
and Welcome Office (IAT) localised in two premises, entire section dedicated to the Venetian era set up in
one in the Lower City and one in the Upper City, open the Palazzo del Podest. This is a multimedia, sensorial
every day. and interactive museum, with a new way of narrating
history to the public by blending knowledge and play:
Bergamos tourism and all services available to visitors evidence of the past, such as paintings, manuscripts,
can be consulted on the official website of Tourism in maps and documents come to life and tell stories from
Bergamo (http://www.turismo.bergamo.it) and on that the past in a completely original way.
of the Municipality of Bergamo (http://www.comune.
bergamo.it/turismo). Tourists can also purchase the Bergamo Card, a city
card that allows you to visit the city with special offers
The Upper City has been dedicated a specific guide to help you save money. In fact, the Bergamo Card
called Bergamo city of art in a variety of languages includes all forms of public transport with unlimited
and a tourist map laid out by the Council which can routes as well as transport from and to the Orio al Serio
be downloaded from the official websites of the Airport, free entry to the main museums in the city,
Municipality of Bergamo and Tourism in Bergamo. reduced rates for exhibitions and galleries and special
Nationwide and international guides are available, such discounts in all places taking part in the initiative. The
as the Touring Clubs Bergamo and Province and the card available in three options: 24 hrs, 48hrs and
foreign Lonely Planet edition The Italian Lakes which 72hrs - can be purchased on the official Tourism in
includes a specific section on the city of Bergamo and Bergamo website and on the Bergamo Card website
guides published locally by associations working in the (www.bergamocard.it).
area.
5.h.1.2 Fortified city of Peschiera del Garda
The road sign network shows visitors how to reach the
Upper City from the main points of interest of the Lower The fortified city of Peschiera del Garda is fully
City. The city gates that lead to the fortified complex accessible to visitors. Thanks to its fortuitous position
are indicated by specific signage. The Bergamo Council overlooking Lake Garda, in fact, it boasts some excellent
Culture and Tourism Office have also made a series of infrastructural connections. It is served:
thematic itineraries available on its site to allow visitors
to discover more about the city. t by the road network and directly from motorway
exit on the A4 Torino/Venezia, to which the A22
A number of associations are in operation on the Brennero/Modena is linked,
council territory, including the Bergamo City Tourist t by the railway service (mainly Venice-Milan/Turin/
Guides group (http://www.bergamoguide.it), the Verona/Brennero),
Tourist Guides and Interpreters Association of Bergamo t by air at the nearby Villafranca Catullo Verona
(http://www.agiatguidebergamo.it), the Bergamo Su & airport,
Gi Association (www.visitbergamo.info) as well as a t by ferry across Lake Garda,
number of freelance guides, guides under commission t by the European cyclepath EV7, the stretch
of the Province of Bergamo or the Lombardy Region between Mantua and Peschiera.
who organise multi-language guided tours for
individuals or groups, specifically tailoring itineraries in From the railway station, you can reach the historical
line with the component, in particular the Castles and city centre is easily reachable on foot; moreover, there
Fortifications in the City and Historical Dwellings in is a shuttle bus service which stops near the Town
the City itineraries. Hall (Piazza Bettelloni) and in the districts. Peschiera
del Garda has car parking availability for around one
The main structure where you can receive specific thousand cars, some of which are upon payment
information on the history of Bergamo and on the (Mandracchio, Porto Centrale, Porta Brescia) and others
Venetian defence works is the Historical Museum which are free of charge (Leisure Centre).
of the City of Bergamo, managed by the non-profit
456
The city of Peschiera del Garda has for a while now which can be consulted on the institutions website or
been equipped with accommodation services that at the Tourist Information Office. Most are organised
support its tourism vocation both as a beach resort for weekends and can be booked both over the phone
as well as culturally which is aided by the ease with as well as by email, The variety of the routes proposed
which you can travel to other points of interest. The aims to valorise the unique features of Peschiera del
offer ranges from mid-range hotels to campsites, which Garda; in particular, we should mention the visit of the
satisfy the high demand for accommodation of this Venetian fortress planned by boat.
sort throughout the Lower Garda area. The excellent
wine and cuisine of Peschiera and the surrounding The museums present in the area do not specifically
towns and villages is reflected in the presence of high deal with the Venetian defence works. But they should
quality restaurants, found both in the city centre as well be mentioned anyway: the Museum of the Historical
as outside the city walls. Building, where currently various cultural initiatives
The Municipality of Peschiera del Garda has recently take place, such as cycles of conferences aimed at
opened its Tourist Information Office in a building discovering and valorising the city; and the Museum
belonging to the council in front of the Town Hall in of Fishing and Local Traditions, run by the Friends of
Piazza Bettelloni, within the Nominated property. Gondolin Association and located in the Radetzky
Hall, former Austrian pyrotechnic laboratory in the
Peschiera del Garda has an institutional website, where terreplain of the St Mark Bastion in front of the Artillery
you can find information regarding the history and Barracks: it is a permanent exhibition displaying
places of interest to visit (www.comune.peschiera. period techniques, tools and images of the culture and
vr.it). Furthermore, a special site provides all tourist activities of the fishermen.
information necessary with an area on the site www.
visitgarda.com. The free I-Town Peschiera app (www. 5.h.1.3 Defensive system of the City of Venezia
tourismpeschiera.it) is a digital aid to the other web
supports to ease knowledge and enjoyment of the The city of Venice is served directly by the railway,
area, providing an interactive tourist guide also on airport and tourist port. It is also a terminal of regional
mobile devices. and inter-regional public bus services, and also a
In the Tourist Information Office and in the main terminal for cars. The city can be reached through
points of arrival (car parks, railway stations) there are a system that radially expands out to the territory:
some paper tourist map vending machines. Moreover, motorways (A4 from Trieste and Turin, A27 from
Peschiera del Garda is mentioned in the Touring Club Belluno and A13 from Bologna), state roads (SS. 309
guide, as well as in national and foreign travel editions. Romea from the Adriatic Coast, SS. 14 from Trieste, SS.
Particular mention should be made of the Lonely 13 from Treviso, SS. 11 from Padua). In Piazzale Roma is
Planet guide Italy by Bike (2010) which recommends the city car terminal, with two large public multi-storey
the itinerary from Lake Iseo to Lake Garda. carparks (the Council-run Autorimessa Comunale
and Parcheggio SantAndrea car park) as well as a
A system of road signs and billboards placed number of private carparks. A tram service between
throughout the most important points of the city Venice and Mestre is currently underway. Venice has
are a good system of immediate documentation for two railway stations: Mestre and Venezia Santa Lucia.
tourists, who can find the reference directly on their The SFMR (Regional Metropolitan Railway Service) is
maps. The website also suggests some itineraries for also currently underway which will activate a highly
walks in nature (Cappuccini Walk in Nature, Montagni frequent (every 15/30 minutes) regional/suburban
Walk) or mixed trips with protected bikes (Parco del railway service along some railway lines in the Veneto
Mincio, Laghetto del Frassino including a visit to the Region. Sea access to the Venice Lagoon is through the
Sanctuary). ports: Lido, Malamocco and Chioggia. Venice, with two
million passengers per year is the top cruise homeport
The guided tours of Peschiera del Garda are promoted in the Mediterranean, with two passenger terminals:
and managed by the CTG (Youth Tourism Centre) which, the Maritime Station Area (which serves large cruise
with the support of the Council, programmes the visits ships linked with the historical city centre and with
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the Santa Lucia railway station with People Mover, Sconto. Corto Malteses guide to hidden Venice. The
Alilaguna water transport and water taxis) and the San UNESCO Site System of the Veneto Region has also
Basilio Terminal (serving hydrofoil traffic and small/ published two guidebooks to the territory: The Veneto
medium cruise ships. The Terminal is linked with the Regon and UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Touring
historical city centre by ACTV steamboats). Editore, Milan 2012 and Italys Treasures and UNESCO,
Venice and its Lagoon, Sagep Editori, Genua 2013.
Below is a detailed list of the accessibility of the
individual buildings found within the Nominated The council territory is also served by tourist guides
property: adhering to the Venice Tourist Guides Association
(www.guidevenezia.it) and the Veneto Tourist Guides
t The Arsenale can be accessed in a variety of and Interpreters Association (www.aaitv.it), as well as
ways. The Novissima (very new) portion can be a number of freelance guides working for the Province
freely accessed from 9am to 6pm from the public of Venice. A specific offer has been set up for scholastic
transport stops Bacini and Celestia; casting of tourism by the Educational Itineraries Office of the
nets used by Thetis SpA, an environmental and Venice Council which also sets up specific routes on
territorial engineering company, can be visited the fortifications.
upon appointment. The areas of the Old and
New Arsenal still used by the Navy are open only The Military Architecture Documentation Centre in
to organised groups, following authorisation Fort Marghera has a large monographic library and
required by the Institute of Naval Studies. Finally, an important documentary archive and is managed
the area of the New Arsenal used by the Venice by Marco Polo System g.e.i.e. (a community rights
Biennial Foundation is open during the event., company set up between the Council of Venice and the
t The Fort of SantAndrea can only be reached Association of Greek Councils). Its main aims include
by private boat or through the Certosa and activities for the recovery, awareness and reuse of the
SantAndrea Committee (tel. +39 041 2413717, fortified Defence system of the City of Veneziaand
+39 368 3206846, email. comitatocertosa@infinito. of Venetian military architecture in general. Arsenal
it, certosaisland@yahoo.it). A list of all events and Studies Centre (CSA) established by the CNR carries
initiatives that require the fort to be opened can be out studies and research to formulate intervention
found on the website www.parcodellacertosa.it. methods and protocols in the field of conservation,
t The Poveglia Octagon can only be reached with valorisation, reuse and management of the heritage,
private boats. Some associations organised regular environment and territory, historical heritage of science
initiatives on the island with the aim of giving it and technique and industry referring in particular to
back to public use, the Venice Arsenal.
t The Alberoni Octagon can only be circumnavigated
by private boat. Venezia Unica is the new City Pass for the city of Venice,
and allows visitors to access public transport and
Looking at the overall structure of the accommodation the cultural and tourist aspects the city has to offer,
available in the city of Venice and its evolutionary as well as a number of other useful services such as
dynamics, we can see how hotels are constantly carpooling, bikesharing and car parks. The city pass
growing, as is accommodation per person overall. From can be purchased on the website www.veneziaunica.
the quality point of view, the offer is characterised by it. Finally, the Veniceconnected Wi-Fi network has
the presence of upper mid-range hotels (three and four been activated with more than 200 hotspots installed
stars). Moreover, Venice has a broad wine and culinary in the historical centre of Venice, in some areas of the
culture and boasts five Michelin-star restaurants. Terraferma, the Lido and the islands.
There is a wide range of national and international 5.h.1.4 City fortress of Palmanova
guidebooks dedicated to Venice and its Lagoon, from
the Touring Clubs Venice and its territory and the Palmanova boasts an important centrality both
Lonely Planets Venice to the more alternative Corto geographically as well as in its relations with large
458
infrastructures. In a range of 60 km from Palmanova the last ring road.

you can find Trieste, Udine, Cividale, Aquileia, Grado,
Pordenone and Gorizia. Palmanova therefore finds itself The municipal car park system, which allows to park
in a barycentre position to the airports of Trieste, Venice, cars inside the component, is made up of payment car
Lubiana and Klaghenfurt. Its centrality is highlighted parks and free spaces on the road.
by its position in regards to the motorway system, and
in particular in regards to the fact that Palmanova finds Palmanova has a number of accommodation
itself a convergence for roads leading to Italy, Eastern possibilities covering the current tourism demand
Europe and Austria; the toll is just two kilometres from which is not particularly high: there is sleeping
Porta Aquileia. Palmanova is served by the Tarvisio- accommodation for 164 and around 90 rooms (Source:
Trieste railway line; the station is located about one Friuli Venezia Giulia Region). To deal with tourism, the
kilometre outside of the historical city centre. Public council of Palmanova has set up a Tourist Information
transport connections between Palmanova and the and Welcome Office in via Borgo Udine, which is open
surrounding area are guaranteed by a courier service; every day (including Sunday) from 10am to 12pm
the stop is located inside the historical city centre on and 3pm to 5pm. The main information regarding the
Fig.15 Some examples of visitor facility in the Italian components
459
THE PROPERTY
component can be found on the institutional website Garzoni and Contrada Foscarini and the Loggia of the
of the Council of Palmanova http://www.comune. Great Guards in Piazza Grande also host temporary
palmanova.ud.it/, and on the institutional website exhibitions and events organised by the Office.
Palmanova city fortress, http://www.palmanova.
it, which collects and shares information on events A large number of visitors is also attracted by the
and exhibitions in the city, its history, available variety of cultural entertainment activities organised
accommodation, useful contact information to make throughout the council, among which we would like to
the most of the tourists experience, etc. The Tourist mention here: the Historical Re-enactment in Costume,
Office, which does not have its own website but uses Palmarino October, which celebrates he anniversary
the Palmanova city fortress site, can be contacted by of foundation of the Fortress (7th October 1593),
email at turismo@comune.palmanova.ud.it. the traditional Exhibition-Market of ancient prints
which is held throughout the month of August in the
There is a number of informative publications such as Napoleonic Powder Magazine in Contrada Foscarini,
The walls of Palmanova: a landscape, architectural and and other events such as Easter Monday on the
historical itinerary published by Italia Nostra section of Bastions or Cities under the Stars. Moreover, mention
Udine (2001) and thematic maps that highlight routes should be made of the UNESCO Cities Marathon, which
inside the city and on the fortified walls. is of particular importance for the council territory.
This is the only marathon in the world which runs for
The fortifications can be freely accessed through a 42 kilometres, passing through Palmanova and linking
special pathway with informative signs, but tour guides two UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Cividale del Friuli,
can be booked for groups of at least ten people. You ancient Longobard capital, and Aquileia, an important
can also take part in a guided tour of the city. These Roman-era city.
tours are organised by:
CROATIA
t FVG Tourism, guided visits around the star-shaped
city with tourist guides authorised by the Friuli All Croatian components (apart from Fort San Nikola
Venezia Giulia Region, departing at 9:30am from in ibenik) are accessible to visitors. The sites can
the Tourist Office - Borgo Udine, 4, and with a be reached both by national roads and motorways
bilingual guide service., andalso by train. All the sites are located near national
t Friends of the Bastions Association for the and international airports. The Croatian components
valorisation and sharing of the fortified walls, can also be reached by sea through the sea transport
guided tours by foot and in horse-drawn carriages. system which links the main islands of the State and
the coastal cities.
The Historical Civic Museum of Palmanova located
in Palazzo Trevisan, is the departure point to get to The main airports in Croatia are located in Zagabria,
know the City Fortress of Palmanova and its complex Pola, Split, Zadar and Dubrovnik. A small airport is in
of fortifications. The popularity of the Town Museum operation in Bol, on the island of Bra, not far from Hvar
is thanks to the specialist character of the collection and Korula.
(prestigious collections of weapons, designs and maps, The E71/A1 motorway extends parallel to the Croatian
coins and documents exhibited in chronological order coast and links Zagabria to Croatias main cities (Zadar,
from the year the City was founded, 1593, right up to ibenik, Split). State road number 8 runs along the
the First World War). The Museo della Grande Guerra Adriatic coast and departs from the itinerary known
e della Fortezza di Palmanova, opened to the public as Jadranska Magistrala (Main Adriatic Road) and
in 1990 by the Ministry of Defence, has a synthetic meeting Zadar, ibenik and Split.
historical-documentary viewpoint of the fortress and
can also offer guided tours. Upon request, you can All the cities have facilities and services for visitors,
also access and consult the historical archives and the which vary greatly in terms of both quality and quantity,
specialised library. The exhibition areas of the Council, depending on the context of reference. In fact, cities
the Napoleonic Powder Magazines of Contrada such as Zadar and Hvar are very attractive to tourists,
460
with a wider and more varied offer of services; ibenik centre with suburban areas. The departure is also from
and Korula, on the other hand, are intermediary the main bus station.
realities, with a tourist flow that is nothing special.
Parking is limited by space in the old city, and by the
Each city has at least one tourist office which aims to fact that within the walls most of it is pedestrianised.
explain the forms of access, systemisation and visits to There are a few car parks inside, otherwise there are
the works, as well as the chance where possible for parking spaces alongside the city walls. There is a larger
specific guided tours. car park on the mainland by the footbridge. Disabled
parking spaces are available in all car parks.
5.h.1.5 Defensive system of Zadar
In recent years, a vigorous improvement of tourist
Zadar has a tourist and commercial port which links services has been observed thanks to the citys
the city to Croatias main islands. There is also an Tourist Office, which in collaboration with the city
international port terminal. Currently, the arrivals administration draws up annual programmes of work
and departures of international ferries, as well as and minds to the quality of services provided. Signs
commercial ships, are being moved to the new port in and notice boards have been set up and an information
a suburban area of the city, while small pleasure craft system has been devised. In front of all the heritage
will continue to moor on the peninsula. items in the historical centre there are display cases
The Nominated property is completely accessible for with descriptions and explanations. At essential traffic
visitors. It is possible to walk on top of the walls and at points there are large boards with a map of the town
their feet; the Fort is visitable, as nowadays it is a public and information for tourists. Many promotional and
city park. information-providing materials have been supplied
Zadar has a very well organized public local transport. in five major languages; they are brought up to date
The historic city centre is well connected with other annually. Public toilets have been installed, and there is
parts of the city. City buses operate every day between increased Wi-Fi accessibility. The traffic links with other
5.00 and 24.00 hours (till 1.00 during summer season). centres have been much improved in recent years a
City buses for all city parts depart from the bus terminal fast road has been made linking the motorway and he
and generally drive to the city centre every 15 minutes. town centre; there are more flights from the airport
Besides, public city transport also connects Zadar city with a larger number of destinations; the number of
Fig.16 The information panels placed in Zara ara illustrate the events of the Venetian defense system
461
THE PROPERTY
passenger ships and ferries has been increased. divided into the cultural-historical collection and the
collection of more recent history.
Visitors can be accommodated in hotels, private During the last half-century the cultural-historical
accommodation or institutional / corporate R&R collection has gathered the following holdings of
facilities. There are 3.905 beds in hotels, 11.709 in museum material: old majolica, glass, furniture,
private lodgings and 1.828 in R&R. However, the portraits, old photographs, old postcards, tiny utensils,
accommodation capacity in the peninsula is limited to weapons, maquettes etc. The collection devoted
only one hotel with a small capacity 76 rooms, and a to more recent history has brought together flags,
small number of rooms in private accommodations. Still, photographs from the National Liberation war,
in the last few years, a rise of private accommodation documents, publications, weapons, posters, badges
providers in the peninsula has been registered, and etc.
there are indications of the opening of new hotel Four permanent exhibitions are constantly on display;
facilities, of small dimensions, appropriate to the two of them are partly related to the Venetian period:
historical centre. The urban development of Zadar from antiquity to
WWI and The Renaissance in Zadar an exhibition of
Zadar has two Tourist Information Centres which are figurative arts and architecture in the 15th and 17th
open every day, one is located in the historical city century.
centre and the other is in the suburbs. Zadars tourism
and services available to visitors can be consulted on 5.h.1.6 Fort of San Nikola, ibenik- Knin County
the official website of the Zadar Tourist Board (http://
www.zadar.travel) and that of the Zadar County Tourist Besides its rich history, ibenik is becoming an
Board (http://www.zadar.hr). increasingly popular destination due to growing
tourist offer and vicinity of Primoten and Vodice, some
In the city of Zadar there are some specific road signs of the most attractive tourist destinations in Croatia.
that indicate: Two national parks, reachable in 30 minutes by boat or
car, add to the attractiveness of the location.
t The area of the port and the city gates that give
access to the fortified complex, In ibenik there is a tourist port for small pleasure
t Petard Zoranic Square and the Square of the Five boats. Large tourist and commercial ferries port nearby
Wells, in Split and Zadar. Channel-Port in ibenik has great
t Fosa and the western city walls, importance for his biological, cultural and historical
t Nova Riva (with historical information about the value and as a place of recreation for inhabitants and
demolition of the southern city walls). visitors.
Main important activities include nature walks, sailing,
The Zadar Tourist Board organises the Sightseeing sports and recreation at sea, scuba diving, cycling and
Zadar guided tour which lasts half a day and visits the the like.
historical city centre. There are also guided tours of the In order to protect this area it is necessary to allow
historical centre organised by private companies. None visits in accordance with landscape capacity, and whith
of these tours is specifically dedicated to the walls and systematic and continuous implementation of visitor
the elements of the fortification, but they will stop off information.
at the most important architectural elements of the
Venetian period. Once got to ibenik city, it is possible to reach the Fort
of San Nikola by walking through a pathway stretching
There are no museums specifically dedicated to the from Mandalina (Panikovac bay) along the channel of
Venetian period. However, some artefacts from that St. Ante to the Fort for 4,5 km. The Fort of San Nikola
period can be found in the Zadar City Museum. Zadar is also accessible by private boats. There is no public
City Museum was founded in 1960 and collects the service reaching the Fort, and the Fort itself does not
cultural assets that have been created from the end offer any service (such as toilet, cafeteria, bookshop
of the 13th century to the present day; the material is etc.).
462
ibeniks municipal bus service has buses operating www.ibenik region.com). Some tourist itineraries
from around 06:00 to 22:00. area available for day trips to a variety of islands in the
Sibenik Bay, including the Fort of San Nikola.
ibenik has both street parking and pay car parks.
Street parking is split into four zones where parking To raise awareness about the value and importance of
is charged 1 June 1 September at rates ranging this area is important and education focused on the
depending on the zone. It is also possible to buy day local community, including children of pre-school and
tickets. There are car parks in two zones: Draga district school age.
and railway station and Poljana district.
The ibenik Museum was founded in 1925 and is
In the city of ibenik are a wide variety of located in the former Princes Palace. It is a complex
accommodation solutions for tourists. The Sibenik museum consisting of archaeological, cultural-historic
tourist board lists 8 hostels, 5 campsites and a number and ethnographic departments. Its duties consist of
of hotels and private lodgings. collecting, taking care of, elaborating and presenting
There is also a diffuse hotel, that is not a classic the cultural-historical heritage of the ibenik region.
hotel since the guests are able to stay in private Its collections consist of a number of valuable items
accommodation units (rooms, apartments or houses, significant for the study of ibeniks history, from the
which are scattered over a wide area). What all units oldest times until present days.
have in common is the reception area of the hotel where
the one point operated with all accommodation units. 5.h.1.7 Defensive system of Hvar
Management structure of scattered hotels organized
local government through an organization that brings In order to reach the City of Hvar it is necessary to reach
together owners of apartments as a scattered hotel. Split or Drvenik in central Dalmatia by car, bus or train
and then to take a ferry or a catamaran to Hvar. Ferries
ibenik has three Tourist Information Centres which are Split - Stari Grad (Hvar), and Drvenik Suuraj take cars
open every day and are all located in the historical city on board. There are also international ferry lines from
centre. Italy to Hvar, and local ferry lines along the coast which
stop in Hvar.
ibeniks tourism and all services available for the
visitors can be consulted on the official website of the Inside the island of Hvar public transportation (buses
ibenik Tourist Board (http://www.ibenik -tourism.hr) and shuttle buses) connect places on Hvar Island.
and on that of the ibenik County Tourist Board (http://
Fig 17. Some examples of visitor facilities in Croatia
463
THE PROPERTY
The city car park is located next to the bus station, even The City of Korula is reachable by sea (ferries from
though hotel guests tend to have permission to park Split and Dubrovnik, ferries Split - Hvar, and Drvenik
near their hotels. Suuraj take cars on board, as well as the international
Once got to the City of Hvar, the Nominated property is ferry lines from Italy to Hvar). Local ferry lines along the
completely accessible by tourists. coast stop in Hvar. Travelling by plane, the closest local
and international airports are Split, Dubrovnik and Brac
The Fortress, which is home to a collection of sea airport. From the airports it is possible to take a local
wrecks, is open to visitors at a fee (cost: 5 ). Inside the bus, rent a car, or take a taxi to Korula.
Fort there are some tourist services, such as toilets, a
cafeteria, a restaurant, a souvenir shop. It is possible to There are five hotels in Korula. Besides, there is a whole
organize weddings and private parties inside the Fort. range of accommodation in private houses, villas and
To do this, it is necessary to ask and get an authorization apartments in Korula.
from City of Hvar, and to pay a fee for the use of the
area. Tourist Info centre in Korula Town is run by Korula
Tourist Board. It is located on the west side of Korula
The Arsenal is currently under restoration (works are Old Towns pier/ waterfront .
expected to be finished by 2016). At the end of the
works, the Arsenal will be visitable upon the purchase Korulas tourism and services for visitors can be
of an admission ticket. The upper floor of the Arsenal consulted on the official website of the Korula
will host a theatre and the City Gallery. Tourist Board (www.visitkorula.eu) and on that of
the Tourist Board of the County of Dubrovnik Neretva
On the island of Hvar, there is a variety of accommodation (www.korulainfo.com). The Korula tourist board
solutions for tourists: hostels, campsites, hotels, B&Bs, has published a series of tourist brochures in various
and private homes. The official Tourist board of the City languages which also mention among other things
of Hvar, is located in the historical city centre. Hvars the historical-architectural heritage of the City of
tourism and all services available for visitors can be Korula.
consulted on the official website of the Hvar Tourist
Board (http://www.tzhvar.hr) and on that of the Tourist Official tourist organisations do not organise guided
Board for the Split-Dalmatia region (http://www. tours of the city. Some private companies (such as
dalmatia.hr). Korula for Travellers, Korula Explorer etc.) organise,
upon reservation, personalised group trips with official
The Tourist Board of the Split-Dalmatian region has tour guides.
published a series of tourist brochures, some of which
mention the historical-architectural heritage of the Korula Town Museum (Gradski muzej Korula) is
City of Hvar, for example the brochures The Heart of located at St Marks Square facing Cathedral Sveti
Adriatic and A Cultural and Historical Guide to the Marko. The Museum is housed in Gabrielis palace,
Islands of the Split-Dalmatia County. that was built in 15th and 16th century. It is a 3 storey
building with basement and attic, belonging to the
5.h.1.8 Fortified city of Korula fortified city. The Museum has various collections
covering Korulas history and culture from Ancient
Korula Old Town is located on a small, hilly peninsula. history to nowadays.
There are two main entrances to the Old Town, and
both are entrances via steps. The rest of Korula Town MONTENEGRO
has wider streets and traffic is permitted. Parking is
possible on the East and West pier of Korula Town and All components in Montenegro territory are accessible
along some of the urban streets. Most of the parking to visitors and can be accessed via the national road
places are controlled by local authority, and parking is and motorway systems, as well as by train. All resorts
charged on hourly and daily basis. are found relatively near national and international
airports. The Montenegro components can also,
464
moreover, be reached by sea through the maritime Sweden.

transport which connects the main islands of the State
with the coastal cities with a regular and frequent The Nominated property of Forte Mare, Herceg Novi is
transport service. Passenger and cargo ferries keep completely accessible by tourists.
regular lines Bar-Bari and Bar-Ancona. The ports of Bar,
Budva, Kotor and Herceg Novi have got the status of Herceg Novi is the most populated and most tourist
international ports. frequent centre on the Bay of Kotor. The development
of tourism in this region has suitable development
The main airports in Montenegro can be found in resources that need to be implemented through
Podgorica and Tivat (near Kotor), but the Croatian adequate development policy in the way of production,
Dubrovnik airport is also close by. There are four organization and spatial planning.
smaller active airports for local flights, while some
larger airports in the three centres of the candidature The structure is dominated by accommodation facilities
are no longer operational. of lower category hotels. The participation capacity of
L-class or five star hotels which are in demand due to
The E80 motorway runs in parallel to the coast and modern tourist trends and demands of destinations,
links Podgorica with the cities in question (Herceg is marginal. Hotels of the category B (2**) in the area
Novi, Kotor and Ulcinj). of Herceg Novi have the largest number of beds in
relation to other levels of quality hotel accommodation,
All cities have facilities and services for visitors, which which conditionally corresponds to the current needs
vary greatly in terms of quality and quantity, depending of the current clientele. Also significant is the number
on the context of reference. In fact, cities such as Kotor of the rooms for rent in privately owned as well as
are more attractive to tourists with a slightly vaster and accommodation facilities in camps.
more varied offer of services; Herceg Novi and Ulcinj
are, on the other hand, medium-small resorts of lower The area of Herceg Novi currently hosts five
tourist interest. Information Offices and the Tourist Organization of
Herceg Novi is working at full capacity, 4 months of the
Each city has at least one tourist office which can give season (the period June-August). The plan is to open
information on methods of access, accommodation ten more information bureaus that will within their
and visits to the works, as well as the possibility, where activities cover the whole municipality. A number of
available, of providing specific guided tours. information bureaus will work throughout the year.
The main activity of information bureau is to provide
5.h.1.9 Forte Mare, Herceg Novi all necessary information to tourists and citizens, guest
registration, as well as planned souvenir sales, ticket
Herceg Novi has a bus station which is located in the sale for concerts, excursions and the like. During the
city centre. Connectivity of Herceg Novi by bus lines 2014, the Tourist- information Office was visited by a
is international and regional. The train station in Bar is total of 20,000 tourists at the four existing locations.
85 km from Herceg Novi. The port of Herceg Novi have
got the status of international port. Forte Mares tourism and services available for
visitors can be viewed on the official website (http://
Herceg Novi also has two airport available within a hercegnovi.me/) and also that of the Tourist Board
relatively short distance: (www.hercegfest.co.me).
t5JWBU"JSQPSULN
tJMJQJ"JSQPSUo3FQVCMJDPG$SPBUJBLN Herceg fest, wanting to bring the two fortresses closer
to tourists and all interested parties, organized a
The number of tourists who visited Herceg Novi during cleaning of the two fortresses of the city. On-site guides
2014 is 214,659, and the number of guests who stayed are available to tourists. Fortresses are open every day
there equals 1,635,874 nights. Numerous guests were from 8 to 20, and the ticket price is 1 for individual
from Serbia, Bosnia, Russia, Italy, Norway, Ukraine and visits and 0.50 for organized visits.
465
THE PROPERTY
Herceg Fest also prepared leaflets (flyers) for both the daily basis.
fortresses, which, in addition to Montenegrin copies,
are available in English and Russian. On the Herceg Fest The structure of accommodation is dominated by
website www.hercegfest.co.me, additional information facilities of lower category hotels. The offer is composed
about the fort as well as the overall activities of by 300-350 hotels. The participation capacity of L-class
the institution is offered to all interested parties. In or five star hotels which are in demand due to modern
cooperation with Municipality of Herceg Novi, Herceg tourist trends and demands of destinations, is marginal.
Fest intends to enable the purchase of souvenirs on the Hotels of the category B (2**) in the area of Kotor have
spot. Both forts provide a huge potential for organizing the largest number of beds in relation to other levels
cultural events. In the summertime, music and film of quality hotel accommodation, which conditionally
festivals (Sunny scale and Film festival Herceg Novi- corresponds to the current needs of the current
Montenegro Film Festival) take place on Kanli Tower. clientele. Also significant is the number of the rooms
Forte Mare hosts a summer cinema, and an increasing for rent in privately owned as well as accommodation
number of shows for children, promotion of books, but facilities in camps.
also smaller concerts and multimedia programs.
In Kotor theres an Official Tourist centre of the city,
In Herceg Novi there are two museums: the City called Turisticka Organizacija Opstine Kotor. The main
Museum endowment of former mayor of Herceg Novi activity of information bureau is to provide all necessary
Mirko Komnenovi and the House of the Old Captain information to tourists and citizens, guest registration,
Miroslav Stumberger - Museum in Baoi. Annually, as well as planned souvenir sales, ticket sale for
the City Museum is visited by 2,000 visitors. In the concerts, excursions and the like. Every information are
town museum of Mirko Komnenovi its possible to available on the official website.
find: classical archaeology, underwater archaeology,
a historical collection, a coastal salon from the 19th Kotors tourism and all services available to visitors can
century, a collection of icons from the 18th and 19th be consulted on the councils official website (www.
century, ethno- setting of costumes (Montenegro, Boka Kotor.me), on the official website of the tourist office
and Herzegovina), ethno villages and ethnic preferences (www.toKotor.me/en), or through other web sites of
settings town (household items). From the Venetian interest (www.Kotor.montenegro.travel/en).
period, the museum has exhibits of: the winged lion
symbol of the Venetian state, two swords, two daggers, Official tourist organisations do not organise guided
inscription with the winged lion - epidarijum, all found tours of the city. Some private companies organise,
in the area of Old Town site. Special attention should be upon reservation, personalised group trips with official
paid to the parapet plate from the 12th century from tour guides.
the church of St. Thomas in Kuti. Within the museum
there is a botanical garden, which is in the process of The city of Kotor has no museums specifically dedicated
revitalization. It contains some of the most beautiful to the history of the city during the Venetian period.
samples of avocado, Japanese cedar and cekas palm However, there are three museums that may be of
trees. interest to tourists visiting the city:
5.h.1.10 Fortified city of Kotor 1. The Maritime Museum of Montenegro in Kotor has
grown out of the collection founded by the Boka
Using car transport is possible to reach Kotor from six Marine Fraternity, around the year 1880 and opened to
sides (four of them are official roads and additional two public in 1900. It gradually enlarged and in 1938, it was
are old roads with amazing views): Dubrovnik (CRO, re-arranged and opened to visitors on the first floor of
EU), Albania, Podgorica, Cetinje, Zabljak, Tivat. The port the present Museum building.
of Kotor have got the status of international port. 2. Cultural Centre Gallery Nikola Djurkovic is located
Parking is possible along some streets where parking is in the heart of Kotor and is home to so many for
permitted. Most of the parking places are controlled by established as well as young artists in all directions.
local authority, and parking is charged on hourly and 3. City Gallery: It is in the Nikola Djurkovic Cultural
466
Gallery. City Gallery of Kotor is the judged exhibition The Nominated property of Ulcinj is completely
space, which exhibits works of local and foreign accessible by tourists.
contemporary artists. For program activities in the The structure of accommodation is dominated by lower
gallery to organize a public competition (January category hotels. The offer is composed by 250 hotels
November) for the next exhibition season. of different categories and typology. The participation
capacity of L-class or five star hotels which are in
5.h.1.11 Fortified city of Ulcinj demand due to modern tourist trends and demands of
destinations is marginal. Hotels of the category B (2**)
Using car transport is possible to reach Ulcinj from six in the area of Ulcinj have the largest number of beds in
sides (four of them are official roads and additional two relation to other levels of quality hotel accommodation,
are old roads with amazing views): Dubrovnik (CRO, which conditionally corresponds to the current needs
EU), Albania, Podgorica, Cetinje, Zabljak, Tivat. of the current clientele. Also significant is the number
of the rooms for rent in privately owned as well as
Once reached Ulcinj, it is possible to park along some accommodation facilities in camps.
streets where parking is permitted. Most of the parking
places are controlled by local authority, and parking is Ulcinj has an Official Tourist Centre, called Turisticka
charged on hourly and daily basis. Organizacija Ulcinj. It was founded in 2007 and its
Fig.18 Homepage of the projects official web site
467
THE PROPERTY
purpose is to complete activities of public interest in members are the Municipality of Bergamo , the Province
the area of tourism, to promote the tourist offer and of Bergamo, the University of Bergamo, the Chamber
to establish an image of Ulcinj as an attractive tourist of Commerce I.A.A. of Bergamo, SACBO Bergamo
destination as well as to inform about and advertise Orio Civil Airport Society and the Bergamo in History
tourism in our town as one of the main branches, Foundation. The Association was, therefore, the first
respecting the strategic development of the town. promoter of a journey of conception and promotion of
Official tourist organisations do not organise guided the site which has gradually involved the other players
tours of the city. Some private companies organise, from the various Participating States.
upon reservation, personalised group trips with official
tour guides. Web site
The tourist offer of Ulcinj and all the services available
for visitors can also be consulted on the official website The Terra di San MarcoAssociation was promoter of the
of the municipality (www.opstinaulcinj.com), and official website for the project (www.difeseveneziane.
from the official website of the tourist office (www. com, Fig. 18), activated in 2014 and published in Italian
ulcinj.travel), or through other websites related to the and English. The portal contains information regarding
tourism of Ulcinj. the entire candidature process, on the components and
initiatives that are carried out in the various territories,
Moreover, Ulcinj is home to the Ulcinj Town Museum: and can also be reached through the web site of each
this museum unites various museums from throughout council taking part.
the city and therefore here, through exhibits from
archaeological, ethnographical and artistic collections, International meetings
you can follow the history of Ulcinj from the V century
BC up to the Turkish period Starting from the first stages of the candidature
process, events and meetings have been organised to
publicise the project, especially missions, workshops
and work days with experts and representatives of the
5.i Policies and programmes related three Participating States.
The missions have been organised by the Italian work
to the presentation and promotion of group which leads the project, both with the aim of
the property carrying out a technical inspection as well as to favour a
meeting between the exponents of local governments:
these missions have been attended by members of
The presentation and promotion of the proposed site the scientific community, central Ministries and local
comes under the specific goals of the management administrations, and have led to the definition of
plan and the institutional aims of the International the current configuration of the sites management
Committee (see chap. 5.e). structure.
The following missions were also carried out:
Starting from 2010, when contact first started up
between the subjects involved in the project, events t May 2014 Zadar, ibenik (Croatia): meeting of the
and exhibitions were organised to promote the site: Italian delegation, made up of the work group
these were both of a general character in which and a representative of the Ministry of Cultural
exponents from all Participating States were present at Heritage and Activities with local technicians ,
the same time as well as more local events aimed at
involving the individual territories. t April 2015 Korula (Croatia): technical investigation
aimed at defining the perimeters and evaluating
Among the promoters of international and local the state of conservation, with the support of local
initiatives is the Terra di San Marco Association, experts and technicians,
established in 2012 to support and promote the
candidature to the World Heritage List; its founding t May 2015 Kotor, Herzeg Novi, Ulcinj (Montenegro):
468
5.i POLICIES AND PROGRAMMES RELATED TO THE
PRESENTATION AND PROMOTION OF THE PROPERTY
technical investigation to evaluate the state of territories and concerning the individual components
conservation, the retrieval of work materials on of the site. These events were aimed at introducing the
the theme of management and regarding tools to site to local people and not only experts in the sector,
protect the site, already involved through the international events.
t June 2015 Cetinje (Montenegro): mission at the Here are a few examples of those initiatives and
Ministry of Culture to define the components and exhibnition, in particular in Italy:
the relative boundaries,
t From stone border to living landscapes of peace,
t July 2015 Cetinje (Montenegro): mission at organised by the Terra di San Marco Association
the Ministry of Culture on the theme of site in November 2014 in Bergamo, an initiative
management, promoted by the University of Bergamo. The
meetings were attended by expert scholars and
t July 2015 Zadar , Hvar (Croatia): technical representatives of citizen associations working
investigation, for the Walls and around them according to a
participation model aimed greatly at passing down
t September 2015 Bergamo (Italy): work meeting to living and inclusive heritage rather than museum
finalise the Management Plan. sites and monuments to future generations.
Each themed meeting was prepared through
The organisation of international meetings and preliminary meetings between the various players
workshops has brought various experts from the in the territory, who attended to contribute to and
scientific community of the three Participating States participate directly in the programme,
around a single table, thereby setting the foundations
for a shared journey in which all would participate. t The exhibition entitled Venetian Fortresses of the
In particular, the current configuration of the sites Mediterranean was held in the Venetian Ducal
perimeters was defined and the components that best Palace. Through materials from the Cartography
fulfil the chosen criteria were identified thanks to the Cabinet and the Correr Museum Library the
exchange of information by local experts. exhibition reconstructed the Venetian military
defence systems and the fortified strongholds
t International workshop Venetian defence of the Sea Domain. On exhibition were the
works between the XVI and XVIII centuries in representations collected in printed volumes
the Mediterranean. The process to construct from the 1500s and 1600s by Ramusio, Camocio,
transnational serial candidature for the World Ballino, Peeters, Coronelli and others of forts and
Heritage List, Bergamo, 7 December 2010, fortresses rising in the strategic and most sensitive
locations along the Venetian maritime routes of
t Study day Palmanova, Safeguarding and the Mediterranean,
Development, held in January 2013,
t In the venetian Arsenale, on the other hand, the
t International studies convention Military Arsenal opening schedule is an integral part of
architecture on mainland Venice and the Adriatic the regeneration process during which the public
between the XVI and XVII centuries, Palmanova, can get to know the history and current activities
8/9/10 November 2013. The convention set the regarding the problems and opportunities of
basis for the project involving numerous scholars the area better. These events are designed to be
from the three Participating States, and led to the an opportunity to visit the various areas of the
publication of the records of the interventions compendium but are also interesting chances for
presented. settled subjects to collaborate with the related
local world,
As well as the meetings mentioned here, a number
of study days have been held, dedicated to individual t Arsenale Open Day In 2014, the compendium
469
THE PROPERTY
was opened to the public (25th, 26th and 27th to the fortified sites. One specific project of the
April and 20th September 2014), under the management plan aims to extend this initiative to
slogan Arsenale Aperto (Arsenale Open Day), the other components, together with the chance
which included the active participation of many for the pupils to visit not only the fortress in their
associations and over 20,000 people over the own city, but also those of other sites involved in
four days. In agreement with the local bodies, the the initiative.
Thetis garden and normally inaccessible buildings
were opened to the public. These initiatives, as Some local initiatives foresee collaboration between
other similar in the other States, allowed citizens the territories of the Participating States to organise
and visitors to take back this historical area with opportunities for joint communication. One of the
free paths, guided visits to the architecture, opportunities currently being planned, is the twinning
areas, shipyards and traditional boats. There were between the National Library of Montenegro in Cetinje
also laboratories, exhibitions, conferences, yoga and the Angelo Maj Town Library to organise an
lessons, regattas, tastings, activities for children, exhibition on Venetian fortresses. The idea is to attain
sports events and music, documentary material conserved in Bergamo to set up
an exhibition on the city of Cetinje.
t The Venice Biennial Foundation regularly organises Besides the candidature project, the site as a part
international events dedicated to contemporary of the more complex network of Venetian defence
arts (Art Biennial, Architecture Biennial, Dance works is subject to a number of scientific studies and
Biennial and Music Biennial) in the areas of the publications of the sector (see chap. 7.and Bibliography).
Arsenal set aside for the events,
t Furthermore, the munivipality of Bergamo and

Palmanova are working on projects to sensitise
school pupils, set up as lessons on the presentation
of the candidature project and as guided visits

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Fig 19 Diagram of the site management structure
470
5.j STAFFING LEVELS AND EXPERTISE (PROFESSIONAL,
TECHNICAL MAINTENANCE)
5.j Staffing levels and expertise The International Coordination Group coordinates
cross border management and the network of
(professional, technical maintenance) national, regional and local bodies concerned. Further,
it contributes to the general presentation of the
Each of the three participating States has suitable property to the public, in accordance with a common
staffing levels and expertise, mainly leading the central management plan. It encourages scientific research
bodies of the State (Ministry of Cultural Heritage), in the field of history of architecture and of integrated
and its relative offices. Each council administration cultural heritage management issues.
also has personnel qualified in the conservation and The International Coordination Group will be composed
management of heritage. preferably by experts in the field of cultural heritage
conservation, plus representative of the Ministry
Here we should add that some of the cities of the responsible for Culture and of the local governments.
Nominated property have already been registered All State Parties will be represented in the ICG with the
in the World Heritage List, and specific offices have same numbers of members. ICG will be consisted of
already been set up on the territory to manage UNESCO minimum three members per State Party.
heritage, where competent personnel work. Here we
refer, in particular, to the Office of the UNESCO Venice The Coordination Group assigned the management of
and its Lagoon site, UNESCO ibenik site, Kotor, which the Secretariat to the City of Bergamo. The Secretariats
undertake to: ordinary tasks consist in supporting the information
flow among all Coordination Group members,
t activate and coordinate the competent bodies and preparing the documents for the annual meetings and
organisations of public and private interest, administering the World Heritage Sites website. Tasks
t monitor, update and implement the Management also include minuting and archiving the Coordination
Plan, Groups discussions, decisions and actions; keeping
t elaborate projects and create partnerships to carry the accounts of the Coordination Group; and assisting
them out, the Presidency in coordinating the Management Plan.
t promote, realise and coordinate studies and The Secretariat coordinates the management of the
research on cultural, environmental and socio- transnational World Heritage property. Jointly with the
economic aspects of the site, Coordination Group, the Site Manager is responsible for
t manage ministerial finances;,monitor the state of the coordination of the transnational serial inscription;
conservation of the site. it assumes the function of the site coordinator for
The Memorandum of Understanding foresees the transnational issues of the nomination.
creation of an established additional structure
dedicated to the management of the site (Fig 19). Third parties may be invited by States Parties to
meetings of the Coordination Group in particular
This structure would involve personnel found in all the representatives of the World Heritage Committees
countries involved for the formation of an International Advisory Bodies, World Heritage Centre and other
Coordination Group, where many professional figures interested States Parties. They will be invited in
work including architects, urban planners, experts in particular for their special competences in the specific
cultural heritage, communication and tourism. subjects to be dealt with at the meeting(s) in order to
make a contribution on a consultative basis.
The International Coordination Group is responsible
for the international joint management of the serial 5.j.1 Staffing levels for each specific omponent
transnational property. It ensures compliance with
obligations under the World Heritage Convention ITALY
relating to the property the Venetian works of defence
between 15th and 17th century. It also lends support to Legal ownership and competence regarding
its members for the conservation and management of protection, conservation and requalification of Venices
the properties concerned. fortified sites belong to the State that deals with them
471
THE PROPERTY
through the Ministry of Cultural Activities and Property The Cultural Heritage Protection Directorate in the
and Tourism (MiBACT). The ISCR (Higher Institute for Ministry of Culture is the competent body for performing
Conservation and Restoration) supports the MiBACT administrative and expert duties connected with the
from the scientific and technical viewpoints during protection and preservation of cultural property.
complex restoration interventions. The Cultural Heritage Protection Directorate comprises
the central headquarters in Zagreb, and twenty one
The majority of protection and conservation activities conservation departments and offices for the regions,
are exercised by the offices linked to the Ministry covering the entire Croatian territory.
(Architectural Property Office APO). The APO, for In conservation departments, expert and
all fields of intervention mentioned above, boasts administrative tasks are carried out relating to research,
professional, post-grad architects amongst its staff, as study, monitoring, record-keeping, documenting
well as qualified restorers. and promoting cultural goods, applying appropriate
methods and measures to protect cultural goods,
The peripheral organs of the Ministry of Cultural providing expert assistance for those who own the right
Heritage and Activities and Tourism (MiBACT) are the or are authorised to manage cultural goods, establishing
superintendents, regulated by Legislative Decree 22 special conditions for building, establishing special
January 2004 n. 42, on Code of cultural heritage and conditions for the use, purpose and management
landscape, with tasks in the field of territorial field of cultural goods, establishing protection regimes,
of cultural heritage, landscape, museum, archives. organising and carrying out protective work on cultural
Generally the superintendents concerned with the goods, and conducting first-instance administrative
protection of cultural heritage of a specific territory, procedures in accordance with legal regulations on the
often, but not always, on a regional basis. protection and preservation of cultural heritage.
The superintendents are directed by a supervisor who Conservation officials of the Ministry of Culture, who
has responsibility for the actions of protection and work in the Directorate for the Protection of Cultural
is supported by an office, which can have different Heritage and branch conservation departments (286
degrees of complexity depending on the characteristic employees), and who have the prescribed level of
of the object of protection. education, may advance their expertise and acquire
the positions of probationer, followed by expert
The activities of superintendents are conducted to associate, then expert adviser, and senior adviser-
identify assets, as well as in the protection of assets, conservationist, after a longer period of work on the
or control, through specific permits. It also deals with protection of cultural heritage, since education for
the heritage, namely the promotion and development this basic occupation does not also provide them with
of cultural activities necessary to spread the values of specialist training for the conservation service.
assets.
Furthermore, each council administration has suitable MONTENEGRO
competent professional figures working in the
management and protection of the cultural heritage The Ministry of Culture is the institution in charge at the
and the territory, though they differ greatly in terms of national level for the protection of culture, landscape,
number of employees and professionalism available, entertainment and arts and protection of cultural
depending on the specific administrative reality. heritage.
The Ministry does not have peripheral organs located
CROATIA throughout the country but is acting directly on it.
On the other hand, Administration for the Protection
Cultural goods in the Republic of Croatia may be of Cultural Properties, as the body within the ambit of
owned by physical or legal persons, local or state Ministry of Culture, has the regional units in Kotor and
administrations, and religious and other communities. Podgorica
The exceptions are cultural goods found on lands or
underwater sites, which are in the ownership of the In his office technical experts operate in different
Republic of Croatia. fields (architects, landscape architects and restorers,
472
5.j STAFFING LEVELS AND EXPERTISE (PROFESSIONAL,
TECHNICAL MAINTENANCE)
art historians, archaeologists, archivists, as well as

designers, cartographers, photographers and many
other technical figures).
Institutional protection of cultural heritage in

Montenegro was reformed by the passing of new laws
in the field of cultural heritage. Namely, from the former
State Institute for the Protection of Cultural Heritage,
Regional Institute for the Protection of Cultural Heritage
and the Centre for Archaeology of Montenegro, the
following institutions were formed: Administration for
the Protection of Cultural Properties, as a body within
the ambit of the Ministry of Culture, and the Centre for
Conservation and Archaeology of Montenegro
They both will conduct conservation projects,
implement protection measures and perform
conservation and restoration works.
473
6.
MONITORING
6. MONITORING
6. MONITORING_________________________________________________475
6.a Key indicators for measuring the state of conservation _______________________ 479
6.b Administrative arrangements for monitoring the property ____________________ 490
6.c Results of previous reporting exercises ____________________________________ 491
476
Monitoring should be considered an opportunity The information gathered during the monitoring phase
to verify the efficacy of property conservation and can also become useful material for stakeholders,
management policies, and should be interpreted at providing them with an up-to-date overview of the
various levels. situation.
This involves analysing how the propertys value is
being maintained over time and how the various However, if we want the monitoring programme to be
different objectives identified can meet the able to fulfil these expectations, it is essential that it
conservation and protection needs of this value. possess the following characteristics:
Moreover, it is essential that an assessment be carried t it must be repeated, in order to be able to compare
out on what progress has been made on the projects changes in the various different phenomena
proposed in the Management Plan, i.e. the single analysed over time, thus creating a trend that,
actions planned to fulfil these aims in a concrete way. analysed over time, can provide details on the
changes that have occurred in the territory;
Such a two-pronged checking process aims to provide t each indicator chosen must be associated with
up-to-date information on the progress of strategies what could be termed a zero point, against which
and the difference between them and our original variations and significant trends can be compared
expectations, in order to allow us to alter any strategies over time; this reference value is worked out from
should this prove necessary. The monitoring plan assessments carried out in situ or from an analysis
is also designed to assess how the resources found of the data collected in order to compile official
on the property develop, in order to guarantee their reports, records etc.;
protection and conservation over time and mitigate t whenever possible, priority should be given
any negative impacts.
Fig. 1 The DPSIR model as applied to the Nominated serial property
477
6. MONITORING
to assessments produced by the checking and conservation of the propertys universal value and
monitoring systems that the authorities have therefore the choice of indicators is oriented towards
established over time, in order to be able to count such an analysis.
on data that is as reliable as possible. The interpretation of the various components of the
following DPSIR model is therefore as follows:
To this end, the presence of agencies such as ARPA
Veneto (the Regional Environmental Protection t Driving forces and Pressures: this involves
Agency) which, amongst other things, deals with identifying the phenomena that have an impact on
environmental control and prevention and organises the value of the property, listing them and describing
and runs the regional IT system for the monitoring them, in line with what is detailed in Chapter 4.b.
of environmental factors constitutes essential
support for the application of adequate monitoring To date, the focus has been on elements such as:
programmes.
The monitoring programme proposed for the serial t the structural and/or material decay of buildings
property is based on the DPSIR model (Driving forces, and monuments
Pressures, States, Impacts and Responses) proposed t the presence of weeds on defensive walls
in field literature as a dynamic monitoring and control t the presence of natural phenomena that can
tool. damage buildings and monuments, such as
rainwater run-off, erosion etc.
The DPSIR model is now a well-established tool that t inadequately handled tourist numbers.
can support sustainability assessments thanks to
an integrated analysis of the socio-economic and t State: this involves identifying the current
environmental aspects of a territory or a particular state of conservation of the defensive walls in order to
policy. It was proposed by the Organisation for monitor any changes over time. This refers to what is
Economic Co-operation and Development in the early detailed in Chapter 4.a.
1990s and is based on a system of environmental
indicators. t Impacts: starting from the pressures that have
been identified, this involves accounting for variations
The basic idea is that the driving forces of an economy in the assets state of conservation and the accessibility
generate pressures in terms of resource consumption of the property.
and pollution. If these pressures exceed a territorys
ability to sustain them, they are to be considered t Responses: i.e. the projects in the
unsustainable in that they will inevitably damage the Management Plan are concrete actions designed to
state of the environment. Impacts are inextricably manage and mitigate any problems identified. Of
linked to the state of the resources analysed and these projects, the intention is to monitor the state of
concern the ultimate effects that pressures have progress of, and compliance with, the chronological
on the environment: they are therefore linked to programme, the achievement of the set objectives of
a deterioration in human health, the decline of each project and the effects on the territory.
biodiversity and damage to the landscape. These
impacts are countered by the responses produced by
society and the authorities responsible for managing
and administrating the territory. The chart below is an
example of a DPSIR model. One will note, in particular,
how the different elements taken into consideration
are correlated.
Starting from these basic principles, we believe it is

important to stress how the proposed monitoring
programme mainly focuses on the protection and
478
DPSIR
Phenomenon Indicator Frequency
component
Structural decay
of buildings and Indicator 1) Presence of weeds on defensive walls (YES/NO) P Annual
monuments
Indicator 2) Presence of transport policies that limit motorised
Air pollution P Annual
vehicle access (YES/NO)
Indicator 3) Number of tourists compared to residents P Annual
Indicator 4) Difference between the most crowded and least
crowded months in terms of tourist numbers (de-seasonalisation P Annual
of tourism)
Tourists and local
Indicator 5) Quality of the tourist experience (a qualitative
residents I Annual
assessment)
Indicator 6) Deterioration of the quality of life enjoyed by
I Annual
residents (a qualitative assessment)
Indicator 7) Guaranteed access to the property (YES/NO) I Annual
Indicator 8) State of conservation of buildings and monuments
The preservation S Annual
(a qualitative assessment, high/average/low)
of the propertys
universal value Indicator 9) Presence of rainwater run-off or erosion that could
P Annual
damage buildings and monuments (YES/NO)
Management Plan Assessment using the Management Plans monitoring
R Six-month
projects programme
Table 1 Proposed monitoring indicators
6.a Key indicators for measuring the

state of conservation
It should be emphasised that, as we are dealing with
The indicators proposed for the monitoring programme a serial property whose evolution is important as a
are detailed in the table below, grouped according to whole, our ultimate objective is to obtain a satisfying
the phenomena they wish to address. situation in all the components analysed, whilst taking
into account their differences.
Each of these is accompanied by a short description, a To this end, it could be useful to orient any future actions
reference to the DPSIR component and the timescale in the direction of resolving the most problematic
within which it is necessary to repeat fact-finding ituations, in order to guarantee a certain balance
exercises. between the individual components in each country
and in a number of countries. Only a joint evaluation of
Data on zero points will need to be collected for each this kind can guarantee the harmonious development
city concerned, in order to create repeatable and of the serial property.
comparable measurements over time.
Once all the data from the various fact-finding exercises Below is a chart showing the data currently available,
has been collected, it will be necessary to analyse it and grouped according to the separate cities concerned.
identify the systems strengths (to be enhanced) and
weaknesses (to be managed and/or mitigated).
479
6. MONITORING
City concerned: Bergamo

Indicator Level Source
Yes On-site inspections (2014, 2015)
Indicator 1) Presence of weeds on defensive
walls (YES/NO)
Yes Bergamo city council

Indicator 2) Presence of transport policies
that limit motorised vehicle access (YES/
NO)
-239,000 arrivals Dept. of Tourism, Tourism

-447,000 overnight stays Observatory of the province of
Indicator 3) Number of tourists compared
-119,000 residents (2014) Bergamo, Summary of data from
to residents
-Tourist pressure to be reduced in 31/12/2014
the old town centre
-7,050 visitors to tourist information Bergamo city council
Indicator 4) Difference between the
centres in January 2012 Analysis of visitors to tourist
most crowded and least crowded
-16,300 visitors to tourist information information centres and tourism
months in terms of tourist numbers (de-
centres in April 2012 boards in the city of Bergamo in
seasonalisation of tourism)
-Need to de-seasonalise tourism 2012
High tourism pressure in the Citt Alta Dept. of Tourism, Tourism
(Upper town), deterioration of the Observatory of the province of
Indicator 5) Quality of the tourist experience
tourist experience Bergamo
(qualitative assessment)
Adequate hospitality services and
support for tourists
Deterioration of the quality of life in Dept. of Tourism, Tourism
Indicator 6) Deterioration of the quality
the Citt Alta (Upper town) due to high Observatory of the province of
of life enjoyed by residents (qualitative
levels of daily tourism and sometimes Bergamo
assessment)
overcrowding
Indicator 7) Guaranteed access to the
property (YES/NO)
Indicator 8) State of conservation of High On-site inspections (2014, 2015)

buildings and monuments (qualitative (periodical restoration and
assessment, high/average/low) maintenance work)
Limited instances of rainwater run-off On-site inspections (2014, 2015)
Indicator 9) Presence of rainwater run-off or due to weather
erosion that could damage buildings and No leaks or structural weakening
monuments (YES/NO) (Environmental and landscape
characteristics: high ground)
Assessment using the Management Plans
See the Management Plans monitoring programme
monitoring programme
480
6.a KEY INDICATORS FOR MEASURING THE STATE OF
CONSERVATION
City concerned: Peschiera del Garda

walls (YES/NO)
Yes Peschiera city council

that limit motorised vehicle access (YES/
NO)
-approximately 2,000,000 overnight Province of Verona, Dept. of

stays in Peschiera del Garda in 2007 Tourism
-10,300 residents (2014)
Indicator 3) Number of tourists compared to -Tourist numbers require managing, the
residents tourist appeal of the town
-Tourist numbers recorded throughout
the province of Verona
Requires monitoring
Figures unavailable /
Indicator 4) Difference between the most
crowded and least crowded months in terms
of tourist numbers (de-seasonalisation of
tourism)
Tourist numbers are increasing and Province of Verona, Dept. of

require managing Tourism
Generally positive tourist experience
Residents do not experience any Province of Verona, Dept. of
Indicator 6) Deterioration of the quality particular problems caused by tourists Tourism
assessment) Tourist numbers to be managed

property (YES/NO)
High On-site inspections (2014, 2015)

Indicator 8) State of conservation of
buildings and monuments (qualitative
assessment, high/average/low)
Indicator 9) Presence of rain water run-off A risk of flooding has been detected ARPA Veneto
or erosion that could damage buildings and (Environment and landscape
monuments (YES/NO) characteristics: river/lake confluence)
481
6. MONITORING
City concerned: Palmanova

walls (YES/NO)
Yes Palmanova city council

that limit motorised vehicle access (YES/NO)
-50,000 overnight stays in the first Palmanova city council

quarter of 2015
-5,500 residents (2014)
Indicator 3) Number of tourists compared to
-A certain level of isolation with low
residents
tourist numbers in the past, though
there was a significant increase in 2015
compared to 2014
tourism)
Low tourist pressure Palmanova city council

Policies able to attract more tourists
are required
Residents do not have any problems Palmanova city council
Indicator 6) Deterioration of the quality
with tourists, quite the contrary: it
is hoped that tourist numbers will
assessment)
increase
Yes Palmanova city council
property (YES/NO)
Average On-site inspections (2014, 2015)

Indicator 8) State of conservation of
buildings and monuments (qualitative
assessment, high/average/low)
Lack of rainwater drainage On-site inspections (2014, 2015)

Indicator 9) Presence of rainwater run-off or (Environment and landscape
erosion that could damage buildings and characteristics: plains)
monuments (YES/NO)

482
CONSERVATION
City concerned: Venice

Indicator 1) Presence of weeds on defensive Yes On-site inspections (2014, 2015)
walls (YES/NO)
Yes Venice city council
Indicator 2) Presence of transport policies that
limit motorised vehicle access (YES/NO)
-8,000,000 arrivals Turismo Venezia, 2014 statistics

-34,000,000 overnight stays
-56,000 residents in the old town centre
residents
(2014)
-Tourist pressure should be reduced
-187,130 arrivals in January 2013 Turismo Venezia, 2013 statistics
-557,300 arrivals in July 2013
-Need to de-seasonalise tourism
-Need for policies to spread tourists to
tourism)
other locations
High tourist pressure, particularly in Turismo Venezia, 2014 statistics
certain areas
Indicator 5) Quality of the tourist experience The tourist experience suffers as a
(qualitative assessment) consequence
Gradual depopulation Turismo Venezia, 2014 statistics
Indicator 6) Deterioration of the quality of life
The quality of life of residents is
enjoyed by residents (qualitative assessment)
deteriorating
Indicator 7) Guaranteed access to the property Yes Venice city council
(YES/NO)
Indicator 8) State of conservation of buildings Average On-site inspections (2014, 2015)
and monuments (qualitative assessment,
high/average/low)
Coastal erosion due to tides, flooding and ARPA Veneto
Indicator 9) Presence of rainwater run-off or
waves produced by motorised boats
erosion that could damage buildings and
(Environment and landscape
monuments (YES/NO)
characteristics: lagoon)
483
6. MONITORING
City concerned: Zadar

Indicator 1) Presence of weeds on defensive Yes On-site inspection July 2015
walls (YES/NO)
Indicator 2) Presence of transport policies that No On-site inspection July 2015
Indicator 3) Number of tourists compared to Figures unavailable /
residents
Indicator 4) Difference between the most Figures unavailable /
tourism)
Tourist numbers are limited but increasing Croatia.eu. Tourism
Indicator 5) Quality of the tourist experience Increase during summer months
(qualitative assessment) Adequate hospitality services and support
for tourists
Indicator 6) Deterioration of the quality of life Residents do not experience any particular Croatia.eu. Tourism
enjoyed by residents (qualitative assessment) problem caused by tourists
Yes On-site inspection July 2015
Indicator 7) Guaranteed access to the property
(YES/NO)
Average On-site inspection July 2015

Indicator 8) State of conservation of buildings
and monuments (qualitative assessment,
high/average/low)
Coastal erosion On-site inspection July 2015

Indicator 9) Presence of rainwater run-off or
A risk of flooding has been detected
erosion that could damage buildings and
(Environment and landscape
monuments (YES/NO)
characteristics: peninsula)
484
CONSERVATION
City concerned: Sibenik

Yes On-site inspection May 2014
walls (YES/NO)
No On-site inspection May 2014

Indicator 2) Presence of transport policies that

residents
Indicator 4) Difference between the most Figures unavailable /
of tourist numbers (de-seasonalisation of tour-
ism)
Limited tourist numbers Croatia.eu. Tourism
Indicator 6) Deterioration of the quality of life Residents do not experience any particular Croatia.eu. Tourism
enjoyed by residents (qualitative assessment) problems caused by tourists
Indicator 7) Guaranteed access to the property Not completely On-site inspection May 2014
(YES/NO)
Indicator 8) State of conservation of build- High On-site inspection May 2014
ings and monuments (qualitative assessment,
high/average/low)
Indicator 9) Presence of rainwater run-off or Coastal erosion On-site inspection May 2014
erosion that could damage buildings and (Environment and landscape characteristics:
monuments (YES/NO) island)
485
6. MONITORING
City concerned: Hvar

Yes On-site inspection July
Indicator 1) Presence of weeds on defensive walls 2015
(YES/NO)
Indicator 2) Presence of transport policies that limit No On-site inspection July

motorised vehicle access (YES/NO) 2015
residents
Indicator 4) Difference between the most crowded
and least crowded months in terms of tourist
numbers (de-seasonalisation of tourism)
Tourist numbers limited but increasing Croatia.eu. Tourism

Indicator 5) Quality of the tourist experience Increase in summer months
(qualitative assessment) Adequate hospitality services and
Residents do not experience any Croatia.eu. Tourism
Indicator 6) Deterioration of the quality of life particular problems caused by tourists
enjoyed by residents (qualitative assessment) Ferry traffic and pleasure craft moored
there in summer
Yes On-site inspection July
Indicator 7) Guaranteed access to the property (YES/
2015
NO)
High On-site inspection July

Indicator 8) State of conservation of buildings and
2015
monuments (qualitative assessment, high/average/
low)
Coastal erosion On-site inspection July

Indicator 9) Presence of rainwater run-off or erosion (Environment and landscape 2015
that could damage buildings and monuments (YES/ characteristics: island)
NO)

486
CONSERVATION
City concerned: Korula

Yes On-site inspection 2015
Indicator 1) Presence of weeds on defensive walls
(YES/NO)
Indicator 2) Presence of transport policies that Yes Korula city council

residents
Indicator 4) Difference between the most crowded
Tourist numbers generally limited, Croatia.eu. Tourism

though overcrowding occurs in summer
months
Residents do not experience any Croatia.eu. Tourism
particular problems caused by tourists
Indicator 7) Guaranteed access to the property Yes On-site inspection 2015

(YES/NO)
Indicator 8) State of conservation of buildings High On-site inspection 2015
and monuments (qualitative assessment, high/
average/low)
Indicator 9) Presence of rainwater run-off or erosion Coastal erosion On-site inspection 2015
that could damage buildings and monuments (Environment and landscape
(YES/NO) characteristics: island)
487
6. MONITORING
City concerned: Herceg Novi

Indicator 1) Presence of weeds on defensive walls Yes On-site inspection May
(YES/NO) 2015
Indicator 2) Presence of transport policies that Yes On-site inspection May
limit motorised vehicle access (YES/NO) 2015
residents
Indicator 4) Difference between the most crowded Figures unavailable /

Tourist numbers limited The National Tourism
Adequate hospitality services and Organisation of Montenegro
Residents do not experience any The National Tourism
particular problems caused by tourists Organisation of Montenegro
Indicator 7) Guaranteed access to the property No (only a small section is accessible) On-site inspection May
(YES/NO) 2015
Average On-site inspection May
Indicator 8) State of conservation of buildings 2015
average/low)
Indicator 9) Presence of rainwater run-off or erosion Coastal erosion On-site inspection May
that could damage buildings and monuments (Environment and landscape 2015
(YES/NO) characteristics: gulf )

488
CONSERVATION
City concerned: Kotor

Indicator 1) Presence of weeds on defensive walls Yes On-site inspection May 2015
(YES/NO)
Indicator 2) Presence of transport policies that Yes On-site inspection May 2015
residents
Tourist numbers limited but increasing The National Tourism
Indicator 7) Guaranteed access to the property Yes On-site inspection May 2015
(YES/NO)
High On-site inspection May 2015
Indicator 8) State of conservation of buildings
average/low)
Indicator 9) Presence of rainwater run-off or erosion Coastal erosion On-site inspection May 2015

489
6. MONITORING
City concerned: Ulcinj

Indicator 1) Presence of weeds on defensive walls Yes On-site inspection May 2015
(YES/NO)
Indicator 2) Presence of transport policies that Yes On-site inspection May 2015
residents
Tourist numbers limited The National Tourism
Indicator 7) Guaranteed access to the property Yes On-site inspection May 2015
(YES/NO)
Indicator 8) State of conservation of buildings Average On-site inspection May 2015
average/low)
Indicator 9) Presence of rainwater run-off or erosion Coastal erosion On-site inspection May 2015
6.b Administrative arrangements for results over time and possibly drafting a report detailing
monitoring the property the results achieved, as well as putting in place actions
to address failures wherever necessary.
The monitoring programme detailed in the nomination To this end, the organisation responsible is the
dossier and that of the Management Plan constitute a technical office based in Bergamo, supervised by the
unique, integrated system, as we are convinced that this International Coordination Group for the Venetian
is the only way to guarantee that values are maintained Works of Defence between the 15th and 17th Centuries
over time and that concrete actions are implemented property mentioned in the Management Plan and
in the territory. whose responsibilities are detailed in the dossier.
The responses to the impacts identified in the dossier
are, in actual fact, the projects envisaged in the According to the set-up detailed in the paragraph
Management Plan, as part of a constant exchange above, monitoring activities aim to verify the progress
between parties. of a series of phenomena over time using the selected
indicators, so as to assess the continued existence
The monitoring programme put forward therefore of property values over time, as well as to assess the
requires an organisation that will be responsible for territorial impact of the medium and long-term actions
its implementation: gathering indicators, comparing envisaged in the Management Plan.
490
6.c RESULTS OF PREVIOUS REPORTING EXERCISES
Given the propertys complexity and extent, an annual out by various different regional tourism departments,
monitoring programme is considered to be suitable, ministries and agencies for environmental protection)
except for the assessment of Management Plan that constitute an enormously interesting basis from
projects which we recommend should take place every which to start.
six month. Particularly as far as the Italian components are
Moreover, indicators based on existing data (or concerned, there are a number of reports and
indicators where a data collection campaign will be publications that address issues linked to the
carried out in future) were chosen in order to be able to phenomena listed in the monitoring programme on a
compare the progress of various different phenomena local level. Take, for example, the publications listed in
over time. the bibliography, as well as the conferences, seminars
and study days organised over the years.
The repeated collection of data over time, following any
conservation or enhancement work carried out on the This is supplemented by the work carried out by
property or following a change in external conditions, local associations, an example of which is the Terra di
will allow the technical office to constantly check the San Marco association mentioned earlier. It runs the
changing circumstances affecting the territory involved projects official website (www.difeseveneziane.com),
in the nomination. set up in 2014 and published in Italian and English. The
portal contains information on the entire nomination
A system structured this way will therefore provide process, on the components and initiatives being
information on the progress of a particular carried out in the various different territories and it
phenomenon, highlight problematic situations and can also be reached from the web portal of each of the
identify key factors that require intervention. cities concerned. It is therefore a tool that could prove
The same office has also been entrusted with the task enormously interesting for providing any monitoring
of monitoring the Management Plan in order to verify reports in future.
the progress made on projects and the achievement of
set aims. Actions will be monitored in partnership with As far as Croatia and Montenegro are concerned,
the organisations funding each particular project. data and reports published by the two Ministries of
To date, local monitoring systems are in operation, Culture are available, which have examined the state of
such as those supervised by the Ministry of Culture, the conservation of the various different Nominated sites
Sibenik Department of Conservation and the Ministry in the past.
of Cultures Directorate for the Protection of Cultural The creation of an international group is an attempt to
Heritage in Zadar, but what is required is a common make the information we already have accessible and
approach affecting the entire property and adopted by to collect any data that is still missing, with a view to
all stakeholders. the integrated management of the property.
Moreover, many of the projects identified in the

6.c Results of previous reporting Management Plan are designed to enrich our
exercises knowledge of the Nominated territory, with the
ultimate aim of protecting and preserving it, as well as
encouraging involvement and participation.
As the property is currently in the nomination stage,
there are no existing Periodic Reports compiled on As detailed earlier, the evaluation phase of the projects
the property as a whole. This is indeed one of the envisaged in the Management Plan refer back to the
operational results expected from the proposed Heritage Impact Assessment method, whose application
monitoring programme, which will be implemented has fostered discussions on the possible consequences
once the property is inscribed on the WHL. that could affect the territory, the stakeholders involved
and the anticipated results, thus constituting de facto
Nevertheless, there are local studies and assessments on an initial database for implementing the monitoring
a number of components (for example the work carried programme.
491

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THE VENETIAN WORKS

UNESCO WHL NOMINATION FORMAT

Laspetto caratterizzante la Serenissima

Posebna osobina Serenisime je bila

The mayors of the involved

3. JUSTIFICATION FOR INSCRIPTION______________________________319

3.b Comparative analysis __________________________________________________ 342

4. STATE OF CONSERVATION AND FACTORS AFFECTING THE PROPERTY 361

5. PROTECTION AND MANAGEMENT OF THE PROPERTY _____________401

9. SIGNATURE ON BEHALF OF THE STATE PARTY______________________525

1. IDENTIFICATION OF THE PROPERTY_____________________________9

1.b State, Province or Region 1.c Name of Property

The Nominated Property involves three Italian regions,

Id n Name of the Belonging Region Coordinates Area of Area of the Map n

*5 Fortified city  Veneto E 104139 36,67 ha 143,85 ha 1.e.2.3

Id n Name of the Belonging County Coordinates Area of Area of the Map n

Id n Name of the Municipality Coordinates Area of Area of the Map n

./& Fortified city of Kotor Kotor E 184619 16,32 ha 99,19 ha 1.e.2.23

./& Fortified city of Ulcinj Ulcinj E 191205 0,54 ha 6,26 ha 1.e.2.25

1.e Maps and plans, showing the

The components of the Venetian Works of Defence Croatia

Maps index: Montenegro

1.e.1 Localization and identification of the

1.e.1.2 Identification of the whole Property

1.e.1.3 Italian components

1.e.1.4 Croatian components

1.e.1.5 Montenegrin components

1.e.2 Boundaries of the Nominated property

F *5'PSUJFEDJUZPG#FSHBNP #VFS[POF

F *5'PSUJFEDJUZPG1FTDIJFSBEFM(BSEB #VFS[POF

F *5B"STFOBMF 7FOF[JB

F *5C'PSUPGSt Andrea, Venezia

F *5D1PWFHMJB0DUBHPO 7FOF[JB

F *5E"MCFSPOJ0DUBHPO 7FOF[JB

1.e.2.9 Defensive System of City of Venezia (Buffer zone)

F *5$JUZ'PSUSFTTPG1BMNBOPWB #VFS[POF

F )3%FGFOTJWF4ZTUFNPG;BEBS #VFS[POF

F )3Fort of St. Nikola, ibenik- Knin County,OJO$PVOUZ

F )3Fort of St. Nikola, ibenik- Knin County,OJO$PVOUZ #VFS[POF

F )3B'PSUJDB'PSUSFTT )WBS

F )3C"STFOBMXJUICVJMURVBZPGQPSU )WBS

1.e.2.18 Defensive System of Hvar (Buffer zone)

F )3'PSUJFEDJUZPG,PSVMB #VFS[POF

F ./&'PSUF.BSF )FSDFH/PWJ

F ./&'PSUF.BSF )FSDFH/PWJ #VFS[POF

F ./&'PSUJFEDJUZPG,PUPS #VFS[POF

F ./&'PSUJFEDJUZPG6MDJOK #VFS[POF

1.f Area of Nominated property and

Rampart See Bastion.

GPSNXIJDIJTDMFBSMZWJTJCMFJO1BMNBOPWBoBOBSSPX With this in mind, Venetian defence works should be

THE DOCUMENTARY HERITAGE: TREATISES AND REPORTS

Another tool which allowed the spread of Venices military culture

Buonaiuto Lorini, Delle fortificazioni [...], Venice 1597

DEFENSIVE SYSTEM OF HVAR: represents the strategic centre

2.a.4 Description of the specific components

2.a.4.1 Fortified city of Bergamo

(Archivio di Stato , Venezia Collegio Relazioni, B.52)

Value Fortified representative city

ROLE WITHIN THE PROPERTY acquired, also represented a psychological deterrent

DJUZXBMMTBOEUXPFYUFSOBMFMFNFOUToUIF4U7JHJMJP uneven until it reaches a steep slope towards the north.

THE CITY GATES OF THE FORTIFIED CITY OF BERGAMO

3: St Giacomo Gate(post 1565). The magnificence of Venice is summarised by 4U"MFTTBOESP(BUF 

External elements: St Vigilio Fort and St Domenico Fort DPNQMFUFMZSFCVJMUCZUIF7FOFUJBOTJOJOPSEFS

*5 Fortified city Veneto E 104139 36,67 ha 143,85 ha 1.e.2.3

./& Fortified city of Kotor Kotor E 184619 16,32 ha 99,19 ha 1.e.2.23

./& Fortified city of Ulcinj Ulcinj E 191205 0,54 ha 6,26 ha 1.e.2.25

F *5'PSUJFEDJUZPG#FSHBNP #VFS[POF

F *5'PSUJFEDJUZPG1FTDIJFSBEFM(BSEB #VFS[POF

F *5B"STFOBMF 7FOF[JB

F *5C'PSUPGSt Andrea, Venezia

F *5D1PWFHMJB0DUBHPO 7FOF[JB

F *5E"MCFSPOJ0DUBHPO 7FOF[JB

F *5$JUZ'PSUSFTTPG1BMNBOPWB #VFS[POF

F )3%FGFOTJWF4ZTUFNPG;BEBS #VFS[POF

F )3Fort of St. Nikola, ibenik- Knin County,OJO$PVOUZ

F )3Fort of St. Nikola, ibenik- Knin County,OJO$PVOUZ #VFS[POF

F )3B'PSUJDB'PSUSFTT )WBS

F )3C"STFOBMXJUICVJMURVBZPGQPSU )WBS

F )3'PSUJFEDJUZPG,PSVMB #VFS[POF

F ./&'PSUF.BSF )FSDFH/PWJ

F ./&'PSUF.BSF )FSDFH/PWJ #VFS[POF

F ./&'PSUJFEDJUZPG,PUPS #VFS[POF

F ./&'PSUJFEDJUZPG6MDJOK #VFS[POF

GPSNXIJDIJTDMFBSMZWJTJCMFJO1BMNBOPWBoBOBSSPX With this in mind, Venetian defence works should be

DJUZXBMMTBOEUXPFYUFSOBMFMFNFOUToUIF4U7JHJMJP uneven until it reaches a steep slope towards the north.

3: St Giacomo Gate(post 1565). The magnificence of Venice is summarised by 4U"MFTTBOESP(BUF

External elements: St Vigilio Fort and St Domenico Fort DPNQMFUFMZSFCVJMUCZUIF7FOFUJBOTJOJOPSEFS

7FSPOB(BUF PS2VJSJOB

*UQSFTFOUTBTPMJE BVTUFSFGSPOUUPUIFDPVOUSZTJEF XJUIUXPBTIMBSXPSLQJMBTUFSTUPUIFTJEFTPGUIFDFOUSBMBSDIXBZXIJDICFBSTUIF

XPSL XIJDIQSPUFDUTUIFDJUZBUUIF-JEPQPJOU Moreover, today it is the logistics centre of all the

Fig.34 to the right,Arsenale TFFOGSPNUIF(BHHJBOESF BCPWF QIPUPCZ'-PWBUPCFMPXQIPUPCZUIF.VOJDJQBMJUZPG7FOJDF

Fig. 40.View of the Piazza Grande UIFHFPNFUSJDCBSJDFOUSFBOEIVCPGUIFDJUZGPSUSFTTTPDJBMMJGF QIPUPCZ"MFTTJP#VMESJO

'JH5IFTPVUIFBTUQBSUPGUIF Citadelle bastion.

QSFTFSWFT B TUPOF CBTSFMJFG XJUI UIF OBNFT PG UIF

Fig.54 (left) The peak of the Ponton BastionUIFNPTUQPXFSGVMCBTUJPOPGUIFStato di MareXBTTPDBMMFECFDVBTFPGUIJTBTQFDU

2.a.4.6 Fort of St. Nikola, ibenik- Knin County,OJO$PVOUZ

Fortified System of Hvar*%$"3%

DESCRIPTION OF THE COMPONENTS HSPVOEPPSXIJDITUSFUDIUPUIFOPSUIFBTUDPSOFSPG

Fortified System City of Korula*%$"3%

"YJBMMZ JO UIF TPVUIOPSUIFSO EJSFDUJPO TUSFUDIJOH