This tour starts with a visit of the unique town of Palmanova which represents the fortunate realization of what was considered an ideal city in Renaissance studies.

Built by the Venetian Republic at the end of the 16th century in order to defend its eastern borders from the Hapsburg and Turkish threats, the fortress remained a Venetian dominion until 1797, when Austria occupied it.

It then passed under the rule of Napoleon that gave the town its name as a sign of victory.

We'll start right from the center of Palmanova with itsimposing Piazza Grande (Main Square), and we'll continue with a fascinating walk through the gates and fortifications surrounding this unique town.

We will then continue towards Passariano to visit Villa Manin, the residence of the last Venetian doge, Ludovico Manin, dating back to the 17th century.

In 1797 Napoleon also stayed there when signing the Peace Treaty of Campoformido that established the end of the Venetian dominion and the beginning of the Habsburgh rule.

It's a grand, almost regal villa which outdoes all the Venetian villas of the Veneto in terms of size and treasures.

The magnificent square, surrounded by a long colonnade, reminds you of St.Peter's square in Rome while the arches recall Palladio's architectural models.