SAB is honoured to have been awarded the Public Procurement Contract for the restoration and repurposing of Porta Cividale and the Donato Bastion in Palmanova, located in the province of Udine. Palmanova, with its well-preserved fortification and urban planning, remains a unique example of its kind in Europe.
The fortress city of Palmanova was commissioned by Venice in the 16th century to counter the expansionist ambitions of the Ottoman Empire and Austria. Designed entirely on paper to meet the defensive needs posed by the discovery of gunpowder and the subsequent use of artillery, Palmanova embodies the concept of the "ideal fortified city" according to the military architecture principles of the time. The primary goals outlined by the Municipal Administration for the work on Palmanova's city walls, which include a series of interventions integrated into a cohesive design, are focused on restoration, consolidation, and enhancement.
This design approach, which respects the value, beauty, and strategic significance of the site both for the city of Palmanova and for the historically significant Friuli region, gives life to a truly organic plan. This plan comprises multiple project interventions across the entire walled city, addressing the needs expressed by the Municipal Administration. The project is grounded in the necessity to carry out targeted and respectful interventions that aim to enhance and safeguard its architectural and artistic heritage, which is protected under the Italian Cultural Heritage Code (D. Lgs. 42/2004) and recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since July 7, 2019. These efforts are intended to enhance the site's value and ensure its preservation for future generations.