Cathedral

The Cathedral in Palmanova is a Renaissance church built with Istrian stone, featuring niches at the entrance where statues of Saint Justina of Padua and Saint Mark stand. The interior extends back through a classical layout with side chapels and traditional religious furnishings.

Construction of the cathedral began in 1603 under Venetian rule and was completed in 1636, but the official consecration did not occur until 1777 after the city joined the Udine Archbishopric. This delayed blessing reflected the complex political history of the fortress city.

The cathedral is dedicated to Chiesa del Santissimo Redentore and stands at the heart of Piazza Grande, the main square of the star-shaped fortress city. It serves as the spiritual and social focal point where locals and visitors gather.

The cathedral is easily accessible from Piazza Grande and remains open for religious services and architectural visits. Early morning or late afternoon visits tend to be less crowded, making it a better time to explore and photograph.

The bell tower was intentionally built shorter than typical to prevent enemies from using it as a reference point during potential attacks on the fortress. This practical detail shows how military defense considerations shaped even the religious architecture of the city.