The galleries of Palmanova (Friuli-Venezia Giulia, NE Italy). Feresin Fabio, Diqual Augusto, Giacomin Antonio
In 2011 the Civil Protection removed all the vegetation that had been infesting the fortress of Palmanova for a very long period of time. This activity brought to light the accesses to the galleries that develop in the surrounding underground. This discovery triggered the interest on behalf of the municipal administrators that then desired to acquire a detailed and precise understanding of the galleries both for scientific and cultural purposes and in order to promote tourism.
An agreement was signed between the Municipality of Palmanova and the CAVE COMMISSION ‘EUGENIO BOEGAN’ (CGEB founded in 1883), of the ALPINE SOCIETY OF THE GIULIE, the ITALIAN ALPINE CLUB of Trieste.
Numerous expeditions followed, allowing speleologists to explore, document and create topographic maps for a total of about 4.5 kilometres of the galleries, which were revealed to be partially Venetian and partially Napoleonic (tunnels that led to the “lunettes”), together with the water supply system of the city and the elimination of wastewater.
Data for mapping was obtained by the DISTOX device, thus integrating a laser range finder, a compass and a eclimeter, transmitted in real time to a PDA. These data were then processed and superimposed on the Regional Technical Map .
Cavities were identified with a code (e.g 4m1), adopting the Civil Protection method, which had divided the area of Palmanova in 9 areas.
The Town Council of Palmanova decided to fund a paper monograph with an attached DVD that would outline the results of the explorations, placing them in a historical framework with the contribution of a local scholar. The completed product was presented on the 20th March, 2014 in the Hall of Honour of the Town Hall of Palmanova in the presence of the Vice President of the Friuli Venezia Giulia Region and local authorities.
In the publication, each tunnel is described in detail with data and photographs, both amateur and professional, and the plan is superimposed upon the orthophoto of the area.
Details of particular interest are illustrated with specific drawings.
The DVD that accompanies the publication includes a professional film on the activities carried out.