Three fortresses, three days. An educational journey between land and water
The ‘Bergamo Walls’ Museum: the history of the Venetian Walls, a World Heritage Site, begins at Porta Sant’Agostino
A new museum comes to life inside the halls of Porta Sant’Agostino, the historic gateway to the city for travelers arriving from Venice.
Physical artifacts, multimedia stations, and an immersive room shift the learning experience from the mere narration of facts to active participation. Students can discover the construction phases of the walls step by step, in a fun and original way.
The Museo delle Storie di Bergamo offers three dedicated educational paths:
The Walls: a work of art and engineering
The Walls: an impregnable fortress
The Walls: a boundary that unites
These itineraries, led by experienced museum educators, can be customized according to students’ age and specific educational goals. Pupils will explore the history, architecture, and cultural significance of the Walls through interactive activities and direct observation.
After the lunch break, students can take part in a hands-on activity designed to reinforce the morning’s learning. Options include:
“Hands-on” workshops, organized by the Civic Archaeological Museum, such as reconstructions of ancient construction techniques or analysis of artifacts related to the fortifications.
A treasure hunt along the Walls, using interactive maps and historical clues to uncover hidden points of interest.
Survey and documentation activities, where students use digital tools to map sections of the Walls and create a multimedia project.
These practical activities encourage active learning, teamwork, and the application of knowledge acquired during the guided tour.
All activities can be tailored to meet specific educational needs.
This guided walking tour explores the Venetian fortress of Peschiera and the main points of interest in the historic center.
It’s an ideal route to understand the history of the city and its central role in the history of Italy.
The itinerary winds along the Venetian walls and through the Austro-Hungarian military district, reaching the ancient Roman ruins and touching all the eras that have shaped the city.
It offers a narrative of the city’s history, from its origins as a stilt village to its current status as a tourist destination.
It’s worth complementing the walk with a visit to the Museum of Fishing and Lake Traditions, a fascinating institution that tells the millennia-old story of fishing on Lake Garda and the life of the town.
The very name of the town, Peschiera del Garda, originates from the ‘peschiere’, ancient permanent fishing sites documented since Roman times.
The museum is located inside the evocative San Marco Bastion, dating back to the 16th century. Its position within the Radetzky Room, which once housed an Austro-Hungarian pyrotechnic workshop in the 19th century, adds a layer of historical charm to the visit.
Here, visitors can admire a rich collection of original artifacts, including traditional boats, fishing nets, and tools used by local fishermen, as well as curiosities and photographs that recount life on the shores of Lake Garda through the centuries.
Located within the island that encloses the Austro-Hungarian military district, inside the Venetian fortress of Peschiera del Garda, visitors can explore the former Austrian Command Building. One of the rooms in this building was the setting for the inter-allied conference held during World War I in November 1917.
That room, now known as the Historic Room, was declared a National Monument by King Victor Emmanuel III. This moment marked a turning point in history, contributing to Italy’s victory in the Great War.
The monument is open to visitors by reservation only, which can be made in advance at the Peschiera Tourism Infopoint.
Boat Tour
One of the best ways to admire the walls of Peschiera is undoubtedly by boat.
Departing from Piazzetta San Marco, the tour sails along the canals that surround the city, offering a unique view of the fortifications from the water. It reveals hidden corners and gives visitors a deeper understanding of the city’s strategic importance.
The service runs from April to November.
Duration: 25 minutes
Begin your visit at the Multimedia Room, an interactive experience that takes you through the history of the city from its foundation to the present day.
Through 3D models and immersive videos, you’ll gain insight into the evolution of the fortifications and the strategic role of Palmanova throughout different historical periods — from the Republic of Venice to the Austro-Hungarian Empire.
Duration: approximately 40 minutes
You can easily park your bicycle just a few steps from the Multimedia Room, where we recommend starting your tour.
This is an interactive experience that will take you through the history of the city, from its foundation to the present day.
Through 3D models and immersive videos, you’ll gain an understanding of the evolution of the fortifications and Palmanova’s strategic role across different historical periods — from the Republic of Venice to the Austro-Hungarian Empire.
Estimated visit duration: approximately 40 minutes
Accompanied by a guide, students will explore the different layers of Palmanova’s fortifications, admire the city’s monumental gates — Porta Udine, Porta Aquileia, and Porta Cividale — and walk along the moat to see the bastions, ravelins, and Napoleonic lunettes.
They will then visit Piazza Grande, the heart of the city, where they will admire the Dogal Cathedral, the Loggia dei Mercanti, the Loggia della Gran Guardia, and the “instruments and ingenious machines used to build the Fortress” that illustrate Palmanova’s civil and military life.
Duration: approximately 2 hours
There is also the option to enter the Donato Bastion and the Countermine Galleries.
Inside the galleries, visitors can enjoy a highly engaging experience through an immersive storytelling journey on their own mobile devices, using audio and augmented reality features to discover the military techniques used by the Venetians to defend and make the fortress impenetrable.
Duration: approximately 30–40 minutes
In the afternoon, students can take part in “Palmanova XR”, an interactive activity that guides them through the city’s main points of interest using QR codes placed along the route.
Thanks to augmented reality, each student will be able to view historical multimedia content on their own mobile devices, learning about the city’s history in a fun and engaging way.
This itinerary is designed to spark students’ curiosity and support their learning by integrating interactive and innovative elements, making the discovery of this UNESCO World Heritage site both immersive and educational.
Duration: approximately 1–2 hours
Infopoint Turistico Promo Turismo FVG
Borgo Udine, 4
33057 Palmanova
Tel. +39 0432 924815
