Italy is a country where every village and town has its own unmistakable story. Sometimes this is reflected in its traditions or monuments; in other cases, the uniqueness begins with the very layout of the town itself. Across the country, you’ll find a number of “ideal towns” designed entirely from scratch with geometric or unusual shapes. Scattered across the Italian peninsula, here’s where to find Italy’s geometric towns.

Palmanova
Palmanova is one of the most striking examples of a star-shaped town, designed and built at the end of the 16th century. Its nine-pointed star layout was created to serve as an impenetrable fortress while embodying the Renaissance dream of an ideal city. This perfect geometric design was not only strategic for defence but also reflected a rational urban model. For this reason, it has been recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Friuli Venezia Giulia.