We stayed in Palmanova en route to Croatia.  Didn’t know much about it.  However, we discovered this unique town layout in the shape of a star for defensive purposes.  Built in 1593, Palmanova is in fact a UNESCO World Heritage Site.  We arrived late in the day and didn’t notice much other than a cool entrance into the city with big gates.

Then in the morning we woke up and discovered that our hotel was right next to the cathedral in the center of town.  The Piazza Grande was a great city center.  We explored the city by foot walking on the outer wall that is shaped as a star.  It was a very nice experience to find ourselves in a special place without even planning it.