Napoleons (architects and engineers) masterpiece

[Ruffus]

Since it was pretty hot this afternoon, I went for a short roundtrip to the ancient city/fortress of PALMANOVA. (pls see pics)
A ninefingered star-shaped complex with a diameter of 5 kilometers, mounds and fortresses in fortresses...
Napoleon planned and executed this gem of medieval art of war and engeneering.
Irrigation and watersource was brought subterran from mountainous area, fifty kilometers away.
Still works after 200 years. I think his engineers had to give a "lifetime" warranty. If something broke, their lifetime was over.

[Stig / Major Tom]

Curious.
Admittedly - not well read re. Napoleon.  Did he phone in this order from Paris,  or was he on site for the years it took to complete this building project? If he was tenting nearby - how to keep from getting bored?
Stig

[JJJoseph]

Curious.
Admittedly - not well read re. Napoleon.  Did he phone in this order from Paris,  or was he on site for the years it took to complete this building project? If he was tenting nearby - how to keep from getting bored?
Stig

Napoleon was never short of ideas and things to do! He was likely doodling his plans for conquering Russia,  First, you need 500,000 men.  Then 100,000 horses.  Then 500,000 winter shoes and coats. Then 1,000 cooks to deal with the dead horses . . . then . . .

[Ruffus]

@Stig, have to admit that, Napoleon in his efforts to fight and beat the Austrian-Russian alliance, took the already constituted fortress of Palmanova, changed and improved to that time "state of the art" , for he needed a stronghold in northern Italy. As a general and politican he might have commuted fore and aft.
But there are several places around this area, who claim having accomodated Napoleon.

[Iahawk]

more great pics and have never heard of this site..interesting, and love the pics!

[Neil955i]

Fascinating Ruffus, thanks for adding to the sum of my knowledge!

[Ruffus]

Have been in PALMANOVA (Napoleons fortress) for a hike today, just some more pics.
This tulip-shaped watertower, est. 1870, is still in use to provide constant pressure to Palmanovas households...
The fortressed city has three gates, one to be seen..
Dimensions are grand..

[CROSSBOLT]

Always enjoy such posts regardless of locale but this points to REALLY impressive design and execution to rival both the Romans and Egyptians. Considering the deplorable state of most engineering schools since 1962 (my experience and opinion) such examples beg where, what, who and how did the engineers and designers of the time get their training?

[Ruffus]

Le École Polytechnique, from that time until today the most prestigious faculty in France.

[Stig / Major Tom]

Le École Polytechnique, from that time until today the most prestigious faculty in France.

I remember walking past this school when I was a teenager skipping high school in Paris!

Just kidding,  LEP was south of Paris I think.
Never walked past it....😊
Stig