Palmanova, a fortress created by the Republic of Venice in 1593, was designed by Vincenzo Scamozzi and built in the shape of a nine-pointed star. In between the points of the star, ramparts protruded so that the points could defend each other. A moat surrounded the town, and three big, guarded gates allowed entry. The outer line of fortifications was completed under the Napoleonic domination. From 1815 to 1866 the city was under the control of Austria, and was annexed by Italy in 1916.