Italy > Liguria

Posted on 21/06/2010

A journey through the forts of Genoa is ideal for those who want to live again the emotions they felt when they were child and they tried to build a fort. Who of us has never done it? We used all the objects we found: sticks, earth, some strings, but the ingredient that absolutely could not miss was the imagination!

Now you need to bring back to light the same imagination to fully appreciate the many fortresses, castles, towers and fortifications still present throughout Liguria and Genoa in particular.
The purpose of these forts in the eighteenth century was to make the city impregnable and only now, since they are no longer used for the defense of Genoa, they can tell visitors their long history, to listen it you only have to travel along different paths, with much more satisfaction if you choose to travel on foot or by bike.

You can easily overcome the first part of the path by the historic train that departs from Genoa Casella and quickly reaches the fort Diamond, this first fortress is the higher step of the network of fortifications and one of the most scenic.

Then, walk forward along the path, you can admire: the Fort Fratello Minore, consisting of a tower and adjacent to the remains of his Fratello Maggiore, Forte Puin, with its breathtaking view; Fort Sperone that was once the warehouse and barracks and is now used for performances or the Fort Begato completely restored in recent years.

Proceeding to the coast then we will meet the Fort Castellaccio that was the site of countless executions by hanging; Fort Tenaglia, occupied by the Germans during the II World War and the Fort Crocetta thus said to be built on the ruins of a church and the Fort Belvedere of whom there are now only a few remnants.

Heading more east we'll find Fort Quezzi rising on the heights of the river Bisagno; Fort Ratti also said Monteratti used in past centuries as a prison, the Fort Richelieu, which hosted the families who lost their homes in the bombings during the II World War and eventually Forts Santa Tecla, San Martino and San Giuliano that allow us to get closer and closer to the port of Genoa.

Some of these forts are now opened to visitors and in good condition, others have never been restored, but ... do you remember? With a little fancy and some stick also a ruin can return to be a magnificent castle! And certainly the views that you will find will give to the path a little of magic.