All around Genova there are remains of defensive walls built at various times between the 12th and 17th centuries. In our neighborhood at the edge of Porto Antico there are sections of walls that once formed the seawall, and in the city center Porta Soprana is a 12th century city gate complete with two battle towers.

In the hills outside the city long length of defensive walls and fortresses make for good hiking and exploring. The easiest outpost to reach from the city is Fort Sperone, which watches over the city of just like the defensive fortification it once was. To get to the fort we took a ride up the funicular, which is a part of the public transportation system in this vertical city. The funicular let us off in Righi, 300 meters above the city. From there the road leads past an astronomy observatory to a park overlooking the eastern side of Genova. A path begins along the defensive wall that leads up the final steep stretch to Fort Sperone. Slightly muted by a haze that hangs along the coast, there are sweeping views of Genova from east to west and to neighboring hills topped with other fortifications and barracks. Despite the haze, it’s a refreshing shift in perspective to be looking down into Genova rather than up at our towering surroundings.

Last Modified : May 3rd, 2007
Filed under : Italy
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