We suggest some very evocative routes within the municipality of Genoa, between history and nature: you will see a regal city, nestled against an alpine hill, superb for its people and walls, whose appearance alone indicates it as the mistress of the sea.
Walking along the docks of our Marina, you might be deceived, Genoa is not just about the sea! Genoese people know this well; just behind the historic center of Genoa, in fact, there are real surprises hidden.
Marina Porto Antico accompanies you on a splendid walk suitable for everyone! Among towers, imposing fortresses and nature, behind the city. A trekking route (all within the municipality) that starts from the center, just a few steps from here. Here are some routes near Genoa.
The park of the walls: between history and nature
The seventeenth-century walls, commissioned by the Senate of the Republic of Genoa to defend the city and its port basin, are a colossal work, 12 km long; they are the most extensive city walls in Europe, second in the world only to the Great Wall of China! Certainly one of the most fascinating routes in Genoa.
A wall that follows the ridges of the Ligurian capital, covering an elevation difference of over 500 meters. The path winds along a coastal trail: on the left side stand the fortifications, while towards the sea, the panorama embraces the coastline of this wonderful stretch of Liguria up to Portofino.
Centuries and centuries of history, among millennial ruins, rocks covered with lichens, remains from the era of the maritime republics, intertwined with Savoy constructions, and finally the reinforced concrete of World War II.
Winter and Spring are the ideal seasons
Among the most popular routes near Genoa, this one is ideal on cool and clear days, to enjoy the incredible 360° panorama it offers. On very clear winter days, it’s not uncommon to be able to see the silhouette of Cap Corse (350 km further south).
5 minutes from us: how to get there
In five minutes on foot from Marina Porto Antico, we find ourselves in Largo Zecca, where you take the funicular to Righi – Mura delle Chiappe, where the ancient salt road begins. The more fit can opt for the entire route on foot, exploring the characteristic “creuze” of Castelletto.
Forks and Spurs
Arriving at Mura delle Chiappe, and passing through the seventeenth-century Porta Chiappe, you reach the Castellaccio by following the walls; this fort, which accommodated 600 soldiers, incorporates the octagonal Specola tower and the bastion called “square of the forks” because hangings were carried out here!
Continuing along the Peralto road, you quickly reach the second fort: Forte Sperone, whose name derives from its angular shape, which resembles the bow of a ship. Located at the top of the new walls, it represented the key point of the Genoese defense system.
Built on the ruins of a Ghibelline fortress, whose first evidence dates back to 1300, this fort is the only one equipped with a moat and drawbridge, but over the centuries it has undergone various modifications and uses; today we find the coat of arms of the Savoy affixed to its entrance, and in its lower part, the Powder Magazine is well preserved. During World War I, it was used as a prison.
Puin and the Two Brothers
Continuing along the ridge, we encounter Forte Puin, whose name derives from the eighteenth-century “Baracca di Puin”, located roughly below, where today we find the restaurant Ostaja de Baracche: highly recommended!
Proceeding, we find Fratello Maggiore and Fratello Minore, of the first, located higher up, few visible remains are left. Both were the scene of violent clashes between the French and Austrians during the siege of 1800.
A Diamond over Genoa
The last fort on the route, and also the most evocative, is Forte Diamante. Positioned on the namesake peak, at 670 meters above sea level, with its position over the Valpolcevera and Valbisagno, it majestically dominates the entire valley. From here, the open view of the entire city offers an exceptional panorama!
Together with Puin and the 2 Brothers, its purpose was to defend Forte Sperone, which as already mentioned represented a key point of the Genoese defense system.
The pentagonal plan of its embankment and its massive structure provide a truly imposing vision.
Its history is equally evocative:
On April 30, 1800, the Austrians led by Count Hohenzollern, after taking the “2 Brothers”, laid a fierce siege to Forte Diamante, defended by the French company of Commander Bertrand.
The Austrian count demanded surrender from the commander with these words:
“I demand, Commander, that you surrender your Fort immediately, otherwise everything is ready and I will take you by assault and put you to the sword. You can still obtain an honorable capitulation. In front of Diamante at 4 in the evening. Count of Hohenzollern.”
The French commander Bertrand’s response was lapidary:
“General Sir, honor, which is the most precious value for true soldiers, imperiously forbids the brave garrison I command from surrendering the Fort entrusted to my command, because I cannot consent to surrender to a simple intimidation, and I care too much, General Sir, to deserve your esteem to declare to you that only form and the impossibility of defending myself any longer will determine me to capitulate. Bertrand. [7][8]“
With legendary courage and pride, the French troops forced the Austrian troops to retreat
Indeed, Ugo Foscolo valiantly took part in the battle for the defense of the fortifications alongside the French, being wounded by a gunshot to the leg.
Unspoiled nature a stone’s throw from the Marina
Here we find an infinite variety of plants, herbs, flowers, shrubs: first holm oaks, strawberry trees, myrtle, thyme bushes, heather and broom, and finally chestnuts and pine forests, sometimes interrupted by very green meadows colored by some species of orchids and daisies.
In spring, with the blooms, the meadows are populated by colorful butterflies; 14 species are illustrated on the panels of the Butterfly Trail, which winds nearby.
The woods and scrub here are home to foxes, badgers, martens, hedgehogs, fallow deer, wild boars, and squirrels, and the ancient walls host nests of barn owls, kestrels, tawny owls, and little owls. It’s not uncommon to spot short-toed eagles and falcons flying over this area.
A surprising historical and naturalistic route between sea and mountains, just a stone’s throw from Marina Porto Antico’s moorings. An opportunity to see Genoa from a new perspective. Not to be missed!
