Genoa always has something to offer to visitors who decide to moor at the berths of our Marina Porto Antico tourist port. From here, in the heart of the historic center, it is easy to walk to all the main attractions of the city, to visit the best of Genoa in a day or to dedicate the time the center and surroundings deserve. However, there are those who, taking advantage of our online berth reservation service, have become regulars at our moorings in Genoa, and therefore already know the city quite well. But, indeed, there is always something else to discover: those looking for a walk focused on architecture, history, culture, and nature can consider an excursion along the historic aqueduct of Genoa.

The history of the historic aqueduct of Genoa

When referring to the historic aqueduct of Genoa, it is about a particular waterway, that crosses the entire Val Bisagno to connect to the port of Genoa. It was built in Roman times to bring water to the city, starting from the valley floor created by the Bisagno stream. In medieval times it was expanded and elevated to serve the western districts as well: it officially remained in operation until the mid-19th century, but in reality, it continued to bring water downstream for quite some time. The last drop reached the Molo district in 1951.

The overall route of the ancient aqueduct of Genoa covered 40 kilometers, reaching right here, a few meters from the berths of our tourist marina. Today, some parts of the aqueduct no longer exist, absorbed by urban development. Despite this, the historic aqueduct of Genoa has transformed into an interesting pedestrian path, crossing villages, woods, various engineering masterpieces, and lively neighborhoods, with points of great architectural, cultural, and natural interest.

The route of the historic aqueduct of Genoa

Those who want to venture on the walk along the old route of the historic aqueduct of Genoa, among bridges and arches, can choose different starting and ending points, depending on the kilometers they wish to cover and the time available.

The complete route starts in the upper Val Bisagno, in the locality of Cassolo. Those starting from here set off between the districts of Prato and Struppa, with the possibility of making a small detour to discover the Romanesque Abbey of San Siro, dating back to the 12th century. Continuing towards Molassana, you cross the first of the canal bridges that characterize the aqueduct, built to cross the valley without losing height. This crossing was built in 1777, constructed with 22 arches, for a length of over 600 meters. Entering the subsequent valleys, among woods and hills, it is possible to observe the Forte Diamante from below, then reaching Staglieno, where a bridge will surely catch the hiker’s attention. This is the bridge over the rio Veilino, built in 1837. Supported by 19 arches, 20 meters high and 450 meters long, it develops above the spires of the underlying monumental cemetery. At this point, after crossing the bridge, you are practically in the city, arriving in via Burlando. Here the aqueduct’s route is absorbed by the Genoese districts, inviting the hiker to freely reach the historic center, continuing on foot or using public transport. Those wishing to continue the search for the mostly disappeared aqueduct route should proceed along the Solferino and Magenta courses, then make a choice in via Bertani: there, in fact, the ancient aqueduct of Genoa divided into two, with the oldest branch reaching the Molo, while the other continued towards the cistern of Grazie.

Are you planning a boat visit to Genoa? Use our online mooring reservation service to reserve a berth at the Marina Porto Antico of Genoa!

Images provided by https://www.visitgenoa.it