FORT QUEZZI

 

 

Fort Quezzi rises behind the "Biscione", at the point in which the principle ridge of Mount Ratti branches out in its two appendages, towards Marassi and Staglieno. On June 12, 1747, the Austrians occupied this site, accompanied by a redoubt, and digging numerous trenches, of which we can still find the remains.

The first project for the fort, drawn up by Sicre in 1747, was modified, because, with the shape in mind it would never blend in with its surroundings. The work was begun, but then stopped due to a lack of funds. During the siege of 1800, General Massena took note of the importance of the position of the fort and gave orders to immediately restart the work: " ... can't describe the speed at which this work ... 600 barrels were full of earth ... they formed ... the parapets ... these works which were supposed to last three months, were done in three days and three nights. They all worked ... the generals, the officers, the soldiers".

From 1805 to 1814 the works were actively taken up by the French, with the realisation of the barracks and two floors. After 1815 they were taken up by Genio Sabaudo. The object was to "Stop the enemy from entering the Bisagno Valley." The construction was abandoned in 1914. Around 1940, the first floor of the barracks was demolished to systemise the anti-aircraft equipment. In 1945 it was completely abandoned. Today it is a pile of ruins. Only the ground floor of the barracks remains, but this is inaccessible. The fortified enclosure is used to shelter herds.

 

 

 Other Images:

 Remains of the Barracks: A window on the ground floor.

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