FORT MONTERATTI

 

 

Mount Ratti has two lateral appendages on which in 1819, were built two towers with circular floor plans, overlooking SerraLunga and Mount Longone; these were abandoned, after the project they were part of, failed.

The position of Mount Ratti was considered very important for defending the city. From there the enemy could march towards Sturla, Albaro, and San Martino. In 1747 the Franco-Genoese troops prepared camps, but were immediately removed by the Austrians.

The top of the mountain was equipped, starting from 1819, with the erection of a tower, similar to that of Quezzi. The Fort was built from 1831 to 1842, encircling the tower and covering the barracks at the top of the mountain. It can be accessed by following part of the antique military road. The western wing of the ground floor of the barracks is entirely occupied by the dark cells of the prison, added in the last years of 1800's, and which "hosted", during WWI the Austrian prisoners. In some cells one can still find the writings of some of the prisoners. Inside the main building there are still signs of the fort's chapel.

In 1849, during the revolts against Piedmont, the complex was under the control of the National Guard. Between 1935 and 1938 the demolition of the tower was begun. It disturbed the "view" for the four anti-aircraft equipment, which were placed in that zone. At the end of the last conflict the complex was completely abandoned. Upon close inspection of the inside (often in terrible - conditions that have inspired some improbable stories) one can still find some small - surprises.

 

 

 Other Images:

 Access to the Barracks

 Dangerous situation inside the Fort

 Entrance into a Prison Cell

 Remains of some Anti-Aircraft Equipment with a Ceramic Tag

 The Original Access point of the Drawbridge of the Tower

 Remains of the Antique Cobbled Paving

 Aerial Photograph of Fort Monteratti (GeF)

 Military road from the Fort Quezzi at the Fort Monteratti

 Long bridge the ancient military street.

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