Fortified towns have a history of conspiracies, wars and sieges, which compelled them, as a means of defence, to wall themselves in, and to build castles and towers. Due to her access to the sea, the city of Genoa has always been an object of great interest for to foreign powers; the history of our town is ,therefore, full of warlike events. Unfortunately, in the course of time, along with the expansion of the City, several of these ancient fortifications have completely disappeared; place-names and ancient "views" several of these ancient fortifications have; the most famous of them is doubtlessy that of Castelletto.

Our historical, artistic, and architectural heritage is quite immense, including are the "New Walls" (which are still, for the most part, intact) as well as 80% of the permanent fortifications.

These ancient works have always fascinated scholars, who often go "crazy" searching for original documents on the subject. Even today, there is still contradictory data about the period of construction of the fortifications.

On average, time of construction could span over four or five years, as we also have to take into account that work would be halted for the winter seasons. Moreover as we consider that fortifications were normally located on the mountains, at a certain distance from the city (which, at that time, occupied the area now comprised between Brignole train station, the Lighthouse and Sperone Fort), it is obvious that four years would not be sufficient to build fortifications like Fort Monteratti (as some erroneously claim). Some say, "it is not easy to find archived documents defining exact dates. This is because the military wanted to keep absolute secrecy on their defences. Another reason is that the documents had to be consigned to the state archives".

Such statements are without a doubt inexact. First of all, because, though they are in the archives, anyone can read them. Except in 1934, when, because of a royal decree, it was made illegal to read military documents. In fact, before then, fortifications were always reproduced publicly: from photos to postcards. After 1934, this was no longer possible.

The veto expired some years ago. Our fortifications are no longer classified as "military zones". This is because (other than a few rare exceptions), they now belong to the state. The problem in finding these documents lies in that they are preserved in different archives (Rome, Paris, Turin, and Genoa). It may happen, for example, that in order to consult a plan which is kept in Rome, one may have to retrieve its missing half, which is kept in Genoa.

At present, many of our fortifications are in poor conditions. Some have been demolished, while others have been surrounded by the city. Only a few remains of the numerous city walls are left. The seventeenth century "New Walls" are the ones best preserved. However, around 1885 they had already lost their strategic importance. By 1891, as a consequence of the city's expansion towards the east, the "Low Walls" were demolished. This also created a larger place for "Columbus 500 Year Celebrations".

Expansion towards the west occured 50 years later. According to the government of the time, the main obstacle was the S. Benigno cliff. Instead of digging tunnels and galleries, the government decided to level the cliff. The plain that was thus created, was poorly used; in fact still today, the connection between Genoa and Sampierdarena is not completely efficient.

The above mentioned Royal Decree No. 1728 of September 28, 1934, forbade those who entered the forts from discussing what they saw, and this can account for gradual diminishing interest in them. Of course, the reasoning behind this prohibition was that anti-aircraft artillery was often kept in the forts (not to be confused with air-raid shelters).

After the World War II, most of the Peralto area was considered a military zone, therefore it was almost impossible to go near the fortresses. Other fortresses were inhabited by homeless immigrants, and so were no longer considered as historical monuments, but merely shelters. Then, in the mid-fifties, the forts languished in total neglect.

As Roberto Badino said,"The presence of the forts has never really been felt. If a blast of wind lifted them all up and blew them towards more hospitable places, we probably wouldn't even notice. ... Genoa is much more concerned for the Croce del Fasce than it is about the Genoese forts."

In 1990 a conference, organized/initiated by Gen. Manfredi of the qualcosa military base, was held on the subject: "Forti di Idee - proposals for the restoration of the forts of Genoa", attended by many scholars and experts in this field. In which many scholars and experts participated. After Gen. Manfredi was transferred to another location, all interest has waned, and there are no signs of change in sight. Only Fort Begato has been restored thanks to EEC grant. This consistent lack of interest in fortifications may be partly due to the Genoese typical indifference to their City's history. In most other Italian cities fortresses are well preserved, and tourists are directed by well-written signs and maps. In fact, if one asks people who live in Lucca about the monuments in their city, they will readily respond. If, on the other hand, you ask the Genoese, they won't be able to give you any detailed information, even if they are surrounded by monuments. Genoese have a strange rapport with their city: for example they don't even know that the "P" in P. Principe stands for "Piazza" and not for "Porta" (door, gate). Mass media, however, insist, that it stands for "porta" even though there has never been a "Principe Door" in Genoa. They also name two different streets with the same name (for example Via Frà Vincenzo da Fiorenzuola and Via Vincenzo Maculano). Another example of historical ignorance can be found in the city maps, although here it is the fault of topographers. They still mention Via Giuseppe Fantuzzi, even though it has not existed for over thirty years!

But whether because of the type of structure, or the hope of finding "something", or simply the fact that they are in the countryside, where one can still breathe that healthy, fresh air which stimulates the appetite, the forts still maintain their charm, in spite of which they should still be respected. Many men suffered to build them. The forts are part of our historical heritage and they represent a piece of Genoese history; besides, who knows, they may once again become useful ...

Documents taken from:

Historical Archives of the City of Genoa; State Archives of Genoa; State Archives of Turin; Historical Archives of the Office of the General Staff of the Military, Rome; Library of the Palazzo Rosso, Genoa; Royal library of Turin; Topographic collection of the City of Genoa; Italian Institute of Military Geography, Florence; The Historical and Cultural Institute of Weapon Engineering, Rome; Superintendence of Environmental and Architectural Assets of Liguria, Genoa; Service historique de l'Armée de Terre, Paris - Vincennes; Office of 1^st Supervision of Weapon Engineering - Detached Section of Genoa.

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