The construction of this opera was begun in 1820 and ended around 1825, its goal was to protect the surrounding area of San Bernardino. It is near the Quezzi tower and Monteratti.

Access to the interior was possible only through the covered walkway, built after 1826. This was situated at the antistant door of San Bernardino. This tunnel, today "lends itself" well to the stories that it is a secret passage that leads towards the city walls or to who-knows-where.

The tower is made-up of an underground room (besdie which there is a cistern), the ground floor, and the top floor. On this, one of the original cannons is present with its openable grate, and is still in working order. From the terrace there are many trapdoors, to launch weapons of self-defense. A "tap" in marble, now cemented, situated in the middle of the terrace could be opened to facilitate the clearing of smoke from gunfire below.

The tower of San Bernardino remained militarily active until 1914. From 1918 to 1997 it was used for many purposes. The tower has been property of the Commune di Genova since 1934, and has been used recently as a base for the forestry operations of the Lavori Socialmente Utili.

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