Fort Fratello Maggiore, Military fort in Val Polcevera hills, Genoa, Italy.
Fort Fratello Maggiore is a square two-story fortification located in the Polcevera valley hills near Genoa. The walls exceed two meters in thickness and contain underground chambers that are accessible through a drawbridge entry system.
The fort was built between 1815 and 1825 by the Military Genius of the Kingdom of Sardinia following French design proposals from their earlier rule in the region. It represents a defensive line constructed after French forces withdrew from the territory.
The name comes from its sister fort Fratello Minore, which together formed a linked defense system protecting the valley below. You can still observe the cannon positions today, revealing how soldiers monitored the surrounding landscape from this vantage point.
You can reach the fort by hiking trails from Forte Sperone or from the nearby towns of Begato and Geminiano, both served by public transportation. The walk uphill takes time and solid footwear is essential, as the terrain is steep and the elevation gain is significant.
The fort sits above 600 meters in elevation and could house around 70 soldiers during emergencies within its chambers. It featured four artillery positions distributed across different levels to defend the valley from all angles.
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