Forte Fratello Maggiore, Military fort in Genoa, Italy
Forte Fratello Maggiore is a military fort in Genoa featuring a square tower with walls over 2 meters thick at the base, which gradually slope inward as they rise within a bastioned enclosure at 650 meters elevation. The structure commands views of the surrounding landscape and displays the defensive design characteristic of Sardinian military engineering.
The fort was built between 1815 and 1825 by Sardinian Military Engineers after the Ligurian region became part of the Kingdom of Sardinia. This construction responded to defensive strategies needed following the reorganization of Italian territories.
The fort witnessed intense battles between Austrian and French forces in 1800, where poet Ugo Foscolo sustained injuries during the April 30 confrontation.
The fort can be reached by a one-hour walk from Forte Sperone passing near Forte Puin, or from the villages of Begato and Geminiano. The route requires sturdy footwear and decent fitness, so starting early helps make the most of a visit.
The structure contained underground chambers that normally housed 20 soldiers but could accommodate up to 70 personnel during emergencies. This hidden depth reveals how cleverly engineers used the limited space on the mountainside.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
