Forte Sperone, Military fort in Genoa, Italy.
Forte Sperone is a hilltop fort on Monte Peralto, set within the ring of fortifications that surrounds Genoa from above. It has two defensive walls that splay outward from the ridge in a shape that resembles the prow of a ship.
The fort was built in the 18th century as part of the New Walls, a system designed to protect the hills above Genoa. It was later expanded during the Napoleonic period, when Genoa became a contested point in the wars of that era.
Forte Sperone is part of the New Walls system, a long chain of forts along the hills above Genoa that locals use today as a hiking route. Walking along this route, you can see how each fort was positioned to keep the others in sight.
The fort can be reached on foot from the Righi funicular station or by hiking directly from the center of Genoa. The trails can be slippery or overgrown depending on the season, so checking conditions before you set out is a good idea.
Forte Sperone sits at the exact point where the Val Polcevera and Val Bisagno valleys meet on either side of the ridge. This gave defenders a direct line of sight over both valleys and the sea at the same time, something no other fort in the chain could offer.
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