Forte San Giuliano, Military fort in Albaro district, Genoa, Italy.
Forte San Giuliano is a stone fortification on Genoa's eastern coast between Punta Vagno and the San Giuliano promontory, with two barracks connected by underground passages. The structure features typical 19th-century military architecture designed to control access to the harbor and defend against naval threats.
The fort was built between 1826 and 1836 to strengthen Genoa's harbor defenses against naval threats and protect the growing port city. Over time it shifted from active military use to administrative functions, reflecting the city's changing security needs and modernization.
The fort takes its name from San Giuliano, a local patron saint, and reflects Genoa's maritime past. Its stone walls facing the sea embody how this city once protected its harbor and trade routes through such defensive structures.
The fort sits on the eastern waterfront and is easily visible from the city, offering views across the harbor and coast from surrounding areas. Since it functions as an active military installation, advance planning is needed to arrange any visits or access to the interior.
During World War II, the fortress served a dual role as both a military air defense position and a detention facility for captured resistance fighters. This combination made it a flashpoint in Genoa's wartime history where defense and oppression operated side by side.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
