Forte di Gavi, Military fortress on hilltop in Gavi, Italy.
Forte di Gavi is a military fortress perched on a hilltop in Gavi, Italy, with multiple interior levels and thick fortified walls. It features watchtowers and defensive structures positioned to command views across the valley floor and surrounding landscape.
The site originated from a medieval castle built around the 10th century, which was later redesigned as a military fortress in the 16th century under architect Giovanni Maria Olgiati. This transformation made it a key strategic location for defending the surrounding territory.
The fort reflects the identity of the valley community below, serving over centuries as both a symbol of military power and a defensive shelter. Walking through its spaces today, you can sense how people once gathered here for protection during uncertain times.
The fort is best visited during cooler months from October to March when conditions are more comfortable for exploring. Plan to spend a couple of hours walking through the different levels and defensive areas to get a full sense of the structure.
During both World Wars, the fortress served as a prison and still contains preserved cell blocks from that period. These spaces reveal a lesser known chapter in the fort's past beyond its role as a defensive structure.
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