Forte Sperone, Genoa, Italy

Forte Sperone is the heart of Genoa's 19th-century fortifications, located right at the apex of the 'Mura Nuove' (new walls) from 1630, which to this day take the shape of mighty ramparts nestled in the hills behind the city centre.The fort's main entrance, with the Savoy coat of arms above it, is protected by a moat and a heavy gate that was once connected to a drawbridge via two chains; other important architectural elements include a well-preserved gunpowder magazine, located in the lower part of the fort, central barracks with large rooms, and a beautiful little chapel attached to the complex.

References:

Visit Genoa

Castles and fortifications in Italy

User Reviews

Mihail Becheru (2 years ago)
History and panoramic views

Alfie Edwards (2 years ago)
Incredible, a rare chance to explore a place like this truly unrestricted. The mixture of a maze of 800 year old fortifications, and the nature which has taken over gives the whole place a magical feel. Also being at the top of a mountain means incredible views. Highly recommend taking the free funicular to Righi and walking the footpath from there.

Marina Kutsa (3 years ago)
We climbed 3 hours on foot, but it was worth it. you can enter the territory freely, it is interesting to walk in the fortress. 5 stars for amazing view. by road you can reach the city center.

Valentin Supeala (4 years ago)
Private property

Anthony Tate (4 years ago)
A beautiful sight from one of the most important fortifications in Génova, however it is totally abandoned and with absolutely no signaling, guiding or security. It does not feel safe in anyway. The view from a top is probably the best view of the city.

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Photo from Flickr, copyright Zvonimir Hrvoj

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The Church of St Donatus name refers to Donatus of Zadar, who began construction on this church in the 9th century and ended it on the northeastern part of the Roman forum. It is the largest Pre-Romanesque building in Croatia.

The beginning of the building of the church was placed to the second half of the 8th century, and it is supposed to have been completed in the 9th century. The Zadar bishop and diplomat Donat (8th and 9th centuries) is credited with the building of the church. He led the representations of the Dalmatian cities to Constantinople and Charles the Great, which is why this church bears slight resemblance to Charlemagne's court chapels, especially the one in Aachen, and also to the Basilica of San Vitale in Ravenna. It belongs to the Pre-Romanesque architectural period.

The circular church, formerly domed, is 27 m high and is characterised by simplicity and technical primitivism.

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