Sperone Fort

The Sperone fort is the most impressive and remarkable of the Genovese fort. It was also one of the most important strategically. It was built at the peak of the 1663 "new walls" as the key-point of the nineteenth century fortifications. The fort was started in 1747 and strengthened by Brusco up to 1794. During the Napoleonic period it was enlarged. The Sperone fort owes it present appearance to the restoration works which were carried out by the Sardinian government between 1815 and 1827. The entire structure has a very interesting scenic look thanks to its very varied and complex architecture. The Savoy crest of arms is above the entrance. The entrance is protected by a moat and a very strong door. There is also a very interesting powder store in the lower part of the fort, the central barrack building and a beautiful chapel. On a clear day, the view is fantastic: you can see the valley of Polceverea, the Bisagno Valley and the stretch of the Appenines from the Park at Monte Beigua up to Monte Antola. For several years now, during the summer, the fort, with its hundred rooms, has been the site of a charming and unusual series of theatre shows and other displays.