The Forte Begato complex, owned by the Municipality of Genoa, is part of the largest and most extensive system of land defence forts in the Republic of Genoa. Inside, in the middle of the large grassy area, stands the mighty mass of the barracks and the semicircular arena together with a series of smaller buildings. Having completed the work in the former stables, restoration work on the barracks is currently underway.
Via al Forte di Begato - Genova (GE) Forte Begato, located in the western block of the Genoese fortifications, is today accessible via a masonry bridge that replaces the ancient drawbridge and leads to a portal in Finale stone. Inside, in the centre of a vast grassy area, there is the large barracks, the dominant architectural element of the complex. After the military decommissioning, after World War II the fort was abandoned and progressively degraded, as happened to many city defensive structures.
Between 1993 and 2004, a significant renovation and conservative restoration project was launched, financed with community funds, which redefined the layout of the complex according to a plan developed in 1996. The interventions concerned the structural consolidation, the arrangement of the external areas – including the semicircular arena on the eastern front – and the restoration of the smaller buildings within the walls. New systems were also installed, and the interiors of the barracks were redeveloped, designed to host cultural, educational, museum and hospitality functions. However, the lack of a stable garrison led to a new deterioration, aggravated by acts of vandalism.
A further intervention was carried out between 2019 and 2021 thanks to the “FSC 2014-20” funds, with targeted works on roofing, windows, systems, and accessibility. The current operational phase, still ongoing, represents the starting point for the use of the protected natural area of the Parco delle Mura and aims to transform Forte Begato into a tourist reception centre and a hub dedicated to the valorisation of the Genoese hinterland and outdoor tourism.
The fort will become a strategic integrated museum hub, capable of hosting public and private services: museum spaces, educational activities, shows, sport initiatives, accommodation, and food services, guaranteeing full valorisation of the complex and continuous use by the community.
Forte Begato is located in Genoa, reachable from the Righi ridge, along Via del Peralto. It overlooks the main road of the forts known as Via al Forte Begato, shortly after passing the dirt road that leads to Forte dello Sperone.
On foot, for hikers, it can be reached by following the path of the ancient walls which from the Belvedere hill leads to Forte Sperone passing through Forte Crocetta. The start of the route is uphill to Forte della Crocetta, near the Belvedere area, reachable by car from via Cantore, in Sampierdarena.
The distances from the main infrastructure connections are as follows:
The Forte Begato complex, owned by the Municipality of Genoa, is part of the largest and most extensive system of land defence forts in the Republic of Genoa. Inside, in the middle of the large grassy area, stands the mighty mass of the barracks and the semicircular arena together with a series of smaller buildings. Having completed the work in the former stables, restoration work on the barracks is currently underway.
Via al Forte di Begato - Genova (GE) 
