Fortress · Italy · Partial ruin

Walls of Genoa

Mura di Genova

The Walls of Genoa are the successive rings of defensive walls, bastions and gates that encircle and overlook the city of Genoa. Built and expanded from the Middle Ages through the 17th century, the complex includes medieval gates, Renaissance sea-walls and the 17th-century 'New Walls' with linked forts along the ridges above the city.

Recreate Fortress to Explore →

Photograph via Wikimedia Commons

Its prime

1633

Today

Partial ruin

As it stood in 1633

What Walls of Genoa looked like in its prime.

At their prime the Genoese walls form long continuous stone-and-earth ramparts and angled bastions along ridge-lines and the coastline, with high curtain walls punctuated by semicircular and triangular towers, gate passages, and counterscarp profiles. Materials are rough-hewn limestone and brick-faced masonry, worn but massive; crenellated parapets, earthen glacis and stone stair ramps connect bastions and walkway terraces. From the sea the silhouette reads as a long low fortified ridge interrupted by compact forts and a tall lighthouse.

Step inside

10 places to explore in 1633.

The record describes 10 distinct spots at Walls of Genoa, including 6 interiors: porta soprana (north gate), porta dei vacca, porta siberia on the waterfront and more. Create your own photoreal reconstruction and explore every one, more scenes means more photos, more angles and more of the immersive experience.

Curtain walk beside hillside houses (photo approach)Porta Soprana (north gate)Porta dei VaccaPorta Siberia on the waterfrontLantern Gate and the Lanterna areaFort Sperone and ridge bastion walkFort Begato and adjacent curtainFronti Basse rampart in the plainPorta degli Archi gate passageMolo Vecchio quay and sea-wall

Build Your Own Castle