Forte di Gavi (Gavi Ligure)

Fortresses

Forte di Gavi (Gavi Ligure)

Category: Fortresses

The imposing fortress that can be admired on the top of the Gavi rock is the outcome of centuries of history, military evolution and defence needs that varied over the centuries. From the strategic location, it can be assumed that a castle existed here as long ago as pre-Roman or Roman times. In the middle Ages, the castle was adorned by two trapezoidal towers and by high walls that made it impossible to trespass by weaponry of the time. The first important changes took place in 1625, during the French siege, when the French and Savoy army used artillery for the first time. This put under everybody’s eyes the need for a strengthening and modernizing of the fortress. Vincenzo da Fiorenzuola was charged with the project. He was one of the biggest experts in military buildings, and he cooperated with architect Bartolomeo Bianco. Under the supervision of both of them, within a few years, the castle became the fortress we can see today. The old castle was lowered and turned into the Maschio del Forte (Keep), six impregnable ramparts were erected, and joint by strong barrages with fitted embrasures. In the lower part of the fortress the Cittadella (Citadel) was built, it had dormitories, kitchens, water reservoirs, cells for prisoners and stables. Later, between the end of the sixteen hundreds and the beginning of the seventeen hundreds, also the Monte Moro was fortified. The fortress became then absolutely impregnable, it could also accommodate a garrison of considerable dimensions. The castle was the scene of its last battle during the Napoleonic period. The fortress, in fact, was the last French stronghold to withstand the Austro-Russian army before Napoleon’s victory in Marengo, on 14th June 1800. The fortress was completely disarmed during the second half of the XIX century and it became a criminal jail, which continued to be up until the beginning of the following century. During the two world wars, it became a prisoner-of-war camp. Today the fortress is under the protection of the Sovrintendenza per i Beni Architettonici e il Paesaggio del Piemonte (Piedmont Architectural and Landscape Heritage Office), and it is still undergoing research and restoration works.

Information

Via al Forte, 14 - 15066 Gavi Ligure (Al)
Tel/Fax: +39.0143.642679
E-mail: sbaap@ambienteto.arti.beniculturali.it
www.ambienteto.arti.beniculturali.it