Forte di Gavi

About the museum

A castle at Gavi is documented from 973. In 1191 Emperor Henry VI granted its fief to the Republic of Genoa; after a period under the Visconti of Milan, from 1418, it returned to Genoa in 1528 and remained there until 1815, when Genoa was annexed to the Kingdom of Sardinia. In 1540 Giovanni Maria Olgiati rebuilt the walls, adding new bastions.

Between 1626 and 1629 the Dominican friar and military architect Vincenzo da Fiorenzuola transformed the castle into a large fortress, connected by a tunnel to the Monte Moro redoubt. The fortress served as Genoa's defensive outpost beyond the Apennines and was besieged several times, in particular by Franco-Savoyard and Austrian troops.

In 1859 the fort was disarmed and became a civil prison; it was later a military prison during the First World War, and also held prisoners of war during the Second. In 1946 it passed to the heritage authority (Soprintendenza), and it has been under restoration since 1978. Today it belongs to the State and is managed by the Direzione regionale Musei nazionali del Piemonte (Regional Directorate of National Museums of Piedmont). Visitors can see the courtyards, the watchtowers, the cells, the storerooms and the passages with drawbridges, and educational rooms and contemporary art exhibitions are set up. One part, the core of the medieval castle, is still under restoration.

Highlights

• 17th-century fortress by Vincenzo da Fiorenzuola
• Courtyards, watchtowers and passages with drawbridges
• Cells and provision stores
• Educational rooms with military artefacts and historical panels
• Contemporary art exhibitions and historical events
• “Alto Forte” route with the Associazione Amici del Forte

Operated by

Ministero della Cultura – Direzione regionale Musei nazionali Piemonte

Admission & discounts

Free admission: First Sunday of the month (free admission to state museums, with mandatory booking)

Free admission also for teachers with a certificate, students and teachers of architecture, conservation, training and the humanities, holders of the Abbonamento Musei and Torino+Piemonte Card, staff of the Ministero della Cultura (Italian Ministry of Culture), ICOM members, journalists with a professional card and EU tourist guides on duty. External guides: each participant must have a ticket. Tickets at the ticket office (cash or card) or online at museiitaliani.it.

Accessibility

• Partially wheelchair accessible
• Elevator
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

The route is spread over three floors, reachable by a stairlift, a lift and a stair climber for people with mobility impairments. The route is largely outdoors, so suitable clothing and footwear are recommended. Dogs are allowed on a lead.

Kids & families

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Getting there & parking

By car: A7 motorway, exit Serravalle, then follow the signs for Gavi.

Amenities & dining

• Museum shop: not available
• Coat check: not available

No cloakroom or bookshop is available.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit