Forte San Giovanni

About the museum

Forte San Giovanni was built between 1640 and 1644, around a pre-existing tower, during Spanish rule over Finale. The Spanish Crown had acquired the territory from the Del Carretto marquisate in 1598, seeking an outlet to the sea that would bypass the port of Genoa, and in the 17th century the complex was extended.

The fortress follows the contour of the hill, with high walls on the south side, a tenaille-style plan and overhanging sentry boxes at the corners. In 1713 Finale passed to the Republic of Genoa, which partly demolished the north side; the fort then lay abandoned until 1822, when the Savoyard government turned it into a prison, a use it kept until the early 20th century.

Today the fort, reachable on foot from Finalborgo along the Strada Beretta, is a visitor site run by the Direzione regionale Musei nazionali della Liguria, with seasonal opening times and tickets, family activities and cultural events.

Highlights

• Spanish fortress of 1640–1644
• Tenaille-style walls and overhanging sentry boxes
• View over the Pora and Aquila valleys
• Walk from Finalborgo along the Strada Beretta

Permanent exhibition

• Il forte e la sua storia – Visit to the Spanish fortress with its tenaille-style walls, sentry boxes and view over the Pora and Aquila valleys.

Operated by

Direzione regionale Musei nazionali Liguria

Admission & discounts

Free admission: First Sunday of the month (free admission to state museums in Liguria)

The ticket includes the family activities offered on special days, for example the Giornata nazionale delle famiglie al museo (FAMU, National Family Day at the Museum).

Accessibility

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

The fort is reached on foot or by bicycle along the Strada Beretta, uphill and on a stone and pebble surface; comfortable shoes are recommended.

Kids & families

• Family tours & workshops

On occasions such as the FAMU Day, activities for families and children (around ages 5–10) are included in the ticket, without booking.

Getting there & parking

The fort is reached on foot or by bicycle from Finalborgo along the Strada Beretta; the route is uphill.

Amenities & dining

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.