Genovesato (Genoese area) - Turismo in Provincia di Genova

Forts, castles and
monumental complexes
The fountains of Fontanigorda
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GENOVESATO
TRACES OF HISTORY
In the Genoese valleys, history is a concrete and vivid reality, which has never been
forgotten. Evidence of this can be seen in the area’s turreted castles, formerly presided over
by the noble Doria, Fieschi, Malaspina and Spinoza families, who fought each other for
centuries to win dominion over these lands. Caravans of mule drivers passed through here,
as they crossed the Vie del Sale (the salt trade paths) taking their 'white gold' from Genoa La
Superba to the cities of Piedmont and the Po Valley. An unceasing thoroughfare of men,
culture and goods, which continued well into the 1800's. The roads were monitored by the
Genoese, who defended their own houses by a series of circular walls and forts. But their
efforts did not end there. The Republic built its own aqueduct, to supply both the city and
ships from every part of the Mediterranean with water.
Fontanigorda and
its fountains
A small village of the high
Trebbia Valley,
Fontanigorda, former
feudal holding of the
Malaspina and Fieschi
families, joined the Republic
of Genoa in the XIIIth
century. In its narrow streets
there are no less than 13
babbling fountains, in
dedication to the Madonna
Addolorata, they are
supplied with water from
the springs of the nearby
Bosco della Fate. In the
forest there is also a sports
centre, a fresh water
aquarium and a path paved
in slate, on which are
engraved verses, which the
poet Giorgio Caproni
dedicated to the Valley.
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