Mura della Citta (The City Walls of Genoa), Genoa

The City Walls of Genoa comprise a remarkable series of fortifications that once safeguarded one of Italy’s most powerful maritime republics. Beginning in the 9th century and evolving through medieval, Renaissance, and Baroque expansions, these walls trace a living chronology of Genoa’s growth, defense needs, and engineering ingenuity. Today, the city proudly retains longer stretches of ancient walls than nearly any other Italian city .

One of the most iconic segments is the Barbarossa Walls, built between 1155 and 1163 in response to Emperor Frederic I’s threats. These walls feature formidable gates such as Soprana Gate and Vacca Gate, which still stand sentinel over the historic center’s maze-like alleys.

In the 17th century, Genoa surrounded itself with an even more ambitious defensive belt known as the New Walls. Spanning nearly 20 km across hills and coastline, this grand circuit included bastions, watchtowers, and forts-such as Sperone, Begato, and Castellaccio. Much of this system survives today, preserved within the scenic Park of the City Walls, a protected green zone offering spectacular panoramic walks through pine-draped heights.