Sampierdarena, from Begato

Access

From the Bolzaneto exit of the A7 motorway, the vehicle travels along the road towards Rivarolo and, from Via Reta, turns left onto Via Maritano, as far as the church of San Giovanni Battista. Here turn left onto a narrow carriageway to Begato (about 6 km from the motorway exit). Return to the car  from Sampierdarena is by public transport (lines 7 and 272).

Introduction

From Begato to Sampierdarena, along the forts of the Parco delle Mura di Genova.

The ridges to the north of Genoa are garrisoned by several fortifications that dominate from above. The proposed excursion touches on some of these structures with an unusual itinerary, which makes it all the more interesting. It is not a short excursion that winds its way over a kilometre-long distance that is by no means trivial. Thus, the Begato - Sampierdarena development was chosen, which guarantees shorter journey times, as well as other advantages...

Description

Leaving the car at Begato (260 m), head back up towards the church, continuing to climb and finding the asphalt again. From the ridge, it is necessary to turn right (Fie symbols). When the vegetation thins out, immediately turn left and then leave the signs and turn left again onto a faint track. Alternating between steep and flat sections, you reach the fortress 
Fratello Minore (1h10 - 620 m). With great caution, you can enter inside the structure. Next is the knoll where the Fratello Maggiore stood, 644 m high. Afterwards, go down the normal route, which is only slightly longer, to Fort Puin (507 m), where it seems appropriate to take a break (50' - tot. 2h). 
At the end of the break, you pass Fort Sperone (Fie symbols). Continue bending to the right, always following the main route. From the junction on the asphalt road, go first straight ahead and then, at a fork, to the right. At a subsequent fork, keep right downhill to the Garbo church. You turn left twice, passing a museum. At the next crossroads, turn right and the route faces a few ups and downs. Then, after a long stretch, you come to Forte Crocetta (160 m) and continue downhill to the hamlet of Belvedere di Sampierdarena.

 
Finally you come out in Via Cantore (3h).

 

All in all: excellent weather, diff. E - +450 mt -700 mt difference in altitude - 5h total + stops and all the visits to the ruins - about 14 km

 

If you wish, here is the photo pdf file, with a little more information:
http://www.cralgalliera.altervista.org/BegatoSampierdarena020.pdf

 

... and also some single shots:
http://www.cralgalliera.altervista.org/2002C1Begato.jpg   
http://www.cralgalliera.altervista.org/2002C2ForteFratelloMinore.jpg 
http://www.cralgalliera.altervista.org/2002C3ForteDiamante.jpg   
http://www.cralgalliera.altervista.org/2002C4Panorama.jpg   
http://www.cralgalliera.altervista.org/2002C5FortePuin.jpg   
http://www.cralgalliera.altvista.org/2002C6ForteSperone.jpg   
http://www.cralgalliera.altervista.org/2002C7AccantoaForteCrocetta.jpg   
http://www.cralgalliera.altervista.org/2002C8NuovoPontePolceveraGe.jpg

 

http://www.cralgalliera.altervista.org/altre2020.htm   

 

NB: In the event of an excursion, always check with FIE, Cai, any park authorities or other institutions, pro loco, etc., that there have been no changes that have increased the difficulties! No liability is accepted. The present text is purely indicative and not exhaustive.

 

Info Hiking Section Cral Galliera: http://www.cralgalliera.altervista.org/esc.htm   
Trips 2020 at the link: http://www.cralgalliera.altervista.org/gite020.pdf