Forte di Gavi, Gavi

A medieval castle was first built here in the 10th century being this area an important way from the Ligurian sea towards Piedmont and the north. However between the 16th and 17th centuries, being it in an extremely important location, the Genovese Republic decided to enlarge and fortify the fortress. It served its purpose as a defensive fortress until 1859 when it became a prison. In fact during WWII it was used as a prison camp for american and british officers. Once inside we formed a group and a guide accompanied us throughout most part of the fort to tell us its history. We noticed the different kinds of cells, ranging from those of the medieval times, tight, dark and humid to the more humane ones of the 17th centuries and those of WWII where the officers were even granted private showers with hot water and their own personal space. We walked around where we were shown the different areas of the structure, including the outer walls where the gunpowder storeroom was located in order for it to not destroy the whole fort in case it was hit. Unfortunately not all the structure was open for visiting since most of it is still under restoration,

Nice fort. Funny opening times. Stunning views.