Many Genoese people do not know or have never walked the path that traces the ancient Historical Aqueduct of Genoa.
This is a pity because it is an enchanting place surrounded by nature, just a few steps away from the city traffic.
The Genoa’s Historical Aqueduct is an ancient architectural structure located in the Bisagno Valley, which ensured the water supply of the city of Genoa and its port for centuries.
Officially it functioned until the mid-19th century but its water reached the Molo district until 1951.
A half- or even full-day trip can be planned, exploring the most interesting points along the way.
Genoa’s Historical Aqueduct: route description
The route of the Genoa’s Historical Aqueduct begins in Cavassolo, in the upper Val Bisagno, and ends in Via delle Ginestre.
Here the route of the aqueduct is lost and it is possible to reach the city centre on foot, in about half an hour, or by bus (line 49 to Brignole).
This is a walking itinerary, almost totally flat, suitable for the whole family (a pram is not recommended because there are several steps along the route or stretches where the road is a bit bumpy).
Part of the 40 kilometres of the Historic Aqueduct disappeared with urbanisation but several long stretches remain, winding between houses, vegetable gardens and olive trees.
The path is accessible from various points in the Val Bisagno valley, so if you don’t feel like walking back, you might consider going down to Molassana via one of the many small roads that branch off the Acquedotto path, and look for a stop in the direction of the centre (lines 13 and 14).
Along the way you will find several signs that say ‘Antico Civico Acquedotto’ (Ancient Civic Aqueduct) that mark the way, but in some places the route gets lost and you will have to ask the locals. In any case, you have to follow the criterion of horizontality (the aqueduct flowed either flat or slightly downhill) so where the route ends in an asphalt road, you have to cross it and, on the other side, you will be able to find the Acquedotto path again.
Points of interest on the Genoa’s Historical Aqueduct
The walk along the Genoa Historical Aqueduct path is our destination when we do not feel like doing too much trekking, as we can stretch our legs and be in nature, admiring the cherry trees in blossom in spring or the autumn colours in November.
In summer, however, we prefer to head for the trails in the Antola Park, such as Mount Antola at 1597m, at a higher altitude.
Our favourite stretch of the Acquedotto path is the one that starts in Cavassolo and arrives in Via San Felice: in total, between the outward and return journeys, it is about 15 km that we, with the girls still small, walk twice, taking the parish of San Siro di Struppa as our arrival/departure point.
We also like very much the path starting from the Monumental Cemetery of Staglieno, which passes by the Antichi Lavatoi and leads to the Ponte Sifone over the Rio Veilino.
Below are some suggested itineraries with descriptions and points of interest along the way.
Itineraries on Genoa’s Historical Aqueduct
❖ Cavassolo Itinerary ➜ Parish of San Siro di Struppa
Our walk starts at the Cavassolo bridge and ends at the Parish Church of San Siro di Struppa, passing the Ponte Canale over the Torbido stream, the Oratorio di San Rocco and the Galleria della Rovinata, designed by the Genoese architect Carlo Barabino. The route is about 8 km long (round trip). READ MORE
❖ San Siro di Struppa Parish Itinerary ➜ Via San Felice
Here we describe the route that starts at the parish church of San Siro di Struppa and ends in Via San Felice; along the way you will find afarm with children’s games and many animals, and the spectacular siphon bridge over the Rio Geirato.
This route is also about 8 km long (round trip). READ MORE
❖ Staglieno route ➜ Lavatoi ➜ Siphon bridge over the rio Veilino
We are at the beginning of the Acquedotto Storico on the Staglieno side.
We park the car near the Monumental Cemetery of Staglieno and look for the signs to the Aqueduct.
The path is uphill and in about ten minutes we arrive at the Antichi Lavatoi and the Church of Staglieno.
At this point take the road that turns left and leads to the spectacular Sifone Bridge over the Veilino stream. READ MORE
Genoa’s Historical Aqueduct: useful information
Take water with you.
Wear comfortable shoes, not necessarily hiking shoes, just a good pair of trainers.
Walk which is also doable with children as it is almost flat; very few places are slightly exposed but nothing dangerous.
Along the route there is only one refreshment point near Via San Felice (Maixei azienda agricola) but, coming off the Acquedotto path, several good restaurants can be reached within a short distance.
For those who instead wish to have a quick packed lunch, there are no real picnic areas along the route but several benches can be found.
How to get there and where to park
The nearest motorway exit is Genova Est.
If you want to walk along the Acquedotto path on the Staglieno side, you can park near the Monumental Cemetery of Staglieno.
Otherwise you can continue by car until you reach the locality of Cavassolo (15/20 minutes from Staglieno), park and start the trek from that side.
Continue reading:
1. Monumental Cemetery of Staglieno
