The Historic Aqueduct of Genoa is an ancient architectural structure located in the Bisagno Valley, which has ensured the water supply of the city of Genoa and its port for centuries.
In this article, you can find all the information in detail.
We often organise beautiful walks along the path that follows the Historic Aqueduct of Genoa because it allows you to immerse yourself in nature, just a few steps from the city.
In this article we will describe the itinerary that starts from the parish of San Siro di Struppa and ends in Via San Felice, for a total of about 4 km (one way).
Along the route, in addition to admiring vegetable gardens and gardens with wonderful fruit trees and inflorescences, you will find a farm where you can stop for a snack or an aperitif, and the spectacular Sifone Bridge over the Geirato river.
The route is not a loop, so on the way back you will have to retrace the outward path for a total of about 8 km.
Obviously it can also be done the other way round, i.e. starting from Via San Felice and arriving at San Siro di Struppa.
Genoa Aqueduct: Bridge Siphon rio Geirato. Parrocchia di San Siro di Struppa route ➜ Via San Felice
After parking the car, a visit to the parish church of San Siro di Struppa, one of the most beautiful churches in Genoa, is a must.
It is an ancient Benedictine abbey built in the Middle Ages along the Val Bisagno road. The building retained its original Romanesque structure until the end of the 16th century, after which it underwent various modifications.
The church has a beautiful churchyard embellished with an ancient mosaic (risseu) of black and white stones and the interior is divided into three naves bordered by two series of columns topped by ornamentless capitals. It is flanked by an elegant 32-metre high bell tower.
After visiting the parish, we take the Ca’ Bianca climb and enter the Historical Aqueduct path.
It is important to know that the paths that retrace the Historic Aqueduct of Genoa are fairly well signposted, but in some places (especially when the Acquedotto path intersects an asphalt road) the route gets lost and you will have to ask the local inhabitants.
In any case, you must follow the criterion of horizontality, so where the route ends in an asphalt road, you cross it and, on the other side, you can find the Acquedotto path again.
Our walk continues on a level path amidst country houses.
This section of the path is our favourite, especially in spring when the trees are in blossom. It is a very relaxing path.
Once you arrive at Via Olivo 95, you can make a stop at the Maixei farm for a snack or an aperitif at sunset.
❒ Genoa Aqueduct: Bridge Siphon rio Geirato. Maixei Farm
We love to stop for a glass of wine accompanied by a platter of cured meats and cheeses in an informal atmosphere, sitting on the hay bales with the chickens and goat roaming free.
There are also games for children, including a fantastic trampoline, and you can also visit the enclosure with the animals.
At this point, the route can be resumed, which, after an initial flat section, climbs to the Church of Santa Maria Assunta to arrive at the Sifone Bridge over the Rio Geirato, after about 500 metres.
❒ Sifone Bridge over Rio Geirato
The siphon bridge over the Rio Geirato is the first siphon bridge in history.
It was built in five years, from 1772 to 1777, after 112 years of planning. The bridge is more than 600 metres long and is supported by 22 arches.
The Sifone Bridge over the Geirato river is an engineering work that allowed the water system to cross the valley without having to follow its contours as it was often subject to landslides.
It therefore allowed water to pass through a siphon located in the structure of the bridge itself.
The Sifone Bridge is divided into a flat central area and two side ramps that are inclined to follow the profile of the two slopes.
Today, the Ponte Sifone can be walked safely (even with children but without a pushchair) and in our opinion is definitely worth a visit.
It takes about half an hour to walk there and back.
Just be careful in some places where moss has grown because it is a bit slippery.
Admission is free and you can leave an offering for the volunteers who keep the openings tidy.
☛ Opening hours of the Siphon Bridge
The bridge can only be visited on the second Saturday of the month from 10 a.m. to 5.30 p.m. If you are coming from a distance, it is worth giving a call in advance because sometimes it is closed or vice versa they open it if events are planned.
We, for example, happened to be there on a Sunday and it was open.
☛ Contact Ponte Sifone
Circolo Sertoli: [email protected] – 393333208182.
Genoa Aqueduct: where to park
If you want to start the route from the San Siro di Struppa side, you can look for parking near the parish church in the street of San Siro di Struppa or in the neighbouring streets.
If, on the other hand, you want to start the route from the siphon bridge over the rio Geirato, you can look for parking in via San Felice.
There are several signs indicating both the siphon bridge and the Acquedotto path.
Historic Aqueduct of Genoa: where to eat
The only refreshment point on the Acquedotto Storico di Genova trail is Maixei. As mentioned above, it is excellent for a snack in an informal setting.
On the side of San Siro di Struppa right next to the parish church, you will find Piro Antica Trattoria: exceptional location in green and peaceful surroundings, traditional and revisited dishes, high price.
From Sunday to Wednesday open only for lunch, the other days for lunch and dinner.
About 400 metres from the parish church, we find L’osteria della triglia: very fresh fish dishes, high bill (but in line with the quality). Open for lunch only at weekends, closed Mondays and Tuesdays.
On the Via San Felice side, we find Patanegra in Via Molassana: exceptional chopping boards. Always open for dinner and on Sundays also for lunch.
A few steps away from the Sifone bridge on the Via Ca’ de Rossi side is Trattoria Vegia Ostaja I Piloin: a rustic trattoria with excellent traditional Genoese dishes. They are open every day for lunch, Friday and Saturday also for dinner.
For a pizza in the evening, however, we love the one atAbat-Jour in Salita Giovanni Maria Cotella, closed on Mondays.
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