Napoleon's Italian Campaign. A Travel planner

Events: the Battle of Montenotte (11 – 12 April 1796); the revolutionary coup attempt in Genoa (22 May 1797); the fall of the aristocratic Republic of Genoa (6 June 1797).

Stops: Montenotte, Savona, Genoa.

Duration: 2 days

The trail: The Montenotte trail primarily delves into Bonaparte’s first military exploits in Italy. Restricted to the rugged terrain of the Ligurian mountains, the trail investigates the military manoeuvres revolving around Monte Negino and Monte Tesero, operations that brought the Austrian advance to a standstill. The main military points of reference are easily accessed but with hardly any traces left, the green, rolling hills of Montenotte best serves to illustrate the positional warfare characterising the first days of fighting. Including a visit to Savona, the trail further explores the whereabouts of Bonaparte during the time of the battle. In Genoa the trail proceeds to explore the collision between the Genoese oligarchy and the French revolutionary army, culminating in the fall of the old Republic in June 1797.

Suggested sights to visit:

Monte Negino & Monte Pra, Montenotte. All accounts of the Battle of Montenotte concentrate on the fighting over Mt. Negino. A key strongpoint in the area’s transportation network, the French warded off several Austrian assaults on 11 April. Their troops having been reinforced in the course of the night, the French fell on the Austrians positioned on the slopes of Monte Pra the following morning. Both heights are part of a marked hiking area.

Bric Menau & Bric del Tesoro, Montenotte. On the second day of fighting (12 April), the French General Massena marched up the ridge parallel to Monte Negino to fall on the Austrians at Bric Menau and Bric del Tesoro. Remains of the original defence works still exist at Bric del Tesero. Both heights are part of a marked hiking area.

Church of Madonna di Savona. A few kilometres south of Montenotte in the village of Madonna di Savona, the French turned the local church into an army hospital. Open to the public.

Palazzo Vescovile, Savona. Bonaparte had his headquarters installed in the bishop’s palace during the first few days of fighting. Open by appointment only.

Fortezza del Priamar, Savona. The most imposing structure in the city, the16 th century fortress constituted a serious obstacle to the patrolling British fleet. Open to the public.

Palazzo Ducale, Genoa. The left wing of the Palazzo Ducale, the Palazzo di Alberto Fieschi, was the Doge’s residence from 1340 onwards. The Doge was the highest office of the aristocratic republic. Not open to the public.

Galleria Nazionale di Palazzo Spinola, Genoa. Apart from the gallery’s art collection, demonstrating the tastes of one of Genoa’s more important aristocratic families, the Spinolas, the interior design of the 16 th century Palazzo Spinola offers a perfect insight into the lifestyle of Genoese patricians in the 17 th and 18 th centuries. Tues-Sat 9am-7pm, Sun 2pm-7pm.

Palazzo di San Giorgio, Genoa. The palace housed the republic’s most prestigious credit institution, the Banco di San Giorgio. Opening hours: Sat 10am-6pm.

Via Garibaldi, Genoa. By far the most spectacular concentration of old patrician residences in the city, Via Garibaldi boasts several splendid 16 th century merchant palaces, some of which are open to the public.

Museo Risorgimento, Genoa. The term Risorgimento refers to the period in Italy’s history that led to the unification of the peninsula in the second half of the 19 th century. As most of Risorgimento museums will have rooms dedicated to the revolutionary and Napoleonic experiences it is always worth paying them a visit. Genoa’s Museo Risorgimento is no exception. Closed at thetime of writing.

Palazzo Reale, Genoa. Once the residence of one of the more wealthy Genoese families, the Savoyard Kings took over in the 19 th century providing yet another good example of the lifestyle of the Savoyard court (see chapter 5). Opening hours: 9am-2pm.