Castelletto (Genoa)

File:Genova Belvedere Castelletto.jpg

The belvedere of Castelletto.

File:Genova Castelletto ponte canale acquedotto.jpg

Bridge-aqueduct.

Castelletto is a residential quarter of Genoa, north-western Italy. It occupies a hilly area which, until the 17th century, it was outside the city walls.

The quarter is included in the city's Municipio I Centro Est and includes three urban units (Castelletto, Manin and San Nicola). As of 31 December 2010, they had a total population of 28,857. The name, meaning "small castle" in Italian, stems from a fort commanding the whole Genoese area, known since as early as the 10th century AD and dismantled in the late 19th century.

Main sights

• The belvedere or spianata
• Basilica of Santa Maria Immacolata, completed in 1904 in neo-Renaissance style
• The Albergo dei Poveri ("Hotel of the Poor"), built in the late 17th century, a complex built as a shelter for the city's poor. It is now owned by the University of Genoa, housing its Political Sciences faculty.
• Villetta di Negro, a hill park occupying the 16th century bastion of St. Caterina. It is home to exotic vegetation, as well as artificial caves and water falls.
• Villa Pallavicino or Villa delle Peschiere (16th century)
• Albertis Castle, a Gothic Revival architecture now housing the Museum of World Cultures
• Mackenzie Castle, another Gothic Revival manor now used for exhibitions designed by Gino Coppedè (who also designed the nearby Castello Bruzzo)
• Church of Nostra Signora di Lourdes e San Bernardo
• Church of San Nicola da Tolentino
• Baroque sanctuary of Madonnetta, housing Baroque artworks by Giuseppe Gaggini's school, by Giovanni Battista Paggi and by Anton Maria Maragliano. It is home to a permanent example of local nativity scene.
• 16th century church of Sant'Anna
• Church of San Bartolomeo degli Armeni
• Historical aqueduct of Genoa
• 17th century walls
• Forte Castellaccio and Specola Towers