At 11:36 AM on August 14, 2018, Genoa was struck by a catastrophic event.
Amidst heavy rain on the eve of Ferragosto, the Morandi Bridge, a crucial viaduct over the Polcevera River, suddenly collapsed.
This structure, designed by engineer Riccardo Morandi and inaugurated in 1967, saw its ninth pillar give way, bringing down approximately 250 meters of the roadway.
The disaster resulted in the tragic loss of 43 lives.

The immediate aftermath of the collapse was chaotic.
The incident necessitated the closure of the connection between the A7 and A10 highways, several underlying roads, and the railway line linking to the port of Genoa.
Additionally, 566 residents had to be evacuated as a precautionary measure.
The management of the bridge by Autostrade per l’Italia and its subsidiary Spea, responsible for the viaduct's maintenance, came under severe criticism.

As Genoa grappled with the disaster, the government appointed two extraordinary commissioners to lead the recovery efforts.
Giovanni Toti, then President of the Region, was designated for emergency management, while Mayor Marco Bucci was tasked with overseeing the reconstruction.
Meanwhile, Autostrade per l’Italia and its entire management team, including the resigned CEO Giovanni Castellucci, faced legal scrutiny.
A total of 59 individuals were indicted on charges ranging from road homicide and multiple counts of manslaughter to falsification, endangering transport safety, and deliberate removal of safety devices at workplaces.

The ongoing trial has shed light on the responsibilities of those managing the bridge.
During a 2023 hearing, Gianni Mion, former CEO of Edizione (the Benetton family's holding company) and former board member of Atlantia, revealed that Autostrade per l’Italia and the Benetton group, who were shareholders through Atlantia, had known since 2010 that the Morandi Bridge was at risk of collapsing.
The defense, however, argues that structural defects in the bridge were to blame.

Despite the turmoil, Genoa managed to rise from the ashes and set an example for rapid recovery.
The so-called "Genoa Decree" (dl 109/2018) provided the city with compensation funds, later supplemented by the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (Pnrr), and granted extensive powers to the reconstruction commissioner.
This legislative support enabled Genoa to embark on a swift and efficient rebuilding process.

Central to this recovery was the construction of the new San Giorgio Bridge, designed by renowned architect Renzo Piano.
Built by Webuild and Fincantieri, the bridge was completed in just 18 months, a testament to the city's resilience and determination to move forward.

Looking ahead, a memorial is scheduled to be inaugurated on November 14, 2024, at the site of the former ninth pillar of the Morandi Bridge.
Designed by architect Stefano Boeri, the memorial will serve as a place of private and collective remembrance, as well as a space for "documentation and public denunciation," honoring the victims and ensuring that the tragedy is not forgotten.

Genoa's journey from disaster to recovery highlights the city's strength and the effectiveness of coordinated efforts in the face of adversity.
The swift reconstruction of the Morandi Bridge, now the San Giorgio Bridge, stands as a symbol of hope and resilience, paving the way for a brighter future.