Genoa what to see- d attractions of Genoa? Hotels how to get there, photo of Genoa , all about the city of Genoa.
Genoa Magnificent, Genoa “Queen of the Seas”: a lot of water has passed under the bridge since the prosperity of the ancient Genoese maritime republic. However, the charm of this city remains unchanged. In addition to the famous aquarium (one of the largest aquariums in the world), a wide selection of museums, a huge number of historical and cultural monuments and a famous historical city center, one of the most rich in attractions in Italy (after Venice), Genoa is also an excellent "starting point" giving tourists the opportunity to make excursions along the entire coast of Liguria right up to the most beautiful ...
By car
If you prefer to get to Genoa by your car (about the Rentalcars website, where you can rent a car at a good price), you should know that Genoa can be reached both from the south and from the north of Italy, traveling along four motorways - A12, A26, A10 and finally A7.
A12 Genoa - Rosignano, exit at Genova Nervi or Genova Est;
A26 Voltri - Gravellona, then continue along A10, exit at Voltri;
A10 Genova Fiori - Ventimiglia, exit at Genova Voltri, Genova Pegli, Genova Aeroporto and Genova Ovest,
Below you will find a list of 4 hotels that were most liked by tourists who visited Genoa.
Canestrelli, photo Thinktock
4 star hotels
Address: Via XX Settembre 35, Genoa
Visitor rating: 8.7 out of 10
Hotel Bristol Palace is set in a historic building in the center of Genoa, 100 meters from Piazza de Ferrari.
The hotel offers elegant rooms with satellite TV, air conditioning and soundproofing, decorated in a classic style with antique furniture, free Wi-Fi and large bathrooms (some with Jacuzzi).
Bristol Palace has its own elegant restaurant and bar, where a rich buffet breakfast is served each morning, including a large selection of gluten-free food.
Genoa's famous Aquarium and bay are just 15 minutes' walk from the hotel.
Room price - from 98 euros/day.
Address: Via Arsenale Di Terra 1, Genoa
Visitor rating: 8.8 out of 10
Situated opposite Genoa Principe train station, the Hotel Continental is a renovated historic Art Nouveau building overlooking the harbour. The hotel offers elegant rooms with parquet floors, air conditioning, satellite TV, private bathroom (optional with jacuzzi) and free Wi-Fi.
In the morning, a rich breakfast is served, included in the room rate.
For lunch and dinner, the on-site Trattoria "Tralalero" serves Ligurian and international cuisine.
The hotel is close to the central train station, close to a bus and metro station and 15 minutes by car from Christopher Columbus Airport.
Room price - from 87 euros/day.
3 star hotels
Address: Piazza delle Vigne 6, Genoa
Visitor rating: 9.3 out of 10
Located just 5 minutes' walk from Genoa's port, Le Nuvole Residenza d'Epoca offers elegant rooms with air conditioning, satellite TV, free Wi-Fi and a varied breakfast included in the room rate.
The rooms are furnished in a modern style with designer furniture and each has a private bathroom.
Genoa Airport is 11 km away and the Aquarium is just a 5-minute walk away.
Room price - from 135 euros/day.
Address: Via Ponte Calvi 5, Genoa
Visitor rating: 8.6 out of 10
Set in a historic building overlooking the tourist port of Genoa, the Best Western Hotel Porto Antico is located very close to the world-famous Aquarium and offers elegant rooms with every comfort: air conditioning, soundproofing, LCD TV with satellite channels and free Wi-Fi -Fi.
Hotel Porto Antico is steeped in history in the heart of Genoa. The hotel staff will be happy to provide you with all the tourist information about the city and its attractions. A rich buffet breakfast is included in the room rate.
Room price - from 110 euros/day.
Ferrari Square (Piazza De Ferrari)
This is the central square of the city and, of course, the most beautiful and popular in Genoa. It is surrounded by numerous historical buildings and monuments: the Doge's Palace, the Ligurian Academy of Fine Arts, the neoclassical Carlo Felice Theater, the monument to Giuseppe Garibaldi, the Palace of the Duke of Galliera and the Palazzo della Borsa, which is closed to the public, built in the Art Nouveau style and was once the stock exchange of the entire countries. The main shopping street of the city, XX September Street, begins from Ferrari Square.
This majestic building appears to be a major optical illusion due to the black and white striped marble façade - a stunning sight even by Italian standards. The ancient Gothic cathedral was consecrated at the beginning of the 12th century, and two bell towers and domes were added only in the 16th century. Inside the cathedral, above the main entrance, there is a lunette with paintings of the Last Judgment - the work of an unknown Byzantine artist of the early 14th century. In 1941, he miraculously survived when a British bomb hit the building but did not explode.
The Cathedral of San Lorenzo is located in the square of the same name in the Old Town. It is open daily from 9:00 to 12:30 and from 15:30 to 19:00.
Old Port (Porto Antico)
Genoa's old port is about 12 minutes' walk west of the central square. There are also many historical buildings that have survived to this day, of which the palaces and cotton warehouses are especially interesting.
The Old Port is one of the entertainment centers of Genoa. There is a city aquarium, a botanical garden, a maritime museum, a replica of a pirate ship and a harbor crane that lifts a glass cabin to a height of 60 meters and allows you to admire panoramic views of the city and harbor.
Genoa Aquarium (Acquario di Genova)
Rising above the water, the long blue building of the aquarium houses more than 5,000 sea creatures using six million liters of water. A huge barge is moored to the end of the aquarium building, a trip along which will take visitors back to the era of the Great Geographical Discoveries and introduce them to the tropical forests of Madagascar. According to experts, it is the one built in 1992 that annually attracts the largest number of tourists to Genoa.
The Genoese Aquarium is located on the Spinola Bridge of the Old Town. Visitors are welcome from 9:30 to 19:30 from Monday to Wednesday and Friday, until 22:00 on Thursday, until 20:30 on weekends from September to June and until 23:00 in July and August. The cost of an adult ticket is 24 euros, a child ticket is 15 euros.
National Gallery in the Spinola Palace (Galleria Nazionale)
Built in the 16th century, the mansion belonged to the Spinola family, one of the most powerful dynasties of the republic. The National Gallery located here has an extensive collection of Italian and Flemish Renaissance art that complements the palace's amazing architecture.
The Spinola Palace is located in Piazza Superiore di Pellicceria and is open to the public from 9:00 to 20:00 from Tuesday to Saturday and from 14:00 to 20:00 on Sunday.
Narrow alleys of Caruggi di Genova
The real image of Genoese life must be sought in the labyrinths of the Old Town. It is always noisy here with the shouts of traders, it smells of coffee, street food, perfumes and the unique Ligurian Pesto. The term "Caruggi" refers to the narrow alleys characteristic of the Ligurian Riviera. Less often it is used in relation to streets and even squares. In the Middle Ages, it was these passage streets that helped quickly move around the city during defense against pirate raids. And before the official ban in 1958, the alleys were the entrances to brothels.
Garibaldi and Balbi streets
Calle Garibaldi is a ten minute walk north of Piazza Ferrari. This small cobbled street filled with cozy shops, ancient palaces and street musicians is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. It is home to palaces such as Palazzo Rosso and Palazzo Turzi, which today serve as exhibition galleries.
Garibaldi street. Photo dimec.unige.it
The Turzi Palace (or Doria Turzi) houses the Paganini Hall, a small room filled with a collection of the great musician's personal belongings, including his Canone violin, made in Cremona in 1743. Once a year, during the Paganiniana Festival in October, one of the musicians is given the honor of playing the legendary instrument. Turzi Palace is located at: st. Garibaldi, 9, and is open from 9:00 to 19:00 from Tuesday to Friday and from 10:00 to 19:00 on Saturday and Sunday.
“New Road” (Strada Nuova) - this is what Garibaldi Street used to be called. She was a symbol of the Renaissance, new times, the heyday of Genoese families. The three largest palaces located here - Rosso, Bianco and Doria Turzi - form the Strada Nuova museum complex (Musei di Strada Nuova) and contain the best works of art created by ancient masters. This is a real cultural center of the city.
Another street in the historical center of Genoa, Balbi, is also rich in luxurious palaces, among which the Royal Palace (Palazzo Reale) stands out. This building is considered one of the oldest in Genoa and is one of the Rolli palaces. Via Balbi connects Piazza Nunziata and Piazza Acquaverde, where the train station is located. In addition to luxurious palaces, it houses the educational buildings of the University of Genoa and the university library.
Balbi Street became notorious during the “lead years”, when a wave of terror swept across the country. In 1876, Francesco Coco and two of his bodyguards were killed here.
Rosso Palace
This palace, turned into an art gallery, houses many outstanding paintings, among which portraits of members of the local merchant Brignole family by Van Dyck stand out. Rosso Palace is located at: st. Garibaldi, 18, and is open from 9:00 to 19:00 from Tuesday to Friday and from 10:00 to 19:00 on Saturday and Sunday.
Sunrise in Genoa, photo Thinkstock
Rolli Palaces (Palazzi dei Rolli)
The Rolli Palaces are a group of luxurious buildings erected in the center of Genoa by representatives of influential families. It also includes the Rosso, Bianco, Doria Turzi and Royal palaces described above. In the late Middle Ages, these houses performed not only a private, but also a public function: distinguished guests of the Genoese Republic were received in their luxurious halls.
At the end of the 90s of the 20th century, 10 million euros were allocated from public and private sources for the restoration of the Rolli palaces, after which 42 of the 80 buildings were included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. In 2007, a commemorative plaque appeared at the beginning of Via Garibaldi describing the Rolli palace complex.
Monumental Cemetery of Staglieno
This is the largest cemetery in Europe. It is located away from the central streets, a car trip will take approximately 10 minutes, and a walk will take up to 40 minutes. This cemetery-museum is interesting because of the graves of famous people and countless monuments located here.
Staglieno Cemetery Thinkstock
Villetta di Negro Park
This park is located just a few minutes' walk from Via Garibaldi and Piazza Ferrari. It is one of the few green areas in the central part of Genoa. On the territory of the park there is a museum of Oriental art and a monument to the outstanding Genoese Giuseppe Mazzini. In addition, by climbing the park hill, you can admire the beautiful view of the Old Town.
Villa Park Durazzo Pallavicini (Parco e Villa Durazzo Pallavicini)
This attraction is located far from the city center and is located near the Christopher Columbus Airport. Its location away from the rest of Genoa's cultural sites makes Durazzo Pallavicini a secluded and peaceful place. The complex includes a villa located in a beautiful park. Here you can also visit the archaeological museum, botanical garden, Chinese pagoda and Turkish temple.
City walls
A rich historical past is embodied in the city walls of Genoa. Today the wall is divided into large fragments, the longest of which is the “New Walls”, which is perfectly preserved and is considered one of the longest sections of fortress walls in Italy. The “New Walls” surround the historical center of the city, skirting the ridges of the hills located around it.
More modest wall fragments can be found in the vicinity of Sarzano Hill and the train station. Not far from Piazza Ferrari there is one of the ancient gates of Genoa - Porta Soprana, and the second, Porta dei Vacca, guards the entrance to the Old Port.
City walls, Porta Soprana. Photo by Thinkstock
Most of the medieval fortresses designed to protect the city were built away from it on the hills, thanks to which today it is possible to admire the stunning views of Genoa. Examples of such ancient structures are the fortress on the top of Mount Peralto, as well as the forts of Begato and Diamante, perched in the Bolzaneto mountains.
Tesoro Museum
"Tesoro" means "treasury" in Italian. In this case, treasures are considered to be a collection of holy relics and artifacts, the origin of some of them is very doubtful, which, however, does not prevent them from enjoying great popularity. Here you can see an ancient glass vessel referred to as the Holy Grail, a polished quartz plate on which, according to legend, Salome was presented with the head of John the Baptist, and even a fragment of the life-giving cross.
The museum is located in the Old Town in Piazza San Lorenzo in the Cathedral of San Lorenzo. Tours are available from 9:00 to 12:00 and from 15:00 to 18:00 from Monday to Saturday. The cost of an adult ticket is 5.5 euros, a child ticket is 4.5 euros.
Galata Maritime Museum (Galata Museo del Mare)
This is the largest maritime museum in the Mediterranean, located on four floors of a reconstructed 17th-century building. Most of the exhibition is dedicated to the travels and discoveries of Christopher Columbus.
Photo: irolli.it
The museum is located at Calata di Mari, 1. Visitors are welcome from Tuesday to Sunday, in the summer months - from 10:00 to 19:30, in the off-season - from 10:00 to 18:00, and from 10:00 until 19:30 on Saturdays and Sundays.
Museum of World Culture (Museo delle Culturo del Mondo)
This museum is located in a magnificent fortress. Its guests will be able to plunge into the atmosphere of pre-Columbian Central and South America, transported from Europe to the vast expanses of the North American plains, and from there to Oceania. In the same building there is a museum of ethnic music.
The museum is located on Dogali Street 18. Visitors are welcome from 10:00 to 17:00 from October to March and from 10:00 to 18:00 from April to September.
Genoa is an ancient city with a rich history even for its age. Ambiguous, multi-layered, majestic and always keeping up with the times. Only the list of its attractions will take more than one page, and it is worth adding to it the natural and historical monuments of the satellite cities, which were annexed to Genoa in 1926. This suburb is filled with villas and parks that once served as summer cottages for their wealthy owners, and today they are happy to welcome curious tourists to amaze them with the combination of nature and civilization.
Let’s end the story with the words of Richard Wagner, which were written back in 1853, but still have not lost their relevance: “I have never seen anything like Genoa! This is something indescribably beautiful, grandiose, special! I really can't describe the impression she made on me and continues to make."
Traveling around Italy and a trip to the city of Genoa for 1 day with an overnight stay. Interesting places and attractions, a map of the walking route, where to have a budget and tasty lunch.
Having arrived in the city, you can head to the historical center and start sightseeing. Walk along the narrow slopes and climb hundreds of steps up the mountain, because the city has a steep descent to the sea. After this, you can go down to the sea, or rather to the port, and take a walk along the port embankments. To put your feet in the water you will have to go to the suburbs, since this is a port city with piers instead of beaches.
How to get to the city of Genoa
- : The easiest way to go is by shuttle bus for 6€, and it’s cheaper by combining the i24 bus and train for 2€. from the airport it will cost from 30€.
- : Trains travel the fastest and most often; tickets cost from 9 € when purchased 1-2 months in advance. All train tickets can be purchased in Russian without extra charges. An alternative to trains would be for 5-10€ which travel 4-6 times a day. Similarly, it is possible to buy tickets from and.
Overnight in Genoa
- Hotels: To avoid overpaying for hotels, use a search engine. He will find the best offer for the same number and show you which website to book on. Don't forget to use those that reduce the cost by 10-20%.
- Apartments: In this city, the most affordable for me was a room rented with the help of. The apartment was located a couple of minutes walk from the main observation deck of Genoa. And these are full-fledged ones right on the observation deck with an even better view than in the photo from the windows of the rented apartment.
Sights of Genoa
Before I talk about interesting places and attractions, I’ll give you prices for tickets and excursions, which can help you better prepare for your trip. With a clear plan for visiting the city, you can see much more.
- - 15€. Will replace city transport.
- entrance to 22 museums - 12 €.
- — 27€.
- - 48€. Aquarium, Maritime Museum, Submarine, Biosphere and Panoramic Elevator).
- — 120€.
What to see in Genoa in 1 day
Getting off the train at the Genova Piazza Principe station, I immediately wanted to see the sea, and because... the station is very close, we went down to the nearest river station, so our route on the map looks as if the journey to Genoa begins from nowhere.
Genoa Map - Walking Route The map does not show the entire route through Genoa, but only the first half along the main attractions located on the outskirts of the historical part. It would be very difficult to depict a walk through the historical center on a map, since everything in it is so dense and cramped.
The view of the city of Genoa from the train station is already quite an impressive picture.
As I wrote above, from the vocals I immediately go down to the sea, or rather to the marine terminal, but I couldn’t see the sea, all the approaches to it were blocked. Only the sea station itself.
But nearby you can see and even go on excursions to a submarine, especially if you bought one.
Columbus Monument
And then we return to the station again. At the exit from the station there is a monument to Columbus, after all, this is a port city, and if you dig into the guidebooks for Genoa, then this is the birthplace of Columbus. Somehow they weakly reinforced this with such a small monument.
Then the path lies through the historical sights of the city and the first will be the Basilica of Santissima Annunziata del Vastato or in other words the Basilica of the Most Holy Annunciation. The church is from the 16th century, but the monastery that stood in its place appeared back in the 13th century.
From the basilica you will have to walk along one of the main transport streets in the city.
Having passed through the tunnel, we will almost immediately get to one of the central squares of the city with a very beautiful fountain in the center. I saw a photo on the Internet where the fountain changes its color, it can even be red.
Not far from the Genoa Cathedral there are two more historical buildings - the Porta Soprana Gate and the Church of St. Stephen.
Cathedral San Lorenzo
I remember it for its appearance - colored stripes. I have seen churches with this design in Italy more than once; apparently, such decor is typical for this country. I will add a few facts from the history of the cathedral. It was built on the site of the foundation of a Romanesque church in the 12th century. Historical excavations report that there was an ancient Roman cemetery for Christians on this site.
This is a remnant of a once-existing medieval defensive wall, when the gate was the entrance to the city. They also managed to visit the prison in the 19th century; it was located in the towers.
The church is one of the ancient ones, standing on the site of a church from the 5th century. I don’t know whether to believe it or not, but I read somewhere that Christopher Columbus was baptized in it.
Triumphal Arch
Those who collect arches in their photo album will have to go from Church of St. Stephen By Street 20 September, which is long enough to rest directly on Arc de Triomphe.
Street 20 September in Genoa Now I have another Arc de Triomphe in my collection.
We still found a hole to the pier among the endless fences and moored ships from which both the sea and the city are clearly visible.
If you walk along the embankment, then the port has a lot of paid entertainment for tourists: the Botanical Garden, the Neptune Galleon, the Panoramic Elevator, the Underwater Aquarium and the aforementioned submarine.
It works in all places at once. You can spend another whole day in Genoa on all this.
Historical Streets with Priestesses of Love
This is where everything shown on the map at the very beginning ends, then we walk along the small streets in the historical part of the city. I want to warn you that when walking along the narrow streets, do not be alarmed when you see a few strange types, as well as priestesses of love. Here they go to work not only at night, and are quite often found on narrow passages between larger streets. Probably so that the client would not be able to pass without noticing them.
Genoa is the largest seaport in Italy, the main resort city of the Liguria region. But Genoa is not only a beach holiday, but also a lot of different attractions both in the city itself and in its environs: dozens of magnificent architectural and historical monuments, ancient streets along which Christopher Columbus, who was born here, once walked, and many palaces, castles and cathedrals.
The population of Genoa is about 600 thousand people. According to this indicator, Genoa ranks sixth among all Italian cities.
Genoa is a city in northern Italy with a humid subtropical climate. There are cool winters (average temperature about +9 degrees) and warm summers (about +25-27 degrees).
There are many worthwhile places in Genoa that tourists definitely need to see. However, the city is quite large and it is unlikely that you will be able to see everything in 1-2 days. Check out the list of the most popular places among travelers with photos and descriptions.
Piazza De Ferrari
The central square of Genoa, which shares the same name with the nearby house of Duke Raphael de Ferrari. The former name of the square was San Domenico, which it received from the Church of St. Dominic located in this place.
The square contains a fountain and a statue of the Italian commander Garibaldi.
Palazzi dei Rolli
Quarter of the palaces of the nobility of Genoa. More than half of them are World Heritage Sites.
Palazzi dei Rolli is considered an example of the first centralized development in Europe, that is, the development of a large area according to a specific, large-scale project.
Some of the quarter's palaces contain art galleries and museums displaying paintings, sculptures, frescoes and elements of French furniture from the last five centuries.
Palazzo Bianco
One of the main buildings of the historical center of the city. Inside the palace is one of the most famous art galleries in Genoa.
- Palazzo Bianco is located at Via Garibaldi, 11.
- The palace is open from Tuesday to Sunday, opening hours depend on the time of year.
- The entrance ticket costs 9 euros.
Palazzo Rosso
One of the oldest palaces in the Palazzi dei Rolli quarter.
- The palace premises today are occupied by an art gallery, which is open from Tuesday to Friday from 9:00 to 19:00, and on Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 to 19:30.
- The palace is located at Via Garibaldi, 18.
- The cost of visiting is 8 euros.
Palazzo Ducale
Previously, it was occupied by the Doges (rulers of Genoa), today the palace building is given over to a museum, which, in addition to the main exhibition, often hosts various exhibitions.
- The museum is open from 9:00 to 19:00 (except Mondays).
- Admission is free except for special events.
Palazzo San Giorgio
Palace in Piazza Caricamento, built in the mid-13th century.
Over the years, the palace housed a prison in which Marco Polo, one of the oldest banks in Italy - San Giorgio, was imprisoned, and today the palace is given over to the administration of the port of Genoa.
Albertis Castle (Castello D'Albertis)
The castle where the navigator Captain Enrico Alberto D'Albertis lived. He built his castle on the site of an old bastion, the remains of which he carefully preserved.
The captain's castle was the first Genoese villa in this style. After his death, the castle came into the use of the people of Genoa.
At the beginning of the 21st century, an ethnographic museum was opened in the castle, the collections of which will include household items of indigenous peoples of different continents. Some of the exhibits were brought to Genoa personally by Captain D’Albertis from his travels.
- The museum is open every day except Monday.
- The entrance ticket costs 6 euros.
Cathedral of San Lorenzo (Cattedrale di San Lorenzo – Duomo di Genova)
The main cathedral of Genoa, located near Piazza Ferrari. The Cathedral of San Lorenzo was built at the beginning of the 12th century on the site where the Church of the Sir of Genoa was previously located.
The main feature of the temple is its asymmetrical nature. The towers on the sides of the facade are of different heights.
Inside the cathedral is the Tesoro Museum, which houses artifacts and silver jewelry from different eras, the oldest of which were produced in the 9th century. In total, the museum has more than 500 exhibits.
- The cathedral is open to tourists from 9:00 to 12:30 and from 15:30 to 18:00.
- The entrance ticket costs 5.5 euros.
Church of Santa Maria di Castello
One of the oldest temples in Genoa, built in the 9th-10th centuries. After 5 centuries, a monastery was added to the temple. Today there is a museum within its walls, but the church itself is active.
The Church of Santa Maria di Castello is located at: Salita di Santa Maria di Castello, 15.
Basilica della Santissima Annunziata del Vastato
A late Gothic church in Piazza della Nunziata, built in the 16th century on the site of a former monastery.
Over the years, the church changed its appearance several times, decorated with magnificent frescoes and sculptures, some of which were destroyed in the mid-20th century, but were soon restored by craftsmen.
The temple vaults are supported from the inside by powerful white and pink marble columns, and the exterior is lavishly decorated with frescoes and gilding.
- The Basilica is located at Piazza della Nunziata 4.
- Free admission.
Cemetery of Staglieno
One of the most famous cemeteries in the world. The area of the Staglieno cemetery is about 1 sq. km.
The cemetery is famous for its huge number of unique tombstones and marble sculptures. The mausoleum of independence fighter Giuseppe Mazzini, who was buried here in 1872, stands out especially.
Teatro Carlo Felice
The main theater of opera and ballet in Genoa. The theater building was built in the first half of the 19th century according to the design of the architect Carlo Barbarino. The Swiss architect Luigi Canonica worked on the main premises of the theater (stage and hall).
In the second half of the 19th century, Giuseppe Verdi regularly staged his operas on the theater stage. The capacity of the main hall of the theater is two thousand seats, which makes the Calo Felice Theater one of the largest theaters in Europe.
- The theater is located in Piazza Ferrari.
- The theater's repertoire can be found on the official website.
Porta Soprana Gate
The best preserved part of the old fortress wall. They have a second name: “High Gates”. This is due to the fact that they were the largest gates of the Barbarossa walls, and also because it was from these gates that the road leading to Rome began.
The gate is located near Piazza Dante in the southeast of the historical center of Genoa.
A house in the historical center of Genoa, where, according to some sources, the great navigator was born, and, according to others, where he moved with his family at the age of 4. The house is very small and only 10-20 minutes are enough to explore it. Photo and video shooting in the house is prohibited.
- The house is open Monday to Friday from 9:00 to 13:00 and from 14:00 to 17:00, and Saturday from 9:00 to 13:00.
- The entrance ticket costs 5 euros.
Princely Villa (Palace) A. Doria (Villa del Principe)
A mansion with a garden and a large fountain, built in the mid-16th century for the naval admiral and ruler of Genoa A. Doria. The villa hosted official delegations and foreign ambassadors. The villa began to be called “Princely” after the admiral received the princely title.
- The villa is located at: Via San Benedetto, 2, 16124 Genova
- Open to the public daily from 10:00 to 18:00.
- The entrance ticket costs 18 euros.
Old port of Genoa (Porto Antico)
One of the largest ports in the Mediterranean. On the territory of the port there is a museum, the Genoese Port Authority and the largest not only in Italy, but throughout Europe, the city aquarium (Acquario di Genova), a visit to which will be interesting for both adults and children.
- The aquarium is open every day from 9:30 to 21:00 (entrance until 19:00), except for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
- The price of an adult entrance ticket is 25 euros, a child (4-12 years old) is 15 euros.
- Children under 3 years old do not need to purchase a ticket.
La Lanterna (Lanterna di Genova or simply Lanterna)
The main lighthouse of the port of Genoa, one of the most recognizable symbols of the city. The height of the lighthouse is 77 meters. It ranks second among the tallest lighthouses in the world, second only to the French Ile Verge, whose height is 5.5 meters higher.
Boccadasse/Boccadaze
District of Genoa, located along the Corso Italia promenade. It is considered a fishing area because... here, for centuries, most of the houses belonged to local fishermen and their families.
Boccadasse has several beaches. A distinctive feature of the Boccadasse district is the bright facades of houses, made mainly in yellow, pink and red colors.
Nervi
A resort town administratively related to Genoa. Nervi is a former fishing village, which over time was built up with apartments for tourists. The town is small, intended primarily for beach holidays, but tourists who are interested in the history of the Liguria region will be able to find several thematic museums.
Galata Maritime Museum (Galata Museo del Mare)
Located in the Palazzo Galata building.
The museum displays models of ships from different eras, such as the boats of the rich, warships and modern ships. The museum also contains elements of real ships, the history of which also goes back to different centuries. The museum's exhibition also includes many maps and marine instruments that were previously used by sailors. A special place in the museum, of course, is occupied by the exhibition dedicated to Christopher Columbus.
- The Maritime Museum is located at Calata de Mari 1.
- Ticket price – 10 euros.
Galleon Neptune
A copy of a 17th century Spanish ship, which was created specifically for the film “Pirates” (dir. Roman Polanski). Interestingly, a quarter of the film's entire budget was spent on building the ship.
In 2011, Neptune was involved in the filming of the mini-series Neverland. The Galleon Neptune is moored near the Galata Maritime Museum.
Entertainment for children
Genoa is perfect for a family holiday with children.
In addition to beaches and the warm sea, the main city of the Ligurian region offers families with children many beautiful parks with playgrounds, ponds and green alleys, as well as a large entertainment center for children.
Children's Town (La Citta dei Bambini), which is a branch of a children's entertainment center famous in Europe. This children's center is similar to the Experimentarium museum in Moscow. Here you can and should also touch and study everything, at the same time getting acquainted with the laws of physics and learning something new from different fields of science.
A tour of the museum is accompanied by various games and quests that will not let your child get bored for a minute. The museum is divided into play areas depending on the age of its visitors.
- The children's center is located at Magazzini del Cotone – Modulo 1.
- The entrance ticket, depending on age, costs from 5 to 7 euros.
The largest port and one of the largest ports in the Mediterranean.
Weather in Genoa:
History of Genoa:
The Phoenicians were the first to pay attention to the convenient sea bay, then the city came under the rule of the Roman Empire. After the collapse of the Western Roman Empire, Genoa was captured in turn by the Ostrogoths, Byzantines and Franks.
Two main stations:
- Brignole- regional routes.
- Principle- regional and long-distance routes (for example, trains from only stop here).
By bus:
:
Genoa is a large port, so ships from many Mediterranean cities come here:
, Valletta (Malta), Bastia (Corsica), Olbia and Porto Torret (Sardinia), Palermo (Sicily), Tangier (Morocco), Tunis (Tunisia).
- Companies: Moby, Tirrenia, Grandi Navi, CTN.
Getting around Genoa:
The territory of Genoa stretches along the coast for about 30 km. The city center occupies a small space between the two main stations – Principe And Brignole, between which buses run. In a south-west direction from the Brignole station there is a main street - via XX Settembre(via Venti Settembre), which leads to the heart of the city - piazza Ferrari(Piazza Ferrari).
To the west, towards the port and along the coastline to Principe Station in a maze of narrow alleys ( caruggi), the oldest quarters extend and most of the monuments are located.
By Old town of Genoa The most convenient way to get around is on foot, since traffic is prohibited in the center.
IAT Tourist Office
- Piazza Giacomo Matteotti
- 0108 68 74 52
- daily 09.00–20.00
IAT Tourist Office
- Principe Station
- Mon–Sat 09.30–13.00, 15.30–18.00
Sights of Genoa:
All the sights of Genoa can be covered in one route; about half a day is enough, if you don’t spend a long time in the Aquarium and museums.
1. Loggia Mercanti
Piazza Banchi (Piazza Banchi) has long been the commercial and political center of Genoa. The most interesting building preserved on the square is the Mercanti Loggia (Loggia dei Mercanti, Merchants' Loggia, 16th century). In the 19th century, the first commodity exchange in Italy was opened here. The building was restored after World War II and now hosts exhibitions and cultural events.
2. Cathedral of San Lorenzo
Via San Luca(via San Luca) and via San Lorenzo(via San Lorenzo) lead from piazza Banchi to the main city cathedral of San Lorenzo ( Cattedrale di San Lorenzo, XII century). The masters from France who built the cathedral took the famous Gothic cathedrals in Chartres and Rouen as a model. The façade is lined with black and white marble; above the central entrance to the temple there are bas-reliefs depicting the martyrdom of St. Lawrence.
The cathedral museum houses many relics, including the Holy Cup (Sacro Catino), brought to Genoa by the crusaders in the 12th century and long revered as the Holy Grail.
- San Lorenzo
- 09.00–12.00, 15.00–18.00, Sun 15.00–18.00
3. Ducal Palace
Via San Lorenzo goes to piazza Matteotti(Piazza Matteotti), to which the main façade of the Ducal Palace (Palazzo Ducale) faces. The palace was built in 1275, during the greatest prosperity of the Genoese Republic. After restoration completed in 1992, the Palace of Culture (Palazzo della Cultura) was opened here. Currently, the largest exhibitions in the city are held in the halls and courtyards of the palazzo.
- Ducal Palace
- Tue–Sun 09.00–21.00
4. Porta Soprana
From the Ducal Palace along the cozy medieval Via Porta Soprana (Porta Soprana Street) you can go to the Porta Soprana gate. The two-tower gate represents the remains of a 12th-century fortress wall, which once served as reliable protection for the inhabitants of Genoa.
5. Galleria di Sant'Andrea
To the left as you move, surrounded by trees, are the white columns of the Gallery of Sant’Andrea (Galleria di Sant’Andrea, 12th century).
6. Columbus House
Immediately behind the gallery there is an inconspicuous house covered with ivy - it is believed that Christopher Columbus was born here in 1451. The façade of Columbus's house faces piazza Dante(Piazza Dante), a modern square from which transport highways radiate in all directions.
7. Monument to Giuseppe Garibaldi
From Columbus's house it's just a few minutes' walk along via Dante(via Dante) to piazza Ferrari(Piazza Ferrari), in the center of which there is a large fountain (1936). The bronze equestrian monument to Giuseppe Garibaldi (Augusto Rivalta, 1879) is also located here.
8. Teatro Carlo Felice
Nearby is the main city theater Carlo Felice (Teatro Carlo Felice, Carlo Barabino, 1828). During the Second World War, the theater was almost completely destroyed by the bombing of the Allied forces, but then restored.
Antique via Garibaldi (via Garibaldi), despite its modern name, was laid back in the 16th century and is included in the World Heritage List UNESCO.
9. Palazzo Rosso
Of the many palaces on the street, Palazzo Rosso (Red Palace) deserves special attention. There is an art gallery here, where paintings by Guido Reni, Guercino and other Italian masters are exhibited.
- Palazzo Rosso
- Via Garibaldi, 18
10. Palazzo Bianco
The Palazzo Bianco (White Palace) houses a collection of Genoese, Flemish, French and Spanish paintings.
- Palazzo Bianco
- Via Garibaldi, 11
- Tue–Fri 09.00–19.00, Sat–Sun 10.00–19.00, Mon closed, children closed. St.
11. Royal Palace
The Royal Palace (Palazzo Reale) is located on via Balbi. It is no coincidence that the street bears this name: at the beginning of the 17th century, it was representatives of the wealthy Balbi family who built a mansion here, which in 1823, after repeated reconstructions, became the residence of the Savoyard kings. Inside, 17th-century interiors and furniture, Baroque sculpture and paintings by Van Dyck, Luca Giordano and Tintoretto have been preserved.
Today Genoa is Italy's leading port. The riches of the 16th and 17th centuries can still be seen in the marble palaces. There are more such palaces here than in any other place in Italy. They are the city's most important tourist attractions.
Along the waterfront, in the labyrinth of steep streets and old quarters, you can get an idea of what the city was like at the height of its power and authority. It's a typical Italian town, quite sunny (in summer), with traditional houses that are covered with gray slate roofs, and tiny and quaint alleys filled with cafes and bars.
Walled off from what was once the city at its northern edge, the pedestrianized Via Garibaldi has transformed the area into Genoa's liveliest area, surrounded by palaces. Several of these palaces make up what is called the Strada Nuova Art Museum, a unique complex of museums. It houses the most incredible collection of creations by the best talents in Italy.
A former residence of the Savoy dynasty, it has terraced gardens, fine furnishings, a fine collection of 17th-century art and the Hall of Mirrors, which is included in the price of the tour.
Location: Via Balbi - 10.
Gallery "Primo Piano"
This gallery presents contemporary exhibitions on various topics to visitors. The emphasis of exhibitions is often on photography. It is part of the Palazzo Grillo hotel, but the gallery has its own entrance from the rear wing.
Location: Piazza delle Vigne - 4.
The heart of medieval Genoa, bounded by the ancient city gates and Porta Soprana, is famous for its narrow streets. Looking at the laundry hanging around, it's obvious that these dark, cavernous streets and alleys are still largely residential, although the number of trendy bars, shops and cafes continues to grow. Some streets can be dangerous, especially after dark. To the east of the square you can find a small market.
White Palace (Palazzo Bianco)
Works by Flemish and Italian masters, as well as artists of Spanish origin, are exhibited here. Here are the famous ones - “Venus and Mars”, paintings by the beloved Van Dyck, as well as works by Hans Memling. In addition, here you can see religious icons of the 15th century. In addition to the works of art themselves, it is worth taking a closer look at the work of the architect Franco Albini.
Location: Via Garibaldi - 11.
A wide, 2.5-kilometer-long boardwalk lined with pitchforks leads to Boccadasse, once a distinct fishing village. It is now an attractive area of the city that looks incredible at sunset. The area's pebble beach is ideal for sunbathing, and its small bars welcome lively crowds on summer evenings.
Red Palace (Palazzo Rosso)
The luxurious rooms in the Red Palace are home to several of Van Dyck's portraits. Also in the museum you can see works of other prominent figures - paintings by Guido, as well as paintings by Veronese, several creations by Bernardo Strozzi.
Location: Via Garibaldi - 18.
The Genoese Gothic-Romanesque building owes its long existence to a poorly made English bomb that fell near the building during hostilities and failed to explode. It can still be seen in the right wing of the cathedral, like a harmless museum piece.
The cathedral, decorated with three arches, winding columns and lion statues. The bell tower and dome were added later in the 16th century. At the entrance, above the main arch, there is a large lunette with an illustration of the Last Judgment, the work of an anonymous painter. The sacristy houses various holy relics, including a medieval glass vessel once considered the Holy Grail. Other artifacts include a quartz tray on which Solome, according to history, received the head of John the Baptist, and a piece of the True Cross.
Location: Piazza San Lorenzo.
Aquarium of Genoa
The crowded Genoa Aquarium is one of the largest in Europe, housing some 6,000 sea creatures, including sharks. Moored at the end of the passage is the Nave Blu, a unique floating museum specializing in coral reef exhibits.
The “Cetacean” pavilion of the aquarium may be of interest mainly to adults, while children of all ages will be interested in watching dolphins. The aquarium was opened as part of Christopher Columbus's own son. It provides useful information about marine animals of all kinds, showing them in natural conditions.
Location: Ponte Spinola.
Similar museums exist only in Barcelona and Venice. But among them, the Genoese “Museum of the Sea”, not surprisingly, is considered the most relevant, modern and interesting. A variety of exhibits allow visitors to immerse themselves in the history of seafaring, starting with Genoa's reign as Europe's greatest shipyard and the era of its sea power.
The exhibition on the first floor is dedicated to his own son, Christopher Columbus. Here you can also see a large-scale replica of a 17th century ship, which impresses with added sound effects and film fragments. The second floor houses a valuable collection of old maps and globes, while the 3rd floor contains more recent documentation of emigration to Italy by sea. The top floor offers views of one of the best cityscapes in Genoa.
Location: Calata de Mari - 1.
The port has changed radically since its rebirth in the 90s, but its symbolic guardian has not advanced an inch since 1543. The Genoese lighthouse is considered the oldest and tallest on the planet. And it's still working, emitting light over 60 km to warn ships and tankers. Tourists can climb the 173 steps to the top or view the exhibits at the nearby museum.
Location: Rampa della Lanterna.
Palazzo Doria Tursi
This building is a relatively compact storage of things that belonged to the world-famous violinist Niccolo Paganini. Only in the fall does the most talented musician have the chance to pick up the maestro’s violin and play it, when the Paganiniana festival takes place here. Other artifacts in the museum include letters, musical scores and the musician's travel chess.
Location: Via Garibaldi - 9.
Built on the site of the original settlement, this Romanesque church sits next to an 11th-century tower. The walls of the church are covered with treasures that were commissioned by the noble families of Genoa from the earliest times, although some of the notable frescoes also date back to the 16th and 17th centuries. Private tours available.
Location: Salita di Santa Maria di Castello - 15.
National Gallery at Spinola Palace
The gallery's paintings are magnificently displayed across four floors of the 16th-century Palazzo Spinola, once owned by the Spinola family, one of Genoa's most formidable dynasties. The focus is on Italian and Flemish Renaissance art.
Location: Piazza di Pellicceria - 1.
Ducal Palace (Palazzo Ducale)
Once the seat of an independent republic, this magnificent palace was created in the Mannerist style in the 1590s and was restored after a fire in the 1770s. It now hosts temporary art exhibitions, several small galleries and festivals in its high atrium. The palazzo also has a bookstore and a small coffee shop.
Location: Piazza Giacomo Matteotti - 9.
This is not the only house that is rumored to have been the real residence of Christopher Columbus in the past. But this one probably has a better chance of being called that because of the various documents that mentioned this particular address as Columbus's place of residence. Curiously, it stands close to the old city walls in the shadow of Porta Soprana (built in 1155).
Location: Via di Porta Soprana.
This former Jesuit church, dating from 1597, has an elaborate and rich interior. The beautifully frescoed walls and ceiling are anchored by two works by the famous Dutch artist Rubens.
Location: Piazza Giacomo Matteotti - 5.
The Biosphere is an unusual and innovative addition to the port. Its varied greenery can make tourists linger in these gardens for a long time. It's a giant glass globe containing a humid mini-ecosystem with tropical plants, insects and birds. The ambient temperature inside is controlled by computers.
Location: Old Port, Ponte Spinola.
To the east of Via Garibaldi and Piazza Corvetto you can find a small museum that houses one of the largest collections of Japanese art in Europe. Collected here about 20,000 exhibits, including porcelain, bronze figurines, outfits and musical instruments.
Location: Piazzale Giuseppe Mazzini - 4.
The museum has a collection of unique recordings of great jazz artists, as well as a research and teaching center dedicated to African-American music.
Location: Via Tomaso Reggio - 34.
Genoa harbor welcomes cruise ships and transport ships in one of the two largest ports in the Mediterranean (the other is Marseille). As traffic here increased compared to the old port, new facilities and a maritime station were built, which also housed the Maritime Museum and Aquarium. But here you can still see the places where Admiral Andrea Doria's galleys were built. To better explore the scale of the port, it is worth taking a ride on a yacht or sailing boat. As a bonus, the tourist will also receive a better overview of the city itself.
