Which is located four hundred kilometers northwest of (Roma), on the coast of the Gulf of Genoa (Golfo di Genova). Genoa stretches along the coast in a narrow strip for thirty kilometers: the Apennine Mountains prevent the city from expanding in breadth. On a geographical map, Genoa can be found at the following coordinates: 44°25′ north latitude, 8°56′ east longitude.
City `s history
The settlement of the Ligures (lat. Ligures) appeared here long before the birth of Christ. In the third century BC, the city was conquered by the Romans, and a hundred years later it was destroyed by the Carthaginians. After this, Genoa passed from hand to hand until, in the tenth century, the townspeople decided to build powerful fortress walls and strengthen ties with other Christian cities. Thanks to this, ships from different regions of the Mediterranean Sea began to enter Genoa, and the city turned into a major port.
In the twelfth century, Genoa, although part of the Roman Empire, was an independent city-state governed by a council of consuls. It included representatives of four influential families who represented the interests of different guilds.
The Republic of Genoa flourished thanks to the Crusades: its influence and wealth could be the envy of many European kingdoms. One hundred thousand inhabitants lived here, trade and shipbuilding were developed. The Genoese owned many colonies: they owned Corsica and the northern part (Sardegna). The Genoese also settled in Galata near Constantinople, in Cafe (Crimea), Taman (Krasnodar Territory) and other cities of the Northern Black Sea region.
In the fourteenth century, a period of decline began, and a hundred years later Genoa lost many of its colonies. However, for some time the city was saved by America, which was discovered in 1492 by local native Cristoforo Colombo. The Genoese general Andrea Doria, who was in power at the time, promoted an alliance with Spain (Spagna). Thanks to this, part of the American gold settled in Genoa. This is why the city flourished until the beginning of the seventeenth century. In the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, the countries of America, one after another, elected independence, and the economy of Genoa fell into decay.
When Napoleon Bonaparte came to power, he annexed the Republic of Genoa to France. When his power fell, under the terms of the Congress of Vienna, Genoa passed to (Piemonte). After this, the city began to develop as a port, and by the beginning of the twentieth century it had become the largest port in the Mediterranean. In 1861, the Italians proclaimed the creation of a united Italy - and Genoa became part of it.
The city was seriously damaged by air raids of World War II. But the Genoese quickly managed to restore the destroyed art monuments.
The city of Genoa is located in Northern Italy, on the shores of the Ligurian Sea. As a port, Genoa occupies an important economic position in Italy. The city is also the largest center of heavy industry, shipbuilding and food processing.
In addition to its developed economy, Genoa can also be proud of its cultural life. It's not for nothing that Genoa became the European Capital of Culture in 2004! Travel to Genoa and you will see that it is a city of universities and science.
The history of Genoa dates back to ancient times. Initially, there was a small Greek colony on the territory of modern Liguria. Later, a small settlement of Ligurians appeared here, which fought on the side of the Roman Empire during the Punic Wars. This area was repeatedly captured by the Corthaginians, the Ostrogoths, and during the Early Middle Ages by the Byzantines, Lombards and Franks. By the 10th century, Genoa became one of the largest ports of the Mediterranean Sea, and already at the beginning of the 12th century it received the status of an independent city-state. Genoa reached its greatest prosperity during the Crusades and then surpassed many European states in its wealth and influence. This maritime power had not only developed trade and shipbuilding industry, but also a banking system. But, as we know, after a rise comes a fall, and Genoa was no exception to the rule. Already in the 14th century, the first signs of an economic and political crisis began to appear, after which Genoa finally lost its status as a great maritime power.
Today Genoa is the most popular Italian resort, where tourists from all over the world come to combine a wonderful beach holiday with educational excursions.
Climate
The climate of Genoa is mild Mediterranean, it is formed by the proximity of the sea and the protection of the Apennines from the winds. The average temperature in Genoa in summer is +25 °C, and in winter - +10 °C. This climate allows tourists to visit Genoa at any time of the year, but the most popular period is from May to September.
Nature
Genoa is located on the coast of the beautiful Bay of Genoa.
On one side the city is washed by the azure waters of the Ligurian Sea, and on the other side it is protected by the majestic Apennine Mountains.
Attractions
From the sea, Genoa can be seen by its permanent symbol - the lighthouse “la Lanterna”, which proudly adorns the port. In the port you simply need to see the Palazzo San Giorgio - a 12th-century palace built strictly in the Renaissance style.
The main square of Genoa is Piazza Ferrari.
From here comes Via San Lorenzo, which will lead you to the Cathedral of St. Lawrence. Many tourists come to Genoa to see the greatest Cathedral Chapel of San Giovanni (1450-1465), which was created to store Christian relics. The real decoration of the city is the Loggia dei Mercanti; it was in this building that the first Italian commodity exchange was located. And the Porta Soprano gate will remind you of the former medieval power of Genoa; in the 12th century it was part of the city wall.
A mandatory part of any excursion program is a visit to the Church of St. John the Baptist (1451), the Palazzi dei Rolli (under UNESCO protection), the Doge's Palace and the University Palace. Try to include in your excursion a visit to the National Gallery of Liguria, the Gallery of Mirrors, the Palazzo Bianco painting gallery, the Palazzo Rosso art gallery, and the House of Columbus.
Nutrition
Fans of Italian cuisine will be very pleased with the restaurants in Genoa, and lovers of other culinary styles will be able to find an establishment to suit their taste.
The Italian cuisine restaurant Da Genio will surprise its guests first with an amazingly beautiful black and white interior, and then offer unique dishes. The restaurant's specialties are stuffed anchovies and cod with olives. The atmosphere at Da Guglie is more relaxed, but the menu is just as varied as the previous restaurant. Most of the dishes here are prepared according to old Ligurian recipes: fish pancakes, artichoke pie and other delicacies. La Berlocca restaurant constantly surprises its customers with new culinary masterpieces; the menu is updated every season. The most popular dish here is potato dumplings with vegetables. In addition, this restaurant has its own wine cellar; any visitor can treat himself to a bottle of good wine from there.
The oldest and most famous pizzeria in Genoa is Tristano e Isotta, located in the old town. This is a great place to visit in between sightseeing.
Accommodation
Family hotels are an excellent economical option for accommodation in Genoa. Large companies choose the same accommodation option. There are family hotels in every area of Genoa, so finding them is not at all difficult. It is noteworthy that for an affordable price you will be provided with excellent living conditions.
The magnificent Grand Hotel Arenzano 4* is located right on the embankment. The hotel has a large park and garden, an Olympic swimming pool and a children's pool, a gourmet Mediterranean restaurant and a private beach.
Just a few steps from the main street of Genoa is the luxurious Melia Genova 5* hotel. The hotel building was designed and built back in 1929. In the hotel corridors and restaurant halls there are paintings by famous Italian artists, and in some rooms there are works by famous photographers.
You can book luxury apartments overlooking the marina and yachts at the MarinaPlace Resort 4* hotel. The hotel is located close to Genoa airport.
Entertainment and relaxation
Numerous world-class festivals are held annually in Genoa. Before Christmas, Genoa celebrates the Circus Arts Festival, during which colorful performances with famous circus groups take place in theaters and concert halls, on the streets and squares of the city. This festival is so large-scale that it is accompanied by various fairs: crafts, books, etc.
One of the largest aquariums in Europe is located right here in Genoa. Not only children, but also adults will be delighted with the shows and performances that are held here every day, and, of course, with the variety of sea inhabitants living in the aquarium.
The most popular beaches among tourists are Bagni La Marina, Bagni Vittoria, Bagni Aldebaran and Bagni Maddalena. These beaches are visited by lovers of a calm and serene holiday, as well as fans of sports recreation.
The magnificent natural sites of Genoa and its surroundings can be seen on a Ferrovia Genova-Casella Railroad excursion. No less interesting natural attractions of Genoa are collected in the luxurious botanical garden Orto botanico.
Favorite places for young people are the New Ghost music club and the Senhor Do Bonfim disco.
Purchases
Genoa is a great place for shopping, because here you can find boutiques of famous brands, souvenir shops, antique shops, as well as shops with fresh products from the gardens, vegetable gardens and farms of Genoa. A huge number of them are located on Galleria Mazzini. If you're lucky, you might catch a sales season when almost all stores offer incredible discounts. Such attractions of unprecedented generosity take place several times a year. Not far from the train station there is a large shopping center called Fiumara.
Look for world-famous brands and boutiques of famous Italian designers on Via XX Settembre, in the city center. There you will find Benetton, Zara, and Mexx.
In addition, if you just walk around the city, you will definitely come across charming flea markets, old bookstores and very original souvenir shops. So don’t be lazy to walk around if you want to show off your interesting purchases later!
Transport
Public transport in Genoa is represented by buses and metro.
The fastest way to get to the city center is by taking the metro, which has 10 stations and only one line.
The cost of travel on public transport is as follows: for a short trip 0.70 euros, for 90 minutes travel 1.20 euros, for the whole day 3.50 euros. Travel tickets can be purchased at any newspaper or tobacco kiosk and in special ticket machines at bus stops.
Tourists who plan to frequently travel by public transport can purchase a “welcome” card, which provides certain benefits not only on travel, but also on other tickets.
An elevator will take you from the high part of the city to the low part. You can order a taxi by calling 5966.
Connection
You can use a regular landline telephone in Genoa almost everywhere: in the city from a pay phone, in cafes and restaurants, in a hotel. There are two ways to pay for calls: regular coins and prepaid cards. An interesting feature of telecommunications in Italy is that there are no generally set tariffs, so the cost of a call from one location can be significantly different from a call from another location.
It may also be that calls from a hotel will cost you less than calls from a public telephone.
There are 4 mobile operators in Italy: TIM, Tre, Vodafone and I WIND. They provide a large selection of tariff plans and interesting offers. Ask your service provider about all possible connection options. Just remember that mobile phone service in Italy is one of the most expensive in Europe.
Using the Internet in Genoa is easy. The city has a large number of Internet cafes, as well as wireless access points. Many restaurants and hotels provide Wi-Fi connection to their customers for free.
Safety
When you go on an independent walk around the city or an excursion with a group of tourists, try not to take large sums of money unless necessary.
It is also better to leave other valuables in your hotel room. In most restaurants in the city you can pay by credit card. Carry your mobile phone and camera in a bag, not in a case on a strap. This way your belongings will be reliably protected from pickpockets.
Business climate
In Genoa there is the Fiera di Genova exhibition center, which is popularly called “born of the sea”. Every year, this exhibition center hosts many exhibitions, most of which are dedicated to shipping, shipbuilding and the sea in general. The most important event in the shipping world is the Genoa International Boat Show.
Those who are not interested in this field are looking forward to the Euroflora exhibition. The exhibition center is literally blooming, as it is filled with rare plant species, decorative waterfalls and fountains. Leading Italian designers and florists will conduct master classes for exhibition visitors.
If you have planned to get acquainted with all the main attractions of Genoa as soon as possible, we recommend that you go to Porta Principe station. Excursion buses depart daily from the railway station. On the spot you can choose the most complete and interesting excursion for you.
The main tourist office is located in Piazza Ferrari, in the city center. Here you can get a lot of information useful for tourists: about upcoming events, rules of conduct in certain places, about transport and much more. You can also pick up a city map at the office. Just remember that the office is open on weekdays.
City in northern Italy, adm. c. region Liguria. Mentioned at the turn of the century. e. Rome. by authors like Genua. The name apparently comes from the ligurs. gen mouth (lit., jaw, mouth), also allowed from celt, gena mouth. Modern Italian form Genova, Russian. traditional... ... Geographical encyclopedia
Genoa- Genoa. Seafront. GENOA, a city in Italy, on the Gulf of Genoa. 701 thousand inhabitants. One of the largest ports of the Mediterranean Sea (cargo turnover over 40 million tons per year); international Airport. Metallurgy and mechanical engineering,... ... Illustrated Encyclopedic Dictionary
City in Northern Italy. The main city in the province of Genoa, in the region of Liguria. In ancient times there was a settlement of the Ligurians. In the 3rd century. BC. conquered by the Romans. It was an important trading port of the Roman state. Under the Lombards (from 641), Genoa was the center of the duchy, and ... Historical Dictionary
- (Italian Genova, French Genes, in antiquity Genua, in the Middle Ages Janua and in German Jenau) the fortified main city of the former republic of the same name, and now a province in Italy, located like a theater on a steep slope of the Ligurian Apennines, at ... ... Encyclopedia of Brockhaus and Efron
- (Genova), a city in northern Italy, on the shores of the Gulf of Genoa in the Ligurian Sea; main city of the historical region of Liguria. In ancient times, a settlement of the Ligurians, one of the most important trading ports of the Roman state (from the 3rd century BC). From XII... Art encyclopedia
Exist., number of synonyms: 4 asteroid (579) city (2765) sail (54) ... Synonym dictionary
Genoa- (Genoa), an important port in the north. zap. coast of Italy. Port and fortress built in the 5th century. BC, were captured by the Romans in the 3rd century. BC. After the fall of the Roman Empire in 634, Greece fell under the rule of the Lombards (Lombardy), then it was repeatedly... ... The World History
Genoa- (Italian Genova), ch. mountains Genoese province, modern. seaside redness, important port, commercial and industrial mountains to the north ber. Gsky Bay, at the confluence of the river. Bisanio, at the foot of the Ligurian Apennines; OK. 250 t. habitation, parking place 44, 83 and 84th infantry... Military encyclopedia
GENOA- [ital. Genova], city in Italy, capital of the region. Liguria, the center of the archbishop of the same name. Currently At the time, the archdiocese of Georgia included more than 270 parishes. Of the 834 thousand population, approx. 776 thousand Catholics (An. Pont., 2005. P. 259). The city is a large commercial port and... ... Orthodox Encyclopedia
- (Geneva) a city in Northern Italy, on the shores of the Gulf of Genoa in the Ligurian Sea. The main city of the province of Genoa and the region. Liguria. 842.8 thousand inhabitants (1969). Pressed by the mountains (Ligurian Apennines) to the sea, the city stretches for more than 30... ... Great Soviet Encyclopedia
Books
- Genoa – Monaco – Avignon. Book 7. Travel notes: by car from Geneva, Nina Leflat. Port and ancient Genoa, Monaco with its modern infrastructure, medieval papal Avignon - interesting information about these places is presented in this book. And also historical reports;... eBook
- Genoa is moping, Claudio Pozzani. The unique project of "Russian Gulliver" in the series "G GEOGRAPHY TRANSLATION D A" is an Italian-Russian-Armenian trilingual of the poet and cultural writer from Genoa. Lyrics, equipped with a complex…
Genoa (Italy) - the most detailed information about the city with photos. The main attractions of Genoa with descriptions, guides and maps.
City of Genoa (Italy)
Genoa is a city in northwestern Italy, the capital of Liguria. It is one of the largest Italian ports with a glorious and rich history. Genoa is the capital of a once powerful and wealthy maritime republic with the largest historical center among European cities, the birthplace of the legendary Columbus and the brilliant Paganini. This is a city with amazing charm: the sea, the old port, many rich ancient palaces and beautiful sights hidden among the cozy streets and reminiscent of past wealth, excellent cuisine and a unique port atmosphere. All this makes Genoa one of the most interesting cities in Italy.
The capital of Liguria is often overlooked. Most tourists coming to Italy want to see the antiquities of Rome, touch the cultural treasures of Florence, dream of Venice or shopping in Milan. Many people think that Genoa is a pale shadow of a mighty maritime power, just a big city and a major port. And this is not entirely true! Here, the façades of rich historical buildings and cultural monuments are hidden among shabby but atmospheric streets that are filled with charming alleys, sidewalk cafes and restaurants, and the old port is still as bustling with life as ever.
Geography and climate
Genoa is located in the northwestern part of Italy almost at the base of the “Italian boot”. The city stretches out in a long narrow strip along the Gulf of Genoa in the Ligurian Sea and is bordered by the sea and the Apennine Mountains. The climate is humid subtropical. Summers are quite hot, and winters are rainy and cool. More than 1000 mm of precipitation falls annually.
Best time to visit
Best time to visit: May-September. The frequent rainy season begins in October and lasts until February.
Practical information
- Population - 595 thousand people.
- Area - 243.60 square kilometers.
- Language - Italian.
- Currency - euro.
- Visa - Schengen.
- Time - Central European UTC +1, summer +2.
- The addresses of the tourist information centers are: the airport, Via Garibaldi, 12r, Via al Porto Antico, 2 and Ponte dei Mille.
- The voltage in the electrical network is 220V.
- Most shops and restaurants accept bank cards.
- Most museums and attractions are closed on Mondays.
- Some shops may be closed from 12.30 to 15.30.
Story
In antiquity, there was a small Greek colony on the coast of the Gulf of Genoa. Later, a fishing settlement of the Ligurian tribe was founded here, destroyed in the 3rd century BC by Carthage. Around this period, these territories were annexed by the Roman Empire. After its collapse, Genoa was alternately owned by the Ostrogoths, Byzantines, Lombards and Franks.
The emergence of Genoa as one of the largest ports begins in the 10th century. In the 12th century, it was already an independent city-state with an extensive network of colonies and numerous trade connections, in no way inferior in wealth to Venice and Pisa.
The period of decline of the maritime republic began in the 14th century. At the end of the century, Genoa became dependent on the French, and in 1421 - on the Milanese. In the 16th century, the city was revived. With the discovery of America and thanks to the alliance with Spain, Genoa became one of the richest European cities. Economic prosperity and well-being continued until the 18th century.
In the 18th century, the Genoese Republic was transformed into a French protectorate, and later annexed to France. After the end of the Napoleonic Wars and the Congress of Vienna, Genoa went to Piedmont. In the second half of the 19th century, the city became part of the United Italy.
How to get there
Shopping and purchases
Genoa is a great place for shopping. It's easy to find designer boutiques, supermarkets, and antique shops here. Brand stores are located in the Via Settembre area. A large shopping center called Fiumara is located next to the train station.
Food and drink
Genoa is famous for its gastronomy. The main features of Ligurian cuisine are pesto sauce, focaccia, fresh seafood and fish, pasta, farinata (chickpea dish). You can try good pizza in pizzerias. A popular place with a large concentration of cafes and restaurants is the Piazza delle Erbe area. Many inexpensive establishments can be found on Via Garibaldi.
Attractions
Via Garibaldi is a true pearl of Genoa. It was founded in the 16th century and became the site of the construction of palaces for wealthy Genoese. In this small space, luxurious houses with the coats of arms of noble families stand side by side, competing with each other in the beauty of their architecture and the richness of their façade decoration. Calle Garibaldi is located slightly north of Piazza Ferrari, near the sailors' quarter. The Rosso, Bianco and Tursi palaces are open to the public. And the street itself is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The Cathedral of San Lorenzo is a majestic church and the main sacred building of the city. The cathedral was built in the 12th century as a Romanesque basilica, reconstructed in the 14th century in the Gothic style, and rebuilt again in the early Renaissance style in the 16th century. The building has a beautiful marble facade. Precious Christian relics are kept here: the ashes of John the Baptist and the plate on which the head of the saint is believed to have been presented to Salome.
Santi Ambrogio is a Jesuit church in the small Piazza Matteotti, built in the 16th century in Renaissance style. It is believed that the temple has the most beautiful interior among religious buildings in Genoa: elaborate baroque with marble, frescoes and two paintings by Rubens.
San Matteo is a small 13th-century Gothic church with a marble facade. Located near Santi Ambrogio on Via Tommaso. Inside there are many relics from the period of the Genoese Republic. The crypt contains the tomb of Andrea Doria, who in the 16th century restored the independence of Genoa and increased the wealth of the city.
Santa Maria di Castello is a 12th century Romanesque church with beautiful frescoes. Located in one of the oldest places in Genoa, where the Etruscans and Phoenicians traded. A Dominican monastery was founded here in the 15th century.
The Church of Jesus is a 16th-century Jesuit church with a beautiful Genoese Baroque interior decorated in multi-colored marble. The religious building was built on the site of an earlier church founded by the Milanese bishop Ambrogio, who fled from the Lombards.
Cimitero di Staglieno is a beautiful Campo Santo, one of the most beautiful cemeteries in Italy. Here you can find many interesting tombstones in the Art Nouveau and Art Nouveau styles.
The Genoese Aquarium is one of the largest structures of its type in Italy and Europe. It was built in 1992 in honor of the 500th anniversary of Columbus's voyage. Great place for a family vacation.
Genoa Harbor is one of the largest ports in the Mediterranean, 22 kilometers of berths with moorings for yachts, ships, warehouses and industrial cranes. We recommend visiting Porto Anti - the old port where the ships of Admiral Doria were built in the 15-16th century.
Porta Soprano - two well-preserved towers of the medieval city gate from the 12th century. Nearby is the house of Columbus, where the famous navigator is believed to have spent his childhood.
The Royal Palace (Palazzo Reale) is a luxurious 17th century mansion with majestic staircases, balconies, a luxuriously decorated interior and a collection of works of art.
Piazza Ferrari is the lively center of Genoa with a beautiful fountain. The square is surrounded by beautiful buildings in the neo-baroque and art nouveau styles.
Palazzo Ducale is one of the most majestic historical buildings of Genoa, the palace of the Genoese Doges. The building was founded in the 13th century. The medieval part is still very noticeable. The palace was constantly expanded and rebuilt. The last reconstruction was carried out in 1992.
Embriaci is a tall medieval tower built in the 11th century. This is one of the few surviving towers that were erected by famous Genoese next to their homes.
Piazza Vittoria is one of the central city squares with an impressive triumphal arch built in the 30s of the 20th century.
An aqueduct is an engineering structure for supplying water to the city, built in the 13th century.
San Giorgio is one of the most beautiful and striking buildings in Genoa with a beautiful facade that houses the port office. The history of the palace began in the 13th century. This palazzo consists of two different parts: one part is older, typical of medieval urban architecture, and the other is in Renaissance style.
Lanterna is one of the symbols of Genoa, a 16th-century lighthouse 117 meters high. To see the port and the historical center of the city from its height you need to climb 172 steps.
The fishing village is an ancient and picturesque seaside enclave located within Genoa. This is an area of cute pastel houses and cozy restaurants with terraces.
Genoa has virtually no beaches, although the capital of Liguria is located close to beach resorts. A small, nice pebble beach can be found right in the fishing village.
Genoa is famous for its magnificent aristocratic palaces, which provide a picture of the luxurious lifestyle of the 16th-17th centuries. The city owed the originality of the Genoese construction of palaces - the large-scale distribution of mass and the skillful use of sloping plots for construction - to the native of Perugia - the architect-builder Galeazzo Alessi (1512-1572) and his followers. The development of trade with other countries attracted many foreign artists to the city, among them Rubens and Van Dyck. Of the local artists, Luca Cambiaso (1527-1585), Bernardo Strozzi (1581-1644) and Alessandro Magnasco (1667-1749) are especially famous.
Best time to visit
In summer, attractions near the harbor and in the old town are open at this time.
Do not miss
- The most famous building in Genoa is the oldest existing building in the world (and also the tallest brick building) - the La Lanterna lighthouse.
- Palace of San Giorgio near the old harbor, where at the end of the 13th century. Venetian navigator Marco Polo was imprisoned. While under arrest, he wrote a narrative about his travels.
- Double stone towers of medieval city gates.
- A huge monument to Christopher Columbus in Piazza Acquaverde (he donated part of the money received as a reward for the discovery of the two Americas to the city in order to eradicate poverty in Genoa).
- The stunning stone tombstones and statues of the Staglieno cemetery.
- Walk through Boccadasse, the ancient sailors' quarter on the eastern side of the city harbor.
Flag of Genoa - red cross of St. George on a white background, the same as the national flag of England.
