Thanks to its rich history, Genoa offers amazing historical sights, impressive monuments and many wonderful flavors of the local cuisine. It’s known as Christopher Columbus’ and virtuoso Niccolò Paganini’s birthplace and one of the most important ports in Mediterranean.
Via Garibaldi
Take a walk along Via Garibaldi and just admire this UNESCO World Heritage Site street. Having served as home for the richest families of Genoa, it now encompasses the charming Palazzo Rosso, the Palazzo Bianco, and the Palazzo Doria Tursi.
Piazza De Ferrari
In the heart of the city you will find Piazza De Ferrari, named after Raffaele De Ferrari who donated a considerable sum for the enlargement of the port. It’s where the Genoese have always met and where every story begins. In the centre of the square stands a monumental circular bronze fountain as the meeting point between the old city and the modern, Art Nouveau area of Via XX Settembre.
Porta Soprana, Christopher Columbus’ house and Cloister of Sant’Andrea
Porta Soprana, also known as the Towers of Sant’Andrea, served as the east entrance to the city and were once part of the longest city wall in Italy. They are a short walk from Piazza De Ferrari. Underneath you will find a reconstruction of the house Christopher Columbus grew up in. Right beside Columbus’s home stand the remains of the 12th-century cloister of the ancient monastery of Sant’Andrea.
Cattedrale di San Lorenzo (Genoa Cathedral)
Only a short walk away from Piazza De Ferrari you can admire the striped marble and stone facade of Cattedrale di San Lorenzo. The architecture is reminiscent of Florence Cathedral. Built around the year 1098 it gave rise to many legends and curiosities.
Arco della Vittoria
Piazza della Vittoria features the impressive triumphal arch, the Arco della Vittoria, a monument dedicated to the fallen of the First World War, built in the 1930s and decorated with statues and bas-reliefs by various artists. On the sloping lawn in the background, Christopher Columbus’s three caravels are depicted in the greenery.
Via XX Settembre and Mercato Orientale
For some shopping spree take a long walk Via XX Settembre and its characteristic arcades, connecting Piazza De Ferrari and Piazza della Vittoria. It is the main shopping street of Genoa and offers everything – from small boutiques, bars, focaccerias, right up to big brand stores. From here you will also find the entrance to the Oriental Market – called “Orientale” because of its proximity to the city’s eastern gate. A set of smells and flavours of goods displayed on the numerous stalls will captivate your palate and make your mouth water!
Spianata Castelletto (The View)
A fabulous “balcony” suspended over the Historic Centre with a panoramic view over the city and the port. Riding up to it in the Art Nouveau lift is an enchanting experience. The Genoese usually come here to take a rest and to savour at ease a tasty ice cream or a perfectly made granita.
Boccadasse
Old fishermen’s neighbourhood Boccadasse offers a taste of famous Cinque Terre magic. It lies at the eastern end of the main Corso Italia promenade, and is absolutely worth a visit!
Porto Antico (Old Harbor)
The ancient port area was redesigned in 1992 for the celebrations of the 500 years of the discovery of America. Beside the Aquarium and maritime museum, you’ll find the panoramic lift Bigo, Biosfera and plenty of restaurants and bars where you can have a drink, dine or simply enjoy the sunset.
A little Bonus Tip:
Genoa is also, surprisingly, home to authentic Pesto Genovese. Right at the entrance to the old harbor, you can find restaurant Cavour Modo 21 known for their World champion Pesto Genovese. As it gets really crowded at dinner time you can alternatively try Molo Modo 21 just across the street. Try focaccia with pesto and cheese for the appetizer and their homemade pasta or gnocchi, with … you guest it … Pesto Genovese!. Don’t forget some local wine as well. Buon appetito!
Acquario di Genova
The Aquarium of Genoa is currently the largest exhibition of aquatic biodiversity in Europe housing over 12,000 animals and welcoming more than one million visitors every year.
It offers you a chance to discover underwater life in a journey among dolphins, sharks, penguins, manatees, jellyfish and seals as well as tropical fish and Antarctic animals.
Final Thoughts
Genoa is a somewhat decayed noble port town and this, however, is what makes it so interesting and pretty. Difference between a culturally diverse port city, and the charm of centuries of history, is very present. The city is a good base to explore the Italian Riviera or to continue your journey to Milan, Florence or Venice. But only after you have explored this little hidden gem.