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    Tourist Attractions in Genoa

    The most interesting and beautiful places for walking. Photos and a brief description.

    Genoa
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    About Genoa

    Genoa is the largest northern port of Italy and the center of the resort life of the Ligurian coast. Already from the X-XI centuries. The Republic of Genoa held in its hands the best sea routes of the Mediterranean, while pushing even the powerful Venice.

    The famous Christopher Columbus, a navigator, explorer and discoverer of the American continent, was born in Genoa. His house can be seen with your own eyes on one of the city streets. The incomparable Italian composer Giuseppe Verdi spent a lot of time in the capital of Liguria. Once his operas made the local musical theater famous.

    Genoa is a place where a good beach holiday can be combined with active excursions and long wellness walks in nature. You need to come to the Ligurian coast for the magnificent climate, ancient architecture and the unhurried passage of time.

    Top Tourist Attractions in Genoa

    Piazza Ferrari

    The central square of Genoa, located on the border of the historical and business districts. There are many city attractions here – palaces, theater, monuments, administrative buildings. The piazza often becomes a venue for public demonstrations, concerts and other events. The square is named after the Duke R. De Ferrari, a famous city patron.

    Piazza Ferrari
    The old Port of Genoa

    The old Port of Genoa

    For many centuries, ships loaded with spices, outlandish goods from distant countries and slaves have been docked at the busy Genoese harbor. Over time, the port fell into disrepair, but local enthusiasts found a use for it. Designed by architect R. Spot, the old harbor was converted into an entertainment complex for the 500th anniversary of the discovery of America. A museum, a tropical garden, a swimming pool, a panoramic elevator appeared on its territory.

    La Lanterna

    One of the oldest lighthouses in the world, located on the territory of the port of Genoa. It is believed that the tower was built in the XII century. Over the following years, the lighthouse increased in size, in the XIV century a prison was organized inside. The structure, reconstructed in the XVI century, has reached our days. The maintenance of the lighthouse was paid from the tax paid by the ships moored in the city port.

    La Lanterna
    Boccadasse

    Boccadasse

    A picturesque area located along the Corso Italia embankment. There are several good beaches on the territory of Boccadasse, which attracts increased attention of tourists. Santa Chiara Cape with a stylized medieval castle is also located here. In the past centuries, fishermen mainly settled in local houses. The area is distinguished by narrow stone streets, bright colors of facades and stunning views that open from the embankment.

    Nervi

    A small resort town located near Genoa. Administratively, it is considered part of the urban agglomeration of Genoa. Previously, Ne rvi was an ordinary fishing village, now it is built up with villas and apartments for tourists, although fishermen still continue to go to sea. There are several interesting museums in the town, where you can learn a lot of interesting things from the history and culture of Liguria.

    Nervi Park
    Palazzi dei Rolli

    Palazzi dei Rolli

    A quarter built up with palaces of the Genoese nobility. More than half of the buildings after the restoration were included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. On the territory of Palazzo Tursi, Palazzo Bianco and Palazzo Rosso, you can see rich collections of antique furniture, priceless paintings, tapestries and sculptures. These palaces are located on Garibaldi Street – the central alley of the quarter. The street was named after the revered Italian revolutionary and hero.

    Palazzo Bianco

    The palace is a museum, which is part of the Strada Nuova Museum complex. The building was built in the XVI century by order of the influential Genoese Grimaldi family. Subsequently, the palazzo changed its owners several times. At the beginning of the XVIII century, the new owners, the Brigondi family, carried out a thorough reconstruction. Since then, the palace has received the unofficial name "Palazzo Bianco" because of the white color prevailing in the interior. At the beginning of the XX century, the building was transferred to the state.

    Palazzo Bianco
    Palazzo Rosso

    Palazzo Rosso

    The red palace, built in the XVII century by the architect P.A. Corradi. In 2006, the building was listed as a UNESCO Historical Heritage Site. The palazzo was privately owned until 1874, then it was donated to the city. Along with Palazzo Bianco and Palazzo Tursi, the palace is part of the museum complex on Garibaldi Street. Inside there is a collection of works of art that once belonged to the Brignole-Sale family, the former owners of the palazzo.

    Palazzo Ducale

    The former palace of the Doge – rulers of Genoa, which was built and completed in the period 1251 – 1539. Nowadays, a museum is located on the territory of the building. Also, some rooms are used for cultural and social events. At the end of the XVIII century, the palazzo was rebuilt taking into account the fashionable trends of the neoclassical style at that time. The last restoration was carried out in 1992 to celebrate the 500th anniversary of the discovery of America.

    Palazzo Ducale
    Palazzo San Giorgio

    Palazzo San Giorgio

    The palace of the XII century, built by a close relative of the first Doge of Genoa. Interestingly, the wreckage of the Venetian embassy, which was delivered from Constantinople, was used as a building material. At a certain period, the palazzo began to be used as a prison. The most famous prisoner of this dungeon was the traveler Marco Polo. In the XV century, the building housed a bank. Nowadays, the palace houses the directorate of the Port of Genoa.

    Royal Palace

    The palace of the XVII century, preserved in its original form, despite several restorations. It was built between 1643 and 1650 for an influential Genoese family. Since 1824, the palazzo has been used as the residence of the royal family of Savoy. The new inhabitants have put a lot of effort into giving the interiors a luxurious look. They brought a lot of expensive furniture and art objects.

    Royal Palace
    Princely Villa

    Princely Villa

    The mansion was built in the XVII century for A. Doria, a naval admiral and ruler of the city. At that time, the palace was the most luxurious building in Genoa. Important guests, official delegations and foreign ambassadors were received on its territory. Over time, A. Doria was granted a princely title, so the residence became known as the "Princely Villa". The building is surrounded by a landscaped garden, which houses a large fountain from 1585.

    Albertis Castle

    The castle was built in the XIX century on the site of the old fortress walls of Genoa. Until 1932, it belonged to E.A. D’ Albertis, a sea captain and founder of yachting in Italy. The structure was built in the Neo-Gothic style according to the project of A. D'Andrade. In 2004, Genoa was chosen as the cultural capital of Europe. In connection with this event, a Museum of World Cultures was opened on the territory of the castle, where exhibits obtained during expeditions to Africa, Australia and Oceania, America are collected.

    Albertis Castle
    Cathedral of San Lorenzo

    Cathedral of San Lorenzo

    The main cathedral of Genoa, built in the XII century on the site of the old church of the V-VI centuries. Even earlier, at the dawn of our era, there was an ancient Roman temple and an early Christian cemetery, as evidenced by objects discovered during excavations. The construction of the cathedral was completely completed by the XVII century, during which time it underwent several expansions and reconstructions. There is a Treasure Museum at the cathedral, where jewelry made in the period from the IX century is stored.

    Church of Santa Maria di Castello

    One of the most ancient temples of Genoa, which was built in the IX-X centuries. In the XIV-XV centuries, a monastery was attached to the church. By the XX century, the monastery had fallen into disrepair. Now a museum is located within its walls. Santa Maria di Castello is a functioning church. Over the centuries, it has been rebuilt and updated. Therefore, in its appearance, you can catch the features of Baroque and classicism, superimposed on the harsh Romanesque facade.

    Church of Santa Maria di Castello
    Basilica of Santissima Annunziata del Vastato

    Basilica of Santissima Annunziata del Vastato

    A picturesque church built in a transitional style from Mannerism to Baroque. According to the original plan, the temple was built in a late Gothic manner, but at the beginning of the XVII century, under the direction of architect T. Carlone, the building was rebuilt. Famous masters worked on the decoration of the church in different periods: D. Bernardo, D. Casella, K. Barabino. This was made possible thanks to generous funding from the wealthy Lomellini family.

    Church of Saints Ambrose and Andrew

    A Jesuit temple located on one of the central city squares. The first church of the VI century, located on this site, was named in honor of St. Ambrose, the patron saint of Milan. It lasted until 1552. After the building fell into the hands of the Jesuits, they decided to rebuild the church to their taste. Thanks to the brothers, valuable works of art and frescoes by D. Carlo Ne appeared in the temple.

    Church of Saints Ambrose and Andrew
    Staglieno Cemetery

    Staglieno Cemetery

    The cemetery began its work in the middle of the XIX century. It quickly became the most "popular" in the city. People who buried their relatives seemed to compete in the beauty of the tombstones decorating graves and crypts. Now the necropolis can be considered as an open-air sculpture museum. The philosopher F. Nietzsche once liked to walk along the paths of the cemetery, accompanied by the artist P. Klee.

    Carlo Felice Theater

    The main opera and ballet stage of Genoa, located in Piazza Ferrari. The theater building was erected in the first half of the XIX century. The opera "Bianca and Fernando" by V. Bellini was chosen as the premiere production. The works of the great Giuseppe Verdi were often staged on the stage. The composer himself lived in Genoa every winter for 40 years. All this time he worked closely with the management of the theater.

    Carlo Felice Theater
    Genoa Aquarium

    Genoa Aquarium

    The Genoa Aquarium is considered the second largest in Europe and the largest aquarium in Italy. Marine life is contained in 70 huge tanks with a total capacity of more than 6 million tons of water. The aquarium was built in 1992 for the start of the Genoa Expo, which was held in honor of the 500th anniversary of the discovery of America. In 1998, the area of the aquarium was increased by another extension.

    Galata Maritime Museum

    The museum was opened in 2004. The exposition tells about the rich history and traditions of navigation of the Republic of Genoa, as well as the entire Mediterranean. The museum exhibits models of ships belonging to different historical eras. There are modern submarines, and old boats of rich merchants, and warships. The museum has a library where navigation maps and ship documentation are stored.

    Galata Maritime Museum
    Galleon

    Galleon "Neptune"

    A copy of the Spanish ship of the XVII century, which was created in 1985 specifically for the film "Pirates" by Roman Polanski. Externally, the ship is a real Spanish galleon, made entirely of wood, but it has a powerful modern engine and a steel hull. After filming, the ship was permanently moored near the Maritime Museum and is now used only as a tourist attraction.

    Panoramic elevator "Il Bigo"

    A popular tourist attraction, which is located on the territory of the Old Port of Genoa. The elevator is stylized as a system of port cranes, with which ships were loaded and unloaded. Il Bigo lifts passengers to a height of 40 meters above sea level, offering panoramic views of the sea, the city, the harbor, coastal cliffs and the surroundings of Genoa.

    Panoramic elevator
    Port Sopran Gate

    Port Sopran Gate

    Massive gates of the XII century, located in the heart of the city. For many centuries they served as the main entrance to Genoa. The structure is made of gray stone in the form of two watchtowers connected by an arched span. Tourists can climb to the observation deck of the gate for free and admire the city views from there. Porta Soprana is located in the historical part of Genoa.

    Christopher Columbus House

    The great navigator and discoverer Columbus was born on the territory of the Republic of Genoa. The house in which he was born still stands on one of the city streets. The building was badly damaged in the XVII century during the French attack, but the building was partially restored. During the excavations, it was found that the walls are held on an old foundation of the VI century.

    Christopher Columbus House
    Nervi Park

    Nervi Park

    The park area surrounding the town of Nervi and including the surrounding area and landscaped embankments. The main walking alley of the park is a narrow strip between the rocks and the sea, which stretches for about 2 km. This is a great place for relaxing walks along the coast, for observing the sea element and spiritual relaxation. The park is very popular with tourists, so there can be a lot of visitors here in high season.

    Villeta Di Negro Park

    A large park located in the city limits of Genoa. In the XVI century, a system of fortifications stood in its place, but later they were no longer needed, and the territories were given over to green spaces. The park appeared thanks to the activities of the Marquis D. K. Di Negro, who first organized a botanical school here and brought the first plants. On the territory of the garden there is a Museum of Oriental Art named after Chiossone.

    Villeta Di Negro Park
    Corso Embankment Italy

    Corso Embankment Italy

    The main promenade of Genoa, stretching for about 2.5 km along the coast. The embankment acquired its modern architectural appearance in 1915. D. Carbone worked on the project. As a result of the reconstruction, the place has become more comfortable – benches, new paths, gazebos have appeared. Corso Italia has restaurants, bars, swimming pools, sports clubs and private beaches.

    Anita Garibaldi Embankment

    The main walking alley of the Nevi Park, which stretches along the rocky coast. There are several places on the embankment where you can go down the stairs directly to the sea. Many tourists sunbathe and relax right on the coastal rocks. The embankment is dotted with sharp promontories and rocky ledges overgrown with characteristic Mediterranean vegetation. This is a picturesque place, perfectly adapted for recreation.

    Anita Garibaldi Embankment
    Montaldo Observation Deck

    Montaldo Observation Deck

    Montaldo is considered one of the most beautiful places in Genoa. It offers stunning views of the city blocks. In the XIII century, the Castelletto fortress stood on the site of the square, but it was demolished in the middle of the XIX century. You can get to Montaldo using a special elevator from 1910, which in itself is a separate attraction. Or you can use the Circonvallacion-a-Monte road.