Genoa Introduction:
Genoa, Genova in Italian, was the site of EXPO 92 and a 2004 European Culture Capital. Money flowed into the Ligurian port city made famous by Columbus and now it's a better place than ever to visit. Genoa has a fascinating aquarium, an interesting port, and a historic center said to be the largest medieval quarter in Europe, with a wealth of churches, palaces, and museums. In 2006, Genoa's Rolli Palaces were added to the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.Genoa Location:
Genoa is Italy's principal seaport and is located on the northwest coast of Italy in the region of Liguria, not far from the French border.Transportation to Genoa:
Genoa is a train hub and can be reached from Milan, Turin, La Spezia, Pisa, Rome and Nice, France. The two train stations, Principe and Brignole are both in central Genoa. Buses leave from Piazza della Vittoria. Ferries leave Genoa's port for Sicily, Sardinia, Corsica, and Elba. Genoa also has a small airport, Cristoforo Colombo, with flights to other parts of Italy and Europe.Genoa Transportation:
Genoa has a good local bus service. Local ferries go to towns along the Italian Riveria. From Piazza del Portello you can take the public elevator to go up the hill to Piazza Castello or the funiculare to go up to Chiesa di Sant'Anna where a good walking path descends from the church.Genoa Tourist Information:
There is tourist information in the port area at Stazione Marittima, open seasonally. There are also branches in the train stations.Genoa Hotels:
Genoa hotels (book direct) can be viewed on Venere with user ratings and reviews, photos, and maps.Genoa Festivals:
The historic regatta, one of Italy's most exciting, is held the first weekend in June every fourth year. Boatmen from the ancient maritime republics of Amalfi, Genova, Pisa, and Venezia compete (the festival rotates amongst these cities). There is a jazz festival in July. The statue "Christ of the Depths",underwater at the bay's entrance, is celebrated at the end of July with a Mass, the illumination of the reefs and a line of underwater torches to show the way to the statue.Genoa Food Specialties:
Genoa is famous for pesto (basil, pine nuts, garlic, and parmigiano cheese) usually served over trenette or trofia pasta cooked with potatoes and green beans. Being a port city, Genoa also has some good seafood dishes such as the fish stew buridda. Cima alla Genovese is veal breast stuffed with organ meats, herbs, vegetables, and pine nuts, served cold.Genoa Attractions:
- The early 13th-century San Lorenzo Cathedral has a black and white striped marble facade.
- The Aquarium of Genoa, built for the EXPO 92, is the second largest in Europe.
- The National Gallery in the Palazzo Spinola has original furnishings from the 16th-18th centuries, frescoed ceiliings, and an excellent collection of art.
- The Civic Museum, housed in the 16th-century Palazzo Bianco, also has a great collection of paintings by Genoese and other European artists.
- The carruggi, narrow alleys, are interesting to wander around (take a map, you can get lost easily).
- Via Garibaldi and Via Balbi are good walking streets with lavishly decorated mansions and old palaces.
- The Renaissance and Baroque Rolli Palaces, in Genoa's center, were added to the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 2006. About 80 Rolli palaces were built in the 16th century, when Genoa was one of Italy's four great maritime republics. Many of them were restored in 2004.
- There's a walking path along the scenic spruced-up port area.
- From Piazza Castello there are fabulous views of the port and city (take the public elevator).
Genoa Province of Liguria
The Genoa portion of the Italian Riviera has several interesting villages, ports, and resorts. Most can be reached by train, bus, or ferry from Genoa. Portofino, Rapallo, and Camogli are three of the most popular destinations. See our Liguria Interactive Travel Map for locations and more information about the Genoa Province of Liguria.
