Genoa - Do & See

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Genoa

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Overview

Do & See The guide was updated: 2024-09-12

Being one of the best-kept travel destinations secrets, Genoa for sure offers many beautiful and interesting tourist attractions. There are over a dozen museums and galleries, a prestigious theatre, the largest aquarium in Europe and many renowned landmarks to visit, providing visitors with a range of options to explore.

Most of the popular tourist spots are located near Piazza de Ferrari, the city's main square, or by the old Port of Genoa. Other notable sights include Palazzo Ducale, Palazzi dei Rolli, and the Medieval Quarter. To gain a deeper understanding of the town's geography and history, a boat tour is widely recommended, with a variety of boat trips departing from Genoa harbour.

Strada Nuova Museums

Strada Nuova Museums

Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2006, Via Garibaldi is lined with resplendent Renaissance palaces, constructed by Genoa's wealthiest families during the 16th and 17th centuries. Palazzo Bianco is home to an extensive collection of Italian and Flemish art, featuring works by illustrious artists such as Rubens, Van Dyck, and Caravaggio. Meanwhile, Palazzo Rosso showcases an incredible collection of art that has been amassed over the course of two centuries by the Brignole-Sale family.

Palazzo Spinola

Palazzo Spinola

Situated in an aristocratic 16th-century residence donated to the state by the Spinola family, this National Gallery is home to numerous famous works by the greatest Genoese, Flemish, and European artists, including a significant collection of ceramics. Visitors can admire works by Rubens, Van Dyck, il Grechetto, Valerio Castello, and many others on display here.

Galata Maritime Museum

Galata Maritime Museum

Situated near the famous Aquarium, the Galata Museo del Mare is a must-visit attraction for anyone wanting to understand more of Genoa’s sea-faring past. As the biggest museum of its kind in the Mediterranean, it features high-tech displays, genuine replica galley ships, and over 6,000 original artefacts, providing a wealth of things to explore.

Aquarium of Genoa

Aquarium of Genoa

The Aquarium of Genoa is the largest aquarium in Italy, providing endless entertainment for the whole family. It boasts the most extensive range of aquatic biodiversity in Europe, with over 70 exhibits and around 12,000 specimens of 600 species. Visitors can marvel at rare species like manatees and famous ones like dolphins, penguins, and sharks. Other attractions include jellyfish, seals, and colourful tropical fish species.

Bigo Panoramic Lift

Bigo Panoramic Lift

The Bigo lift, designed by Genoese architect Renzo Piano, is a massive spider-like structure with a viewing cabin that lifts you 40 metres high for a fabulous view. Are you brave enough to take the ride? If so, you'll be rewarded with a breathtaking panoramic view of the stunning city of Genoa, complete with views of the hills and sea.

Cattedrale di San Lorenzo

Cattedrale di San Lorenzo

Situated in the heart of the historic district, San Lorenzo is the primary cathedral of Genoa, renowned for its striking black and white striped marble facade, which dates back to the 12th century. Inside the cathedral, visitors can marvel at the breathtaking interior, replete with high ceilings, towering columns, and exquisite stained glass. The basement of the cathedral is home to the Treasure Museum, which is definitely worth a visit.

Medieval Quarter

Medieval Quarter

The Medieval Quarter in Genoa, which happens to be one of the largest in Europe, is characterized by its network of narrow caruggi (alleys) that meander through the heart of the city, going up, down, and across. The structures lining these alleys can soar up to six stories high, and in some areas, the alleys are so narrow that they barely span a few meters. Despite their diminutive size, these alleys conceal a wealth of superb restaurants, bars, and shops. Getting lost in this labyrinthine quarter is practically unavoidable, and it always proves to be a fascinating experience.

Piazza San Matteo

Piazza San Matteo

Nestled in a charming corner of town, Piazza San Matteo is a petite yet exquisite square that was once the residence of the influential Doria family for five centuries. Visitors can explore the 12th-century Roman Catholic church of San Matteo, which features a stunning 14th-century cloister. Immerse yourself in the rich history that permeates this location, and take in the ambience of this captivating site.

Palazzo Reale

Palazzo Reale

Constructed by the Balbi family in the 17th century, the Palazzo Reale (also known as Palazzo Stefano Balbi) was originally a sprawling aristocratic residence for three of the most powerful families in the city: the Balbis, Durazzos, and Savoys. Today, it serves as a museum and boasts an extensive collection of historical furniture, paintings, and sculptures. Visitors can also explore the impressive garden, which is teeming with lush vegetation and exotic flora.

Camogli

Camogli

Camogli is a stunning fishing village and tourist resort located on the west side of the peninsula of Portofino around 20 km east of Genoa. Visitors are drawn to its beautiful pastel-hued palaces and homes, relaxed atmosphere, breathtaking hiking paths, and, of course, its exceptional cuisine. The town is renowned for its delectable focaccia, which is a must-try. To reach Camogli, travellers can either take a boat from Genoa or catch a train from Stazione Principe.

Anita Garibaldi Promenade in Nervi

Anita Garibaldi Promenade in Nervi

Beginning at the Nervi marina, Anita Garibaldi's Walk is a picturesque 2-km route that leads to the ancient port of Capolungo in Noli. Originally, it was an ancient trail utilized by fishermen and farmers in the early 1800s to access fishing spots and agricultural land that abutted the sea. Nowadays, it's a popular destination for couples and families seeking a romantic stroll in one of the world's most breathtaking locations. The mesmerizing views and stunning colours of the Riviera make it an experience well worth having.

Palazzi dei Rolli

Palazzi dei Rolli

The Palazzi dei Rolli is an open-air museum located in the heart of Genoa, showcasing a collection of palaces constructed during the 16th and 17th centuries to house the most influential aristocratic families of Genoa. This project also resulted in the reorganization of the street system in the historic centre, known today as 'Strade Nuove', which includes Via Garibaldi, Via Cairoli, Via Bensa, and Via Balbi. Visitors can explore the area and admire the buildings, such as Palazzo Rosso from the 17th century, as well as Palazzo Bianco and Palazzo Doria Tursi, both from the 16th century.

Church of Santa Maria di Castello

Church of Santa Maria di Castello

The Basilica of Santa Maria di Castello is a stunning church built in the Romanesque style, situated on the Castello hill in Genoa. If you seek tranquillity and serenity during your vacation, this is the perfect place to visit. You may also light a candle, following the tradition of the deeply religious locals.

Doge's Palace (Palazzo Ducale)

Doge's Palace (Palazzo Ducale)

Situated in the heart of the city, Palazzo Ducale has two distinct entrances, one from Piazza Matteotti and the other from Piazza De Ferrari, two of the city's most significant gathering places. Formerly the residence of the Doges of Genoa, this stunning Neoclassical building now serves as a museum and centre for cultural events and art exhibitions.

Monumental Cemetery of Staglieno

Monumental Cemetery of Staglieno

The Monumental Cemetery of Staglieno stands as a historical testament, containing the remains of distinguished citizens such as De Andre' and Govi, as well as the tomb of Lady Constance Wilde, the wife of Irish playwright Oscar Wilde. Its elegant galleries and chapels display hundreds of statues, making it a captivating open-air museum. The styles used by sculptors go from realism, neo-Gothic and neo-Renaissance to Art Nouveau and Symbolism.

Diocesan Museum

Diocesan Museum

The Museo Diocesano in Genoa is a religious museum that occupies the former home of the canons of the Cathedral of San Lorenzo. It is accessible through the 12th-century cloister of San Lorenzo. The museum showcases a collection of objects from the diocese of Genoa and its surroundings. Among the exhibits are sculptures, paintings, frescoes, illuminated manuscripts, liturgical items, and archaeological artefacts.

Piazza della Vittoria

Piazza della Vittoria

Victory Square, or Piazza della Vittoria, holds a significant place in Genoa as not only one of its largest squares, but also as one of the most important ones. Dominating the square is the impressive Arch of Victory, which is also referred to as the War Memorial of the Fallen. This arch is a tribute to the Genoese soldiers who lost their lives during the First World War. Additionally, the square boasts lawns that are adorned with engravings of the symbols of Columbus's ships.

Galleria D'Arte Moderna

Galleria D'Arte Moderna

The art museum is located in the exquisite sixteenth-century Villa Saluzzo in Nervi, providing a stunning backdrop for visitors. It houses a vast collection of over 2,500 works, ranging from paintings, sculptures, drawings, and engravings, dating back from the early nineteenth century to the present day. Among the notable artists whose works are on display are Rayper, Luxoro, Cabianca, Varni, Barabino, Baroni, and many others.

Creattivando Workroom Art & Food

Creattivando Workroom Art & Food

Creattivando is a workshop where visitors can discover how to make local products, including the delicious Genoese pesto, by participating in cooking classes and learning about Ligurian crafts. It's a casual and fun way to learn Italian cooking. Additionally, they organise food and wine tours, for more information see the website below.

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