Genoa, Italy
Genoa is Italy’s biggest port and Europe’s biggest medieval town. Its old city is a maze of alleyways and important palazzos built in the 16th and 17th centuries by the wealthy mercantile families of the city. Genoa used to be one of the most important maritime powers and it is today a lively port which was Europe’s European Capital of culture in 2004.
Getting to and around Genoa
The Aeroporto Cristoforo Colombo is the local airport just 6 km west of the city centre. Regular airport buses will take you every 30 minutes to the edge of the Old Town or Piazza Verdi outside the train station. The city has 2 main train stations the Stazione Pincipe on Piazza Acquaverde and Stazione Brignole on Piazza Verdi.
The best way to discover the city is on foot especially the old part which embraces Porto Antico Genoa’s port which was revitalized during the 1990’s and it is now a main tourist attraction with its many cafes and restaurants. Local buses can be used for around the city but you need to buy in advance your tickets from the local tobacco shops or newspaper stands. Taxis are easily available and are best booked through your hotel.
Genoa's Highlights
Genoa became a maritime power through trade, colonial exploitation and piracy. It played a major role in the Crusades and its people brought back goods and ideas, which enhanced Genoa’s wealth and contributed to the city’s architectural development. From here Columbus who grew up in Genoa set out for his explorations around the world. Places of interest are many to list but below are a few sites which are important to visit during your stay in Genoa.
The Palazzo Ducale, right in the heart of the old town, was the residence of a number of doges who ruled the city from 1384 to 1515. Today it is an exhibition hall and at various times of the year you can enjoy here various shows or concerts. West of Piazza Matteotti is Cattedrale di San Lorenzo which houses the Renaissance chapel of St John the Baptist.
The Palazzo Reale was built by the Balbi family in the early 17th century. It has a grand ballroom with stucco ceilings and Chinese vases, a lavish audience room with Turkish carpets and silk curtains and some wonderful works of art including Van Dyck’s Crucifixion.
Via Garibaldi is a narrow street filled with Renaissance art which you can enjoy as you pass by the various sculpted facades and large private courtyards. In this street you will also find Galleria di Palazzo Bianco, Genoa’s finest gallery, which houses works by Rubens, Memling and Van Dyck.
The Porto Antico is full of old warehouses which have been converted to exhibition halls, sea front cafes and restaurants from where you can enjoy some nice views of the marina.
Italian Riviera
San Remo has been a popular resort for many decades and famous wealthy Europeans chose to spend their holidays here. It has a well known casino, sea front hotels and a lovely old town. Corso Matteotti is a popular street lined up with cocktail bars, cinemas and clothes stores. Unless you drive into San Remo the easiest way to arrive is by train. The local station is located east of the town centre on Corso Cavallotti.
Portofino has been the choice Italian resort for European jet setters, film stars, the wealthy and the famous. It is an ideal setting with its small picturesque harbour, expensive waterfront shops and restaurants. The most rewarding option when visiting Portofino would be to take one of the various walks and admire the expansive vistas along the Riviera coast.
Cinque Terre consists of 5 tiny villages hidden into a series of coves between Santa Margherita Ligure and La Spezia. Monterosso is the largest and most developed village of Cinque Terre. Here you can swim in one of the little coves and visit the old quarter of the village on the hill including the 17th century monastery Convento dei Cappuccini. Vernazza, set in a natural harbour, has some lovely colourful houses, a couple of small hotels and a few restaurants. Corniglia is the smallest and most remote village in Cinque Terre set on a hill 90 metres above sea level. Getting to its natural and tranquil bays for a swim involves walking down the hill via a long flight of steps, but the wonderful views which can be enjoyed warrant the effort. Manarola has charming pastel shaded houses and the small 14th century church of San Lorenzo. A couple of small hotels and a few typical restaurants complete the picture of this little village. Riomaggiore is a lively village set on the easternmost part of Cinque Terre. From here you can take a wonderful walk along Via Dell’Amore (Lovers’ Path) to Manarola. Walking down this path you will take you around 30 minutes and you will enjoy wonderful sea views and the lovely vegetation of this region.
Santa Margherita Ligure is a small resort with nice beaches and lovely villas ascending onto its hill behind the town. It has some nice waterfront hotels and it is a favourite weekend escape for the Genoas. La Spezia on the other end of Cinque Terre is a larger town set between the hills and the sea. There are some nice public gardens to visit, the Museo Tecnico Navale and the city’s Duomo Santa Maria Assunta.
Cinque Terre and the resort towns of San Remo and Portofino will give you an escape from the countless museums, palazzos and galleries you would have visited during your visits in Rome, Florence and Venice.
