Genoa (Genova) is a port city and
capital of the Liguria region in northwest Italy. It's known for its central
role in maritime trade over many centuries.
In the old town stands the
Romanesque Cathedral of San Lorenzo, with its black-and-white-striped facade
and frescoed interior.
Narrow lanes open onto monumental
squares like Piazza de Ferrari, site of an iconic bronze fountain and the
Teatro Carlo Felice opera house.
Genoa is easily
accessible through budget flights to Genoa Airport, and city centre is only a
20-minute bus ride. It is a perfect starting-point if you are planning to visit
the Italian Riviera ,including the villages of the Cinque Terre. easily
reachable by train.
Genoa's
most important tourist sights
Genoa boasts one
of Italy's UNESCO World Heritage sites. This status
was awarded for the early town-planning of the Strade Nuove 'new streets'
district, where grand palaces were erected in the late sixteenth and early
seventeenth centuries as part of a scheme where noble families, resident in the
new palaces, would pay host to visiting dignitaries. Via Garibaldi, an elegant
narrow street lined with grandeur, is the cultural centre of tourist Genoa. The
town's best art collections can be visited here, in three palaces grouped
together as the Musei di Strada Nuova: Palazzo Bianco, Palazzo Rosso and
Palazzo Tursi, Garibaldi, where highlights include works by Filippino Lippi,
Veronese and Rubens as well as many local artists.
Down by the
rejuvenated Porto Antico (Old Port) are a number of attractions for
all the family, including the Acquario, an aquarium which, along with the
UNESCO listing, is Genoa's proudest attraction, and where visitors can admire
sharks and dolphins up close. This is a great destination for children, but
fascinating for adult visitors too. Nearby is the Bigo, a panoramic lift
inspired by shipyard cranes, designed by local star architect Renzo Piano. As
the lift revolves you can enjoy the views over Genoa's port and hillsides.
Home of pesto and in
every local restaurant you'll find this characteristic pasta sauce, usually
served with troffie pasta,
long beens and boiled potatoes. If you are fancy a snack Farinata is your choice. Another
speciality is Focaccia
and can be found in different varieties, from the simple one , the onion one
to the version filled with cheese from Recco.
