Genoa

Genoa is a port city located in the northern part of Italy, within the region of Liguria. Some parts of the city’s historic center have been included in the UNESCO World Heritage list, proving the rich heritage enjoyed by the present day Genoa.

Sights & Activities

Genoa is the site of an ancient lighthouse, La Lanterna. This landmark was built in 1543 and is 117 meters high. Visitors can climb up to its top to view the cityscapes and the coastline. Remarkably, the lighthouse is still operational up to the present.

A glimpse of the city’s glorious heritage can be had at the Palazzo Reale, which is located along Via Balbi. This 17th century palace bears opulent interiors fit for royalty, from its throne room to its ballroom and bedchambers. It is now converted into a museum that allows visitors to examine elegant furnishings and artworks. The palace is also set within lovely gardens that are perfect for leisurely strolls.

At the Piazza San Lorenzo is the Cattedrale di San Lorenzo, the Romanesque structure that is popularly known as the Genoa Cathedral. It houses the ashes of the city’s patron saint, St. John the Baptist. It bears a black and white façade as well as stone statues of lions and of San Giovanni. The Museo del Tesoro is located at the church’s basement and displays the Sacro Catino, a relic used by the apostles during the Last Supper. It also contains the plate that held the head of John the Baptist and an impressive tabernacle.

Another famous church is the city is the Basilica della Santissima Vastato, situated along Via Garibaldi. This 16th century church is adorned with Baroque art, with frescoes and paintings made by several artists.

Genoa’s UNESCO World Heritage site is the Le Strade Nuove that is presently called the Via Garibaldi. This part of the city’s old district is the location of several Mannerist palaces, including the Palazzo Rosso, the Palazzo Grimaldi, the Palazzo Reale, and the Palazzo Bianco.

There are several attractions in Genoa that children can enjoy. One is the Biosfera or Biosphere located on Porto Antico. This greenhouse is located under a domed structure and is home to miniature ecosystem that is composed of exotic birds, butterflies, and several species of plants.

Another popular attraction is the Acquario or Aquarium, situated at Ponte Spinola. Apart from viewing numerous species of marine species, the aquarium also allows children to feed its animals at designated times of the day.

After visiting the Aquarium, families should also head out to the Il Galeone Neptune on Molo Ponte Calvi. This ship was constructed as a prop for the film ‘Pirates’ and has been a popular attraction ever since. Visitors can roam the ship and learn something about the life of pirates during the 17th century.
There are also several outdoor attractions in Genoa. The largest outdoor space in the city is the Parchi di Nervi, composed of three gardens of villas located along Via Capulungo. Apart from being ideal for leisurely strolls, the park is also the venue for the International Ballet Festival held every summer.
At the Piazzale Resasco is the Cimitero Monumentale di Staglie, where visitors can stroll along its tree-lined avenues and stop by the Chapel of the Intercession.

During the month of September, the city turns musical as it celebrates the Paganiapa, a festival celebrating the works of composer Niccolò Paganini. Various musical performances and other cultural activities are organized throughout the city.

Weather

Genoa enjoys a climate that is ideal to visit all the year through. Summer rarely gets hot and winter can only be described as mild. Many visitors come to Genoa during the month of May to enjoy its lovely outdoors and swim in the warm waters of the beaches located in and around the city. The temperature lowers considerably during November and rain showers are expected to occur more frequently. Winter temperatures rarely go below freezing and rain occurs less often.