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If you do not know what to see in Genoa, but want to make an unforgettable trip to this fabulous city, carefully study our rating. We will list the most significant and amazing sights in Genoa, taking into account the reviews and recommendations of local residents and experienced guides.
What to see first in Genoa?
To make your trip not only fun, but also informative, we advise you to book the following excursions in Genoa:
1. Ferrari Square
View of the Ferrari Square fountain and narrow streets 20 -th of September and Dante in Genoa Twice25/Rinina25
The review of “the most interesting places in Genoa” should start from the central city square. At the beginning of the 19th century, the authorities carried out a complete reconstruction of the territory, giving it large dimensions and a square shape. One of the local attractions is the bronze monument of D. Garibildi, installed in front of the opera house in 1879. Walking along the square, you can see old mansions, visit cafes and restaurants. If you are interested in the history of Genoa, you should definitely come to this atmospheric place.
2. Baccadasse
View of the old district of Genoa – Baccadasse
One of the most famous fishing districts of the city, most of the buildings in which are still owned by the families of fishermen. The facades of the cottages are painted in red, pink and yellow colors. Bakkadasse is interesting for tourists not only for its architecture, but also for its excellent beaches.
3. Royal Palace
View from the outdoor terrace of the Royal Palace of the 17th century in Genoa
Interior of the Royal Palace in Genoa
Medieval castle of the 17th century, which managed to reach our days in its original form. The construction of the facility was ordered by members of an influential Genoese family. However, soon the building passed into the possession of the royal family, who decorated the interiors with unique pieces of art and expensive furniture.
Official website: http://palazzoreale
4. Old Port
Part of the large area of the Old Port of Genoa in the evening lights fabrizio.binello
Boats moored in the old port of Genoa Alessio Sbarbaro
Like many other sights of Genoa, this one stretches along the coast. The 22-kilometer port has many terminals and 4 entrances for all kinds of ships. In the port there is a 3-masted frigate, which you can see in the movie “Pirates”, as well as the famous Biosphere, the Maritime Museum and a giant aquarium. Every tourist will find something new and exciting here.
5. La Lanterna lighthouse
La Lanterna – the main lighthouse of the Genoese port Twice25 & Rinina25
The oldest and highest lighthouse in the Mediterranean, considered a true symbol of Genoa. 375 steps lead to a height of about 80 meters. In previous years, caretakers used dry juniper to support the fire, then an oil lamp. At some point, La Lanterna began to be used as a fortress, and in 1326 it was surrounded by a protective trench. In the 15th century, the building underwent a large-scale reconstruction, and began to serve as a prisoner. Among the prisoners were, for example, King of Cyprus Jean II and his wife.
Watch the wonderful views of Genoa in this exciting video!
6. Teatro Carlo Felice
Equestrian statue of Giuseppe Garibaldi in front of the theater Carlo Felice in Genoa Jensens
What to visit in Genoa for fans of theatrical art? This wonderful complex of the early 19th century, accommodating two thousand guests at a time. Giuseppe Verdi himself staged his performances here. During the Second World War, the building was seriously damaged. Only the façade and part of the interiors survived.
7. Il Bigo Panoramic Elevator
Il Bigo panoramic elevator is a popular attraction in the Old Port of Genoa
In the old port there is an original attraction for tourists: an elevator in the form of a system of cranes used for loading and unloading ships. The design lifts passengers up to 40 meters: from a bird's eye view they can look at the whole city, its cottages and streets, coastal cliffs, harbor and sea spaces.
8. Aquarium
< img title="Genoa Attractions: Top 31" src="/wp-content/uploads/dostoprimechatelnosti-genui-top-31-383efe2.jpg" alt="Genoa Attractions: Top 31" />
Facade of the largest Aquarium in Italy in Genoa kajikawa
Contact pool at the Genoa Aquarium, where you can pet the rays Francesco Crippa
The best option for where to go in Genoa with the whole family. Over 3,000 sq. meters, there are about 70 pools and aquariums with a variety of inhabitants of the seas, oceans and rivers. Including with jellyfish, exotic turtles, dolphins and sharks. The inhabitants of the aquarium are also turtles and lizards. Guides in Genoa warn in advance that you can take photos inside without turning on the flash.
Official website: https://www.acquario
9 Biosphere
The twenty-meter glass ball of the Biosphere Botanical Garden in the port of Genoa Christine Zenino
The attraction is located near the aquarium, and is a giant glass sphere. Inside the structure there is a “rainforest”, or rather, its high-precision imitation. In addition to all kinds of trees and green spaces, in the botanical garden you can see parrots, butterflies, iguanas and birds. Piranhas live in the local reservoir. Well-groomed paths are provided for exploring the “tropics”.
10. Galata Maritime Museum
Maritime Museum Galata made of glass and metal structures in the style of “Hi Tech” in Genoa Jensens
Italian submarine Nazario Sauro at the Galata Maritime Museum in Genoa user:gaetano56
Another attraction of the city port. Excursions with sound and visual effects are conducted on the territory of ten thousand squares. Many exhibits are dedicated to C. Columbus, who was born in Genoa. The collections include ancient weapons, canvases, navigation instruments and maps, models of ships from the Middle Ages.
Official website: http://www.galata
11 Galleon “Neptune”
Huge three-masted frigate “Neptune” – a copy of the Spanish galleon of the 17th century in the old port of Genoa
The original copy of the Spanish ship of the 17th century, which was built for the movie “Pirates”. An interesting point is that about 25% of the total budget of the picture was spent on the creation of the galleon. You can also see the ship in the Neverland series.
12. Palazzi dei Rolli
The quarter of palaces of the Genoese aristocracy Twice25 & Rinina25
Few places of interest in Italy have such a rich history and such a luxurious view as this quarter of castles, owned by the city's most influential citizens and authorities. For the most part, the Palazzi dei Rolli are masterpieces of world architectural heritage. All buildings were built according to one large-scale project. Some majestic castles house museums and art galleries with the best examples of French furniture, Italian frescoes, sculptural companies and canvases from the last 5 centuries.
Official website: https://www.palazzideirolli
13. Palazzo Bianco
Courtyard of the Palazzo Bianco or the White Palace in Genoa cercamon
Museum complex, located in a building of the 16th century, formerly owned by the Grimaldi family. The owners of the white palace changed several times: many owners carried out the reconstruction of the house. The building eventually received its white façade and its corresponding name. In the 20th century, the Palazzo Bianco passed to the state, and museums were placed in it.
Official website: http://www.musei
14. Palazzo Rosso
The red color of the walls of the Palazzo Rosso, located between Palazzo Bianco and Palazzo Doria Tursi
The red building, created in the 17th century, is officially part of the UNESCO historical heritage today. Until the middle of the 19th century, the object belonged to the influential Genoese family Brignole-Sale, whose members then gave it to the city. Inside the Palazzo Rosso are valuable works of art.
Official website: http://www.musei
<b>15. </b>Palazzo Ducale
View from Piazza Matteotti on the majestic building of the Doge's Palace in Genoa Jensens
Hall of the Great Council in the Genoese ducal palace Palazzo Ducale Davide Papalini
The construction of the castle, intended for the rulers (doges) of the city, continued for several hundred years. Now there is a museum inside. A number of halls are used for organizing socially important events and meetings. In the 18th century, the building was reconstructed and acquired its current neoclassical appearance. If you do not know what to see in Genoa in 1 day, but are passionate about history and architecture, be sure to come here.
Official website: http://www.palazzo
16. Palazzo San Giorgio
Frescoes by Lazzaro Tavarone on the facade of the San Giorgio Palace in Piazza Caricamento in Genoa
Luxurious castle of the 13th century, which once housed a famous Italian bank, as well as a prison, of which M. Polo was a prisoner. Currently, the owners of the house are the administration of the city port.
Official website: https://www.portsofgenoa
17. Prince's Villa
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A green Italian-style park and a fountain with a statue of Neptune in front of the Prince's Palace in Genoa
Even the best hotels in Genoa do not always boast the same impressive and chic views as this 16th century villa with a huge fountain and garden. The mansion received the title of “princely” after its owner, the admiral, was given the title of prince. The building is used for meetings of foreign ambassadors and official delegations.
Official website: http://www.doriapamphilj
18. Albertis Castle
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View of Monte Galletto with Albertis Castle from Via Bari in Genoa Tassiano Daniele
Stunning views of the city and the Ligurian Sea from the castle of D'Albertis Twice25 e Rinina25
The palace belonged to the famous navigator Albertis, and was built on the territory of an ancient bastion, the remains of which have been preserved. Now the castle is used to house the collections of the ethnographic museum. Guests can look at various household items of aborigines from different continents of the Earth. Some samples were found by the navigator himself.
Official website: http://www.musei
19. Cathedral of San Lorenzo
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The famous Cathedral of San Lorenzo in Genoa, Italy
The interior of the chapel of San Giovanni in the Cathedral of San Lorenzo in Genoa Mattana
A grandiose asymmetric building of the 12th century, which changed its architectural appearance more than once. The current facade of the cathedral is made of fine marble. On the sides are towers of various sizes. Inside the Tesoro Museum there are priceless relics of Christianity: a dish on which, presumably, Salome was presented with the head of John the Baptist and the ashes of the great martyr. Among the fifty exhibits are silver jewels and artefacts from the 9th century.
20. Basilica Santissima Annunziata del Vastato
Basilica of Santissima Annunziata del Vastato in Piazza della Nunziata JoachimKohlerBremen
The architectural style of the 16th century church is late Gothic. The building is generously decorated with gilding, sculptures and frescoes. The inner vaults are supported by huge columns of pink and white marble.
Sights of Genoa: what else to visit in Genoa?
We told you about the main attractions in Genoa briefly. If you have already seen them, pay attention to other monuments and masterpieces of the Italian city:
21. Church of Santa Maria di Castello
Interior of the Church of Santa Maria di Castello in Genoa Davide Papalini
One of the oldest churches, built in the 9th-10th centuries. In the 20th century, the building was empty, but today it houses a museum. The church itself is still active. Elements of classicism and baroque are visible in the appearance of a laconic Romanesque facade.
22. Church of Saints Ambrose and Andrew
Jesuit Church of Saints Ambrose and Andrew on Matteotti Square in Genoa Davide Papalini
Central altar with Rubens' Circumcision in the church of St. Ambrose and Andrew José Luiz
Listing the best sights of Genoa, one cannot forget about this Jesuit church. It was thanks to the efforts of the Jesuits that the temple was able to receive rare frescoes created by D. Carlone and valuable works of art.
23. Staglieno Cemetery
Gallery of marble headstones and sculptures in the open air of the monumental cemetery of Staglieno < p>The date of creation of Staglieno is the 19th century. Immediately after the opening, this necropolis “began to enjoy great success with the townspeople.” Crypts and graves were decorated with beautiful marble tombstones, gradually turning the cemetery into a real museum of outdoor sculptures. Klee and Nietzsche often walked along the local paths. The territory of Staglieno is approaching one square kilometer. Among the most famous objects is the mausoleum of D. Mazzini, who was buried here in 1872.
Official website: http://www.staglieno
24. Porta Soprana
Massive 12th-century Porta Soprana Gate Maurizio Beatrici
A well-preserved part of a defensive structure. In previous years, it was these gates that were the largest construction of the walls of Barbarossa. From them there was a road to Rome.
25. House of Christopher Columbus
Facade of the house of Christopher Columbus in Genoa Rinina25Twice25
The building is located in the historical part of the city. According to historians, the legendary navigator was born in it. However, there is another version, according to which Columbus began to live here only from the age of 4. The cottage has a modest size. It will take you no more than 15 minutes to see it in its entirety. It is forbidden to take photos and videotape inside.
26. Nervi town
The resort town of Nervi on the sea coast in Genoa Superchilum
A resort town, formerly a small fishing village. Now the territory of Nervi is lined with cottages and hotels for tourists, and is considered a great place for a comfortable beach holiday. There are several themed museums for those interested in the history of Liguria.
27. Nervi Park
Picturesque nature of Nervi Park Maurizio Beatrici
The length of the main walking road of the park complex is about two kilometers. A rather narrow path is laid between the sea and the rocks. A trip here can be recommended to those who want to watch the endless expanses of water and calmly walk along the coast.
28. Villeta Di Negro Park
breathtaking view of Genoa Carmelo Marino
Cascading waterfall in the Vileta di Negro park Alessandro.di
A spacious park center with a museum of Oriental art, equipped within the city. In the 16th century, various fortifications were located on this territory. However, in the future, thanks to the efforts of the Marquis Negro, green spaces and a botanical school appeared here.
29. Corso Italia embankment
The main promenade of Genoa is Corso Italia Alessio Sbarbaro
The 2.5-kilometer promenade will be of particular interest to those who wish to make a night “promenade”. The famous architect Carbone worked on the creation of the project. The territory is fully landscaped and equipped: there are private beaches and sports clubs, swimming pools, restaurants and bars, gazebos for recreation, bike paths and benches.
30. Anita Garibaldi Embankment
Anita Garibaldi embankment along the rocky coast of Narvi Marit & Toomas Hinnosaar
Another walking area located along the cliffs of the coast. In some areas of the embankment there are stairs leading directly to the water. Sunbathing and relaxation are offered right on the coastal rocks. The colorful area is covered with Mediterranean greenery, rocky ledges and sharp headlands.
31. Montaldo Viewpoint
Luigi Montaldo's Belvedere observation deck and a wonderful view of Genoa Willem van Valkenburg
If if you want to enjoy the incredible panorama of the whole city, come here. In the 13th century, there was a defensive structure on the site of the observation deck, but it was demolished. It is proposed to climb to the site on the landmark elevator of 1910. Another option is to walk along the Circonvallazione a Monte.
We hope that those sights of Genoa, photos with names and descriptions of which we have selected for you, will help you create your own entertaining excursion route. Read also about the sights of Catania and be inspired to travel further in Italy.