Genoa Key Attractions

Genoa offers a mix of amazing architectural heritage and mazes of side streets to explore. Surrounded by some of Italy’s most delectable countryside, the city’s streets radiate out from the centre and contain a staggering amount of art and history.

Many places and sights are worth a visit in Genoa, especially in the old city centre. Genoa can only be explored properly on foot, because the ancient streets between the improbably tall houses are too narrow and busy for other modes of transport.

Cattedrale di San Lorenzo and Campanile

Located at Piazza San Lorenzo on via Tommaso Reggio 17, this is one of the grandest cathedrals in Genoa, dating from the 13th century, and it is distinguished by the black and white marble bands that decorate the Pisan-style façade.

The cathedral treasury contains some fascinating, and sometimes hard-to-believe relics, such as the blue Chalcedony platter that apparently held John the Baptist’s head, a crystal glass reputedly used at the Last Supper and a jewel-studded Byzantine Zaccaria cross. The chapel of John the Baptist is also housed in the cathedral.

Via Garibaldi

This is one of the most important streets in the city of Genoa. Via Garibaldi was the street where during late Renaissance times, rich, noble Genovese families built breathtaking Palazzi, guided in their choice of architecture by Alessi, who studied under Michelangelo and grew up in the area.

Palazzo Podesta, at number 7, has a beautiful fountain in its court and Palazzo Trusi at number 9, is home to the municipal offices which now display artefacts of famous Genoans including letters written by Christopher Columbus.

Acquario di Genova

The Genova Aquarium is located at Ponte Spinola and is a 15-minute walk from Stazione Principe train station. Just about every sea creature is housed in this huge aquarium, which is the largest in Europe and one of the biggest attractions in Italy. There are 40 tanks in the aquarium, which is styled to look like a gigantic ship about to set sail, and it houses species from all over the world including  the Great Barrier Reef and the Amazon River Basin.

Civic Gallery of the Red Palace

Located at on via Garibaldi 18, the Civic Gallery was built in the 17th century, and was bombed in WWII.  It has been restored, and now houses a fantastic collection of paintings as well as collections of sculptures and ceramics, and a display of gilded Baroque statuary.

Civic Museum of the White Palace

Dating from the 16th century, the palace has an extensive art collection, donated to the city of Genoa by the Duchess of Gallier. Some of the most significant pieces in the museum include paintings from the Flemish and Dutch schools such as ‘Jesus Blessing the Faithful’ by Memling and ‘Polittico Della Cervara’ by Gerard David. Another popular painting is that of a scene in a Genovese garden by Alesssandro Magnasco, and there is a whole room dedicated to works by Bernardo Strozzi.

The Genoa Harbour

The state of today’s harbour is thanks to a massive reconstruction, as the original harbour was almost destroyed by bombing that crippled the seaside during  WWII. A wonderful way to see the new harbour and skyline is to take an hour-long harbour cruise on one of the boats in the fleet of the Cooperativa Battellieri dei Porto di Genova.

The harbour cruise lets you take a closer look at the Laterna, which is a 110-metre tall lighthouse, built in 1544. The cruises embark daily from Stazione Marittian, which is located on the harbour and a short distance from Stazione Principe, the railway station.

Parco Durazzo Pallavicin

This magnificent landscaped park is one of the most beautiful in Italy. Located at the Vill Durazzo Pallavinci, the park has hills, pine and oak tree woods; a little zoo with goats and fallow deer that children can pet; and large grassy areas to play and picnic in. The tumbling waterfalls, lovely temples, picturesque castles, oriental pagodas and gleaming lakes take on a wonderland-like atmosphere.