Genoa Pictures
Italy

 

One of ancient Rome's triumphal arches, but this one is on the edge of Piazza della Vittoria, Genoa.

Genoa, the only European city to be mentioned in the old Arabian Nights stories is a fabulous surprise for travellers who know all about the wonders of Rome, Venice, Pisa, and Florence but were not aware that Genoa was Europe's Capital of Culture in 2004 and imagine that Italy's largest Mediterranean port is an industrial wasteland.

 

Genoa's XX Settembre street (where XX means 20 in Latin, not something seedy in New York) of elegant stores and pavement cafés shaded by ancient arcades.

 

Upside: Genoa's centre is lively, easily walkable and loaded with 16thC and 17thC Palazzi (small palaces), chic shops, elegant people, magnificent avenues, tiny winding medieval streets, bizarre little details and of course gorgeous churches, particularly in the well-preserved old town.

The Cathedral of San Lorenzo is in pole position for the sights race with an awesome mixed marble and slate facade (best seen in the afternoon), stunning sculptures and a fantastic treasury, closely followed by the neighbouring Gesu church with more marble, frescos and two huge, unusual paintings by Rubens.

The Porto Antico (waterfront) offers plenty of action, with shows, swimming, aquarium, kids play area, bars and restaurants.

 

Palazzo Ducale, the Palace of the Doges, just off Piazza de Ferrari in Genoa's centre, with world-class exhibitions.

 

 

Downside: The Porto Antico area bordering the old town is not an aesthetic success, with its clumping elevated highway, bald piazza, uncoordinated Bigo thing and tired plastic box-set of an Aquarium, while some areas are still sleazy despite a major clean up around the turn of the millennium and there is no shortage of down-and-outs looking for a hand-out.

Genoa Sights: XX Settembre is the best route to the old town for tourists disembarking from trains at Genoa's Brignole station - from where run useful trains to the Italian Riviera in an hour and along the Cinque Terre line (see Italy Beaches). The grand colonnaded XX runs down to Piazza de Ferrari on the edge of the old town and is lined with a variety of interesting structures and excellent shops.

Another must-see route is the pedestrianised Via Garibaldi, narrow but lined with fine Palazzi that now host all sorts of venerable European institutions, galleries, some excellent trompes l'oeuil and odd architectural features.
Otherwise it's down to diving into the labyrinthine maze of the really tiny but tall streets of the old town looking for ancient churches and curiosities of Italy, cappuccinos and cold beers.

 

A door knocker from on the Palazzo Ducale, Piazza San Lorenzo. Next, Via Garibaldi Pictures.

With these pictures of Genoa we have tried to give a feeling for the centre of the city; we have not attempted to encompass every last tourist option, that is your job.

Italy Travel Guide | Map of Italy

Italy Pictures: Rome | Venice Carnival | Lucca | Siena | Beaches