GENOA
A City to Discover
Genoa is a city to explore. It reveals itself slowly, rewarding those who wander beyond the main streets and into its historic heart. From medieval alleyways to seaside promenades, discovery is woven into everyday life here.
'Old' City
Genoa's historic center is one of Europe's largest medieval quarters and remains very much alive today. Its network of narrow streets and alleyways, known as the caruggi, is home to local businesses, family-run restaurants, hidden churches, grand palaces, and everyday life. Rather than preserving the past behind glass, the city weaves its history into the rhythm of the present.
12th century 'sottoripa', a medieval arcade by the port still used for normal day-to-day activities and selling marine supplies
Renaissance palace with frescoed facade on Piazza Fontane Marose, with shared electric scooter
Piazza delle Vigne
'Modern' City
Piazza De Ferrari marks the transition between Genoa's medieval heart and its grand 19th-century expansion, with elegant boulevards, theaters, galleries, and civic buildings reflecting a new era in the city's history.
Via XX Settembre and the 'Ponte Monumentale" (monumental bridge, 1900s) that replaced the old city wall and fortified gate (1500s)
Porticoed shopping street of Via XX Settembre (with H&M, Zara, etc.)
Modern architecture from the 1930s on Piazza Dante and Via Ceccardi
Piazza della Vittoria, built in the 1930s as part of Mussolini's agenda to modernize Italy and recall its monumental past
Port & Expo
Genoa grew from its port, and the sea continues to shape the city's character and economy. Redesigned by Renzo Piano for the 1992 celebrations marking the 500th anniversary of Christopher Columbus's voyage, the waterfront is now one of the city's most popular destinations and a symbol of the city's ongoing renewal.
Promenade alongside Genoa Aquarium
Public space at the Expo area, a transformation of the commercial/industrial port in 1992
Expo area at the port, with people taking an aperitivo at 'Banano Tsunami’
Enjoying the sunset on the floating 'Isola delle Chiatte' (Island of Barges)
Ports of Genoa
Genova, Pra’, Savona, Vado Ligure
- 64+ million Total Throughput (tons)
2.8+ million Container Traffic (TEUs)
5+ million Passengers (pax)
14+ million General Cargo (tons)
(from: https://www.portsofgenoa.com/en/)
Four Ports, One Gateway
The Ports of Genoa — Genoa, Pra', Savona, and Vado Ligure — together form Italy's leading port system and one of the most important hubs in the Mediterranean.
At the Heart of Europe
Located at the northern edge of the Mediterranean, Genoa has long served as a gateway between Europe and the sea. Today, its strategic position and strong transport connections continue to make it a vital link between Mediterranean trade routes and the industrial centers of Central Europe.
Nearby towns to discover - all within Genoa city limits
Some important events in the city
Rolli Days
Built during Genoa's Golden Age, the Palazzi dei Rolli formed an official system of private residences used to host visiting dignitaries and heads of state. Today, 42 of these palaces are part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with many opening their doors to the public during the popular Rolli Days events held each spring and autumn.
Festival of Science
Held over ten days each autumn, the Festival of Science attracts around 200,000 visitors and has become one of Italy's leading events for science communication and public engagement.
Salone Nautico / International Boat Show
Held each September, the Genoa International Boat Show is one of the Mediterranean's leading marine industry events, attracting exhibitors, professionals, and boating enthusiasts from around the world.
(from: https://salonenautico.com/en/)