Nestled on the picturesque Ligurian coast of Italy, Genoa is a historic port city known for its rich maritime heritage and stunning architecture. With a population of around 580,000, Genoa is Italy’s sixth-largest city and the capital of the Liguria region. Visitors can explore its charming old town, indulge in delicious seafood cuisine, and marvel at the impressive with its Palazzi dei Rolli, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Whether wandering through its lively Via Garibaldi or gazing out at the sparkling Mediterranean Sea from the Porto Antico, Genoa offers a unique blend of history and culture.
Top Highlights of Genoa
UNESCO Treasures in Genoa's Streets
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Palazzi dei Rolli
Genoa, Liguria, Italy
When visiting Genoa, be sure to explore the Strade Nuove and their Palazzi dei Rolli. These stunning Renaissance and Baroque palaces, once homes for nobles and state guests, showcase the immense wealth and power of the Genoese aristocracy.
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Piazza De Ferrari
Genoa, Liguria, Italy
Piazza De Ferrari is the vibrant heart of Genoa - a spacious, almost entirely traffic-free square that serves as the economic and cultural center of the city. The striking bronze fountain designed by architect Giuseppe Crosa di Vergagni and the magnificent architecture of the surrounding buildings, including Palazzo Ducale and Teatro Carlo Felice, have shaped the square's appearance since the 19th century.
Largest aquarium in Italy
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Aquarium of Genoa
Genoa, Liguria, Italy
Located in the Porto Antico area, the aquarium is a must-see in Genoa. With over 12,000 animals across 600 species, the aquarium showcases a spectacular array of marine life. You can marvel at sharks, turtles, penguins, and rare species like manatees in habitats that closely resemble their natural homes.
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Genoa Cathedral
Genoa, Liguria, Italy
The majestic Cattedrale di San Lorenzo has shaped the skyline of Genoa since the 12th century and impresses with its characteristic black-and-white striped facade - a symbol of medieval nobility. In this stunning church, which combines various architectural styles from Romanesque to Gothic to Renaissance, you can admire not only valuable art treasures but also a curious war relic: an unexploded bomb from World War II. The 60-meter-high bell tower is one of the tallest in Liguria, while inside, Gothic columns, baroque decorations, and significant frescoes like the "Last Supper" by Lazzaro Tavarone testify to the cathedral's rich history.
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Galata – Museo del mare
Genoa, Liguria, Italy
In the largest maritime museum in the Mediterranean, you can experience the maritime history of Genoa up close - from historical documents signed by Christopher Columbus to a lifelike replica of a Genoese galley. The museum, which opened in 2004, is located in the historic Galata district, where a significant Genoese community lived and warships were built until the 15th century.
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Doge's Palace
Genoa, Liguria, Italy
In the mighty Palazzo Ducale, the former seat of the Doges of the Republic of Genoa, 700 years of vibrant history merge into a unique architectural ensemble. The palace, which began construction in the late 13th century, was named in 1339 with the election of the first Doge, Simone Boccanegra, and was rebuilt in neoclassical style after a devastating fire in 1777.
Basilica Santissima Annunziata del Vastato
Genoa, Liguria, Italy
The Basilica della Santissima Annunziata del Vastato is considered one of the most important churches of Mannerism and Early Baroque in Genoa, and was praised by Montesquieu in the 18th century as the most beautiful church in the city.
Palazzo Reale
Genoa, Liguria, Italy
In the magnificent Palazzo Reale, you will experience one of the best-preserved Baroque palaces in Genoa, which has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2006. Built by the Balbi family between 1643 and 1650, the palace was expanded under the Durazzos in the 17th century and later served as the royal residence of the Savoy family.
D'Albertis Castle
Genoa, Liguria, Italy
High above Genoa stands the Castello d'Albertis, a neo-Gothic castle from the 19th century that offers you a breathtaking view of the city and the Ligurian Sea. The sailor Enrico Alberto d'Albertis had it built in 1886 on the remains of a 14th-century fortress and filled it with his collections from around the world.
Piazza della Vittoria
Genoa, Liguria, Italy
The Piazza della Vittoria is one of the largest squares in Genoa, featuring elegant travertine facades designed by architect Marcello Piacentini in the 1930s. At its center stands the impressive Arco della Vittoria, a monument dedicated to the fallen of World War I.
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Travel Info
Best time to visit
The ideal time for a more relaxed experience is during the late spring (May and June) or early fall (September and October) when the weather is pleasantly warm, and the city is less crowded. The summer months, while warmer and great for excursions to the beach, can be quite crowded with tourists.
How to get to Genoa
By Plane
The nearest airport is Genoa's Cristoforo Colombo Airport and offers flights from major European cities including Rome, London, Munich, Paris, and Madrid. From the airport, taking the Volabus shuttle bus or a taxi into the city is straightforward. If no connections are available from your home, consider flying to Milan.
By Train
Genoa's main train station, Genoa Piazza Principe, is well-connected with frequent services from major Italian cities as well as night trains from major European cities. From Milan, you can reach Genoa in under 2 hours with prices ranging from €11 to €25. If you're coming from the French border, the journey from Ventimiglia to Genoa takes around 2,5 hours. From Vienna, the night train takes 13 - 15 hours.
By Car
For those driving to Genoa, the city is easily accessible via the A7 motorway. It connects Genoa to Milan to the north and to the Italian Riviera to the south. If driving from the French Riviera, take the A10 highway to Genoa, a journey of around 160km from the French border. Coming from Tuscany, the A12 highway leads directly to Genoa.
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History
Genoa's rich history dates back to ancient times. Founded by the Ligures, an ancient Celtic people, it later became a maritime powerhouse. In ancient times, it prospered from trade with the Etruscans and Greeks, flourishing as a Roman municipium. The city faced tumult following the fall of the Roman Empire, enduring invasions by Ostrogoths and Lombards, and sinking into obscurity as a fishing and agrarian center. However, by the 10th century, Genoa's strategic revival began, catalyzed by the economic upswing of Europe. This resurgence saw the city counter Muslim raids, rebuild its walls, and expand its maritime commerce.
By the 11th century, Genoa had emerged as an independent city-state, its destiny intertwined with the sea. The city became a nexus for trade, shipbuilding, and banking, fostering a formidable navy that dominated the Mediterranean. This period of expansion was marked by the establishment of colonies across the Mediterranean, from the Middle East to Northern Africa, as Genoese merchants traded spices, textiles, and precious metals, further enriching the city's economy.
The internal political strife of the Middle Ages did little to hamper Genoa's progress. Genoa's golden era saw the construction of iconic buildings and the expansion of trade routes into the Black Sea, consolidating Genoa's position as a major commercial and naval power.
Genoa's historical city center reflects the city's glorious past. UNESCO recognized its significance in 2006, particularly highlighting the Le Strade Nuove and the system of the Palazzi dei Rolli. Today, Genoa remains a vital economic center within Italy, its port bustling with activity, testament to its enduring legacy as la Superba, "the proud one".
