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
Inspiration
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.
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".