Genoa: things to do and places to see
The municipality of Genoa occupies 240.65 square kilometres. Its resident population stood at 561,203 on 31 December 2021. Genoa held the title of European Capital of Culture in 2004.
Things to do in Genoa
In Piazza De Ferrari, the bronze fountain by Giuseppe Crosa di Vergagni dates from 1936. Porta Soprana was built in the 12th century and once served as the principal entrance on the eastern side of the city. Genoa Cathedral received its consecration from Pope Gelasius II in 1118. Work on its right-hand bell tower finished in 1522.
Palazzo Ducale became the residence of the Doge in 1339. The tower and its cells were long used as a prison. After a major fire in 1777, Swiss architect Simone Cantoni carried out restoration work on the palace.
Genoa Aquarium
Construction of the Aquarium of Genoa dates to 1992. Its 10,000 square metres contain 70 tanks, with more than 10,000 specimens representing 400 species.
The Palazzi dei Rolli
The Republic of Genoa created a list of the Palazzi dei Rolli with legal standing in 1576. That initial list contained 52 buildings; the lists of 1588 and 1599 contained 111 and 120 respectively. In 2006, 42 of the more than 150 Palazzi dei Rolli received UNESCO World Heritage recognition. The palaces together occupy an area of 15.77 hectares.
Architect Galeazzo Alessi is credited with designing the Strade Nuove and was also responsible for several of the palaces. Construction of Palazzo Bianco took place between 1530 and 1540. Peter Paul Rubens stayed in Genoa several times between 1600 and 1607 and published Palazzi di Genova in 1622.
The Lanterna
The Lanterna lighthouse rises 77 metres from a rock that is itself 40 metres high, placing its summit 117 metres above sea level. A first tower is traditionally dated to 1128. It was rebuilt in 1543. There are 172 steps to its first observation terrace. Its rotating optical system has a range of about 25 nautical miles (around 46 km). A light signal marks the harbour at intervals of 20 seconds.
The coast and Nervi
Corso Italia follows the coast for about 2.5 kilometres, connecting Foce with Boccadasse. At Nervi, the Anita Garibaldi Promenade forms a two-kilometre terrace above the sea. The Nervi Parks occupy 92,000 square metres between Via Aurelia and the sea. Their Rose Garden underwent restoration in 2012 and has separate areas for antique, modern and competition roses.
Focaccia and wine tastings
Flour, extra virgin olive oil, yeast, sea salt, water and malt extract are the ingredients of Genoese focaccia. A collective trademark has protected it since 1996 and unites local bakers.
The guided food and wine tour in Genoa city centre with six tastings lasts 2 hours. It includes pesce fritto, focaccia genovese, farinata, Ligurian pesto, olive oil with bruschetta, two regional wine tastings and panera dessert, plus a licensed local guide in English and Italian and visits to Columbus's birthplace and San Lorenzo Cathedral.
The Ligurian wine tasting at a traditional enoteca in Genoa lasts 1 hour. It includes two white and two red Ligurian wines, local cheese and ham pairings for each, water, grissini, instruction in sommelier tasting techniques and an overview of Ligurian wine history and producers.
The Ligurian wine tasting in Genoa with a local sommelier lasts 1 hour. It includes four selected Ligurian wines, guidance from a local sommelier, an introduction to Ligurian wine history and viticulture, and instruction in sommelier evaluation techniques.
Frequently asked questions
When was Genoa European Capital of Culture?
Genoa held that title in 2004.
When was Genoa Aquarium built?
The Aquarium dates from 1992 and has 70 tanks across 10,000 square metres.
Are the Palazzi dei Rolli recognised by UNESCO?
In 2006, UNESCO recognised 42 of the more than 150 Palazzi dei Rolli as a World Heritage property.
How high is the Lanterna?
The tower measures 77 metres, with its summit 117 metres above sea level on a rock 40 metres high.
What does the Genoa food and wine tour include?
The 2-hour tour includes six tastings, a licensed local guide in English and Italian, and visits to Columbus's birthplace and San Lorenzo Cathedral.
