Capital of the Northern Italian region of Liguria, Genoa is a melting pot of history, culture, architecture and scenery. Whether it is learning about the city’s history or getting lost amongst its labyrinth of narrow streets (caruggi), there is something to see and do for visitors of all ages and types.

FESTIVALS & EVENTS IN GENOA

Throughout the year, visitors can maximize their cultural experience and attend one of Genoa’s festivals or other popular events. Celebrations to honor the patron saint, Saint John the Baptist, traditionally occur on June 24 each year. While festive games and fireworks kick things off the night before, the day of tribute focuses on a somber procession through town. It starts at the Cathedral of San Lorenzo and continues on to the Porto Antico. The Cardinal ends the procession by blessing the sea with artifacts of the patron saint.

First held in 1955, the Regatta of the Maritime Republics is a special boat race that commemorates the rivalry of the most powerful former Maritime Republics of the Mediterranean: Genoa, Pisa, Amalfi, and Venice. Each year, on a day that can range from the end of May to the beginning of July, the four cities compete in a rowing race. The four cities take turns hosting the race each year. A fascinating and lively event, the boat race itself follows a Medieval Pageant featuring music, historic costumes, flags, and more. This celebration of maritime history is a fun event for travelers of all ages.

Similar to the Regatta procession, each year the city of Genoa also hosts a Medieval Pageant that is a reenactment of an important moment from Genoa’s past. In 1101, local condottiere Guglielmo Embriaco brought a holy vessel to Genoa from the Holy Land. The event is recreated during the pageant, which features a parade with each of the eight medieval neighborhoods represented. Participants dress in historical costumes and carry banners and flags with medieval crests.

In Genoa, processions are a frequent occurrence, and from early spring through November approximately 200 religious processions are held in Genoa. These are known as “processioni delle Casacce”, a title referring to the city’s numerous Confraternities. Each procession focuses on a particular religious event or celebration, such as the Assumption on August 15, during which the Confraternities embark on a pilgrimage to the Sanctuary of Nostra Signora dell’Aquasanta.

Each year on the first or second Sunday of May, the city of Genoa celebrates the Feast of San Francesco di Paola, who is the patron saint of seafarers, maritime workers, and sailors. The event features mass, a naval parade, and special performances. This annual festival concludes with the Cardinal Archbishop blessing Genoa and its port.

Another festival tied to the sea is the Palio di San Pietro, which occurs on June 29 (or the closest Sunday). Saint Peter was a fisherman and the Foce neighborhood of Genoa is home to a church dedicated to Saint Peter. The neighborhood also hosts a special fair in honor of the Feast of Saint Peter that features stalls selling locally made gifts, sweets, and other objects. In the afternoon, a rowing race is held during which Genoa’s neighborhoods compete to win a special trophy.

One of the best times to visit the city of Genoa is during Rolli Days. On certain days of the year, primarily in April and October, Genoa’s historic Rolli Palaces, which are part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, are open to the public with special tours organized.

Genoa also hosts one of the most important flower and plant events in Europe, known as Euroflora. The exhibition attracts Italian and international botanical experts and floriculturists. During the event, exhibitors from all over the world present their flowers and plants.

In the field of music, Genoa is home to the Premio Paganini, or the Paganini Competition. Held in Teatro Carlo Felice, it is one of the most important violin competitions in the world and named in honor of famed violinist and Genoa native Niccolò Paganini.

For a unique experience, visitors should consider Circumnavigando, the Circus and Street Theatre Festival. Taking place during the Christmas holiday season, the festival offers events for all ages including shows in local theaters as well as on the city streets. Circus troupes come from all over Europe to perform their entertaining acts. Visitors can also take advantage of musical performances, craft fairs, food and wine vendors and a book sale.

Depending upon personal interests and the time of year, there are many more cultural events to consider including: Genova Film Festival – end of September/beginning of October, Nervi International Ballet Festival – July, International Poetry Festival – June, Gezmataz Jazz Festival – end of July, Salone Nautico di Genova (Genoa International Boat Show) – October, and Festival della Scienza (Science Festival) – end of October/beginning of November.

OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES

While there is much to be seen in Genoa indoors, the city cannot be visited without exploring all it has to offer outdoors. A popular choice for locals and travelers alike is venturing out on the coastline promenade known as Corso Italia. Developed in 1908, this path takes walkers to a quiet village named Boccadasse, where brightly colored boats can be spotted and gelato can be enjoyed. Along the way visitors can take in the breathtaking views of the sea and the Punta Vagno lighthouse.

What once acted as a protective barrier surrounding the city remains in smaller sections to this day. The walls are still the longest of those remaining throughout Italy with a length of about 7.5 miles in one area. Historic fortresses can be found near the “New Walls,” which were built in the twelfth century to defend against Emperor Frederick Barbarossa.

In addition to the defensive stone walls, there were five gates to get into the city. The Porta Soprana gates were an entryway into the old area of Genoa. Today, visitors can get a glimpse of the two gates that remain as these historic monuments are frequently utilized for music performances.

Located in the very heart of Genoa, Piazza De Ferrari is considered to be the main square of the city. Surrounded by historic buildings, the square is best known for its grand fountain.

Another main square, which is connected to Piazza De Ferrari through Via XX Settembre, is Piazza della Vittoria. The square was named to celebrate victory after World War I. The focal point of the square is Arco della Vittoria, a triumphal arch built in honor of the Italian soldiers that perished during World War I.

To truly get to know the soul of Genoa, travelers should visit the Porto Antico, or Old Port. An integral part of Genoa’s lengthy maritime history, the Old Port was renovated at the end of the twentieth century as part of the city’s preparations for Genoa Expo ’92, which celebrated the 500th anniversary of Genoa native Christopher Columbus’s voyage to the Americas. As part of the project, several of the historic buildings were renovated, while newer modern structures were erected following the designs of famed architect Renzo Piano, also a Genoese native. Today, the Old Port features the Aquarium of Genoa (Italy’s largest), the Bigo panoramic elevator, and the Biosphere, all three of which were designed by Piano. The Porto Antico is also home to historic buildings, such as Palazzo San Giorgio, as well as restaurants, cafés, and shops. Travelers should plan to enjoy a nice walk along the waterfront to admire Genoa’s cityscape as well as the scenery of the sea.

For a unique activity, head to the Monumental Cemetery of Staglieno. As one of Europe’s largest cemeteries, it is renowned for the monumental sculptures found throughout the grounds that have been admired by many over the centuries, including the likes of Ernest Hemingway and Mark Twain. The cemetery serves as the final resting place for several famous Genoa natives, including Giuseppe Mazzini and Fabrizio De André, as well as notable foreigners, such as Irish writer Constance Mary Lloyd Wilde, who was the wife of Oscar Wilde.

Perhaps the most famous Genoese native was navigator and explorer Christopher Columbus. As the birthplace of Columbus, Genoa still hosts several artifacts related to Columbus’s history. The first is a recreation of his birth house, which today is a museum. Additionally, the State Archives of Genoa contain important documents tied to Columbus’s voyages, as well as his will.

INDOOR ACTIVITIES

When it’s time to get out of the sun, there are plenty of sights to be seen indoors. Genoa has quite the selection of churches, palaces, and museums to explore.

Genoa’s Cathedral of San Lorenzo was built between the twelfth and fourteenth centuries by Galeazzo Alessi. Its Gothic and Romanesque styles are evident from the façade to the columns and bell tower. There are original frescos and sculptures to be seen including – Assumption of the Virgin by Gaetano Previati.

Added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2006, the district of Strada Nuova (today Via Garibaldi) originated during the sixteenth century and was designed by Genoa’s aristocracy. Almost half of the 114 palaces found throughout the city have the World Heritage designation. These are known as the Rolli Palaces, which were owned by the city’s noble families and used to host diplomatic guests to the Republic of Genoa. These exquisite Renaissance and Baroque palaces feature striking façades, interiors with elegant marble and stucco decorations, stunning frescoes, and verdant gardens.

With so much history and culture in Genoa it is not surprising to find a variety of museums available to visit, including: Palazzo Reale, Palazzo Ducale, the Strada Nuova Museums, Galleria D’Arte Moderna, Villa Croce Museum of Contemporary Art, Edoardo Chiossone Museum of Oriental Art, and Sant’Agostino Museum.

One of Genoa’s most scenic museums is the Museo della Lantera (or the Lighthouse Museum). A symbol of the city, Genoa’s lighthouse was built in the sixteenth century and offers remarkable views of the surrounding area. A pedestrian path leads to the lighthouse, which is home to a museum where visitors can learn more about the history, art, and culture of Genoa.

As the former residence of the Doge, the historic ruler of the Republic of Genoa, Palazzo Ducale (the Doge’s Palace) is among the most important buildings in Genoa. Today, this ornately decorated palace is home to a museum where visitors can learn more about the city’s history while admiring beautiful paintings, historic furniture, and other works of art. The site also serves as a cultural hub for Genoa and hosts special events and exhibitions throughout the year.

The Old Port area is home to several other important museums, most notably the Aquarium of Genoa, but also the Galata Museo del Mare, which is Genoa’s Maritime Museum. The museum’s location in the Darsena district of the Old Port is not by chance, as this was where historically the Republic of Genoa would build its galleys. The museum itself focuses on the Republic’s historic galleys with reconstructions on display. There is also a weapons exhibit and a section dedicated to sailing and shipyards, as well as transatlantic ships.

Among Genoa’s churches, special mention goes to the Dominican complex of Santa Maria di Castello, which dates back to the tenth century and houses beautiful works of art commissioned by Genoa’s most important families, with Francesco Maria Schiaffino and Lorenzo Fasolo among the artists represented, and the Church of San Matteo, which was originally built in the twelfth century and features the tomb of Andrea Doria.

SHOPPING ACTIVITIES IN GENOA

The street of Via XX Settembre runs right through the center of the city and is a hub of shopping experiences in Genoa. Visitors can stroll along this long road that offers an ideal selection of local boutiques, antique stores and bookstores. High-end designer shops and a larger department store can be found mixed amongst them. There are small food markets and cafés where shoppers can pick up local favorites and street food to eat along the way. Another excellent place to stop is the city’s main indoor market, Mercato Orientale di Genova, where fresh fruits and vegetables, fish, meat, and typical Ligurian specialties such as focaccia and pesto can be purchased.

FAMILY & KIDS

Families that choose to include Genoa in their itinerary will have plenty of options to entertain both adults and children.

The Aquarium is a must-see focal point of the city, which is not only the largest facility in Italy, but one of the biggest in all of Europe. Initially constructed for the Genoa Exposition in 1992, the aquarium is home to an extensive population of tropical fish and other animal and plant species. The penguin habitat and dolphin shows are perfect for the younger guests. In addition, the aquarium is highly regarded for its conservation efforts and often hosts special events and workshops that focus on protecting the marine environment.

Opportunities to enjoy the outdoors and burn off some energy lie in the variety of scenic parks, hiking trails, and beaches the area has to offer. The city is home to over 50 miles of park land. Families should not miss the opportunity to enjoy the most well-known park in Genoa – Parchi di Nervi. It includes a large playground, fragrant rose gardens, trails for walkers and cyclists, and a magnificent view overlooking the sea.

Genoa’s Città dei bambini (City of Children) is a children’s center focused on science and technology activities. Aimed at children between the ages of 2 and 12 years old, the center features multimedia exhibits, hands-on activities, and over 30,000 square feet of play space.

Families with children may also enjoy a visit to the Museo Navale (Naval Museum) where maritime artifacts from the eleventh to the sixteenth centuries are on display, such as documents, paintings, navigational instruments, ship models, and more.

Another activity that everyone in the family might enjoy is a visit to Castello D’Albertis. Step into a fairytale as you take the Montegalletto lift and catch your first glimpse of this historic castle. In addition to admiring the castle’s unique architecture, visitors can spend time at the park and visit the castle’s museum, which features exhibits on the culture of the world.

UNIQUE EXPERIENCES IN GENOA

To get the most of the magnificent views that are available at the higher elevations of the city, travelers can try a distinctive means of transport – a cross between a cable car and an elevator – that was built in the 1890s to enable travel up the rocky mountain to Castelletto or Righi. After a short ride up, the views to be seen are spectacular. Those interested in further exploration can do a bit of hiking to see the historic city walls and fortresses.

For the sport lovers traveling to the area, Genoa has its own share of competition. The city is home to two football clubs – U.C. Sampdoria and Genoa C.F.C. Depending upon the time of year, the city hosts sailing races as well as the AON Open Challenger international tennis tournament.

After navigating the sites of Genoa, a day trip to Nervi – a historic coastal village may be the perfect option. Located approximately four miles from the heart of Genoa, the old fishing town is now considered a neighborhood of Genoa. To enjoy the area as the locals do, travelers can take a stroll along the Passeggiata Anita Garibaldi, a pathway on the cliffs overlooking the sea.

Located along Italy’s northwestern coast, the city of Genoa is the commercial, industrial, cultural, and artistic hub of the Liguria region. No matter the time of year, Genoa will dazzle travelers with its many treasures, from the elegant palaces and renovated Old Port to charming neighborhoods, such as Nervi.