If you don’t know what to see in Genoa, but you want to make an unforgettable trip to this fabulous city, carefully study our rating. We will list you the most significant and amazing sights of Genoa, taking into account the reviews and recommendations of local residents and experienced guides.
What is the first thing to see in Genoa?
In order for your trip to be not only fun, but also informative, we advise you to book the following excursions in Genoa:
1. Ferrari Square
View of the fountain in Piazza Ferrari and the narrow streets of September 20th and Dante in Genoa Twice25/Rinina25
You should start the review of the “most interesting places of Genoa” from the central city square. At the beginning of the 19th century, the authorities carried out a complete reconstruction of the territory, giving it large dimensions and a square shape. One of the local attractions is the bronze monument to D. Garibildi, erected in front of the opera house in 1879. Walking around the square, you can see the old mansions, visit cafes and restaurants. If you are interested in the history of Genoa, you should definitely come to this atmospheric place.
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2. Bakkadasse district
View of the old district of Genoa – Baccadasse
One of the most famous fishing districts of the city, most of the buildings in which still belong to the families of fishermen. The facades of the cottages are painted in red, pink and yellow colors. Bakkadasse is interesting to tourists not only for its architecture, but also for its excellent beaches.
3. The Royal Palace
View from the outdoor terrace of the 17th century Royal Palace in Genoa
The interior of the Royal Palace in Genoa
A medieval castle of the 17th century, which has managed to reach our days in its original form. The construction of the facility was ordered by members of an influential Genoese family. However, the building soon passed into the possession of the royal family, which decorated the interiors with unique pieces of art and expensive furniture.
Official website: https://palazzorealegenova.beniculturali.it
4. The old port
Part of the large territory of the Old Port of Genoa in the evening lights of fabrizio.binello
Boats moored in the old port of Genoa Alessio Sbarbaro
As well as many other attractions in Genoa, this one stretches along the coast. The 22-kilometre port has many terminals and 4 entrances for all kinds of vessels. There is a 3-masted frigate in the port, which you can see in the movie “Pirates”, as well as the famous Biosphere, the Maritime Museum and a giant aquarium. Every tourist will discover something new and exciting for himself here.
5. La Lanterna Lighthouse
La Lanterna is the main lighthouse of the Genoese port of Twice25 & Rinina25
The oldest and tallest lighthouse in the Mediterranean, considered a real symbol of Genoa. 375 steps lead to a height of about 80 meters. In previous years, the caretakers used dry juniper to support the fire, then an oil lamp. At some point, La Lanterna began to be used as a fortress, and in 1326 it was surrounded by a protective trench. In the 15th century, the building underwent a large-scale reconstruction, and began to serve as a prisoner. Among the prisoners were, for example, King Jean II of Cyprus and his wife.
Check out the wonderful views of Genoa in this fascinating video!
6. Carlo Felice Theatre
Equestrian monument to Giuseppe Garibaldi in front of the Carlo Felice Theater in Genoa Jensens
What should fans of theatrical art visit in Genoa? This wonderful complex of the early 19th century accommodates two thousand guests at the same time. Giuseppe Verdi himself staged his performances here. During the Second World War, the building was seriously damaged. Only the facade and part of the interiors were able to survive.
7. Panoramic elevator “Il Bigo”
Il Bigo Panoramic elevator is a popular attraction in the Old Port of Genoa
There is an original attraction for tourists in the old port: an elevator in the form of a crane system used for unloading and loading ships. The structure lifts passengers up 40 meters: from a bird’s-eye view they can look at the whole city, its cottages and streets, coastal cliffs, harbor and sea expanses.
8. Aquarium
The facade of the building of the largest Aquarium in Italy in Genoa kajikawa
The contact pool at the Genoa Aquarium, where you can pet Francesco Crippa stingrays
The best option for where to go in Genoa with the whole family. There are about 70 pools and aquariums with a wide variety of inhabitants of the seas, oceans and rivers on the territory of over 3 thousand square meters. Including jellyfish, exotic turtles, dolphins and sharks. Turtles and lizards are also residents of the aquarium. Guides in Genoa warn in advance that you can take photos inside without turning on the flash.
Official website: https://www.acquariodigenova.it
9. The Biosphere
Twenty-meter glass ball of the Biosphere Botanical Garden in the port of Genoa by Christine Zenino
The attraction is located near the aquarium, and is a giant sphere of glass. Inside the structure there is a “rainforest”, or rather, its high-precision imitation. In addition to all kinds of trees and greenery, in the botanical garden you can see parrots, butterflies, iguanas and birds. Piranhas live in the local reservoir. Well-groomed paths are provided for exploring the “tropics”.
10. Galata Maritime Museum
Galata Maritime Museum of glass and metal structures in the style of “Hi Tech” in Genoa Jensens
Italian submarine Nazario Sauro at the Galata Maritime Museum in Genoa.:gaetano56
Another attraction of the city port. Tours with sound and visual effects are conducted throughout the territory of ten thousand squares. Many exhibits are dedicated to C. Columbus, who was born in Genoa. The collections include ancient weapons, canvases, navigation instruments and maps, models of ships from the Middle Ages.
Official website: https://www.galatamuseodelmare.it
11. The Neptune Galleon
The huge three-masted frigate Neptune is a replica of a 17th-century Spanish galleon in the old port of Genoa
An original replica of a 17th-century Spanish ship, which was built for the movie “Pirates”. An interesting point is that about 25% of the total budget of the painting was spent on the creation of the galleon. You can also see the ship in the TV series “Neverland”.
12. Palazzi dei Rolli
The quarter of palaces of the Genoese aristocracy Twice25 & Rinina25
Few Italian landmarks have as rich a history and as magnificent a view as this quarter of castles owned by the most influential citizens and city authorities. For the most part, the Palazzi dei Rolli palaces are masterpieces of the world’s architectural heritage. All the buildings were built according to one large-scale project. Some majestic castles are home to museums and art galleries with the best examples of French furniture, Italian frescoes, sculpture companies and paintings of the last 5 centuries.
Official website: https://www.palazzideirolli.it
13. Palazzo Bianco
The courtyard of the Palazzo Bianco or the White Palace in Genoa cercamon
The museum complex is located in a 16th-century building formerly owned by the Grimaldi family. The owners of the white palace changed several times: many owners carried out the reconstruction of the house. Eventually, the building received its white facade and the appropriate name. In the 20th century, the Palazzo Bianco passed to the state, and museums were housed in it.
Official website: https://www.museidigenova.it
14. Palazzo Rosso
The red color of the walls of the Palazzo Rosso, located between Palazzo Bianco and Palazzo Doria Tursi
The red building, created in the 17th century, is officially part of the UNESCO Historical Heritage today. Until the middle of the 19th century, the object belonged to the influential Genoese Brignole-Sale family, whose members then gave it to the city. Valuable works of art are kept inside the Palazzo Rosso.
Official website: https://www.museidigenova.it
15. Palazzo Ducale
View from Piazza Matteotti to the majestic building of the Doge’s Palace in Genoa Jensens
Grand Council Hall in the Genoese Ducal Palace Palazzo Ducale Davide Papalini
The construction of the castle, intended for the rulers (doges) of the city, lasted for several hundred years. Now there is a museum inside. A number of halls are used for organizing socially important events and meetings. In the 18th century, the building underwent reconstruction and acquired its current neoclassical appearance. If you don’t know what to see in Genoa in 1 day, but are passionate about history and architecture, be sure to come here.
Official website: https://www.palazzoducale .genova.it
16. Palazzo San Giorgio
Frescoes by Lazzaro Tavarone on the facade of the San Giorgio Palace in Piazza Caricamento in Genoa
A magnificent castle of the 13th century, which at one time housed a famous Italian bank, as well as a prison, of which M. Polo was a prisoner. Currently, the owners of the house are the administration of the city port.
Official website: https://www.portsofgenoa.com
17. The Princely Villa
A green Italian-style park and a fountain with a statue of Neptune in front of the Princely Palace in Genoa
Even the best hotels in Genoa cannot always boast as impressive and gorgeous views as this 16th century villa with a huge fountain and garden. The mansion received the title of “princely” after its owner, the admiral, was given the title of prince. The building is used for meetings of foreign ambassadors and official delegations.
Official website: https://www.doriapamphilj.it
18. Albertis Castle
View of Monte Galletto hill with Albertis Castle from Via Bari in Genoa Tassiano Daniele
Stunning views of the city and the Ligurian Sea from the Castle D’Albertis Twice25 e Rinina25
The palace belonged to the famous navigator Albertis, and was built on the territory of an ancient bastion, the remains of which could be preserved. Now the castle is used to house the collections of the ethnographic museum. Guests can look at various household items of aborigines from different continents of the Earth. Some samples were found by the navigator himself.
Official website: https://www.museidigenova.it
19. Cathedral of San Lorenzo
The famous Cathedral of San Lorenzo in the Italian city of Genoa
The interior of the Chapel of San Giovanni in the Cathedral of San Lorenzo in Genoa Mattana
A grandiose asymmetrical structure of the 12th century, which has repeatedly changed its architectural appearance. The current facade of the cathedral is made of beautiful marble. There are towers of various sizes on the sides. Inside the Tesoro Museum there are priceless relics of Christianity: a dish on which, presumably, Salome was presented with the head of John the Baptist and the ashes of the great martyr. Among the five hundred exhibits: silver jewelry and artifacts of the 9th century.
20. Basilica of Santissima Annunziata del Vastato
Basilica of Santissima Annunziata del Vastato in Piazza della Nunziata JoachimKohlerBremen
The architectural style of the 16th century church is late Gothic. The building is lavishly decorated with gilding, sculptures and frescoes. The internal vaults are supported by huge columns of pink and white marble.
The sights of Genoa: What else to visit in Genoa?
We have told you about the main attractions in Genoa briefly. If you have already seen them, pay attention to other monuments and masterpieces of the Italian city:
21. Church of Santa Maria di Castello
The interior of the Church of Santa Maria di Castello in Genoa by Davide Papalini
One of the oldest churches, created in the 9th-10th centuries. In the 20th century, the building was deserted, but today it houses a museum. And the church itself is still active. The laconic Romanesque facade features elements of classicism and Baroque.
22. The Church of Saints Ambrose and Andrew
Jesuit Church of Saints Ambrose and Andrew in Piazza Matteotti in Genoa Davide Papalini
The central altar with a painting by Rubens “Circumcision” in the Church of St. Ambrose and Andrew José Luiz
Listing the best sights of Genoa, you can not forget about this Jesuit church. It was thanks to the efforts of the Jesuits that the temple was able to receive rare frescoes created by D. Carlone and the most valuable works of art.
23. The cemetery of Staleno
Gallery of marble tombstones and sculptures in the open air of the monumental cemetery of Staleno
The date of creation of the Steel is the 19th century. Immediately after the opening, this necropolis “began to enjoy great success among the townspeople.” The crypts and graves were decorated with beautiful marble tombstones, gradually turning the cemetery into a real museum of outdoor sculptures. Klee and Nietzsche often walked along the local paths. The territory of Staleno is approaching one square kilometer. Among the most famous sites is the mausoleum of D. Mazzini, who was laid to rest here in 1872.
Official website: https://www.staglieno.comune .genova.it
24. Port Sopran Gate
Massive gate of the 12th century Porta Soprano Maurizio Beatrici
A well-preserved part of the defensive structure. In previous years, these gates were the largest construction of the Barbarossa walls. From them there was a road to Rome.
25. The House of Christopher Columbus
The facade of the Christopher Columbus House in Genoa Rinina25Twice25
The building is located in the historical part of the city. According to historians, the legendary navigator was born in it. However, there is another version according to which Columbus began to live here only at the age of 4. The cottage has modest dimensions. It will take you no more than 15 minutes to inspect it in its entirety. It is forbidden to take photos and record videos inside.
26. The town of Nervi
The seaside resort town of Nervi in Genoa Superchilum
The resort town, formerly a small fishing settlement. Now the territory of Nervi is filled with cottages and hotels for tourists, and is considered an excellent place for a comfortable beach holiday. There are several thematic museums for those who are interested in the history of Liguria.
27. Nervi Park
The picturesque nature of the Nervi Maurizio Beatrici Park
The length of the main walking road of the park complex is about two kilometers. A fairly narrow path is laid between the sea and the rocks. You can recommend a trip here to those who want to observe the vast expanses of water and calmly walk along the coast.
28. Villeta Di Negro Park
The green oasis of the Villeta Di Negro Park with spectacular views of Genoa Carmelo Marino
Cascading waterfall in the Villeta Di Negro Park Alessandro.di
A spacious park center with a museum of Oriental art, located in the city. In the 16th century, various defensive structures were located on this territory. However, later, thanks to the efforts of Marquis Negro, green spaces and a botanical school appeared here.
29. Corso Embankment Italy
Genoa’s main walking area is the Corso Italia promenade by Alessio Sbarbaro
The 2.5-kilometer embankment will be especially interesting for those who wish to make a night “promenade”. The renowned architect Carbone worked on the creation of the project. The territory is fully landscaped and equipped: there are private beaches and sports clubs, swimming pools, restaurants and bars, gazebos for recreation, bike paths and benches.
30. Anita Garibaldi Embankment
Anita Garibaldi’s promenade along the rocky coast of Narvi Marit & Toomas Hinnosaar
Another walking area located along the cliffs of the coast. On some sections of the embankment there are stairs leading directly to the water. Sunbathing and relaxing are offered right on the coastal rocks. The colorful territory is covered with Mediterranean greenery, rocky ledges and sharp capes.
31. Montaldo Observation Deck
The observation deck of the Belvedere Luigi Montaldo and the wonderful view of Genoa Willem van Valkenburg
If you want to enjoy the incredible panorama of the whole city, come here. In the 13th century, there was a defensive structure on the site of the observation deck, but it was demolished. It is proposed to climb to the site using a landmark elevator from 1910. Another option is a walking tour of the Circonvallacion a Monte.
We hope that the sights of Genoa, photos with names and descriptions of which we have selected for you, will help you create your own entertaining sightseeing route. Read also about the sights of Catania and be inspired to travel further in Italy.
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