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Birthplace of Christopher Columbus, virtuoso violinist Paganini and pesto, Genoa is the capital of Liguria and for centuries was a fabulously wealthy maritime powerhouse. The city remains Italy's largest sea port and although its docks appear rather workaday, they shield a city aptly nicknamed 'La Superba'.
The old town is a labyrinth of dark, narrow streets that open onto grand squares and boulevards. These are lined with Renaissance and Baroque churches and palazzi that remain testament to Genoa's illustrious past. In recent years the city has had a much-needed rejuvenation, with historic buildings restored and leading local architect Renzo Piano drafted in to design impressive new additions to the skyline.
The Republic of Genoa was an independent city state that ruled much of the region and well beyond from the 11th to the 18th centuries. It was one of Italy's four major maritime republics and its ships sailed to the far corners of the globe, bringing back precious cargoes of commercial goods as well as ideas, teachings and designs from its colonies.
The city quickly became a highly wealthy and cosmopolitan place, attracting the most prestigious architects and artists of the day. They flocked here to take up commissions from wealthy merchants, build grand palaces and paint flattering portraits of their patrons.
The medieval heart of the city remains largely intact, a cobbled, cluttered and densely packed tangle of caruggi (narrow lanes). In places they are lined with fashionable boutiques, cafés and bars, while others are hung with washing and buzzing with everyday activity.
On the wider and more stately Strada Nuove, the new streets, which were built in the 16th and 17th century, are a large collection of palatial houses built by the wealthy merchants of the day. Many are now UNESCO-protected and some house museums and art galleries. The most magnificent are called the Palazzi dei Rolli and belonged to the city's most affluent and noble families.
One of the most interesting to visit is the Palazzo Reale which was formerly a home of the Savoy Dynasty. Its lavish rooms are blanketed in ornate stuccowork, 17th-century art and fine furniture, while the terraced gardens are immaculately kept.
Three other former palaces now operate as the Musei di Strada Nuova, which houses a significant collection of old masters including works by Van Dyck, Dürer, Veronese, Caravaggio and Rubens. Palazzo Ducale, once the seat of the republic, is also open to the public, and hosts temporary art exhibitions and cultural events.
Of the city's many churches, the black-and-white-striped Cattedrale di San Lorenzo is the most eye-catching. It was consecrated in 1118 and redesigned and refined on many occasions since. The cupola and bell towers were added in the 16th century and a side aisle is said to hold the ashes of John the Baptist.
Down on the waterfront, you'll find a maritime museum that traces the history of seafaring. It includes a section dedicated to the city’s native, Christopher Columbus. You'll also get some of the best views in the city from the top floor.
Nearby is Europe's largest aquarium and one of the oldest and tallest lighthouses in the world, which dates from the 16th century. From the far side of the marina, you can walk along the Corso Italia, a waterfront area lined with elaborate villas, to arrive at Boccadasse, a jumble of brightly painted houses huddled around a little cove.
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Places near Genoa
- Portofino and Santa Margherita 15 miles away
- Cinque Terre 45 miles away
- Barbaresco 48 miles away
- Alba 50 miles away
- Porto Venere 51 miles away
- Barolo 52 miles away
- Forte dei Marmi 69 miles away
- Piedmont 74 miles away
- Parma 74 miles away
- Milan 75 miles away
- Turin 77 miles away
- Pisa 87 miles away
- Como 98 miles away
- Modena 100 miles away
- Blevio 100 miles away
- Torno 101 miles away
- Laglio 103 miles away
- Stresa 105 miles away
- Verbania 108 miles away
- Lezzeno 108 miles away
- Sirmione 110 miles away
- Tremezzo 111 miles away
- Bellagio 111 miles away
- Lake Maggiore 112 miles away
- Lake Como 115 miles away
- Gardone Riviera 116 miles away
- Lake Garda 118 miles away
- Bologna 119 miles away
- Florence 123 miles away
- San Gimignano 124 miles away
- Verona 124 miles away
- Siena 141 miles away
- Madonna di Campiglio 156 miles away
- Ravenna 162 miles away
- Venice 181 miles away
- Perugia 194 miles away
- Dolomites 198 miles away
- Orvieto 198 miles away
- Umbria 205 miles away
- Assisi 206 miles away
- Alta Badia 209 miles away
- Costa Smeralda 229 miles away
- Rome 250 miles away
- Sardinia 297 miles away
Photos of Genoa
Accommodation choices for Genoa
We've selected a range of accommodation options for when you visit Genoa. Our choices usually come recommended for their character, facilities and service or location. Our specialists always aim to suggest properties that match your preferences.
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Hotel Bristol Palace
Genoa