Italy's largest seaport where Renaissance palaces line marble-paved streets and Christopher Columbus was born. Explore Europe's largest historic center, discover maritime heritage in the ancient port, and wander royal Palazzi dei Rolli in this proud Mediterranean city where pesto was invented.
Last updated : 01/02/2026
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Europe's largest aquarium (second in Europe by water volume) houses 12,000 animals across 70 tanks including sharks, dolphins, penguins, and Mediterranean species in the beautifully renovated 16th-century port designed by Renzo Piano for the 1992 Columbus celebrations. The vast complex includes the Biosphere glass bubble, Galata Maritime Museum (Italy's largest naval museum), the Bigo panoramic lift offering harbor views, and Neptune Galleon pirate ship replica. Allow minimum 2.5-3 hours for aquarium alone, longer if exploring full port area. Book timed-entry tickets online days ahead - it's Genoa's #1 attraction and gets extremely crowded, especially weekends and school holidays. Combined tickets with other Porto Antico attractions available and more economical. The submarine Nazario Sauro can be toured separately.
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The "Strade Nuove" (New Streets) showcase Genoa's Golden Age with Via Garibaldi's 16th-century Renaissance and baroque palaces built by wealthy merchant families and inscribed as UNESCO World Heritage. The Palazzi dei Rolli were obligated to host visiting dignitaries in a rotation system unique to Genoa. Three are now spectacular museums: Palazzo Rosso (Van Dyck portraits, frescoed rooms), Palazzo Bianco (Flemish and Italian masters including Caravaggio), and Palazzo Tursi (city hall with Paganini's violin). The street itself with its marble facades, inner
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Genoa's black-and-white striped marble cathedral (12th-14th century) dominates the historic center with its Romanesque-Gothic facade featuring carved portals and rose window. Inside, the Chapel of St. John the Baptist holds relics allegedly of the saint in a Renaissance masterpiece, baroque side chapels burst with art, and the floor has medieval tomb slabs. The underground Treasury Museum contains the Sacro Catino (Holy Chalice, once believed to be the Holy Grail), Byzantine enamels, gold reliquaries, and medieval processional crosses. Don't miss the undetonated WWII bomb embedded in the piazza pavement - it crashed through the roof in 1941 but miraculously didn't explode. Cathedral entry free, Treasury Museum ticketed. Allow 30-45 minutes. Modest dress required. The adjacent Museo Diocesano has additional religious art.
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Genoa's former seat of power where Doges (elected leaders) ruled the Maritime Republic from 1339-1797, this vast medieval-renaissance complex sprawls across an entire city block with courtyards, towers, frescoed halls, and the stunning Salone del Maggior Consiglio (Great Council Hall). Now a vibrant cultural center hosting world-class temporary exhibitions (past shows: Monet, Caravaggio, Escher), the palace blends 14th-century Gothic architecture with neoclassical renovations after fire damage. The Torre del Popolo offers rooftop views, the Chapel has baroque frescoes, and the dungeons where prisoners were held are accessible. Connected to Teatro Carlo Felice opera house via glass walkway. Free entry to courtyards and bookshop; exhibitions ticketed separately. Location directly off Piazza De Ferrari makes it unmissable. Allow 1-2 hours depending on exhibitions. The palace was Genoa's political heart for 450 years - equivalent to Venice's Doge's Palace but less touristy. Check exhibition schedule as shows change every few months.
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This postcard-perfect former fishing village on Genoa's eastern edge feels like Cinque Terre within the city, with pastel-painted houses (pink, yellow, ochre) clustered around a tiny pebble beach and fishing boats pulled up on shore. The name means "mouth of the donkey" referring to the inlet's shape. Completely authentic - locals still live here, fishermen mend nets, and nonnas hang laundry from windows. The seafront promenade Corso Italia (5km waterfront walk from Porto Antico) ends here. Come for sunset aperitivo at beachside bars, legendary gelato at Amore Mio gelateria, or fresh focaccia from the bakeries lining the square. The church of Sant'Antonio overlooks the cove. It's tiny - you can see everything in 30 minutes, but the vibe invites lingering for an hour or two. Reached by bus 31 or 15 from center (20 minutes), or walk along Corso Italia if energetic. Peak summer weekends get crowded with Genoese families. Winter is quiet and atmospheric. Not a "sight" but pure Ligurian coastal life - bring a camera for the iconic colorful house reflections in the water.
Italy's largest maritime museum occupies a beautifully restored 17th-century Genoese Republic galley shipyard, telling Mediterranean naval history through full-size ship reconstructions, navigation instruments, emigrant ship recreations (complete with sounds and smells of 19th-century crossings to Americas), and a rooftop terrace with harbor panoramas. The highlight is boarding the S518 Nazario Sauro submarine moored outside - claustrophobic walkthrough of authentic 1970s diesel-electric attack sub with torpedoes, bunks, periscope, and control room. Interactive exhibits excellent for families. Combined tickets with Aquarium available. Allow 1.5-2 hours for museum, additional 30 minutes for submarine. Located in Porto Antico, easily combined with aquarium visit. Submarine tour not suitable for very young children or claustrophobic visitors.
Genoa's monumental central square connects the historic center to the modern city with its dramatic bronze fountain, the neoclassical Teatro Carlo Felice opera house (rebuilt post-WWII with controversial modern interior), and elegant arcaded palaces. The Palazzo della Regione Liguria and Palazzo della Nuova Borsa frame the space. It's Genoa's social heart - locals meet under the arcades, street performers entertain, and political demonstrations gather here. The fountain's water displays are lit dramatically at night. Free to visit, always accessible. The square marks the division between the medieval caruggi (narrow alleyways) below and the 19th-century expansion above. Perfect starting point for exploring either direction. Grab an espresso in the historic Caffè Mangini (1886) on the corner. The Palazzo Ducale contemporary art center is just 100 meters away through Via XXV Aprile.
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The magnificent Royal Palace (1643) of the Balbi family became a Savoy residence in 1824, showcasing gilded baroque splendor across the Hall of Mirrors (rivaling Versailles on smaller scale), Throne Room, ballrooms with Venetian chandeliers, and royal apartments with original furnishings and tapestries. The art collection includes Van Dyck portraits, Tintoretto, and Genoese masters. The terraced hanging gardens offer rare green space in dense Genoa with Mediterranean plants and harbor glimpses. UNESCO World Heritage as part of Palazzi dei Rolli system. Audio guide essential for context. Allow 1.5-2 hours for palace and gardens. Combined ticket with Palazzo Spinola available. Located on Via Balbi near Principe train station. The Galleria degli Specchi (Hall of Mirrors) with its 18th-century frescoes is breathtaking. Modest crowds compared to Via Garibaldi palaces - hidden gem.
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Genoa's symbol since 1128, the Lanterna is the world's fifth-tallest lighthouse (77m, 117m including the hill) and Mediterranean's tallest, still functioning with a 50km beam visible at sea. The current tower dates to 1543 after the original was destroyed. Climb 172 steps to the first terrace (halfway up) for sweeping harbor and city panoramas - the Alps visible on clear days. The base museum traces Genoa's maritime history, lighthouse technology, and the tower's role in navigation. The 800-meter seaside promenade from the entrance offers industrial port views - authentic working harbor, not touristy. No elevator - stairs only. Allow 1-1.5 hours including walk and museum. Located in the port industrial zone west of center - 20-minute walk from Principe station or bus 1. Windy at top. Not recommended in bad weather. The yellow-and-white striped tower dominates Genoa's skyline from every angle.
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Genoa's elegant main shopping boulevard runs 500 meters from Piazza De Ferrari to Piazza della Vittoria, lined with porticoed arcades sheltering international chains, Italian boutiques, historic cafés, and art nouveau buildings. Built in the late 19th century after urban renewal demolished medieval quarters, it represents bourgeois Genoa. The Ponte Monumentale bridge (impressive even if just a bridge over a street) marks the midpoint. Side streets branch into the caruggi maze with artisan shops and focaccerie. Free to stroll, always bustling with locals doing the passeggiata. The Christmas decorations and lights are spectacular. Historic Caffè Klainguti (1828) at #44 serves legendary falstaff cake. Parallel Via Roma offers more upscale shopping. The large Coin department store anchors the eastern end. Best afternoon/evening when shops are open and crowds energize the street. Pure Genoese everyday life, not touristy.
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