Genoa is a beautiful city on the Northwestern coast of Italy, located on the Ligurian Sea. Featuring the sixth largest Italian city, Genoa has a metropolitan population of 1.5 million and houses several economic centers in Italy. Since the beginning of the 19th century, gigantic ports and shipyards have decorated Genoa’s landscape. The natural harbor was used by both Etruscans and Romans several years back. Genoa has several Piazzas, ancient churches, and decorated palaces that bring all individual chapters in history, further enriching the rich heritage here. The city has a lot to offer that match the requirements and taste of every traveler. We bring you the famous attractions of Genoa that will lighten up all moods.
Genoa Aquarium
This destination may be one of the unusual things to do in Genoa, but it is an excellent family destination that will capture the imagination and attention of all age groups. Placed in the neighborhood of Piazza Carciamento in the main harbor area, this Aquarium houses myriad species of marine life, including sharks, fishes, jellyfish, turtles, and dolphins. The North Atlantic Ocean’s environment and the Ligurian Sea’s creatures are two central themes in the Genoa Aquarium. The environment has been beautifully designed to meet marine life’s climatic and habitual needs.
Genoa Harbour
Stretched lavishly over the 22km coastline of Genoa is home to several ports and docks for commercial, leisure, and recreational purposes. Many bars, museums, cafes, and restaurants make it an instant hit among the tourist population. Strolling along the harbors is among the best things to do as you witness an array of ships, a beautiful aquarium, and the iconic maritime museum in one go. Don’t miss out on exploring the fascinating Lanterna di Genoa towards the left of the bay, which is a 76m tall lighthouse that has a history dating back to the 12th century.
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Genoa Maritime Museum
Genoa was a major naval player in the 16th to 19th-century era, and there is no doubt why one of Europe’s largest Maritime museums is housed here. Discover unique insights, historical artifacts, interactive displays, and reconstructions over its four floors. For example, one room in the museum displays atlases and globes across various periods, and another displays a reconstructed galley ship. On the museum’s second floor, you will witness various reproductions of shipwrecks and several naval instruments used in the bygone era. An iconic Italian military submarine is also placed in the adjacent dock, where tours are provided to explore this great underwater vessel.
Forte Begato
Incepted in 1818, this ancient hillside fort is placed in the northern Genoa region and is perched on a mountain top that helped it to act as a defensive structure for several years until it lost popularity and importance over the years. The central barracks in the complex used 300+ soldiers, and a diverse range of artillery platforms remains the highlight of this ancient fort. This destination was also used as a prison for the prisoners of war that is now closed for exploration. Even though entry is banned, the exterior of this majestic fort continues to woo the audience. You also witness mind-blowing natural vistas from the hilltop as Genoa city is spread right before your eyes.
Museo d’Arte Orientale
Placed near the Piazza del Portello right in central Genoa, the Museum of Oriental art offers a wonderful opportunity to witness something unique and different compared to other contemporary art museums in other major cities. Housing the largest collection of Asian artwork, bronze theatrical objects, and oriental art in the entire European region, each exhibition in this museum talks about a bygone era and the masterpieces in that era, including Buddhist sculptures, well-preserved Japanese armor and weapons, and Ming sculptures.
Piazza De Ferrari
It features among the famous attractions of Genoa that is placed in the central medieval town in the Molo district. The large ornate fountain is among the highlights of this 19th-century classical destination. This fountain has several series of water jets spraying water into the central basin, forming a symmetrical shape and water cascading, making it among the key sights to witness. Its neighborhood has several important buildings like the Genoa stock exchange, the Palace of the Doges, the Duke of Galleria, and the Carlo Felice Theatre. You can take a culinary break at the various small cafes surrounding the Piazza De Ferrari.
Piazza Matteotti
This beautiful destination is also within walking distance from the Piazza De Ferrari and features several historical buildings and sights that are amazing to witness. At one of the squares, you will find the iconic Doges Palace framed by a stone series of columns and oozes opulence from all corners. Other notable attractions include the medieval San Lorenzo Cathedral and the Church of Saint Ambrogio, a huge hit among the tourist population due to their gorgeous interiors. Local market stalls are hosted here, where you can haggle well to get a great deal.
Porta Soprana
Image Credit: www.visitgenoa.it
Genoa’s walls were once a major defensive structure, the gateway to Genoa, and the longest walls in Italy. Today, however, it stands among the famous attractions in Genoa in the form of the Porta Soprana gatehouses and towers. Placed within walking distance from the Piazza De Ferrari, you can club both iconic destinations together to deep dive into the rich cultural heritage of Genoa. The two towers are circular and flanked by an arched gateway topped with crenulations that provide the perfect opportunity for some wonderful selfies for your Instagram profile. Of course, it would feature among the most unusual things to do in Genoa, but its architecture has continued to impress the tourist audience for ages.
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San Lorenzo Cathedral
This fascinating building, built in 1118, is visited by several tourists and visitors yearly. Also known as the Genoa Cathedral, the architecture is very similar to the Florence Cathedral, where stripped marble and stone front façade is decorated with four beautiful colors – black, white, pink, and green. One of the awe-inspiring facts about this medieval church that stands among the famous attractions in Genoa is that it still maintains its charm and elegance for centuries. The pinkish marble columns decorate the central altar remains the Interior highlights. The beautiful ceiling is decorated with frescos and several wonderful artworks, such as the Martyrdom of St. Lawrence by Lazzaro Tavorone, among the most well-known masterpieces.
Via Garibaldi
This UNESCO World Heritage-listed site features among the important streets in Genoa that house some of the finest architecture and beautiful palaces. With its reddish-orange facade, the Palazzo Rosso stands out among all the architectural feats in the region. Other notable ones on the list are the Palazzo Lomelino, the Palazzo Pantaleo, the Palazzo Doria Tursi, and the Palazzo Bianco. These marvelous architectural feats talk a lot about the rich history of Genoa and house several interactive displays, amazing art collections, and artifacts.
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