Stopover in Genoa, the largest harbour in Italy

Genoa is a city that was built as an amphitheater. Whether you come to Genoa by sea or by road, you always approach this Italian city by its port. The port of Genoa is gigantic. It is a marina, a passenger port and a commercial port. Here everything is mixed, and all these ships cohabit creating a merry mess.

The visit to the old port of Genoa

In the port of Genoa, there are several activities to do. First of all, you have to go to the “Porto Antico”, the old port. First of all, there is a big wheel and a giant elevator. These are two attractions that will allow you to get up high and admire the port of Genoa.

But it is while strolling along the quays that you will discover the most unusual things. For example the reconstruction of an old three masts. It was built in 1986 for the film “Pirates” by Roman Polinski. You can also admire the old lifting cranes of the port of Genoa.

And then, of course, there is the Lanterna. The lighthouse of Genoa, whose lens is 117 meters high. A monument that has guided ships to the port of Genoa since 1128. The lighthouse museum will tell you that this place was destroyed and rebuilt many times. And that this lighthouse also served for a time as a prison.

Address of the Genoa lighthouse: rampa de la Lanterna, Genoa. Subway station: Dinegro. The entrance fee is six euros.

Finally, you could perhaps take advantage of it to go on a sea trip and see the whales of the Mediterranean Sea. Indeed Genoa is one of the places where you can see whales. Because the city just in front of a marine sanctuary. Walking around the old port, you will find boats that offer sea excursions.

Why you should stop in Genoa?

If you are cruising on the Mediterranean, there is a good chance that your ship will call in Genoa. First of all, because it is one of the few ports that can welcome large cruise ships. But also because this city is splendid and reminds a little bit the architecture of some Latin American cities like Buenos Aires or Montevideo.

But if you are on the French Riviera, we strongly advise you to make an excursion to Italy and to come and spend a weekend in Genoa.

What to see during a stopover in Genoa?

To make it quick and if you’re short of time, we suggest you visit absolutely four places in the beautiful city of Genoa.

1. The Royal Palace of Genoa

This building is splendid, and it alone symbolizes the motto of the city “Genoa the Magnificent”. A city that has always tried to be in the shade and stand up to Rome.

If you like to visit the palaces, we also recommend a visit to the “Palazzo Blanco” and the “Palazzo Rosso”, which are two architectural wonders.

2. The University of Genoa

Genoa is not Paris, and the University of Genoa is not the Sorbonne. Indeed the splendid University of Genoa is open to the public, unlike its Parisian counterpart which remains ostensibly closed to everyone. A few guards are there and watch more or less over the building. Day and night, it is possible to walk around the patio of the University and this free of charge. An unforgettable visit just a stone’s throw from the royal palace of Genoa.

Indeed, the University of Genoa is a building dating back to 1,481, a prestigious place located a stone’s throw from the port. A place not to be missed, moreover the University is called the “Palazzo dell’ Universita”.

3. The Castle of Genoa, the highest viewpoint of Genoa

Visiting the palaces of Genoa is a bit like visiting Genoa from the bottom up. Because this city was built vertically, rest assured, there are no skyscrapers like in New York, but rather a succession of hills and landings to cross to visit the city. And the Palace of Genoa is at the very top of the town. This gives you a superb view of the beautiful city of Genoa.

address of the Royal Palace: Albertis Castle, Corso Dogali, 18, Genoa

4. Discovering the oldest market in Genoa: “El Mercado Oriental”.

Here you can find all the specialities of Italy. This market is an oasis of colours, an ideal place to meet the Genoese, without filters.

When to visit Genoa?

Genoa can be visited all year round, with a preference for the period from March to October. Please carefully avoid the months of July and August to visit the city. Its location on the Mediterranean coast gives it a mild climate throughout the winter.

Discover Genoa by night

In the evening, when life gradually fades away, with the night, the city of Genoa takes on another dimension. Like all cities in the world, it is at night that, with the play of lights, you can be more easily amazed by the architecture and the baroque facades.

The Focaccia, a Genoese specialty

If you need to taste a local speciality, then you must go to a bakery to buy Focaccia. The Focaccia is a kind of brioche or rather a rectangular bread with olive oil. A bread that is soaked in olive oil and sprinkled with salt. A gênes it is the bread that accompanies the Genoa, from breakfast to dinner. The Focaccia also accompanies coffee breaks and aperitifs with friends. Genoa is the homeland of the Foccacia.

This bread is also found on the menus of restaurants that serve it as a kind of cold pizza. But remember that above all the Focaccia is eaten plain.

So when you come to Genoa, you must try this soft and rectangular bread, a little bit fat and golden brown.

Other things to discover in Genoa, when you have time

The fabulous district of Boccadasse

Boccadasse is historically a small fishing village on the outskirts of Genoa. This village is so close to its cumbersome neighbour Genoa that the city has absorbed it. Today Boccadasse is, therefore, a neighbourhood at the eastern end of the town of Genoa. With its festive air and colourful houses, Bocadasse is above all an invitation to discover the small coastal villages of Liguria. Such as the discreet town of Zaogli, Santa Marguerita, the bulky Porto Fino or the authentic Porto Venere. Those in a hurry will go directly to the Cinque Terre. What a pity, there are so many beautiful things to discover in Liguria.

Getting lost in the old town of Genoa

Get lost in the old town of Genoa. The old town is an exciting maze of narrow streets, palaces, churches and dilapidated buildings. The ancient city of Genoa is a fascinating urban labyrinth. to be continued.

San Lorenzo Cathedral

The specificity of this cathedral and what makes it beautiful is this two-coloured facade. Day or night, this cathedral imposes itself in the city centre of Genoa until we forget the blue of the nearby sea. A relatively simple style and lines and an impressive symmetry.

photo credits: Yann Ve