~ Top 10 Amazing Sights In Genoa, Italy ~

[MysteRy]

Top 10 Amazing Sights In Genoa, Italy

If you are planning a trip to Genoa but aren’t entirely sure what you have to look forward to  then we have put together a handy guide for you of things you simply must see. The city has been nicknamed ‘The Superb One’, a reference to all the tremendous landmarks and sites of extraordinary beauty that many tourists might not know about, but the good news is that now you have the same knowledge that a local would enjoy, so cast your eye over the spots below and start planning your dream holiday to Genoa today.


1. Teatro Carlo Felice
 


This is the home of the arts in Genoa, and whether it is opera, ballet of orchestral performances this unique building has always helped them to put on a wonderful show. That said, the building is well worth a visit in its own right. It is approaching its 200th birthday, and although it has been altered and adapted many times over the year the facade has remained largely unchanged. An imposing building, but one which is covered in variety of beautiful sculptures and pieces of artwork and even if there isn’t a performance on, this charming old building is well worth a visit.

[MysteRy]

2. Cathedral of St Lawrance   



As with so many cities in Italy, arguably the mightiest and finest structure in this beautiful old city is the Cathedral. It was founded in the 5th century AD, and like many Italian buildings it has been tweaked and changed and added to a lot over that time. As such, it is an architectural encyclopedia, filled with details from Romanesque and Baroque styles. Inside there are a number of pieces of real significance held in the treasury, although you would be pretty lucky to see one of these items as they date from 9AD. However, there are still plenty of pieces by local artists and indeed some of the masters that will catch the eye as the light falls through the stained glass.

[MysteRy]

3. Doge’s Palace   



The palace building has been turned into a museum now, but that belies its own history. This building which once housed members of extreme importance to  is now a great spot to take in a cultural event or an art exhibition. Where better to soak up fine pieces of modern artwork which in many ways is itself a work of art. Set on the waterfront looking out of the serene blue in many ways this stately home doesn’t need a variety of works in frames because on its own it stands out as one of the most picturesque and iconic spots in the city to enjoy a drink or some famous Italian ice cream.

[MysteRy]

4. Palace of St George   



There are very few palaces in the world which look like this one. Sitting right in the heart of one of the premier spots in Genoa, the outside of this beautiful palace is covered in a variety of murals and decorations in a series of vibrant oranges, teals and golds. As befits a strange building like this, it has had something of a unique history and as well as being a palace, playing host to dignitaries from all around the world it has also spent time as a jail. In fact, Marco Polo spent a bit of time incarcerated here on house arrest, writing his memoirs which later inspired the journeys of Christopher Columbus and marked the first real meetings of the East and the West.

[MysteRy]

5. Church of St Andrew   



Not far away is the church of St Andrew, a building which, although impressive in its own right is probably best noted for its bell tour which is covered in gold and shines like a beacon when hit by the heat of the Mediterranean sun. In many ways this building highlights the Italian way of thinking, because this is by no means the most important church in Genoa, but it is not enough for something to be designed purely for function in Italy, it also has to be beautiful and the sweeping corners and amazing intricacy which has been put here at great effort is a testament to the pride all Italians take in the appearance of things.

[MysteRy]

6. The Neptune   



The Neptune is a perfect replica of a 17th century Spanish galleon and was built in 1985 for a film by Roman Polanski called Pirates. She takes her name from the ship that she was built to portray but they weren’t willing to take the risk with their expensive prop, so below the waterline the hull is made of steel. That said, you would never know to the naked eye and for just 5 euros you can hop aboard the same boat that appeared as the Jolly Roger in ‘Neverland’. It’s been a key aspect of the Genoese tourist industry for over 20 years and even now is well worth a visit.

[MysteRy]

7. Villa del Principe   



There are few houses in all of Italy which have the sheer beauty that the Villa del Principe has to offer. For a building of such size and grandeur it really is a masterpiece, and the columns and arches hark back the Roman times. The gardens too are laid out in a timeless format, filled with straight lines and immaculately kept beds which remain pristine all year round. The city rises up from the back of the villa itself, designed to ensure that the original owners could look out at an uninterrupted view and feel beholden to nobody, but on a sunny day there is nowhere better to come in all of Genoa to relax and soak up a bit of culture and horticulture.

[MysteRy]

8. The Old Port



As you would expect the old port is where you will find the Neptune, but there is a whole lot more to the port than that. This is a major Italian port and serves the whole country, but that side of things is kept away from the main city and the quiet marina is a great spot to enjoy for any tourist. There are two lighthouses here as well, the biggest of which stands at nearly 250 feet while the port itself is split into 5 marinas. The main one of interest to you though will be the ‘Marina Porto Antico’, which literally translates as the old port. There are 280 berths here, and it is here that the beautiful yachts that cruise the Mediterranean are to found, along with any number of beautiful restaurants, cafes and boutiques.

[MysteRy]

9. The Lantern of Genoa   



The lighthouse mentioned above is something that is well worth a visit in its own right. It’s the second tallest traditional lighthouse in the world and is one of the oldest buildings in the world. The first tower on this site was built almost 1,000 years ago, although it wasn’t a patch on the structure that stands here currently. There is even a museum next door, which tracks the development of the lighthouse ehre from simple oil burning lantern to full scale lighthouse, which saved the lives of countless fisherman, merchants and trawlermen over the centuries.

[MysteRy]

10. Ferrari Square   



No trip to Genoa would be complete without a trip to the iconic Ferrari Square. Many of the buildings, churches and palaces we have noted above are within walking distance of what is probably the most famous point in the entire city. The fountain at the heart of the square was restored in recent years and, although the surrounding square was largely remodeled at the same time it was done with a level of sensitivity which makes it a beautiful spot to sit and watch the world go by. It will be the base for your entire journey, and wherever you are heading all roads lead back to the Piazza de Ferari.


So there is Genoa, laid out for you in all its glory. There are few cities which house so many well kept secrets from the tourists, but your first visit here won’t be your last. There is too much to do, and it has been a real challenge trying to narrow it down to just 10 because there is so much more to see and so much more to do. Enjoy a wander through a city where the influence of so many of the major aspects of cultural, religious and social change over the last 2000 years are there for all to see.