The great Petrarca once appropriately defined it as ‘the Lady of the Sea’. Considering that its history comes from the sea, let’s start learning about Genoa from its main entrance: the harbour. Easily seen from the distance and from any direction, with its height of 76 meters stands the Lighthouse Tower, also known as the Lanterna. Originally built for military purposes, it is now the symbol of the city. 720 steps lead to the top of the tower, but the view is worth the effort. For those who do not feel like taking the challenge, there is a small elevator that will take them to the top.
Genoa is one of the most important international ports. For this reason, the whole area has recently been renovated by the great architect Renzo Piano, who had already designed the Bolla (bubble) near the famous Acquarium.
Once crossed the ‘portal’ of the city, the visitor enters the heart of the Superba, which holds many of its masterpieces inside elegant buildings.
Located in the Strade Nuove district protected by a UNESCO listing since 2006, The ‘Rolli’ buildings are famous for the elegance of their architecture and the valuable materials employed. Among them, are Palazzo Rosso, Palazzo Bianco and Palazzo Doria Tursi, together forming a very museum complex. In fact, Caravaggio, Veronese, Guercino, Van Dyck and Canova are only some of the artists whose work is exhibited here, where the elegance and architectural value of the buildings meet the beauty of the masterpieces in a unique itinerary.
Nearby there is the Palazzo Reale, whose magnificence strikes visitors immediately upon entering through the portal. Frescos, sculptures, paintings and stuccoes decorate the sophisticated halls, which are outfitted with elegant furniture. The building houses the National Gallery, which displays a highly regarded collection of paintings by Luca Giordano, Veronese, Tintoretto, Piola, Vassallo, Jan Roos, Borgognone, Grechetto, Strozzi, Carlo Bonomi, Guercino and Van Dyck through a tour of the 23 rooms.
The S. Lorenzo Cathedral, located in the homonymous square, was originally built in the 9th century and significantly modified through time. The façade, decorated with black and white horizontal lines, presents double-lancet and multiple-lancet windows on the upper section and three portals with a large rose window above the central one. The interior, divided into three naves, exhibits precious paintings, sculptures and is home of the Museo del Tesoro, interesting both because of its setting and for its show of artistic and cultural heritage. The same black-and-white motif can be found on the façade of S.Agostino, a de-consecrated church now home of the homonymous Museum with a rich collection that tells the story of the relationship of Genoa with art from the 10th to the 18th centuries. An interesting multicoloured majolica also adorns the bell tower.
Once left the historical district eastbound, the visitor arrives at Nervi, a wealthy residential suburb favoured by the aristocracy since the 19th century. A gem of art and history set on a delightful stretch of coast, along which unfolds a gorgeous seafront with views to the Gulf of Tigullio. Gardens and blossoming fields harmoniously intertwine with the elegant villas that serve as museums: the Galleria d’Arte Moderna in Villa Saluzzo Serra, the Raccolte Frugone in Villa Grimaldi Fassio, and the Museo Luxoro in the homonymous villa.
Westward, more precisely in Pegli, one can visit the Naval Museum housed in Villa Doria, an aristocratic residence surrounded by a vast park. The exposition shows the maritime history of the town, from its foundation until the early Middle Ages.
Villa Durazzo Pallavicini has two great attractions: the Botanical Garden, set in the park of the villa and filled with rarities, and the Museo Civico di Archeologia Ligure; in addition to finds from the Greco-Roman time, the museum displays a collection from the whole region dating back to pre-history. Stunning is the romantic park surrounding the villa, known for the water effects created by ponds, caves, streams and falls, wittingly placed among the lush vegetation.
The architecture of the Eastern Riviera is famous for the characteristic buildings almost clinging onto the rock, and by the pastel walls.
The same style can be found along the Tigullio coast, with Portofino, Rapallo, Santa Margherita Ligure and Sestri Levante placed along the coast and surrounded by the green of the maquis and the sea reflecting this aura of beauty. Wonderful from the land, they are magnificent from the sea. Trails, bays, coves, cliffs, the sea and its depths; here nature has drawn one of its masterpieces.
In Golfo del Paradiso is Camogli, another gem of the Riviera with the old town characterized by steep streets that meander through houses stacked on top of one another. However, the true heart of the town is the characteristic port, enlivened by the glee of the festive atmosphere and where the crystal-clear water reflects the colour of the boats.
The hinterland of Genoa also offers interesting itineraries, as there are many nature reserves: the Beigua Park, the largest protected area of the region, the Aveto Park, one of the most beautiful areas of the Ligurian Apennines, Antola Park, a mosaic of wonderful natural environments overlooking the Ligurian Sea near Portofino, a town whose beauty is renown worldwide.