Genoa

Genoa

For centuries, Genoa has been a major commercial seaport. Today, it is one of Italy's largest cities. Genoa is located in northwestern Italy, in the inner harbor of the Gulf of Genoa. This city was once home to Christopher Columbus and world-renowned violinist Niccolò Paganini. Within the city's medieval walls you can wander the caruggi (alleys) where the wealthy Genovese lived and guilds set up shop. The alleys are still home to specialty shops, Baroque and Romanesque churches and 500-year-old apartment buildings.

Attractions

Take a deep breath and immerse yourself in the underwater world at the Aquarium of Genoa. This is the largest aquarium in Europe, featuring sharks, dolphins, penguins, seals, sea turtles, jellyfish, giant Japanese spidercrabs, and more. Discover new ecosystems such as the flooded forest, the mangroves, the Madagascar reef and the Moluccan Islands. Adventurers of all ages will be swept away!

Activities

Piazza de Ferrari - This site of bustling activity is Genoa's town center, dominated by an impressive fountain. Via Garibaldi - Genoa's leading families built their residences along this street from the mid-1500s onward to escape the cramped conditions of the medieval section. Most of these mansions have been converted to museums housing some of the finest art collections in the country. The 16th-century Palazzo Municipale contains manuscripts by Christopher Columbus. Piazza Matteotti - This square features important buildings such as the former Doge's Palace, known for its frescoes by Carlone and Tiepolo, and the Gothic San Mateo Church with a crypt containing the tomb of navy admiral Andrea Doria. Caruggi District - Caruggi, as the winding, picturesque alleys are called, make up the heart of historic Genoa. In this warren of narrow, cobbled streets, extending north from Piazza Caricamento, one finds the city's oldest churches, 500-year-old apartment blocks and tiny shops selling antique furniture. (Not to be explored by night!) San Donato Church - Located on Piazza San Donato, this small Romanesque church houses a beautiful 16th-century triptych with the Adoration of the Magi by Jan van Cleve.

Shopping

A wide selection of shops offer leather ware, clothing, shoes and jewelry. Exclusive boutiques are found along Via Roma and Via XXV Aprile.

Food

Genoa offers typical Italian Mediterranean cuisine. Many menus feature fresh seafood and pasta with olive oil a major ingredient. The best restaurants are found around the town center.

Currency

The Euro (EUR), the currency of the European Union, is the official currency of Italy.

Weather Forecast

Sailing Calendar

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