Discover Genoa
The center of the Italian Riviera
A charming city surrounded by the Apennine Mountains and two seas

Districts of Genoa

Conditionally, the city's tourist part can be divided into two areas: Old Town (in the center) and New Town (in the northeast). Next to the New Town are the residential areas, where there are few hotels, but many locals rent apartments or rooms. Local guides recommend staying around the Old Port and the main attractions. But the area of Gramsci Street is considered unfavorable because of the large number of people from the Middle East and Africa.

Population of Genoa

Genoa is considered the most English city in Italy. The fact is that the inhabitants of England have long fancied this place. They not only regularly come here for holidays, but also buy property here. That is why, unlike other cities in Italy, in Genoa, locals speak excellent English, and all signs and menus are duplicated.

Brief history

The first mention of Genoa dates back to the Roman Empire. There was once a small Greek village, which Carthage destroyed in 209 BC. After the fall of the Empire, the Byzantines came to the land, and then the Franks took over most of the region. The heyday of the Ligurian region, to which Genoa belongs, began in the X century. The relations of the region were strengthened, and the opening of the port allowed navigators to reach the lands of Spain and Palestine.

Genoa gained its independence in the XII century. The Crusades and the presence of colonies helped it gain a foothold on the map of Europe. But rapid development was followed by a decline. In 1394, the region became heavily dependent on political fluctuations, and in 1797, Napoleon annexed the Ligurian Republic to France. At this time, the region was not poor and profited from the Spanish colonies in the Americas by selling gold mined on the other mainland.

Genoa became part of Italy after the Congress of Vienna. Since then, the region has become one of the main ports of the Kingdom of Sardinia and the main one in the Mediterranean Sea.

Modern Genoa is the center of the Ligurian Riviera, with a luxurious historical heritage, resorts, and luxury hotels. Late Baroque Palazzi dei Rolli, Piazza De Ferrari, St. Lawrence Cathedral attract tourists from all over the world every year. Some of the historic monuments are UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

The best time to visit Genoa

The high season in Genoa is the Easter holiday period and the summer months. That's when tourists arrive here from all over the world, not only by plane but also on the huge liners. The low season starts in November and lasts until April. If you are counting on a beach holiday in Genoa, then choose the time from May to October. The water temperature, even in October, does not drop below +20°C.

Useful notes

Things to do in Genoa

  • See the home of Christopher Columbus. Although it is not entirely known exactly where the navigator was born, the Genoese believe that Columbus lived in their city. You can get inside only by appointment or on Columbus Day, which is celebrated on October 12.
  • Visit the largest water park in Italy. It covers an area of 3,100 square meters. There are a lot of sea inhabitants there: dolphins, sharks, jellyfish, and other inhabitants, which you can get acquainted with.
  • Get a glimpse of the past in the Old Port. The thousand-year-old lighthouse La Lanterna, the Maritime Museum, and the Botanical Reserve Biosphere are located here. This is where ships filled with gold came and where adventurers set out to explore an undiscovered region, America.
  • Listen to opera in the most spacious theater in Europe. Carlo Felice Theater is one of the main attractions of Genoa. Its hall can seat 2,000 spectators, which is a record for a building of this type. Giuseppe Verdi himself staged his productions here.
  • Taste Ligurian cuisine. Farinata, focaccia, emerald pesto sauce — a minimum program for gourmets.
  • Experience the spirit of aristocracy at the Palazzi dei Rolli. The complex impresses with its decoration, architecture, and size. There are 42 palaces on its territory. The most interesting sites are Palazzi dei Rolli, Palazzo Rosso, Palazzo Reale, and Palazzo Ducale.
  • Find souvenirs in the shopping area of Via XX Settembre. There are many boutiques with famous Italian brands and small antique shops with history.

Map Genoa

Hotels in Genoa

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