Genoa
Genoa is a picturesque city in the north of Italy, surrounded by two seas and the Apennine Mountains. Since ancient times, this area has been the center of trade, which brought good income for the entire region. It was here that Columbus and Paganini were born. This area is so impressive in its beauty and fabulous atmosphere that it is in great demand by filmmakers. It was in Genoa, the Lumiere brothers and Alfred Hitchcock filmed their movies. The Italians themselves are very fond of this resort city, but foreign tourists are just beginning to discover it.
Districts of Genoa
Attractions
Nature and rich history have lavished this small city in Italy. It could rightfully get the title of the most beautiful city in Europe if it were not for the more glamorous Florence and Venice. Genoa fascinates, impresses, and inspires not only with its rich architectural heritage but also with its incredible seascapes.
Population of Genoa
Brief history
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
Useful notes
It is better to rent a car for convenient travel around the region. You will need an ID card, an international driver's license, and a deposit of 500-1000 euros, depending on the car. The amount of the deposit must be on a credit card. The price of daily rent per day in low season is 20 euros, in high season — from 60 euros. The cheapest rentals are at local offices.
Genoa is a port city, so it is not recommended to swim on city beaches. If you want a better sea vacation, go to more picturesque places of the Italian Riviera: Balzi Rossi Beach, Levanto, Baia dei Saraceni.
The national currency of Italy is the euro. It is better to change money in the local bank of your country. Almost all stores and public places in Genoa take cards, but there are souvenir shops and small cafes, where the payment by card will charge an extra percent. It is necessary always to have a sufficient amount of cash.
It is best to travel around the city on the subway, trains, and buses. Tickets and multi-day passes can be purchased in advance at tobacconists or newsstands. It is impossible to buy a ticket from the driver.
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.
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