Genoa (Genova in Italian) is a large city on the Ligurian coast, and is Italy’s major port.  Steeped in history, it has long been home to commerce, banking and wealthy families, and a city of great naval power.  With this wealth and trade came exquisite architecture, the hilly streets of Genoa now home to some extraordinary examples of Baroque and Rococo architecture.  Christopher Columbus and Renzo Piano are perhaps Genoa’s most famous sons.  The formerly run-down decaying city has experienced a reinvention in recent years, and the city became a European City of Culture in 2004.

See:

• Piazza de Ferrari – Elegant buildings surround this large square, including the former Stock Exchange, and the Palazzo Ducale. 
• Via Garibaldi – So exquisite are the palaces and buildings along this road that it has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage site.  Many of these now also house some of Genoa’s finest museums, and gardens.
• Aquarium – This large and popular aquarium is home to over 5000 animals including sharks, and is one of the city’s most popular visitor attractions.
• La Lanterna – The oldest working lighthouse in the world, it is symbolic of the city’s close bond to the sea.
• City Gates – These imposing fortified gates to the city are a reminder of the former might and importance of Genoa.

Experience:

• Old City – Exploring the labyrinth of dark winding lanes or “caruggi” of Genoa’s historic centre is a must. 
• Porto Antico – The revitalised historic port area is full of entertainment, and site of a former prison that once incarcerated Marco Polo.  The viewing platform overlooking the port, known as Il Bigo, was designed by local Renzo Piano and allows visitors to enjoy a bird’s eye view of the area.
• Food – Seafood is a speciality here, but Genoa is world famous for its pesto made with basil and pine nuts.  “Farinata” a flatbread made from chickpea flour is a local speciality, and Genoa is the home of focaccia.  

Secrets of the City:

• The Flag of Genoa – The city’s flag is St George’s Cross, identical to that of England.  Legend has it that it was the English, and the City of London, that adopted this flag so their ships would be safe from the powerful Genovese fleet in the Mediterranean.