A seaport in the North of Italy, Genoa is the capital city of the region of Liguria. The name of the city goes back to the Indo-European migration of the Ligurians. A huge maritime power in the past, the Republic of Genoa used to be a competitor for Venice in trading overseas. The curious thing that also led to Genoa being called the “most English town in Italy” comes from the very old relationship between England and Genoa.
The flag of Genoa is white with a red cross on it, identical to that of England and the City of London. The tradition goes back to the 12th century when the English ships were using this flag to enter the Mediterranean under the protection of the Genoese Republic. The relationship between the two is old and long-standing. The English Monarch would pay an annual tribute for the privilege of using the Genoese flag.
Today, Genoa attracts thousands of tourists every year given the fact that it is considered the oldest art city in Italy. The main attraction is the Doge’s palace and the Opera in Piazza de Ferrari. My advice to you is to take the time and explore Genoa on foot, at least the Old City, since the streets are too narrow and busy and the houses quite tall. Wandering the streets of Genoa is a wonderful experience that gets you to see Palaces, squares, churches, little cafes and more.
A great tourist attraction is the San Lorenzo Cathedral, situated in the centre of the Old City. It is all the more great as it is surrounded by lots of buildings of great religious charge such as the archbishop’s palace, the baptistery, the cloister and the Doge’s Palace. The Cathedral will definitely make you feel overwhelmed, and you won’t regret the walk through narrow backstreets and tiny squares.
There is one history laden street in Genoa that will definitely satisfy the curiosity of any tourist that is after royal vestiges. The Strada Nuova or the Via Garibaldi, part of the World Heritage List since 2006, was built in the 16th century and houses the palaces of the most prestigious families in Genoa. There are Palazzo Rosso, Palazzo Bianco, Palazzo Grimaldi and Palazzo Reale, together with the Palazzo del Principe.
Another sight worth visiting is the The Museo d’Arte Orientale that offers to visitors the privilege of admiring one to the most comprehensive collections of Oriental Art in Europe. Then, it is time to move to the harbour and admire the symbol of Genoa, ‘La Lanterna’, the Lighthouse, one of the most ancient in Europe – rising there since medieval times and visible from many viewpoints. If you get the chance, the best idea would be to see it from the sea.
One other landmark of Genoa is the aquarium, the second largest in the world. It is located in the harbour, and famous for the excellent concept. It houses a huge number of species and for each sight there is plenty of information available; you can even listen to the whales singing. Fish are so used to people that they come so close that you can touch them.
As for the fun you can have in Genoa, here is a tip for a classic sight: Teatro Carlo Felice. Situated in Piazza de Ferrari, the Teatro Carlo Felice has one of the best acoustics you will find in Europe and it houses not only opera but other modern music concerts too. However, if you choose the Opera, don’t forget to dress elegantly. It’s a must!