Things to do in Genoa
It's perhaps odd that the largest medieval town in Italy is best known among travellers for its aquarium. The second-largest in Europe, Genoa's Aquarium is no doubt worth a visit, particularly for those travelling with kids. However, the greatest tourist attractions in Genoa are the palaces, churches and piazzas of the medieval old town.
Some of the most notable landmarks are the Basilica of Santa Maria di Castello, the Palazzi dei Rolli, the Duomo di Genova, the Royal Palace Museum, the 13th-century church and monastery of Sant'Agostino and Palazzo Tursi, formerly Genoa's City Hall. A stroll down the Via Garibaldi is a must, as is a walk along Genoa's promenade, the Passeggiata Anita Garibaldi a Nervi.
Eating is a celebrated tourist activity in the city, and the restaurant scene deserves to be celebrated. Among the many delights that Italian cuisine has brought to the world, Genoa can claim two as its own: the city was the birthplace of pesto sauce, traditionally made from herbs, olive oil and pine nuts, and focaccia, a kind of flat oven-baked bread topped with olive oil and white wine. The old town of the city has many good restaurants, and there's also a great selection in Porto Antico down by the harbour.
Genoa Aquarium
Genoa's Acquario di Genova is the second-largest aquarium in Europe and the best in Italy. The ship-like building on the promenade houses no fewer than 50 stunning habitats that ra…
Genoa Aquarium
Genoa's Acquario di Genova is the second-largest aquarium in Europe and the best in Italy. The ship-like building on the promenade houses no fewer than 50 stunning habitats that range from the Amazon basin and Red Sea coral reefs to Antarctic penguin pools. Hundreds of species call the aquarium home, such as seals, dolphins, caiman, piranhas, jellyfish, sea turtles and sharks. It's a fantastic family attraction that gives kids a fun break from traditional sightseeing. The aquarium also has a hummingbird sanctuary.
Website www.acquariodigenova.it
Palazzo Tursi
Formerly Genoa's City Hall, the Palazzo Tursi is the largest and most majestic of all the magnificent buildings on the Via Garibaldi. Built in 1565, the building is now a museum ho…
Palazzo Tursi
Formerly Genoa's City Hall, the Palazzo Tursi is the largest and most majestic of all the magnificent buildings on the Via Garibaldi. Built in 1565, the building is now a museum housing unique artefacts such as the violin of Nicolo Paganini, and ashes that are said to be the remains of Christopher Colombus. The museum also contains numerous decorative artworks, such as tapestries, furniture and Ligurian ceramics, as well as historical artefacts such as ancient coins and medical devices.
On sunny days, visitors can break from the museum's collections and just enjoy the beauty of the building's many-columned interior courtyard. The museums are known collectively as the Musei di Strada Nuova and the individual buildings are the Palazzo Bianco, Palazzo Rosso and Palazzo Tursi.
Website www.museidigenova.it/it/content/palazzo-tursi
Museum of Sant' Agostino
The 13th-century church and monastery of Sant'Agostino was built by the Augustinians in 1260, and is now one of the few Gothic buildings remaining in Genoa. Its cloisters are a mus…
Museum of Sant' Agostino
The 13th-century church and monastery of Sant'Agostino was built by the Augustinians in 1260, and is now one of the few Gothic buildings remaining in Genoa. Its cloisters are a museum housing more than 4,000 works, such as metal and stone sculptures, frescoes and many architectural artefacts. Although not large, the museum is one of the most popular attractions in Genoa. The museum is gradually linking its artefacts to mobile phone guides in English and Italian but this project is in its infancy.
Website www.museidigenova.it/spip.php?rubrique262