10. Ancient Cemetery of Staglieno
Staglieno Cemetery takes up almost 100 square kilometers and is famous for its stunning, monumental sculptures. It was Napoleon who founded it after the French invaded Italy in 1804. By the end of XIX century, the necropolis became an open air museum of fine arts with the help of Guilio Monteverde, Santo Varni and other sculptors.
9. Biblioteca De Amicis
Biblioteca De Amicis is named after Italian writer, journalist and poet Edmond De Amicis. Nowadays it is one of the main interactive and educational centers of Genoa. The interiors and organization of the library are quite curious – they are built as a city of knowledge, streets of which are leading to books and games. Definitely a must visit if you are traveling with kids.
1° Modulo 2° piano, Via Magazzini del Cotone, 16128 Genova, Italy
Biblioteca de Amicis Website+39 010 2522378. Santa Maria Assunta on Karinaro hill
Four gorgeous towers on the sides and its huge dome make this church visible from almost any place in the city. Once started in 1549 and continued building for almost 300 years, Santa Maria Assunta has a surprisingly modest interior: only white walls without frescoes, which makes it an unusual, yet stunning example of an Italian church.
Via Innocenzo IV, 8, 16128 Genova, Italy
+39 010 5406507. San Giorgio Palazzo
One of the oldest palaces in Italy, Palazzo San Giorgio was built in 1260 using the stones left from the ruined Venice's embassy in Constantinople. Being a living reminder of the republics of Genoa and Venice opposition, it was used as an elite prison from 13th to 15th centuries. It was the place where the famous Venetian merchant Marco Polo was writing his notes on his travels that became a guidebook for Christopher Columbus years later. It furthermore hosted one of the oldest Italian banks, San Giorgio, and now is the headquarters of the Genoa harbor administration.
6. Il Christo degli Abissi in San Fruttuoso Harbor
Chris of the Abyss is a 2.5 meters tall statue of Jesus Christ set up on the bottom of the San Fruttuoso Harbor, 17 meters deep. It was created in 1954 by sculptor, Guido Galletti, as a request from a diver who wanted to immortalize the memory of his dead friend.
Fruttuoso, San Fruttuoso, Genova, Italy
Il Cristo degli Abissi5. Ferris wheel Il Bigo
This most unusual Ferris wheel, no doubt, an architecture masterpiece, was created in 1992 by, Renzo Piano. Looking like a bunch of ferry shafts, it lifts an elevator to the tallest of them for you to enjoy the panoramic view of the harbor, the bay and the city.
Porto Antico, Via al Porto Antico, 5, 16128 Genova, Italy
4. Genoa Aquarium
The second largest aquarium in Europe, Genoa Aquarium, was built in 1992 in memory of the 500th anniversary of Columbus's discovery of America. In 1998, a decorated ship was connected to the main building by a bridge.
The aquarium boasts three main expositions: the Ligurian Sea, the Atlantic and the Caribbean Sea coral reefs – they all repeat the original sailing route taken by Christopher Columbus.
The Genoa Aquarium is home to hundreds of sea animals and big mammals, such as dolphins, and even dangerous sea predators, such as sharks.
One of the biggest and most magnificent buildings of Genoa, Palazzo Reale, was built by the end of the 17th century. First owned by two rich Genoanese families, Balbia and Durres, and then taken over by royal family of Savoy, it was hugely inspired by the French, Versailles. Gorgeous interiors, moldings and original paintings by great artists were all untouched and carefully kept till now. Make sure to visit the stunning terrace on the roof and enjoy the spectacular view of Genoa.
Via Balbi, 10, 16126 Genova, Italy
Palazzo Reale2. Garibaldi Street
Although Garibaldi Street is pretty short (only 250 meters long) and narrow (about 7 meters wide), it hosts an unbelievable number of gorgeous palaces. One of the main attractions of Genoa, the street, was founded in 1550 during the glory days of the Republic of Genoa, when the richest people of the city decided to leave their living quarters and move closer to the sea. Take a look at majestic Palazzo Doria Tursi, now the town council building, and two large galleries, Palazzo Bianco and Palazzo Rosso.
The main square of Genoa, the Ferrari Square, is a wonderful location between the historical and business parts of the city. It got its name after the house of a duke, Raffaele de Ferrari, that was build there in 1887. In the middle of the square next to the Garibaldi monument you will find the symbol of Genoa – the fountain, beloved by the locals.
Piazza Raffaele de Ferrari, 16121 Genova
+39 010 557111Related Blogs in-and-around Genova (Genoa) & Italy
One Day in Genoa
I am just buzzing with delight to present you my version of a one-day walk in the centre of Genoa. Genoa is impressive. It is a very old city and reminders of the glorious past are waiting for you at every corner. It is impossible to jam all beautiful historical items in one route, but I shall do my best.
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I am just buzzing with delight to present you my version of a one-day walk in the centre of Genoa. Genoa is impressive. It is a very old city and reminders of the glorious past are waiting for you at every corner. It is impossible to jam all beautiful historical items in one route, but I shall do my best.
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