Italy · City Guide
Genoa
Genoa is one of Italy's most fascinating and least visited great cities, a former maritime superpower of extraordinary medieval caruggi alleyways, magnificent Baroque palazzi, an outstanding seafood and pesto culture and one of Europe's most beautifully preserved old ports. From the Palazzo Ducale and the Aquarium to the Palazzi dei Rolli UNESCO World Heritage Site and the beautiful Ligurian Riviera coast, Genoa rewards those who explore beyond the obvious.
Elect's take
"Genoa is the Italian city that most consistently surprises visitors. The medieval caruggi are extraordinary, the food culture is outstanding and the combination of maritime history, Baroque grandeur and authentic local life creates something genuinely compelling."
The Palazzi dei Rolli are a UNESCO World Heritage Site of extraordinary 16th and 17th century merchant palaces, opened to visitors twice a year for the Rolli Days festivals which are some of the most spectacular cultural events in Italy. The caruggi, the narrow medieval alleyways of the old city, create a labyrinthine urban environment of extraordinary character. The Aquarium of Genoa is one of the finest in Europe. The Ligurian coast on both sides of Genoa provides beautiful hiking in the Cinque Terre to the east and the Ligurian Riviera to the west. Pesto Genovese and focaccia here are simply exceptional.
Best time to visit
How to get there
What to expect
Palazzi dei Rolli
A UNESCO World Heritage Site of extraordinary 16th and 17th century merchant palaces.
Medieval Caruggi
The extraordinary labyrinthine medieval alleyways of one of Europe's oldest port cities.
Pesto Genovese
The birthplace of pesto and focaccia, among the finest in Italy.
Genoa Aquarium
One of the finest aquariums in Europe at the beautifully regenerated old port.
Ligurian Riviera
Beautiful coastal access to Cinque Terre, Portofino and the Italian Riviera.
Maritime Heritage
One of the four great maritime republics of medieval Italy with extraordinary history.
