Genoa – A perfect day of things to do
September 27, 2008
The Aquarium of Genoa
It is easy to see why the Aquarium of Genoa is one of Italy’s primary tourist attractions. With a mission to promote awareness of the responsible management of the oceans and general marine conservation – the aquarium seeks to educate and involve the public in saving many ecosystems. The focus of the Genoa Aquarium is mainly species from the North and South Poles, the Amazon and some of the Tropics. This eclectic collection of sea life means that there are well over 5000 types of sharks, crocs, snakes, dolphins, seals and of course the obligatory playful penguins.
The Aquarium of Genoa’s address is Area Porto Antico – Ponte Spinola – 16128
Genoa and Renaissance Architecture
No visit to Italy is fully complete without marvelling at the architecture specifically those from the Renaissance period. Genoa renaissance palaces rival those of Rome, Florence and Pisa with the majority of the places open to the public and boasts fantastic collections of art and sculptures. One of the main attractions has undoubtedly to be The Palazzo Spinola with its wealth of art, furniture, porcelain and silverwork. We would also recommend spending time in the Villa Doria-Pamphil with its elegant fountains and immaculate gardens. If enjoying the old masters is your thing (and we don’t mean if you came from an old public school) then a stop at the 16th Century Civic Gallery of the Red Palace which has a abundance of fine art collection including Rubens, Van Dyck and Caravaggio
Genoa and Museums
In addition to wonderful architecture – Genoa is literally brimming with superb museums. For those who enjoy a more contemporary perspective then a visit to the Villa Croce Museum and its extraordinary collection of 20th century conceptual art is a must. To contrast this, the fun filled Seafaring Museum houses a reconstructed shipyard and harbour to bring to life a period gone by. The National Museum for Antarctica interactive museum is also great fun for kids too. The Museum of Sant Agostino includes a graceful 13th century Augustinian convent and the cloisters beautifully compliment the museum of Genoese sculpture.
The Old Port of Genoa
After a few hours of cultural indulgence – why not take a stroll down to the Old Port of Genoa and enjoy the slower pace of life and let the hustle and bustle pass you by. Before you settle down to an espresso take a walk up to the Genoa’s emblematic 16th century lighthouse for fantastic views of the surrounding area. From here you will be able to see the Porta Soprana which is one of the best and only remaining old city gates. Then consider a visit to the architect of the New World and America – Christopher Columbus’s house. The 17th century Casa di Colombo is built on the site of his original dwelling – as the French sought to destroy it in the 1684. Now exhausted with the delights of Genoa we suggest you choose on the excellent cafes and restaurants on Genoa’s waterfront walks, enjoy a glass of wine and what people depart on a scenic harbour cruises.
Genoa – The history and the basics
September 22, 2008
The city of Genoa or Genova if you are Italian is situated in the north west of Italy and a very important sea terminal for that region of Italy. The city itself is of a reasonable size with a population of approximately 650,000 in habitat ants while the greater area has a combined populous of nearly 900,000. So in UK terms it is the size of Manchester or a smaller Glasgow. In terms of mix of cultures the majority are from Italian descendants mainly gravitating to the city from the north and the south. However like any major city in Europe these days there are always enclaves of other cultures and races. In the case of Genoa there has been a sharp increase of immigrants mostly from South America, Eastern Europe.
The city itself has changed dramatically with a better use of the area and a keen focus on the environment and the important tourist trade. Most will make their way to the Ligurian area of Genoa because of the many ancient Renaissance buildings, famous museums and very good restaurants are all within an easy reach. The old town in itself is a day or three to get around because it is the biggest in Europe and arguably one of the best persevered there is in the world. Great palaces, property of the ancient powerful Genoa families are now museums open to the public. Genoa was Cultural Capital for Europe in 2004 – so this gives you some indication of what there is to be had here.
So what are the highlights? Well there is a plethora to choose from including the Cathedral of San Lorenzo the palace of the doges, the ornately decorated churches of the Annunciation and of St. Ambrose.), the medieval Church of San Donato, and the Carlo Felice opera house.
The city is fortified by old forts and walls and while not for the elderly the narrow streets of the harbour section are very picturesque. If you do choose to go here then the 16th-century Lanterna is an emblem of Genoa. The Old Port was redesigned in 1992 by Renzo Piano; a modern aquarium and tropical greenhouse are there. Genoa has several museums and a university founded in the thirteenth century. So what does it have for you? I throw that question straight back at you – what does Genoa not have?
Recent Comments