Genoa - A perfect day of things to do

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.