Genoa - The history and the basics

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?