A little distance from the historic centre, Via Garibaldi (then called Strada Nuova) was in the mid-16C one of Italy’s most beautiful thoroughfares. Lined by sumptuous palaces, these were the residences of rich and powerful noble families. Note at n°..

The aquarium is both modern and informative. Luminous panels describe the exhibited species and their reconstructed natural environments. A video and computers make the visit “interactive” with the underwater world, whilst the numerous viewpoints giv..

Initially built in the 12C and worked on until the 16C, the cathedral has a splendid Genoese Gothic façade . The majestic interior includes the chapel of St John the Baptist and the famous “ Sacro Catino ”. The canons’ cloister houses the dioce..

Lying east of the old port, the old city is a picturesque maze of narrow streets flanked by tall buildings. Stop and admire the medieval and Renaissance palaces on Piazza San Matteo , overlooked by a church of the same name. Look out for the lovely ..

The Italian or Ligurian Riviera extends from Ventimiglia to the Gulf of La Spezia . Protected by the Alps and Apennines, it has a mild climate much enjoyed by tourists. To the west of Genoa , smart resorts ( San Remo , Bordighera ) alternate wit..

The palace was built in the 16C by the Grimaldi family and the interior decoration is contemporary. Notice the fresco decoration on the ceilings , rich and Baroque by Tavarone (17C) and lighter by Ferrari and Galeotti (18C). The collection of paint..

Three palazzi are dedicated to this museum! The collection housed in the Palazzo Bianco includes 15C-17C Flemish and Dutch works, testament to trading relations between Genoa and Holland. The Palazzo Rosso exhibits paintings by Palma Il Vecchio..

This was the residence of Andrea Doria who, in 1531, received the title of prince. The decoration was entrusted to a student of Raphaël, Perin del Vaga , who created the frescoes in the hall, the Heroes' Loggia and the symmetric apartments of the ..

Italy’s premier port is an immense maritime complex extending over almost 30km from Piazza Caricamento. To the west, the Genova lighthouse marks the entrance to the modern port of Sampierdarena, hemmed in by the skyscrapers of the new business dist..

Small, harmonious square in the heart of the town, surrounded by palaces (13C-15C) belonging to the Doria family (at n° 17, the Renaissance palace donated by the municipality of Genoa to Andrea Doria). The church of S. Matteo has a Genoese style fa..

Built in the 12C and 13C, this church has preserved its original door and a delightful Roman style, octagonal bell tower . The interior, in the same style, is quite simply charming: note a Madonna and Child (1401) in the side chapel on the right, an..

Continuing along the via San Lorenzo, we reach the Porta Soprana , one of the oldest entrances to the city (12C), characterised by its twin towers. Beyond the gate, we arrive immediately in front of the remains of the Columbus' house , alongside th..

A kind of labyrinthine Belvedere, with palm trees, waterfalls and artificial caves. From the terrace, there is a beautiful view over the city and the sea. At the top of the Villetta di Negro, the Chiossone museum brings together a collection by..

At n°10 Via Balbi stands the Royal palace built in 1650, which has a reception floor furnished with 18C and 19C pieces. On the ceiling are frescoes by Domenico Parodi (1668-1740), to whom the stunning gallery of mirrors is also attributed. Note ..

The sumptuous mausoleums here contrast with the simple clay burial mounds.

On Via San Lorenzo stands Piazza G. Matteotti, dominated by the neo-Classical façade of the Palazzo Ducale . Here also stands the church of the Gesù, built by Tibaldi in 1597, which contains Guido Reni’s Assumption and two canvases by Rubens. Beyo..

At n° 18 of the via Garibaldi is the Rosso palace which houses an art gallery exhibiting works by Palma the Older, Guido Reni, le Guerchin, Mattia Preti, and canvases by Genoese artists, including Guidobono. On the 2nd floor, there are the rema..

This monumental church was built in the 16C according to plans by Alessi. Inside, a beautiful statue by Puget represents Saint Sebastian .

The former cotton warehouses were restored in 1992 by Renzo Piano, for the 500th anniversary of the discovery of America. The 1st floor contains the Children's Town (reserved for 3-14 year-olds), which offers a series of interactive games, which ..

This 17C church is one of the finest in Genoa. Its luxuriant interior decoration blithely combining gold, stucco and frescoes, offers a typical example of Genoese Baroque.