Aug. 2025
Genoa (Italian: Genova) is a historic port city in northwestern Italy, known for its rich maritime past, labyrinthine old town, and vibrant cultural life. It’s the capital of the Liguria region and one of the most underrated gems in the Mediterranean, often overshadowed by cities like Rome, Florence, or Venice—yet full of character, history, and authenticity. It is nicknamed La Superba (“The Proud One”), due to its glorious history. It locates at the Ligurian Sea, nestled between the Apennine Mountains and the coast.
Historical Significance
- One of the most powerful maritime republics during the Middle Ages, alongside Venice and Pisa.
- Home to famed explorer Christopher Columbus.
- A major player in Mediterranean trade from the 11th to 17th centuries.
- Its Old Town is one of the largest and most well-preserved medieval city centers in Europe—a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Top Attractions
- Via Garibaldi: A street lined with Renaissance and Baroque palaces (Palazzi dei Rolli), many now housing museums and art galleries.
- Genoa Cathedral (San Lorenzo): A Romanesque-Gothic church with black-and-white striped façade and stunning interior.
- Porto Antico (Old Port): Revamped by architect Renzo Piano, this waterfront area has museums, restaurants, and the Aquarium of Genoa, one of the largest in Europe.
- Palazzo Ducale: The former seat of the Doges of Genoa, now a cultural center and exhibition venue.
- Boccadasse: A charming, colorful seaside village that’s part of the city, perfect for a stroll or seafood meal.
- Vascello Neptune: Floating, climb-aboard replica of a 17th-century Spanish galleon, built for the 1985 film “Pirates.”
- Royal Palace Museum: Opulent royal palace with fine stuccowork & frescos in the hall of mirrors, ballroom & throne room.
- Palazzo Balbi Senarega: also known as the Palace of Giacomo and Pantaleo Balbi, is a stunning 17th-century aristocratic residence located at Via Balbi 4, in Genoa’s historic center.
- Castello Bruzzo: a stunning historic villa located on the Castelletto hill in Genoa, Italy, overlooking the city and the Ligurian Sea. Originally known as Villa Micheli, it was designed in 1904 by the renowned architect Gino Coppedè, one of Italy’s most distinctive figures in early 20th-century eclectic and Art Nouveau architecture.
Actually, I have not had the chances to visit many Italian cities, so Genova is by far my most favorite Italian city, because it really has a lot of offer.
When we arrived Genova station, it was already late at night, so I did not have a good look at it, only next morning, I had a nice view of the town from my hotel (Hotel Bellevue) balcony.
Next morning, we wasted no time walking towards the old town. Even usual streets in Genova looked beautiful. After visiting Genoa Cathedral and walking to Palazzo della Borsa Valori, we decided to hike up the steep hill and long stairs to Castello Bruzzo. Although it requires a small entrance fee, it was one of my favorite place to visit in Genova city, not only because it had an amazing view overlooking the complete city and habour, but also because of the unique interior design of this luxury villa, showing me how Genova had been an important international port since long time ago, that the rich owner of this villa was able to gather unusual goods from all over the world.
After that, we went on to visit Vascello Neptune, the boat built for the movie “Pirates”. Although it was obviously a fake, it still looked impressively detailed from the outside. Also, around there was cozy street full of restaurants, cafes and souvenir shops, and we had Focaccia and coffee at the counter as lunch.
At last, we came across the Royal Palace Museum, which we decided to pay a visit. Surprisingly it did not require entrance fee that day. Perhaps because it was a Sunday, or because it was partially in construction, which we did not know. Even though part of the Royal Palace Museum was blocked for construction, there were still plenty to visit, including gorgeous ballrooms and endless rooms of different design and painting all over the walls and ceilings. It was also a place I highly recommend.
Although I had only spent one day in Genova city, I felt that I had seen a lot already. There were probably even more places worth to visit. Hopefully someday I’ll have chance to set foot here again.