Things to see in Genoa – page 4

Genoa (Italian: Genova, Ligurian: Zena) is a historic port city in northern Italy, the capital of the Liguria region. As a tourist attraction, it is often overshadowed by cities such as Rome or Venice, even though it has a long history as a rich and powerful trade centre. However, with its multitude of hidden gems behind cozy alleyways, excellent cuisine (notably pesto, focaccia, and seafood), renovated old port, beautiful sights (including one of Europe's biggest aquariums), and its position as the European Capital of Culture in 2004, the birthplace of explorer Christopher Columbus (Cristoforo Colombo) is an enticing place which is gradually becoming more included in the tourism market.

Old City: Genoa has one of Europe’s largest preserved historical centers, made up of an incredible number of tiny streets and alleys called Caruggi. Walking through it will plunk you right back to olden times when Genoa was the most important harbor of the Mediterranean sea.

Christopher Columbus House (Casa di Cristoforo Colombo) (Piazza Dante). The house where Columbus lived as a child.

The impressive fortification belt built on the hills surrounding the city, originating in the 16th century.

Spianata Castelletto. A nice belvedere where one can have a pleasant view of the city and of the seaport. It can be reached by public lift from Piazza della Nunziata or on foot from that very same square. Via Garibaldi. also known as Via Aurea and Strada Nuova.

Some similar buildings are also found in Via Balbi.

The Old Harbour (Porto Antico) (north of the Aquarium). An entertainment area with museums, cinemas, cafés and also a beautiful promenade along the sea. Lanterna di Genova.

A lot of beautiful churches, some of which date back to the Romanesque time (San Giovanni di Pre', San Donato, Santa Maria del Castello)

Castello d'Albertis (D’Albertis Castle Museum of World Cultures).