Genoa is the sixth largest Italian city in terms of population. It is not among the most visited cities because it has strong competitors in the country, from Rome to Milan or Florence, but it also has a lot to offer. This city in northern Italy is known for being a place of great commercial importance for the country, and tourism is not its strong point. However, it receives many cruises and more and more people are coming to know its charms.
We will show you those Essential places to see in the city of Genoa. It is a city that can be seen well in one or two days, so it can be a perfect getaway if we are making a trip to Italy. Both its historic center and its more modern area have a lot to offer.
Old Port
This area of the city is a meeting place and great activity since centuries. In addition, the renovations carried out in it mean that today it has become a truly tourist area that is worth visiting. In this area you can see the Biosphere, which is a large glass ball within which a tropical ecosystem with plants and small animals is preserved.
On the other hand, in this port is the Bigo, a very modern structure that will turn heads. It is inspired by the cranes of the port and serves to support the structure of the roof for the party area and also to go up in its panoramic elevator, from which there are great views of the city. Finally, in this area you can visit the Galata Museo del Mar. This museum dedicated to the sea is the largest in Europe in its theme. Inside you can see an evolution of the relationship between man and the sea, as well as all kinds of instruments, ships and details of the marine world.
Ferrari Square
If a central location in the city of Genoa, that's the Piazza de Ferrari. It is between the historic center and the new area, so it can be a starting and finishing point for visits. Around the square there are a series of well-kept buildings, being the financial area of the city, since there are banks and companies headquarters. There are also some nearby historical buildings that can be seen. In the old Palazzo Italia di Navigazione is the Headquarters of the Liguria Region, the Carlo Felice Theater or the Stock Exchange building are other important places in the square.
Aquarium of Genoa
It is necessary to emphasize especially this great aquarium because it is the largest in Europe, so it is always recommended when visiting the city. Inside the aquarium there are up to 71 different pools, with thousands of marine species that can be seen. This is an ideal visit to do as a family, one of those cultural entertainments that turn out to be a great experience if we go with children. The aquarium is located in the port area.
St. Lawrence Cathedral
This is the most important church of the diocese of the city. It is a medieval style building that began to be built in the XNUMXth century. Its beautiful facade in Gothic style stands out. Inside it has some frescoes dating from the XNUMXth century. This is where the ashes of Saint John the Baptist are found.
San Giorgio Palace
This palace was ordered to be built in the XNUMXth century. For this, materials from the demolished building of the Venetian embassy in Constantinople were used. This located in the center of the Old Port, so it is easily accessible. This place was a palatial residence but also served as a prison and as the headquarters of a bank. Currently inside are the offices of the port authority. It is a building that can be seen from the outside and that undoubtedly attracts attention due to the decorations on its façade.
Birthplace of Christopher Columbus
Not everyone knows that Christopher Columbus was born in the Italian city of Genoa. Although we all associate him with Spain, in reality this sailor was of Italian origin and in Genoa we can see the house where he was born. It is a small house located in the historic center. In the lower part there is a room that is used as a cellar and in the upper area are the rooms.
Porta Soprana
This construction is of medieval originbut it is in excellent condition. This was one of the access gates to the city when it was fortified to protect itself from outside attacks, something common in cities located by the sea. Inside the arch of the gate you can see an inscription addressed to those who are going to enter the city.