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 Take a stroll along the aqueducts |
Via di Sottoripa Genoa Italy |
It follows the original route built during the times of the Roman Empire, however, it now stretches for 40 km inland after alterations were carried out during medieval times and the seventeenth century. Part of the ancient viaduct meanders through the city, and some sections are still visible especially close to Palazzo S.Giorgio (above the arches of Via di Sottoripa), of via del Molo and in the Castelletto area (Passo dell'Acquedotto in the Circonvallazione a Monte). In the Staglieno area, at the entrance to the Valbisagno, is the rather impressive and large bridge of held up by several arches, which passes over the Genova-Est motorway tolls. Thanks to a siphon designed by C. Barbarino in 1800, the water can flow over a height difference and reach the canal, emptying out into the enormous reservoirs which are no longer in use. These reservoirs are situated underneath the Belvedere L. Montaldo, and were uncovered after many centuries by experts looking for Genova sotterranea. The aqueduct was still in use until after the First World War, but new plumbing and irrigation methods have meant that it is now only used by the Servizio Giardini e Foreste inside the Cimitero Monumentale di Staglieno. Once out of the city, the aqueduct's route proceeds passed houses and orchards, forming an exceptional natural historic path through the Valbisagno and adorned with plaques containing historic and botanical facts. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Shoot and score |
Via B. Bianco, 2 Genoa 16127 Italy +39 10 23 3688 |
In the centre of the Lagaccio valley, between the chaotic Via Napoli area and the quiet hills, this is a public sports facility. There is a strong wind from the hills which makes playing football here a bit of an effort, but there are other sports on offer here and this is one of the few places in Genoa where you can have a game of hockey. The national hockey federation has just sponsored new changing rooms here. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Sports and concert stadium |
Via Clavarezza Genoa 16139 Italy http://www.comune.genova.it |
Built for the Italian championships in 1990 and designed by the Architect Vittorio Gregotti, who also planned the Olympic Stadium in Barcelona, this has been called, 'the first stadium for the visually impaired'. This is because the spectators in the back had almost a non existent view when this was first opened. The solution to this was to raise the entire playing field almost a meter. The main entrance still preserves some parts of the former stadium, including four angular towers and also hosts the reflectors and the mega screens. The stadium hosts local football matches and music concerts. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Magic Zurawski |
 Photo: Andrea Fini |
 Photo: Magic Zurawski |
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light railway on the Salt road. |
Via alla stazione di Casella 15 (presso piazza Manin) Genoa 16122 Italy |
This picturesque little narrow-guage train travels the 25km from Genova to the village of Casella in the Scrivia valley. This is a typical Sunday outing. The train has colourful carriages and a bar service. It follows a fascinating route along the old "Salt road" along high ridges with a sheer drop either side, through fields and pine forests up to the station at Casella. It crosses beautiful green scenery with a continual flow of old forts, medieval bridges and breathtaking views. In the summer months, this trip is a welcome break from the busy beaches for the Genovese. If you want to travel in style, you can hire an entire carriage for a trip or party in Belle epoque style; indeed "compartmental" marriages are are quite common. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: simone.lippi |
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An unusual way of getting around |
Via San Benedetto Genoa 16100 Italy |
In a hilly city like Genoa, the lifts and funicular railways are the best ways to get to the city's high areas. They also give you a chance to see some wonderful panoramas and get to some great places to go walking. The S.Anna funicular railway (which leaves from Piazza Portello and goes to Corso Magenta) is a good way to get from the old city up to the Monte ring road in only a few minutes. The Granarolo (from Principe to Granarolo) funicular is a fascinating "rack" railway, which connects the station area of Porta Principe with the "Prince's" Palazzo Doria Pamphily, which is a high area above the city. The Righi funicular (which travels from the Zecca to the Righi) is the most used and that which is best known. In less than twenty minutes you can get from the historic city centre to one of the best panoramic points of the city. From here, you can begin a tour of the forts or stop for a meal at one of the restaurants near the end of the line. The most famous lift in Genoa is definitely the Liberty lift in Castelletto (goes from Piazza Portello to Spianata Castelletto). In two minutes you can get to the Belvedere L. Montaldo. This is a really convenient terrace area with views over the rooftops of old Genoa. However this is far from the only lift in Genoa. There are many others dotted around all of the city's districts. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Wolfgang Koser  |
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Peace and beauty |
Via del Peralto Genoa 16136 Italy |
This large green space on the hills behind the city, enclosed by the seventeenth century walls (which at 13km are the longest in the world after the Great Wall of China), is one of the Genovese's favourite spots for Sunday expeditions. You can jog or play sports on the althletics tracks in the park, or on the specially adapted sports areas, sit and read at the wooden benches and tables, follow the evocative trails around the walls, which link the different fotresses together, or even have dinner or a drink in one of the evening venues set into the old fortifications. For those who are interested in nature, there is a series of organised excursions exploring the plants and trees in the park, and tours inside the imposing city fortifications, curiosly named Forte Corcetta, Forte Tenaglia, Forte Begato, Forte Sperone, Forte Fratello Minore, Forte Diamante and Forte Castellaccio. Recently added to the tourist trail, these forts, built between the seventeenth and nineteenth centuries represent only a part of the 20 or so fortresses which constituted the Genovese defences. Their rediscovery is a fascinating experience indeed, especially in the summer when the flowers in bloom and the mild temperatures are a great attraction for whoever wants to leave the city traffic behind and less than 10 minutes later, immerse themselves in nature. Guided tours: Genova Council, Park and Forestry commission. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Andrea Puggioni |
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The tournament arena |
Strada Balbi Via Aurea dei Genovesi Genoa 16124 Italy |
Located on the edges of the historic centre, at the beginning of the monumental Via Garibaldi, this square owes its name to the rather fierce fountain which collects the waters from the banks of the Luccoli and directs them down to the sea. It was designed to host equestrian tournaments, as dictated by a historic commission by the Republic, but is today a road with several fascinating buildings facing onto it, including the black and white fronted Palazzo Spinola "dei Marmi", the Palazzo Negrone with its severe eighteenth century façade and the Palazzo Pallavicino, with its luminous, frescoed facade—this latter has been recently restored and is still now inhabited by the prince several days a month. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Carlo Galdelli |
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Sailor's centre |
Via M. Lercari, sc. M Genoa 16126 Italy +39 10 246 7611 http://www.sailorcenter.it |
Specialising in Sardinia and the high Tyrrhenian sea, this company hires out boats from 7 to 16m long with or without skipper. With bases in Genoa, Elba and Sardinia (Cannigone) it has many offers to Greece, Costa Azzura and the Caribbean. It also organises sailing courses and boat driving licences, even at weekends. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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A nineteenth century road into the hills |
Via Assarotti Genoa 16122 Italy |
Built in the second half of the nineteenth century by a group of private investors, it is the first and best example of the urban expansion towards the hills, which took its model from the Strada Nuova, today the Via Garibaldi, dating from three centuries earlier. In its time, it became a prototype for the construction of other straight roads, and for the entire Circonvallazione a Monte (ring road); a system of tree lined roads linking it as far as the Belvedere L. Montaldo. Via Assarotti is still today an elegant road lined by attractive buildings, both offices and residences. The nineteenth century church of S.M. Immacolata, the Evangelical Valdese church and several hotels, including the Hotel Assarotti are also found along its length. From here, a short deviation will easily take you to the aristocratic Villa Pallavicino delle Peschiere, the Tempio Israelitico and the unusual Castello Mackenzie. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Andrea Puggioni |
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A road for a family |
Via Balbi Genoa 16126 Italy |
Conceived at the beginning of the seventeenth century as an imitation of the Strada Nuova (Via Garibaldi), this road was in fact built for a single family, the Balbi, who owned the entire area. The Balbi decided to create their "district" here, having increased their fortunes dramatically after the beginning of the silk trade, due to a sequence of entrepreneurial activity abroad (in Anversa and Spain), after having arranged several marriages of convenience with other rising families. To achieve this, they commissioned the architect Bartolomeo Bianco to build several of their sumptuous palaces, as well as to design the streets named by them. In an urban regeneration which took most of the seventeenth century, several residences were constructed: the Palazzo di Gio Francesco Balbi, that of Giacomo and Pantaleo Balbi, today the Palazzo Balbi Senarega of the University of Genoa, the Palazzo of Francesco Maria Balbi, that of Stefano Balbi, later Durazzo, which today houses the Galleria Nazionale di Palazzo Reale and the Falcone Theatre, the Palazzo of Gio Agostino Balbi now named Cattaneo Adorno, the church of Saints Jerome and Frances Saverio and the Jesuit College, today the Palazzo dell'Università and university library, and finally St Charles' church. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: belinketeneghe™ |
 Photo: Marina S |
 Photo: matright |
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16th century phenomenon |
Via Garibaldi Genoa 16124 Italy |
Once known as the Strada Nuova and then as the Via Aurea, this is the most important sixteenth century urban phenomenon, taken as a model for subsequent expansions throughout the city (Via Balbi, Via Cairoli,Via Assarotti). Not unjustly considered one of the most monumental roads of Italy, it begins between the Piazza Fontane Marose and Piazza della Meridiana, on the very edges of the historic medieval centre. 13 important buildings look onto this road, built between the mid-sixteenth century and the first twenty years of the eighteenth century for the aristocratic families of the time, according to the guidelines set by the architect Bernadino Cantone. Some of these buildings are today private property and house banking headquarters, the Palazzo Gambaro is owned by the Banco di Chiavari and the Ligurian Riviera, Palazzo Cambiaso is the headquarters of Bipop, Palazzo Spinola is currently owned by Deutsche Bank; others are public buildings, like Palazzo Carrega Cataldi, which houses the offices of the Camera di Commercio (Business),or the Palazzo Doria Tursi (Municipio), which is the premises of the Genoa City Council. Others still have been converted into museums, like the Palazzo Brignole (Galleria di Palazzo Rosso) and the Palazzo Grimaldi opposite(Galleria di Palazzo Bianco). In true Genoese style, the palazzi are all richly decorated within, and face onto unexpected gardens, enhanced by lily ponds, frescoed walls and terraces. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Hans Suter |
 Photo: Sara Anrrich |
 Photo: marcopingu |
 Photo: Erin E. Hannon |
 Photo: Neil MacLeod |
 Photo: Vincent |
 Photo: mario pampuro |
 Photo: Viki & Felix |
 Photo: Florian Guidetti |
 Photo: M.Munaretto |
 Photo: George |
 Photo: furouji |
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Wonderful architecture |
Via Lomellini Genoa 16124 Italy |
Once called the Via di S Agnese (St Agnes) because it led to the church of that name which today has been destroyed, this road was chosen by the aristocratic and important Lomelli family as the location for their sumptuous residences. In fact, several noteworthy 16th and 17th century buildings still face onto this road, like the building which today houses the Museo del Risorgimento e Istituto Mazziniano. It is hard to forget that the residences of the Adorno family were built to harmonise with the Chiesa di S.Filippo Neri, as was the house in which Caterina Fieschi, the Patron of Italian Hospitals. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: coundown |
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The straight road |
Link between Porta dei Vacca and Piazza Banchi Genoa, Genoa 16124 Italy |
Once known as the 'carrubeus rectus' (the straight road), this is the important linking street between the Porta dei Vacca (o di S.Fede), the historic western entrance to the city, and Piazza Banchi, the location of the grain market since the 12th century. The elegant houses which face onto the street were predominantly built in the 15th and 16th centuries, incorporating the existing medieval houses into their structures, of which traces remain in the façades, such as the ground floor galleries or the tiled fronts and many paned windows. Towards the mid-point of the street, an attractive square opens to one side, overlooked by residential buildings belonging to the Grimaldi and Spinola families, as well as by the Chiesa di S.Luca, originally their family church. Its outer features date from the 17th century, but the church was founded in 1188. Along with Via Luccoli, Via S Luca is without doubt one of the most frequented pedestrian walkways in the historic centre, not only because it is one of the liveliest and evocative areas, but because some of the city's most famous shops are clustered here. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Wolfgang Koser |
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The street sung by De André |
Via del Campo Genoa 16124 Italy |
Made famous by the song of F De André, this continues the ancient Roman road which gave access to the city from the west. The name 'Campo' derives from the fact that this area was an orchard, like the nearby Via di Pré (meadows). before development within the city walls during the 12th century. The Porta dei Vacca (o di S Fede) remains as a testimony to the ancient area. The historic medieval architecture underwent modifications and resoration in the 16th and 17th centuries, yet the original medieval features of the buildings are still visible in the decorative stonework revealed by recent restoration. Today, the Via del Campo still represents the most authentic of the alleyways, dark winding streets and alternative locations in which interesting characters keep a lively trade going, especially in the colourful markets, including the famous 'Shanghai', where you can buy absolutely anything. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Umby |
 Photo: Alessio Pizzorno |
 Photo: Mike |
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Experience a bazaar experience |
Via di Sottoripa Genoa 16124 Italy |
Intended as an arched breakwater to protect the houses from the sea (the name Ripa - bank- is in fact a contracted form of Ripa Maris), the road was built in 1133-34, on the strength of a decree by the Advisers to the Republic who ordained the height, measurements, type of roofing and materials to be used. After the gradual enclosing of the port, which considerably reduced the possibility of sea damage, the porticoed walkway became a real market area, which is constantly used, flanked by almost a kilometre of picturesque boutiques. Over the centuries, the 'Palazzata' of the Ripa has become a symbol of strength and identity of the Genovese people to all those who arrive here by sea. Sottoripa has retained its atmosphere of a historic market with goods imported from all over the world, so that you can buy anything from an imperial duck, sharks fins, Chinese wine, vine leaves, olives and ouzo from Greece, lentils from Egypt and cous-cous from North Africa. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Francesca Grillo |
 Photo: Francesca Grillo |