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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 |
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Founded in 1971 |
Porto Antico Genoa 16126 Italy |
This library was opened in 1971 and has since been a vital center of activity for anything associated with childhood. It is part of the Genoese Urban Library system and is home to the center for the study of youth literature. In 1998 the new premises were opened in the old Cotton depositories in the Old Port complex. It has been devised as a sort of town with pathways leading to new experiences in reading, play, multimedia activities and entertainment. There are one hundred and eighty places for reading, 30 terminals for listening to music and consulting cd-roms, 4 labs as well as information in print, through games, video and multimedia. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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The blacksmiths' square |
Near Palazzo Imperiale Genoa, Genoa 16123 Italy +39 (0)10 57 6791 (Tourist Information) |
This well placed piazzetta derives its name (Campetus fabrorum) from the blacksmiths who were based here during medieval times. However, its current configuration is due to the 16th century building of the Palazzo Imperiale and the Palazzo Imperiale De Mari, now known as "del Melograno", because of the well-loved small pomegranate tree which is sticking out from a balcony on the main floor. This building now houses the Upim chain store, and therefore, can be visited during the normal retail opening times. At the end of the old courtyard is a valuable nymphaeum by F. Parodi as well as several frescoes in the current offices on the upper levels. The fountain in the middle of the square is an old drinking trough for the animals and was brought here after restoration from the demolished Ponticello area close to Casa di Cristoforo Colombo. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Arcade in the centre of the city |
Passo E. Montale Genoa 16121 Italy +39 10 545 1483 |
This imitation of the Vittorio Emanuele Gallery in Milan was built in the second half of the nineteenth century. It is known as the "living room of the great and good" of the city. It connects Piazza De Ferrari with the Carlo Felice theatre and the central Piazza Corvetto. The gallery is entirely covered by a glazed roof with a metal framework. It was used as the main shopping thoroughfare for the most prestigious shops in the city. This was an Anglo Saxon fashion that was in vogue in the north of Italy during this period. There are occasionally concerts and cultural exhibitions held here. At Christmas time the popular book fair is held here. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: ascaro41 |
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Explore Genoa |
Vico dietro il Coro delle Vigne 6/7b Genoa, Genoa 16123 Italy +39 10 247 2569 |
Anna Sartori conducts tours to places of interest within the city - these include museums, landmarks, special events and exhibitions. A seasoned guide, she speaks fluent Italian, English and German that adds to the visitors' experience. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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The merchant's square |
Via Banchi Genoa 16123 Italy |
This has always been a meeting place for Genovese merchants. It was first the salt market, which then became the heart of the city's business and trade. The piazza owes its current appearance to sixteenth century modifications, from which time many of the buildings date: the Chiesa di S.Pietro in Banchi, located directly above the stalls, the Loggia dei Mercanti o di Banchi, the former site of the Market Exchange, the interior of which boasts imposing statues representing the high-achievers of the republic (aristocrats, businessmen who carried out public works). The piazza is still busy with traders, animated by second hand book and record sellers, as well as by the many tourists who cross through to reach the Area del Porto Antico and the Acquario di Genova. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: willcorit |
 Photo: fabrizio.binello  |
 Photo: Rosa R |
 Photo: Sergey Belkin |
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The Square |
Passo E. Montale Genoa 16121 Italy +39 10 538 1304 |
Located on the edges of the old city, this is historically the first large square to have been built in Genoa, in the period between the end of the nineteenth and the beginning of the twentieth century. For the Genovese it represents the real city centre, where you meet to go shopping, to have a drink, to listen to political arguments, or to take a quick dip in the bronze fountain to take the edge off the summer heat, or to celebrate sporting triumphs. Buildings which face onto the square include the Palazzo Ducale with its frescoed facade, the Teatro Carlo Felice, the Palazzo dell'Accademia, the Palazzo della Nuova Borsa and the Via XX Settembre, main artery of the city for both traffic and pedestrians, also leads off the square. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Aristide Guidotti |
 Photo: Rachael&Andrew |
 Photo: alphaorionis |
 Photo: lerman71 |
 Photo: Patricia Heiremans Bunster |
 Photo: Ryan |
 Photo: Darren Chartier |
 Photo: Rachel Newell |
 Photo: Juan Rodriguez |
 Photo: Vera Di Sciorno |
 Photo: Jorge Medina |
 Photo: David Langeveld |
 Photo: Nicola P. Bonaldi |
 Photo: Irene Ferrando |
 Photo: James Weatherlake |
 Photo: Alessio Pizzorno |
 Photo: Koba Lanzafame |
 Photo: Federico Parodi |
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 Photo: leodip73 |
 Photo: Sara L. Williams |
 Photo: coundown |
 Photo: ienacuriosa |
 Photo: michela |
 Photo: Alice Bottoni |
 Photo: blueriver57 |
 Photo: Philip Pace |
 Photo: Belen y Miryam |
 Photo: Stefano |
 Photo: Gael Vettori |
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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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The Doria residence |
Piazza S. Matteo Genoa 16123 Italy +39 10 247 1770 |
This is perhaps the best preserved example of a private square belonging to a noble Genovese family from the thirteenth century, onto which face the Chiesa di S.Matteo, the superb residences of the various members of the Doria family, and, the half-hidden, attractive cloister with its twinned marble columns. Opposite the church is the former Palazzo Lamba Doria, displaying, after post-war cleaning, the many arched gallery which used to characterise all the buildings facing onto the square. The ground floor gallery was actually both a public and private space, where family members met to discuss their most important private issues, or to exchange goods and greetings with the other families. Some of the buildings still retain their original façades with black and grey stone stripes, common to many of the Romanic-Gothic churches of the city, and reserved solely for the members of the most important families; that is, the Doria, the Spinola, the Fieschi and the Grimaldi families. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Bruno C. |
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The Piazza of Delights |
Via Soziglia Genoa 16124 Italy |
Characterised by its unusual triangular form, this is one of the few city squares conceived as a public space rather than as a private area belonging to one of the noble families. In the Middle Ages it was a cattle and vegetable market (the name "Soziglia" derives from the "sus" pig). In the square itself and in the nearby Via Orefici, there are several elegant patisseries with period furnishings (Pietro Romanengo, Vedova Romanengo, Fratelli Klainguti), where you can buy the finest chocolate, candied fruits, marzipan easter sweets and the taditional 'pandoçe'. Before turning down the picturesque Via Macelli di Soziglia, still densely populated by craftsmen and butchers, the visitor should take a moment to admire the votive shrine to St John, at the turning into the lively via Luccoli, with its fashion boutiques and many other shops. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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A rational Genovese square |
Near Genoa Railway Station Genoa, Genoa 16121 Italy +39 (0)10 57 6791 (Tourist Information) |
A monumental square, designed by the architect Piacentini. It was commissioned at the beginning of the 20th century to give a definitive look to the area along the river Bisagno, once the boundary between the 19th century city and the eastern suburbs. Apart from the rationalist Palazzo dell'INPS, which functions as a model for all the other buildings, Piacentini also built the Arch to the Fallen in the centre of the square. The slopes leading up to the fourteenth century Carignano walls were redesigned a few years later; a new stairway, featuring the characteristic lawns and the floral insignia of Columbus' three caravels, was built, which is today a popular meeting spot for young people. During the recent construction of an underground car park beneath the piazza, many parts of the 17th century walls, the "Fronti Basse del Bisagno" (the lower banks of the Biagno) were discovered. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Magic Zurawski |
 Photo: Francesco Lodolo |
 Photo: Claudio Camanini |
 Photo: Valentina Chinnici |
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An alternative square |
Near Church of S.Donato Genoa, Genoa 16123 Italy |
Currently undergoing a period of cleaning and restoration after many years of neglect, this is a pleasant corner of old Genoa, originally used by fruit and vegetable sellers. Today it is a meeting place for the alternative youth of the city, who like to stay out till late hours. In the centre there is a late seventeenth century fountain, built by D. Parodi, where the local residents used to draw water, which today is hidden by the night time crowds who frequent the square. There are several bars and restaurants where it is pleasant to have lunch or a drink, as well as interesting craft shops, eclectic boutiques and second hand bookshops which are worth a look. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: chiararobbiano |
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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 butcher's street |
Via Macelli di Soziglia Genoa 16124 Italy |
This attractive street derives its name from the fact it has been the location for the undecorous meat butchers shops since the mid-twelfth century. In 1319 the construction of the "Luccoli Slaughter house" (still recognisable today at the entrance to the street on account of its traditional black and white façade), was completed, thanks to the financial input of private citizens. On the ground floor were the stalls selling the meat, today converted into shops, with living accommodation above. Even today, there are still along this street many butchers' shops as in medieval times. Along a short stretch on the upper part of the street there are several fruit and vegetable stalls, fishmongers and butchers. Stopping to smell the air and the odours around this area is an unusual experience that takes you back to a Genoa now almost competely lost from view. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Matteo Casari |
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Goldsmith's gulley |
Via Orefici Genoa 16124 Italy |
This short street, linking the financial heart of the city, Piazza Soziglia to Piazza Banchi, was enlarged in the course of the 16th century, demolishing the towers which partially obscured it. Following the construction of the Loggia dei Mercanti o di Banchi and the Chiesa di S.Pietro in Banchi, as well as the establishment of the Campetto, Via Orefici took on a very prestigous, primary role in the genovese street system. As the name reminds us, the goldsmiths came to settle along this road, opening their shops, which preceded the modern day jewelers that are still in abundance. Moving towards Piazza Banchi, the visitor should pause for the obligatory sigh of admiration before Gagini's 15th century bass-relief, depicting the "Adoration of the Magi", an unusual subject for Genoa. For the sweet-toothed visitor, a visit to the Vedova Romanengo patisserie or to the sumptuous Caffé Orefici is recommended. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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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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Shopping on the old Roman road |
Via San Vincenzo Genoa 16121 Italy |
Together with the connecting Via XX Settembre, this road is one of the genovese's favourite places to stroll. It derives its name from the homonymous 1100 church, today incorporated within the Circolo Ufficiale (no. 68), but its real origin is much older. In some places, in fact, it joins with the Roman road which, leading from the Porta Soprana o di S.Andrea in the direction of the Bisagno valley, connected the city with the network of inter-city passages towards Rome. Built mostly in the nineteenth century, although many sixteenth century villas, today transformed into appartment blocks, still overlook the street, is is characterised by shops of every kind: from those selling electrical appliances, to fashion boutiques, to bakeries where you can sample the famous Genovese foccacia, or welcoming bars where you can have a drink with friends after your exertions, or a quick coffee to keep you going. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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The genovese's place to stroll |
Corso Andrea Podestà (Via XX Settembre) Genoa 16128 Italy +39 10 571 4293 |
One of the main roads of the city, its current appearance comes from the beginning of the twentieth century, when the already existing via Giulia was enlarged and new liberty, neo-renaissance buildings were constructed along it. Among these buildings there are many interesting examples of eclectic architecture, with elaborate decorations, facades with floral designs, bow-windows, multi-coloured window frames, and enormous statues supporting the balconies above them. The road, built over the Ponte Monumentale, is without doubt one of the livliest in the city, and is a favourite area of the genovese for their afternoon stroll. There are many types of shops on the road, (clothing, electrical appliances), but there are also bars and cafés, and fashionable meeting places (nightclubs, restaurants, cinema, patisseries). Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Marco Domenicucci |
 Photo: electronic_millibar |
 Photo: David Battilana |
 Photo: Diana Capolongo |
 Photo: Matteo17 |
 Photo: matteo.santagata |
 Photo: Yoghi&Bubu |
 Photo: fparodi_66 |
 Photo: M@goOmar |
 Photo: Ivan Marabotto |
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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 |