Schmap.com supports the following browsers:
PC
 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 |
|
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 |
|
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 |
|
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  |
|
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 |
|
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 |
|
The piazza of the parades and official processions |
Near Facoltà di Architettura Old Genoa Genoa, Genoa 16128 Italy +39 (0)10 57 6791 (Tourist Information) |
According to an edict made by the Council Fathers in 1145, prohibiting building, this was intended as a site for official parades and demonstrations. In a city traditionally devoid of public areas, together with the Piazza Fontane Marose, it represents one of the few sizeable squares in the historic centre. Today used inappropriately as a carpark, it is considered one of the best residential areas of old Genoa, especially after the opening of the nearby Facoltà di Architettura, the Tosse theatre and numerous night spots which attract young people wanting to stay out late. The 1653 Church of S. Salvatore, today the university's Aula Magna, the Oratory of the abbot St. Anthony and the Museo di Architettura e Scultura Ligure in S.Agostino all face onto the square. Review © 2007, Wcities |
|
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 |
|
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 |
|
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 |
|
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 |
|
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 |
|
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 |