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 Strolling through the camellias in the park |
Via Pallavicini, 13 Genoa 16155 Italy |
Beside a fairly long stretch of path leading from the Mediterranean Oasis to the next port of call, the Old Lake, the area of the camellia woods is more than an attractive planted bed; it is a botanical phenomenon of great interest. In the first decades of the nineteenth century, the collection of camellias reached its peak, as far as the fate of these flowers were concerned; a desire for camellias spread throughout the noble classes of Italy, provoking a rush to cultivate ever new, ever finer specimens with regard to color, form and feature. In the north of Italy, the gardens soon filled with camellias, and the most famous of these are to be found on the banks of the Lombard lakes, between the Riviera and Tuscany. In Genoa, the Pallavicini Park still boasts one of the largest collections of wild camellias in Italy, which have by now attained a tree-like status, giving this stretch of pathway its fascinating wooded character. To make it easier for visitors, the camellias are largely labeled and at the beginning of the path there are leaflets describing the characteristics of each type of plant. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Under the sea |
At the bay's entrance Genoa, Genoa Italy +39 (0)10 57 6791 (Tourist Information) |
The statue "Christ of the Depths", fascinating to all, including sub-aqua divers, is on the sea bed, at a depth of 17m, at the bay's entrance. Boats will willingly take you out there, and thanks to the clear waters, and the magnifying equipment they have to offer, everyone can admire Galletti's beautiful statue. At the end of July, there is an evening celebration with a Mass, the illumination of the reefs and a line of underwater torches is lit to show the way to the statue of Christ, at the bottom of the bay. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Period cars |
Parade between Rapallo and Santa Margherita Ligure Genoa, Genoa Italy |
This is a display at the beginning of summer (in June), which sees the most beautiful period cars on parade between Rapallo and Santa Margherita Ligure. They stop to show themselves off along the promenade and at the port of this Riviera town. Every year the show is dedicated to a particular make of car. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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The flower festival |
Piazzale Kennedy, 1 Genoa 16129 Italy +39 10 5 3911 |
This exceptional international flower exhibition, which takes place about every 5 years, attracts thousands of visitors to Genoa from all over the world, and transforms Genoa's Exhibition Center (the Fiera Internazionale) into a green, floral paradise, with unusual, cultivated specimens from every corner of the globe. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: lo75 |
 Photo: Davide Voltolini  |
 Photo: Andrea Gandino |
 Photo: marcoBRESSI.net |
 Photo: Maurizio Plutino |
 Photo: kristalle_54 |
 Photo: nadia & massimo |
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Pumpkin for everyone |
Parrocchia di San Martino Murta Genoa Italy +39 10 557 4236 http://www.comune.genova.it/ |
This tradition dates back to the last century, when on San Martino's day the locals wore a pumpkin flower on their hats as a symbol in support of students. From that tradition came the idea of establishing a festival with the pumpkin as its theme. It takes place every year at the parish of San Martino di Murta (Bolzaneto), on the 2nd and 3rd weekends in November. During the festival you can sample some of the strangest recipes you will ever come across, each with the pumpkin as its main ingredient: from ravioli to risotto, from ice-cream to liqueur. As well as its function as a culinary ingredient, the pumpkin is also the protagonist of many stories, used for decoration and in medicinal remedies. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Hot focaccia |
Various venues Genoa, Genoa Italy |
What is the best known genovese dish? Why focaccia, of course; simple, tasty, soft and chewy at the same time, covered with good olive oil from the Ligurian riviera, and sprinkled with just the right amount of salt. On the fourth Sunday in May, there is a presentation in Recco, and free distribution of the most typical geneovese and Ligurian delicacies, for example: plain focaccia, onion focaccia, focaccia with Recco cheese. This last recipe is the most typical of Recco's gastronomic concoctions, made with a simple flour and olive oil dough, and enriched by the addition of a soft cheese. The bakers are busy baking all day, making dozens and dozens of focaccia which they offer to tourists and visitors. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Fireworks at Rapallo |
Via al Santuario, 24 Santuario di Montallegro Genoa, Genoa 16035 Italy +39 18 79 5161 http://www.santuariomontallegr... |
The most important festival at Rapallo is dedicated to the Virgin Mary, who appeared at Montallegro on 2nd July 1557, where the Sanctuary, built in her honour in 1558, now stands. There are three days of solemn celebration, including religious services, pilgrimages and firework displays rendering honour to the beloved patron of Rapallo. On the 5th July Montallegro hosts the ceremony of the dissolution of the 1657 vow made by Rapallo's Council, for having been saved from a terrible plague. The celebrations take place every year from the 1st-3rd July. How to get there: A12 motorway, Rapallo exit, then follow signs for the Santuario di Montallegro, 11km away. Public transport: by train from rapallo, by cable car to the Montallegro sanctuary. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Poetry and music |
Palazzo Ducale Genoa 16100 Italy |
This is a cultural event of great importance, on the theme of the varying tonalities of poetry and its relationship with the other artistic disciplines. It generates interesting and often unedited commissions and collaborations, often set to music. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Scientific Wonders |
24 Corso Ferdinando Maria Perrone Associazione Festival della Scienza Genoa, Genoa 16152 Italy +39 11 521 6419 http://www.festivalscienza.it/ |
The Festival della Scienza or the Science Festival is a must for all science lovers in and around Genoa. With different themes like "Discovery" and "Simple & Complex" every year, it explores all scientific avenues of the theme through demonstrations, experiments, discussions and more. Conferences, art exhibitions, laboratory visits, lectures and many special events are scheduled. The festival aims to make science more accessible to the general public, and has popularized this fascinating field to a large extent. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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A shake-up and renewal of quality |
1 Piazzale J.F. Kennedy Genoa 16129 Italy +39 10 5 3911 http://www.fiera.ge.it/ |
The fair now commands an audience of around 150,000 visitors and the participation of around 1,000 exhibitors. It is always evolving, introducing new sectors of the market, and attracts visitors in ever greater numbers by special promotions. The festival covers many interesting areas: household goods (Pianeta casa), culinary delights, open air activities, tourism, car, motorbike, weddings, camping. There is also a beauty centre with cosmetics, gym equipment, good health centres and many other appealing features. The Fair offers facilites for those coming from outside the region. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Tango anyone? |
39310 Via Fieschi l'Associazione Culturale P&P (Organisers) Genoa, Genoa 16121 Italy +39 347 935 9122 http://www.genovatangofestival... |
This festival celebrates the tango dance from Argentina, in all its glory in Genoa every summer. And of course, apart from the splendid performances by participants there are workshops and exhibitions. This is where it pays to have a partner who can accompany you for the festivities. So put on those beautiful heels, wear a nape bun and you'll see that you can swing too! Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Film Fever |
10 Via Carlo Antonio Tavella Associazione Culturale Daunbilo (Organizer) Genoa 16136 Italy +39 (0)10 272 5915 (Organizer) http://www.genovafilmfestival.it |
Held since 1998, the Genova Film Festival is a must for film buffs. Featuring short and medium length films, this fest takes place during the months of June-July. Catch various national movies compete at this silver screen competition. There are different categories like National Competition, Beyond the Border and a special homage. From animations to documentaries, you will find over 100 films presented here. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Musical evenings and cabaret in the square |
Piazza IV Novembre Genoa, Genoa Italy |
The Music and Wave Festival is a successful summer event. Many artists have performed here in the past, including Mango, Fabio Concato, Fiorella Mannoia, Anna Oxa, Marina Rei and Michele Zarrillo. Every year, the best-known singers and cabaret performers of the Italian circuit take their places on the floating stage, in the beautiful setting of the Bay of Rapallo. Spectators can also watch from the numerous screen located along the walkway by the sea. All this fun takes place in July and August. See website for complete yearly particulars. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Traditional regatta between boats |
Porto Antico Genoa 16100 Italy |
The Regata delle Repubbliche Marinare is a traditional race between boats from Venice, Pisa, Amalfi and Genoa with teams of eight rowers who wear kit in the colors of their respective republics. The race is preceded by a great parade in which eighty representatives of each city carry banners, play trumpets, trombones, tambourines and drums. The beautiful multicolored costumes are reproductions of traditional clothing. Each group has the task of interpreting and representing scenes and characters linked to the maritime history of their own city. For detailed information about the show: It begins on Sunday at 4p with a historic procession of 400 characters which passes through the historic city center (through P.zza Matteotti, De Ferrari, Via XXV Aprile, P.zza Fontane Marose, Via Garibaldi, Via Cairoli, Via Balbi, Stazione Marittima). In the Historic procession, the cities are ordered according to the results of the previous race, which took place in Venice. The show takes place under the protection and sponsorship of the President of the Republic and is transmitted live on television by the RAI network. The competition area where the Regatta of the Four Galleons takes place is in the area of still water immediately before the Ponte dei Mille, and will begin at around 6:30p. As a subsidiary event, a concert on the evening before the Regatta has been proposed. Information Office: Comune di Genova - Via Sottoripa, 5 - Tel. 10 557 4270 Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Giorgio Altieri |
 Photo: Giorgio Altieri |
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Bangers and fireworks for everyone |
Edge of Padana Valley Near Uscio Genoa, Rapallo Italy |
On the route that linked the edge of the Padana valley to the coast, near Uscio, stands the seventeenth century sanctuary of Our Lady of Suffrage. In the sanctuary a Byzantine statue of the Virgin is conserved, known as the "Madonna del Fuoco" (fire), which is celebrated every year with a great fireworks display. The festivites begin each year before dawn on the 8th September, when every district of Recco fires 21 shots to salute the Madonna of Suffrage. The areas of the city (Verzemma, Liceto, Collodari, Bastia, Ponte and Spiaggia), collect the necessary money throughout the rest of the year (some ask money from shopkeepers, some suddenly develop green fingers and offer their services as gardeners and odd jobbers to the owners of Tigullio villas). In recent years, in light of its great success, the festival has begun on the 7th September, with the raising of the flag at 9am, accompanied by bangers and spectacular pyrotechnical displays. In the evening there are fireworks on the beaches of three out of the six districts. On the 8th September the city wakes at 3.30a, with 21 gun salutes in each district. Throughout the day there is a background rumble of bangs and explosions. At 9p the procession through the city begins: the statue of the Virgin and the magnificent representations of Christ are carried through the city illuminated by thousands of lights. As they pass by, each area pays homage by letting off bangers and explosions. After the procession the three remaining districts of Recco entertain the crowds with a final firework display again over the beach. It is a wild celebration of sound and light! The festival finishes on the 9th at 6p with the lowering of the flag. During the day the streets of Recco are lined with stalls selling all the favourite Genoese delicacies. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Fry up in the square |
At San Fortunato Genoa, Genoa Italy +39 (0)10 57 6791 (Tourist Information) http://www.sagradelpesce.it/ |
On the second Sunday in May, thousands of guests flock around the giant saucepan, five meters across with a seven-meter handle. For an entire day, the fishermen abandon their nets for sieves, flour, oil and the enormous saucepan with cooks on all sides, surrounded by boys and girls from Camogli who are ready with a smile to distribute the freshly fried fish. The fish is handed out free to those present, so find yourself a prime spot! See their website for event times. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Mimosa festival |
Throughout the city Genoa, Genoa Italy |
This traditional celebration occurs every year on the first Sunday in February. For one day, Pieve Ligure becomes the capital city of this romantic, perfumed clustering flower, with its brilliant yellow hues which are an unmistakable sign of spring. This is why Spring starts in February in Pieve! The thousands who attend can be assured of a wonderful day, full of the perfume and colour of a flower which has become the Ligurian symbol for Spring. This characteristic town, split between the coast and the hillside, reserves a special welcome for those who journey there to recieve the gift of mimosa flowers, to enjoy the music and events, and to sample the delicious sweet dishes and "focaccette". The spectacle continues with the blessing of the mimosa, the celebration of Mass among the flower decked carts which have climbed slowly from the lower parts of Pieve to the church square, the heart of the carnival. Shops, bars and stalls make an attractive frame to this scene of country piety. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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The sail room |
Fiera di Genova Piazzale Kennedy, 1 Genoa 16129 Italy +39 10 5 3911 http://www.salonenautico-onlin... |
The ever fascinating sail is the real subject of the International Nautical Festival, which takes place every year in mid-October, in the Fiera di Genova complex. Over 1,400 exhibitors attend, 40% of which come from abroad. 1,600 boats are on show, of which there are 200 in the water in Mariano Uno and Mariano Due. The exhibition space is growing ever larger. More space is put over to inflatables, sails and technical sailing equipment. There is a new section for products designed for motoryachts over 30m long. There is a cordoned area of the bay for sub-acqua and fishing demonstrations, and there are also many other attractions: Pavilion S: both open and covered motor boats, goitres and launches, motor cabins, accessories, technical and sporting gear, nautical furnishings. Pavilion C: motor boats with cabins, from 13-18m, specialised pulications, a shopping section, motors, generators and spare parts. Pavilion B1: pneumatic/inflatable boats, canoes and kayaks. Pavilion B2: sail boats, open keel boats, catamarans, windsurfing equipment, sailing school information, sails and nautical accessories. In the large square by the sea (Piazzale Mare) there are sail boats and a motor over 18m long. There is also a covered area fo r rest and refreshment. Having braved the many kilometres of exhibition, a pause is certainly needed. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Ciccio Pizzettaro |
 Photo: Genoa2006 |
 Photo: Fabrizio Lazzara |
 Photo: Antonio Piu |
 Photo: sabrina colombo |
 Photo: daameriva |
 Photo: Arianna Gorgolini |
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Everything in the nautical sporting world |
Piazzale Kennedy, 1 Genoa 16129 Italy +39 10 5 3911 |
This exhibition is one of the largest in the world and has one of the highest visitors rates (around 350,000). Motorboat, fishing and sailboat lovers attend this carnival every October, where everything from fishing hooks to mega-yachts with personal helicopter landing decks is on view. All the Italian shipyards exhibit here, as well as the best foreign producers from more than 36 other countries. The area for young sailors is also interesting. It was introduced several years ago, and promotes sailing as a sport for youngsters. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Agostino Fedeli |
 Photo: Genoa2006 |
 Photo: Agostino Fedeli |
 Photo: oreundici |
 Photo: oreundici |
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The lovers' festival |
Various venues Genoa, Genoa 16032 Italy +39 (0)10 57 6791 (Tourist Information) |
This festival takes place from the 7th-14th February, during which there are audiences with poets taking part in the "Fall in love with poetry" project: this is a cultural project which will see several "poetic installations" in the streets and more romantic piazzas of Camogli. The collection of all the poems read or exhibited will then be published. In addition, there will be a St. Valentine's market on the promenade, selling leather goods, jewellery, ceramics and wooden gifts. There will also be sweets and cakes made by the Camogli bakers specially for the occasion. There will no doubt be special menus on offer at many restaurants, allowing couples to dine at prices especially designed for the ocasion too. Another project is the "Lovers' tiles", on which you can write your own message of love, and a panel of journalists and artists will select the most beautiful and collect them in a book. Clearly, the most romantic way to reach Camogli is by boat. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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The great Tall Ship show |
Porto Antico Genoa 16100 Italy |
Until 1992, gatherings of large sailboats in the Mediterranean were practically unknown, so the Colombus Celebrations were a wonderful opportunity for Genoa to experiences a new kind of festival. The festival was staged again in 1996, and will be repeated this year, so that another half a million visitors can admire the spectacle created by the tall ships. Dozens of huge sail boats will set sail from Genoa and Southampton to reunite the greatest fleet of all time, and give thousands of young people all over the world the opportunity to meet and experience this amazing show, taking sailboats into the new millennium. The Italian Sail Training Association, founded in 1996, has its headquarters in Genoa. Its objective is to allow young people to build a closer relationship with the sea, by giving them the chance to board these fantastic vessels for free, so that they can make the most of this extraordinary opportunity to learn about and enjoy sailing under the command of very experienced captains. Young sailors of both sexes between 16 and 25 can take part in the Regatta, even without previous experience of sailing. Boarding the prestigious boats in the Marina is free. Dates: 14 April-28 August. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Riccardo Poggi |
 Photo: StefanoPiemonte |
 Photo: Pasquale Speranza |
 Photo: Claudio Bergero |
 Photo: Karina Griscina |
 Photo: lucadea |
 Photo: cecheitamea |
 Photo: Dilet |
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Antiques |
In historical centre of Rapallo Genoa, Genova Italy +39 (0)10 57 6791 (Tourist Information) |
The historical centre of Rapallo after its recent restyling is very welcoming and on one Sunday a month it is brought to life by the colourful stalls of the antiques market of Il Tarlo. Here you can find all sorts of things. From old furniture to antique prints and many other old curiosities - clocks, wrought iron objects, radios, pens, telephone cards - the list is justendless. For information, call Associazione Vecchio Borgo (+39 18 527 3092). Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Will they be famous... |
Piazzale Kennedy Genoa 16129 Italy http://www.fiera.ge.it |
Every year the Ravano Trophy and the Paolo Mantovani Cup take place in Genoa. These are male and female football tournaments for primary schools from the chief town and other Ligurian provinces. Organized by U.C. Sampdoria, this is a unique opportunity to see over 200 teams of children battle it out on the artificial pitch of the Palasport in a friendly, but serious atmosphere. It is a show of which the city and its founder, Paolo Mantovani, are proud, and which contributes to sport awareness in children. For Information contact: U.C. Sampdoria, Piazza Campetto 2, tel. 010.2549111. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Regattas with the Stars |
Various Venues Genoa, Genoa Italy http://www.regata.zegnaermeneg... |
By now, the Zegna trophy has become a classic event in Mediterranean sailing, and on the first weekend in May unites an elite of sailors from all over the world. Founded in the early 1980s as a sailing exhibition, it has become a vital international meeting. The best known names in sailing, sport, finance and industry can be seen together in this wonderful atmosphere. If your reputation means anything to you, or you want to establish one, you simply have to be seen out in the square eating ice cream and having coffee. However, the greatest protagonist is, as ever, the wind, as it should be in a regatta, as it drives everyone - entrants, judges and organisers - crazy with its whims and unpredictability. Within the context of the show, the various side attractions have become almost as well known as the main events: on Friday afternoon wine and focaccia is served to everyone; on Saturday the "Lifetime in Sailing" prize is awarded to one particuarly noted sailing personality (winners include Paul Elvstroom, Dennis Conner, Paul Cayard, Beppe Croce), or alternatively, every two years there is an award for promising young sailors. On Saturday evening, the excitement reaches a peak with firework displays, theatrical shows and dancing in the square. On Sunday afternoon the prizez are awarded, in the square, and then it is goodbye until next year. Visit website for more details. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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A student on two wheels |
Various venues Genoa, Genoa Italy http://www.trofeofantozzi.it/ |
The "Fantozzi Trophy" is a student race, now in its second decade, reserved for fair weather cyclists and sedentary types frowned on by fortune. The order is calculated according to the time required to finish the course, including the usual stops for mechanical and physical adjustment, romantic encounters etc. The results are calculated in minutes, which are transformed into percentages according to a precise set of rules which portray the cyclists' personal situation. This data is entered into a massive computer program called "fanto-software". To enter, competitors need to fill out a "Defect and Handicap" form which will indicate the relative bonuses they are entitled to. The sum total of all the calculations will result in the "Challenge Selectivity Factor" which automatically adjusts the time of each contestant. The vital prerequisite for this race is, clearly, a sense of humour. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Every kind of antique |
Piazzale Kennedy, 1 Genoa 16129 Italy +39 10 5 3911 / +39 1539 1270 |
"Tuttantico," the successful bric-a-brac market is part of the Genovese fair. It spreads over 10,000 square metres, and is divided into two parts, one with a traditional fair-like atmosphere, the other with everything thrown in a jumble, like a real bric-a-brac stall. There is a vast range of objects, from smaller items for collections, to furniture; from painting to sculpture, from jewellery to carpets. It is a unique occasion to get to know the techniques involved in furniture making and restoration and how to value pieces. Review © 2007, Wcities |