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 A port filled with things to do and see |
Ponte Spinola Area Porto Antico Genoa 16128 Italy |
The layout of the whole area and the various architectural constructions in the Old Port, among which is the now famous Aquarium which was built by Renzo Piano for the international Expo of 1992 in commemoration of the 5th centenary of the discovery of America, have now become a perfect example of the coexistence of old buildings and modern edifices. The salvaging and refurbishment of the historic port and of the old town centre nearby, have all helped in the re-establishment of the tourist trade within the city. The new "marinaro" area is constantly brought to life through sound, light and color and has various attractions dedicated to free time and culture. Therefore, Genoa is no longer solely a city of art, but also a seaside town offering child-size fun and relaxation. If one enters from the main entrance in piazza Caricamento, the first thing to be seen is the large profile of the Acquario di Genova, the largest one in Europe, which resembles a large ship moored on the dock at Ponte Spinola, from which extends a splendid pathway, the Via del Mare, which leads straight to the "floating" Piazza del Mare. Other places of interest are the Galleon (used by Roman Polansky in the film "the Pirates"), the buildings of the Cotton Stores (Cineplex, modern multiscreen, Cinemotion in 3 D, Video games, the great Music Store, the Città dei Bambini, la De Amicis Library, the Padiglione del Mare e della Navigazione), the original Museo Nazionale dell'Antartide "Felice Ippolito", housed in the Millo, and even the imposing Porta Siberia (o del Molo), with the nearby pool-theatre, the Mandraccio and various commercial outlets, as well as the cafés and the restaurants. During the winter months the Piazza delle Feste has an ice-skating rink, while during the summer various concerts and plays are held there. A must is a trip on the Bigo, the rotating panoramic lift which offers a view over the entire city. The 16th and 17th century buildings of the Deposito Franco have been carefully restored and are now the headquarters for Porto Antico S.p.A, the management and operating company for the whole complex. They also house the Tourist Information Office, where one can obtain up to the minute news of events being organized within the area where the expo was once held. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Rachael&Andrew |
 Photo: Fabrizio Fazzari |
 Photo: Mia aiM |
 Photo: Ciccio Pizzettaro  |
 Photo: Luca Caridà |
 Photo: Yonker |
 Photo: James Manners |
 Photo: Luca - Italy |
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A modern library within an old seminary |
Via del Seminario, 16 Genoa 16121 Italy +39 10 557 6010 / +39 10 557 6020 |
This is Liguria's central public library, which has recently moved premises into the old seminary, which was refurbished by the architects P. Gambacciani and G. Franchini to obtain a more appropriate environment. This bare, severe building was built in the mid seventeenth century for the seminarians. It was badly damaged during the war and left derelict until Italia Nostra stepped in and saved in from demolition, transforming it into a haven for bookworms and researchers alike. The library as an institution was founded in the eighteenth century by the abbot C.V. Berio for a select few intellectuals. At the time it boasted 15 thousand publications and this number rose to 100 thousand before the Second World War. Despite the fact that two thirds of the library's books were destroyed in 1942 during the bombing, it still houses 200 thousand publications, among which are several rare editions, incunabulum, codex and a sixteenth century bible. The library also has multimedia resources. The Franzoniana library within the same set-up also has a collection of art history and religious volumes and manuscripts dating back to the 17th and 18th centuries. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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A piazza in a theatre |
Passo E. Montale, 4 Genoa 16121 Italy +39 10 5 3811 http://www.carlofelice.it |
Built between 1826 and 1831, designed by the architect Carlo Barabino, it is an example of the traditional Italian horseshoe shaped, development. It has a capacity of 2,000. It was badly damaged by bombing in the Second World War, and almost completely rebuilt at the beginning of the 1990's by the architects I. Gardella and A. Rossi. The original neo-classical features of the pronaus and the portico were incorporated into the new building, whose imposing triangular tower, visible from many parts of the city, hides a sophisticated scenic mechanism which places this theatre among the most advanced in Italy. It has provoked both great amazement and furore among the Genovese on account of the internal design, including balconies, shutters and slate coverings, as if it were several houses in the historic centre facing onto a typical Ligurian piazza. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: carolina1954 |
 Photo: Danilo Paissan |
 Photo: terralance |
 Photo: chiara modotti |
 Photo: simone d'aumiller |
 Photo: Barbara Sgarzi |
 Photo: Franco Forni |
 Photo: bia.hvid |
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The Doge's former residence |
Piazza Matteotti, 5 Genoa 16123 Italy +39 10 557 4000 http://www.palazzoducale.genov... |
Founded in the 14th century as the first city council, this palazzo was expropriated from the Grimaldi family, and susbequently underwent its first series of extensions at the end of the sixteenth century under the supervision of A. Vannone. After a fire that destroyed the roofing, it was retored between 1778 and 1783 by Tagliafichi, who designed the imposing neo-classical façade that faces onto Piazza Matteotti, one of the first of its kind to be built in Italy. From the double galleried ground floor entrance hall you may ascend to the first floor to visit the beautiful chapel, decorated by G.B. Carlone, as well as the Room of the Two Councils, the Greater and the Lesser, which constituted the government of the time, when the Republican nobles decided the fate of the city. Recently restored, the Palazzo Ducale is today a multi-purpose cultural centre in which, as well as antique shops, bookshops, fitness centres, bars, restaurants and nightclubs, you can find the Historical Archives of the City of Genova, the Ligurian Society of National History (which boasts a library containing 27,000 volumes), the Ligurian Academy of Science and Literature, the Society of Literature and Scientific Discourse and the Youth Information Centre. Important international exhibitions also take place there. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Marianna Martindale |
 Photo: Carly Lutzmann |
 Photo: Sergio Savoia |
 Photo: Joe Boschi |
 Photo: Joe Boschi |
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Study in a old monastery |
Stradone S.Agostino, 37 Genoa 16123 Italy +39 10 20 9 5904 |
The modern building, inaugurated in 1992, is in one of the oldest areas of the entire city. This area is known as the Castle hill and it was perhaps the site of a ancient "castrum". The new building incorporates the ruins of the monastery of S.Silvestro which was the home to the Dominican monks of Pisa. It also has remains from the preceding religious buildings on that site. This area was devastated by aerial bombardment during the last war and had suffered the same sort of deterioration as Genovas old town. A university has been founded in the complex upon the daring initiative of I.Gardella and L.Grossi Bianchi. The final results are really pleasing: The thesis lecture theatre has been created from the old refectory in the monastery. The Dean's office is in the base of the church bell tower. The cloisters surround a small green lawn and a series of terraces which have a splendid view of the city. This the students' favourite place to have "lengthy and involved discussions" on long sunny summer afternoons. The Aula Magna has been formed out of the deconsacrated church of S.Salvatore in Piazza Sarzano. This has been a practical use of a building which was otherwise destined to abandonment. Admission: Free. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Flowers, boats, classic cars and concerts. |
Piazzale Kennedy, 1 Genoa 16129 Italy +39 10 5 3911 http://www.fiera.ge.it |
The large circular pavilion and the other four buildings making up the exhibition area were built in the seventies. They were built on land which was created artifically by filling in 300 m.sq off the shore. There are trade-fairs, exhibitions and international congresses, but doubtlessly the most acclaimed attraction is the nautical hall annually. For forty years, this has been one of the most important collections of pleasure craft in the world. There is a show by Euroflora every five years. This is an extraordinary display of flowers and plants from distant countries. Other shows include "Riabitat" and "Autostory". There are regularly sporting events and light music concerts are also recommended. During the summer months the area is used as an outdoor cinema. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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A neoclassical theatre to the west of Genoa |
Piazza Gustavo Modena, 3 Genoa 16149 Italy +39 10 41 2135 / +39 10 46 5921 / +39 10659 2220 http://www.archivolto.it |
This neoclassical theatre, built in 1833 for the rich middle classes, and dedicated to the actor Gustavo Modena, of fervent Mazzinian convictions, was in direct contrast to the Teatro Carlo Felice, dedicated to the king. The elegant original structure of this small nineteenth century style, horse-shoe shaped theatre, with its four tiers of seating, is still clearly visible depite the various modifications it has undergone. Recently restored after decades of neglect, it reopened in 1997 hosting dance and cabaret shows and prose recitals. It is managed by the actors of the Teatro dell'Archivolto, now well-known for their successful television appearances. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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Genoa and Samp as rivals in the world stadium |
Via Del Piano Genoa Italy |
Rebuilt by the Gregotti studios for the 1990 football world cup, the new stadium is an architectural structure which energetically resolves the engineering problem posed by the covered stands. Located in the Marassi district, the stadium is rather at odds with its densely built-up surroundings. Today, the city has two main teams, Genoa, founded by a group of English players in 1893, the first football club in Italy, and Sampdoria, born out of the Sampierdarenese and Andrea Doria union. The two annual matches fire the enthusiasm of the respective fans, creating extraordinary scenes - a real show alongside the official show. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Hop-Frog |
 Photo: Fabio Baiardini |
 Photo: gunther70 |
 Photo: Enrico ! |
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The symbol of Genoa |
Via San Benigno Genoa 16149 Italy +39 0102465346 http://www.provincia.genova.it... |
This is known throughout the world as the emblem of Genoa. It is built on a rocky outcrop, the remains of Promontorio Hill which has been quarried for centuries for stone with which to build the city. The Lanterna was built in 1543 on the site of an earlier lighthouse. It has always kept the seafaring people safe, enabling them to direct their boats towards a safe harbour from 33 miles away. Legend has it that the Republic government assassinated the architect by making him jump from the top of the lighthouse so that he couldn't build a similar lighthouse for a rival city. The 120 metre tower is in all Genoese's hearts, and when they see it they know that they are at home. If you can manage to climb the 375 steps to the top of the lighthouse you will be rewarded with a splendid view over the port and the whole bay. After a year of closure the lighthouse is now open to everyone. It is necessary to book in advance. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Andrea Beggi |
 Photo: Francesca Grillo |
 Photo: dinoled |
 Photo: Ciccio Pizzettaro |
 Photo: Margherita |
 Photo: luigino visconti |
 Photo: Luca Rosacuta |
 Photo: Lennart Kluge |
 Photo: Marco Pucciano |
 Photo: enrico1024 |
 Photo: Silvia Molinari |
 Photo: Paolo Brocco |
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The great arch |
Corso Andrea Podestà Via XX Settembre Genoa 16121 Italy |
The wide arch straddles the Via XX Settembre, offering an interesting view of the nineteenth and twentieth century city from its summit. Built by C. Gamba and R. Haupt in around 1895, it stands on the site of a previous city gate, the sixteenth century Porta dell'Arco or of St. Stephen, now relocated near the Galliera hospital. Underneath the bridge is a shrine to the resistance fighters, with inlaid stones recording the reasons why the city of Genoa was awarded the gold medal for valour (1947), the names of the fallen partisans and the circumstances of the surrender by the German troops (25 April 1945). It is interesting to recall that during its construction, there were some structural problems, which aroused the suspicions of the genovese as regards the arch itself. When it was finished, Gamba actually had to sit under the bridge for several hours to convince sceptics that it was safe to pass under the arch. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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A modern city in the West |
Via Cantore Via di Francia Genoa 16149 Italy |
The new skyscrapers in the San Benigno area in Sampierdarena (WTC tower, Shipping and North Tower), were built on the foundations of the old Cosica area close to the Lanterna, to house the most important maritime companies in Genoa and in the Mediterranean. The eastern most building is known as the Matitone because of its octagonal shape inspired by the Romanesque bell tower of the San Donato church. This seems to be forming a harmony between older forms and modern progress. The restaurant at the top of the World Trade Centre, the largest tower, offers a spectacular view over the port and the city. This building also has a videoconferencing room equipped with the most sophisticated equipment. The building of these skyscrapers caused much concern among the people of Genoa, especially those involved with Italia Nostra, who objected to the dropping of the earlier buildings on the site. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |