Genoa Things To Do

Renaissance Architecture
Genoa renaissance palaces rival those of Venice, Rome, Pisa and Florence. Many palaces are open to the public and house superb art collections. The Palazzo Spinola is a treasure house of art, furniture, porcelain and silverwork. 14th century Palazzo Ducale hosts regular cultural events. Villa Doria-Pamphil, begun in 1529, has a splendid series of opulent rooms. Wonderful palaces, fountains and gardens can be found on Via Garibaldi and around Piazza San Matteo. The Baroque Palazzo Reale features beautiful gardens, while the 16th century Civic Gallery of the Red Palace has a fine art collection that includes Rubens, Van Dyck and Caravaggio. Genoa is brimming over with incredible churches packed with art treasures. Make sure you see the intriguing cathedral treasury relics and the 16th-century baroque Gesù church featuring paintings by Rubens.

The Old Port
Superb views from the top of Genoa’s emblematic 16th century lighthouse. The Porta Soprana is one of the best remaining examples of the old city gates. The 17th century Casa di Colombo sits on the site of Columbus' house, flattened by the French in 1684. Genoa harbour has benefited from extensive reconstruction. The harbour area is now a wonderfully evocative place, with excellent cafes and restaurants, popular Genoa attractions, fine waterfront walks and scenic harbour cruises.

The Aquarium
Genoa Aquarium is one of the top tourist attractions in Italy. The aquarium focuses the Amazon, the Mediterranean, the Tropics and the North and South Poles. The aquarium boasts over 500 species, including sharks, dolphins, crocodiles, snakes, penguins and seals. This is one of Europe’s largest and finest aquariums.

Markets & Parks
Get up early and visit the Mercato Orientale, which dates back to the 17th century, and continues to be one of the most colourful and memorable attractions in Genoa to this day. Wonderful local produce and seafood on display. Explore the charming Italian grocery stores to the north of the market. The Parco Durazzo Pallavicini is an outstanding landscaped park featuring beautiful ancient trees, waterfalls, temples, oriental pagodas and lakes. A great family picnic spot.

Museums
The entertaining Seafaring Museum features a reconstructed shipyard and harbour. Also visit the interactive National Museum for Antarctica. The Museum of Sant Agostino features a beautiful 13th century Augustinian convent. The church and cloisters beautifully complement the museum of Genoese sculpture. For contemporary art head for the Villa Croce Museum and its exceptional collection of 20th century abstract art. The Museum of World Cultures is housed in a splendid neo-Gothic castle above the city. The Museum of Asian Art focuses on Japan, China and Thailand.

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