Genoa Travel Guide

Genoa's Old Harbour was reborn from derelict docks into a lively waterfront under the hand of local architect Renzo Piano. The aquarium, the great reconstructed galley Galata, the glittering Biosphere glass bubble and an IMAX cinema sit among promenades and sea breeze, weaving a leisure paradise. It is the microcosm of Columbus's birthplace rediscovering the sea, and a superb spot for families and a relaxed stroll.

The Acquario di Genova was built for the 500th anniversary of Columbus's voyage in 1992 and is the largest aquarium in Europe, set in the old harbour at Porto Antico. Across 12,000 square metres of exhibit it holds some 12,000 specimens of more than 400 animal species, organised into tropical seas, temperate seas, cold seas, tropical forest and freshwater habitats. A full visit takes two to three hours, and the layout deliberately mimics a journey from the equator toward the poles. The most praised exhibits are the shark tank (sandtiger and nurse sharks, multi-level viewing plus an underwater tunnel), the jellyfish pavilion (backlit cylinders, quiet enough to warrant a pause), the manatee pool (rare in Europe), the penguin section (Magellanic and rockhopper) and the Amazon freshwater zone (piranha and river turtles). The dolphin pool has had no performances since 2016 and is observation-only.

Palazzo Lomellino stands at number 7 Via Garibaldi in Genoa, one of the celebrated Renaissance residences on this 'new street' and part of the city's Rolli Palaces, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Built around the mid-16th century for the banker Nicolosio Lomellino, it has a façade decorated with Mannerist stucco work and interiors that preserve frescoes and decoration, together with a hidden garden long closed to the public. Via Garibaldi holds a dense row of similar palaces within a short distance, so several can be seen along one street. Visits usually follow the venue's published arrangements, and some areas may open only at certain times or for special events.

The Doge's Palace of Genoa housed the republic's doge and supreme court, blending Gothic and Renaissance styles; inside, the Giant's Staircase and frescoed halls are sumptuous. The former 'Hall of the Republic' records the glory of a maritime power, and today it is a venue for exhibitions and culture, tied into the Old Harbour's history — one of the best starting points to read Genoa.

Piazza De Ferrari is the central square of Genoa, at the heart of the old town and a main hub for transport and gatherings. A large fountain stands in the middle, and the square is ringed by important buildings, including the Doge's Palace, the Teatro Carlo Felice opera house and the stock exchange, whose styles span different periods and create a rich set of façades. The surrounding streets link to the narrow lanes of the old town and to Via Garibaldi, and lead towards the aquarium and the old port. Pedestrians and traffic are both busy here: it is a junction in daily life as well as a starting point for understanding how the city is laid out. After dark, when the lights come on, the square and its buildings take on a different mood.

The Casa di Cristoforo Colombo stands at the edge of Genoa's old town, next to the Porta Soprana gate, and is traditionally held to be the house where the navigator Christopher Columbus spent part of his youth. Columbus is generally thought to have been born in Genoa around 1451, which gives the site its link to his early life. The present building was damaged in the past and later rebuilt; it now shows the look of a modest medieval dwelling, with stone walls and a small courtyard containing displays related to weaving and seafaring. The building itself is small and a visit does not take long, and it is often seen together with the Porta Soprana and the old town lanes. Whether it is the original house is debated, but its role as a memorial site is clear.