Things to do in Genoa

No. 1 of Best Things to Do in Riviera Ligure

Aquarium of Genoa

The Aquarium of Genoa is a relatively large aquarium in Italy and one of the important aquariums in the world. It was built for the 1992 World Expo and is a center for education, scientific research, and culture. It officially opened to the public after its complete construction on October 15, 1993, and was expanded in 1998. The aquarium covers an area of 10,000 m² and houses approximately 70 tanks. These large tanks are home to over 600 species of marine animals and plants. Among the many marine creatures, the larger ones include sharks, seals, and penguins. Many of the tanks at the Aquarium of Genoa attempt to recreate real-world marine environments, including those of the Mediterranean Sea, the Red Sea, the Amazon River, and the Indian Ocean as faithfully as possible. One of the most distinctive is the Caribbean coral reef. The Aquarium of Genoa was designed by two architects, Renzo Piano and Peter Chermayeff. Many people say the aquarium's exterior looks like a batch of cargo containers neatly arranged on a ship. The 1998 expansion added a 100 m long ship behind the aquarium, connected to the Aquarium of Genoa by a passageway. The walls on the ship's deck are actually virtual aquariums, and visitors passing through here will hear the huge sound of ocean waves.

No. 2 of Best Things to Do in Riviera Ligure

Porto Antico di Genova

Porto Antico di Genova sits right against the edge of the old town and has long been the city's vital gateway to the sea. Following comprehensive planning and renovation, the former freight terminals and shipyards have been revitalized into a cultural and leisure area that blends modern design with coastal scenery, becoming a core landmark that showcases the city's vitality. The port area features a unique landscape, with various facilities that blend modern architectural aesthetics scattered throughout. From the uniquely shaped panoramic elevator to exhibition venues that combine technological flair with natural ecology, these buildings complement the vast waters. Heading towards the western shipyard, the Galata Museo del Mare recounts the history of this seafaring city. Moored beside the museum is the old submarine Nazario Sauro, now converted into a museum, and on the water floats the galleon replica Neptune, built for Roman Polanski's film 'Pirates'. Strolling along thewaterfront promenade, you will find vibrant leisure and commercial spaces on one side and the sparkling marina waters on the other.

No. 4 of Best Things to Do in Liguria

Royal Palace Museum

Royal Palace Museum is one of the magnificent aristocratic palaces in Genoa, Italy. It was built by the prominent local Balbi family, later expanded by the Durazzo family, and further embellished by the House of Savoy, eventually becoming an important part of the national museum system in Genoa. The palace is renowned for its opulent decor, including the 18th-century stucco atrium, the courtyard of honor, the hanging gardens, and the noble apartments on the second floor. Among these, the Throne Room, the Ballroom, and the Hall of Audiences are particularly spectacular, adorned with exquisite frescoes, sculptures, furniture, and furnishings that showcase the splendor of Genoese Baroque art. The palace also houses a vast collection of Renaissance artworks, including paintings, sculptures, and furniture, accompanied by detailed information plaques that help visitors understand its historical background. Today, the Royal Palace Museum and the nearby Palazzo Angelo Giovanni Spinola together form an important part of Genoa's cultural heritage, attracting art and history enthusiasts alike.

No. 4 of Best Things to Do in Riviera Ligure

Cathedral of San Lorenzo

The splendid St. Lawrence Cathedral built of black and white marble in the 12th century is magnificent, even by Italian standards, this black and white striped cathedral is also very good. The help of the old poor made it survive the British bombing of World War II in 1941. There are winding railings, crouching lions, beautiful bell towers and domes. Today, it has become the main local exhibition hall and art center.

Christopher Columbus' House

The Casa di Colombo in Genoa is a small two-story building of red brick and stone, with much of the masonry on the exterior walls crumbling. Originally in ruins, it was not restored until the 18th century, when in the 1450s the Columbus family lived in a simple weaver's cottage. The interior of the house is simple but rich in thematic content. On the right hand side of the doorway is a small room with a thick book of reproductions, the first page of which is an alleged proof that Columbus was born in Genoa.

No. 6 of Best Things to Do in Liguria

Galata Museo del Mare

The Galata Museum of the Sea (Galata Museo del Mare) in Genoa has four floors and is divided into 23 exhibition halls, plus a beautiful panoramic terrace. There is a cafe on the terrace, where you can eat ice cream, sunbathe and rest. The museum building itself is a reconstruction of an old castle. The collision of old and new materials makes the exhibition halls rich and interesting. From the outside, it looks like a glass box of the new era, and the inside does have thick stone walls and arcades full of classical flavor. The main exhibition contents of the museum are all related to navigation, and the exhibits are rich and varied.

No. 6 of Best Things to Do in Riviera Ligure

Piazza De Ferrari

Ferrari Square is still the city center. The main road of the square is covered with various boutiques and buildings of different styles, reflecting the beauty, anxiety and loneliness of the whole city. There are many attractions around the square. The Ducal Palace is the residence of the governor of the city-state of Genoa, and the next building to the west is the Gothic San Lorenzo Cathedral. The front is made of black and white marble.

Le Strade Nuove and the system of the Palazzi dei Rolli

Speaking of which, the Raleigh Palace can be traced back to the period of the ancient Republic of Genoa, including the mansions of many nobles in the history of Genoa, and it was also one of the important places for receiving state visits. The decoration of the palace is extremely luxurious, once using cement mixed with gold plating and so on. In 2006, the Raleigh Palace was listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. This complex includes 42 buildings, the most famous of which is Garibaldi Street, also known as "New Street". The Palazzo Rosso, Palazzo Bianco and Palazzo Tulsi preserve an extraordinary artistic heritage within the "New Street" museum. The entire Palazzo Rosso can be called a museum: its halls are decorated by painters of the Genoese school. Palazzo Bianco is more of an art gallery with paintings by Spanish, Italian and Genoese artists. The Tulsi Palace is the current seat of the City Hall. The Royal Palace and the National Gallery Spinola Palace are also important museums in the city.

Doge's Palace

It is located in Piazza De Ferrari and was built between 1251 and 1275, during the prosperous period of the city of Genoa. To get there you need to pass through Piazza Giacomo Matteotti. Small collections and archives are housed here, including some original records on the Museum of Jazz (Museo del Jazz). The palace also hosts fascinating temporary art exhibitions, as well as a bookshop, café and restaurant.

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