Around the World: Genoa, Italy

11:12 AM November 2, 2010

Genoa, is a city and an important seaport in northern Italy, the capital of the Province of Genoa and of the region of Liguria. Genoa, which forms the southern corner of the Milan-Turin-Genoa industrial triangle of north-west Italy, is one of the country’s major economic centres.

Genoa is a train hub and can be reached from Milan, Turin, La Spezia, Pisa, Rome and Nice, France. The two train stations, Principe and Brignole are both in central Genoa. Buses leave from Piazza della Vittoria. Ferries leave Genoa’s port for Sicily, Sardinia, Corsica, and Elba. Genoa also has a small airport, Cristoforo Colombo, with flights to other parts of Italy and Europe. Find flights to Genoa Airport

Genoa is known for its festivals as the historic regatta is one clear example. Regatta, one of Italy’s most exciting, is held the first weekend in June every fourth year. Boatmen from the ancient maritime republics of Amalfi, Genova, Pisa, and Venezia compete (the festival rotates amongst these cities). The statue “Christ of the Depths”, underwater at the bay’s entrance, is celebrated at the end of July with a Mass, the illumination of the reefs and a line of underwater torches to show the way to the statue.

Genoa Main Attractions:

The early 13th-century San Lorenzo Cathedral has a black and white striped marble facade.
The Aquarium of Genoa, built for the EXPO 92, is the second largest in Europe.
The National Gallery in the Palazzo Spinola has original furnishings from the 16th-18th centuries, frescoed ceiliings, and an excellent collection of art.
The Civic Museum, housed in the 16th-century Palazzo Bianco, also has a great collection of paintings by Genoese and other European artists.
The carruggi, narrow alleys, are interesting to wander around (take a map, you can get lost easily).
Via Garibaldi and Via Balbi are good walking streets with lavishly decorated mansions and old palaces.
The Renaissance and Baroque Rolli Palaces, in Genoa’s center, were added to the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 2006. About 80 Rolli palaces were built in the 16th century, when Genoa was one of Italy’s four great maritime republics. Many of them were restored in 2004.
There’s a walking path along the scenic spruced-up port area.
From Piazza Castello there are fabulous views of the port and city (take the public elevator).

BeirutNightLife.com brings you special photos from Genoa.