GENOA

SPIANATA CASTELETTO


As the poet, Giorgio Caproni said, "When I have decided / to go to heaven / I will go with the elevator / to Castelletto".
This beautiful and incredible balcony is hanging over the historic center of Genoa and offers a spectacular 360-degree view of the city and the port. Let´s feel the exhilarating experience of riding the Liberty Lift, you will never forget it.


From here, tourists can admire the old houses´ slate roofs, typical from the region, its slender medieval towers and marvelous Baroque domes; in the distance, the infinite sea enlivened by its modern ships.


Until 1849, at the place of this magnificent viewpoint that dominated the city, there was the Castelletto fortress, which was razed by popular acclaim since it could represent a fearsome threat to the city in case of an enemy occupation.


The elevator, which rises from Piazza Portello, is located in the vicinity of the magnificent Strada Nuova street. It still preserves the charm of the freedom of the time in which it was built.
To reach the splendid panoramic terrace of Castelletto there is an alternative to the elevator: venturing down the creuze. This is one of the ancient pedestrian ring roads built-in original brick.
From via Garibaldi Street, immediately after Palazzo Bianco, starts Salita San Francesco alley, which further on is named Salita a Spianata Castelletto.


In a short distance, visitors are transported from the bustle of the city to the silence of the colorful houses, the small flower gardens, and some charming places to take millions of unforgettable photographs.


Access to the Castelletto Levante facilities (in Piazza Portello - Spianata Castelletto square) is allowed to a maximum of six people for each journey. The price doesn´t exceed two euros per journey, although the price could vary depending on the season.
In brief, our dear travelers, do not miss one of the Genoese wonders where you will enjoy the best panoramic view of the capital of the Liguria region.

SPIANATA CASTELETTO


As the poet, Giorgio Caproni said, "When I have decided / to go to heaven / I will go with the elevator / to Castelletto".
This beautiful and incredible balcony is hanging over the historic center of Genoa and offers a spectacular 360-degree view of the city and the port. Let´s feel the exhilarating experience of riding the Liberty Lift, you will never forget it.


From here, tourists can admire the old houses´ slate roofs, typical from the region, its slender medieval towers and marvelous Baroque domes; in the distance, the infinite sea enlivened by its modern ships.


Until 1849, at the place of this magnificent viewpoint that dominated the city, there was the Castelletto fortress, which was razed by popular acclaim since it could represent a fearsome threat to the city in case of an enemy occupation.


The elevator, which rises from Piazza Portello, is located in the vicinity of the magnificent Strada Nuova street. It still preserves the charm of the freedom of the time in which it was built.
To reach the splendid panoramic terrace of Castelletto there is an alternative to the elevator: venturing down the creuze. This is one of the ancient pedestrian ring roads built-in original brick.
From via Garibaldi Street, immediately after Palazzo Bianco, starts Salita San Francesco alley, which further on is named Salita a Spianata Castelletto. In a short distance, visitors are transported from the bustle of the city to the silence of the colorful houses, the small flower gardens, and some charming places to take millions of unforgettable photographs.


Access to the Castelletto Levante facilities (in Piazza Portello - Spianata Castelletto square) is allowed to a maximum of six people for each journey. The price doesn´t exceed two euros per journey, although the price could vary depending on the season.
In brief, our dear travelers, do not miss one of the Genoese wonders where you will enjoy the best panoramic view of the capital of the Liguria region.

PREPARE YOUR CARD


The main arteries of Genoese shopping are the streets that branch off from Piazza Ferrari. The best boutiques and fashion stores can be found on Via XX Settembre Street, Via Roma Street, and in the elegant Mazzini Gallery.


The endless and typical carruggi (small and labyrinthine alleys) offer many and different ideas for shopping. The Sottoripa galleries, in the old port, have preserved the atmosphere of an old bazaar from the days when ships were loaded with all kinds of merchandise. There are many typical shops full of spices and nuts and popular deep fryers.


Via San Luca and Via Orefici offer the possibility of buying clothes and footwear at a good price. Going up the center along via Orefici and via Luccoli, some shops have preserved the flavor of ancient Genoa, as well as artisan workshops and antique shops. Do not miss the Pietro Romanengo fu Stefano pastry. This store dates back to the early XIX century and remains intact to the present times. Here is sold famous pistachio nougat from Princess Hélène, Duchess of Aosta.
We recommend to gourmets a walk between Via San Vincenzo and Via Colombo, near Brignole station, to explore the bakeries, patisseries, and specialty shops.


Not far away, the Mercato Orientale, accessed via Via Galata and Via XX Settembre, is another interesting place. This covered market is a noisy explosion of people, colors, and smells, a great place to stock up on olives, herbs, fruits, and other Ligurian products. Is open from Monday to Saturday, closed Wednesday afternoon.


Curiosity: the word "jeans" is an English misspelling of the word Gênes, which means Genoa in French. Jeans, in ancient times, were a very resistant and cheap fabric used to make the aprons used by port workers. In England, this fabric was called "Genoese fustan", as it was made for the first time in the port of Genoa. From this material, the famous jeans popularized Levi´s Strauss in 1850 were created.

THE RENOWNED PIAZZA FERRARI


Located in the heart of the city of Genoa, Piazza Ferrari is the heart of the Ligurian capital. A spot where the financial, commercial, and economic activities of Genoa are concentrated. The square represents the history of the city and its evolution.


The majestic Piazza Ferrari is named after the famous businessman and philanthropist Raffaele De Ferrari, Duke of Galleria.


Today the square represents the center of the economic, financial, and commercial life of the city. In addition, it is the most important point site for the significant events in the city.
Elegant and eclectic, irregular square-shaped, it provides tranquility feeling mixed with the hectic and disorderly life of the Genoese. Is a fusion between chaos and calm, between history and innovation that enchants tourists and locals.


Some of the main streets of the city center branch off from the square, including Via XX Settembre and Via Dante.
The great bronze fountain in the center of the square has always been a great attraction of the city since 1936. Since then, it soon became, together with the lighthouse, one of the main symbols of Genoa.


From 1936, the square took a classic and elegant look according to the style of that time and became a traffic area and meeting place for the Genoese.
There were a large number of carriages and people who were attracted by the many cafes in the area and by the fruit and vegetable market where Bisagno Valleys´ farmers sold the products of their gardens.


At the beginning of the 30s, it was proposed to beautify the center of the square with a large flower bed, but the project was not carried out, thus installing a fountain, which is the one we see today.
This large structure is 36 tons in weight and 11 meters in diameter. It was transported to the square by sea then by land.


During World War II the Carlo Felice theater was destroyed by bombing but later rebuilt.
After the post-war period, there were several dramatic and violent events in which the square was the backdrop that demonstrates its social and cultural importance.
Finally, the current look of the square is due to the new renovation that took place in the late 90s and early 2000s.


Since then, the area has been pedestrianized and the fountain, respecting the original design, has been completed with water jets that, on special occasions, are activated and give the whole square a magical atmosphere.


Piazza De Ferrari is and will be for long the heart of the city.

THE GOLDEN STREET


This elegant street that attracts tourists and locals, was born in 1550. Originally it was called Strada Maggiore, then Strada Nuova, later, until the XIX century it was known as Via Aurea. In 1882 it was dedicated to Giuseppe Garibaldi.


Its construction lasted about 40 years and began thanks to what can be called "the first urban allocation plan" in Europe. One of the richest families in the city, the Grimaldi, bought the entire area and transformed it into one of the most beautiful and sumptuous of Europe.


This pedestrian street has a straight section of 250 meters long and 7.5 meters wide. Since July 13, 2006, it has been included on the UNESCO World Heritage Sites along with the system of the Palazzi del Rolli palaces.


This road is often referred as the "golden street", thanks to the exorbitant number of noble palaces standing here.
Among them, three palaces that are known today as "Strada Nuova Museums" stand out: Palazzo Rosso, Palazzo Bianco, and Palazzo Doria Tursi.


The first, located at number 18, was the residence of the Brignole-Sale family. Currently, it contains the more than two centuries old family´s art private collection which also includes pieces by Van Dyck and Veronese.


The Palazzo Rosso palace is one of the most recent buildings. It takes its name from the characteristic Genoese red color. Its last owners donated it to Genova city to host a museum.
The second, the Palazzo Bianco, houses an important paintings collection of Italian tradition. It is located at number 11 and since 1889 it has been municipal property and used as a museum.
The third, the Palazzo Doria Tursi, located at number 9, dates from 1565 and since 1848 is the seat of the Genoa City Council.


Pottery and tapestry exhibitions are held here, but above all, it is very famous for having the honor of hosting "il Cannone", Paganini´s famous violin created in 1734.
In short, walking along the 250 meters of Via Garibaldi means entering into the history of Genoa.

PIRATE SHIP


The galleon "Neptuno", with its 63 meters long and 20 kilometers of ropes, dominates the old port of Genoa for some years. That´s an ideal interesting attraction to visit with children.
Although it is not an original galleon, it has a history, it was built in 1986 as part of the setting of the movie Pirates by Roman Polanski.


The filmmaker decided to use an accurate historical replica of a Spanish galleon from 1600, built for this occasion by a Tunisian shipyard.
The Neptune ship has the so-called "opera viva" (that is, the submerged part of the hull) made of steel. Is equipped with an auxiliary motor that allows navigating at 3 knots. By extending its sail to the wind, it rides the waves with the dignity and elegance of sailing ships.
The Neptune, after the filming, has become an interesting cultural attraction. From several years ago is located in the Old Port, just west of the Aquarium.


But before taking Genoa as its resting place, it has been in Marseille port, where it generated too much criticism from the population. Neighbors complained that their large masts prevented the sea view. (Well ... we saved the comments).


The Galleon is open to the public. Visitors can appreciate the structure of the most famous ship model available to sailors almost 500 years ago. Is possible to visit the deck and the lower part of the boat.


The entrance fee is usually around 5 euros. Tourists can enter the ship and tour its interior, feeling like a pirate and shouting that
All aboard!!!!!!


Do not wait to visit it!

A BENCH NOT TO SIT ON


The Banco di San Giorgio was the first bank in Italy.
It was built in the middle of the XIII century as the seat of political power in medieval Genoa.
It was the headquarters of the City Council, of the Customs, of Banco San Giorgio bank, and even the prison that once hosted Marco Polo, a prisoner of the Republic of Genoa in 1298.
Here Marco Polo dictated his travel memories to his cellmate Rustichello of Pisa, who was later known as the famous "Milione".


This building was inaugurated on April 23, 1407, to manage the Genoese public debt increased when the Republic of Genoa was forced to contract a debt with the citizens to support the expenses of the war against the Saracens who occupied Spain.
The building, located in the Molo district, consists of two very different parts: the older one, a typical example of medieval architecture, and the Renaissance one facing the sea and where the main entrance is located.


Initially, the Palazzo San Giorgio was called Palazzo del Mare because it overlooked the docks of the harbor so near from the sea that it touch the foundations.
In 1340 the Palazzo del Mare became the headquarters of the customs and the offices of the so-called "Compere", institutions in charge of managing the money loans made by citizens to the Municipality.


In 1407 all the "Compere" were united under a single management, thus the Casa delle Compere e dei Banchi di San Giorgio. This is the first banking institution born in the Italy of the Commons which administered the public debt and managed the taxes revenues, a role that was played until 1797, the year of the fall of the Republic.
The "San Giorgio" was in charge of collecting taxes on behalf of the Republic.
So the Bank, in the end, what exactly was?
It was a bank, the first in Italy, among the first in Europe, which exercised both, the function of managing taxation and public debt as well the function of collecting savings.
Baron Montesquieu used to say: "San Giorgio is a kind of moneylender who, having made loans to the Republic and having received guarantee funds in exchange, pays 2.5% to those who subsidized him."


Since when is it called "Banco di San Giorgio"?
In 1797 the newly born Republic of Liguria revoked the management of taxes and public debt to the Chamber, but left it as the central bank of the State. Therefore, the institution was renamed Banco di San Giorgio, a name by which it would later be known.
After housing the first bank of Italy for almost 400 years, The Palace of San Giorgio houses the offices of the Genoese Port Authority since 1903.
If you want to delve into the history of one of the first banking entities in Europe, be sure to visit the Palacio San Giorgio.

PALACES AND PALACES


Our itinerary, dedicated to the so-called "rive droite", which is the part of the historic center that develops to the right of the Cathedral of San Lorenzo, begins in Piazza Caricamento, the old place where goods were unloaded.


Here is the Palacio San Giorgio, the current Port Authority’s headquarters. The palace, which boasts a splendid frescoed façade, was once the financial institution of the Republic.


Along with Via S. Lorenzo, we´ll arrive at the homonymous cathedral, a masterpiece of Gothic art built on an earlier Romanesque plan. Inside the cathedral is the Treasury of S. Lorenzo with the "Sacro Catino", considered by some as the Holy Grail.


Don´t miss the Diocesan Museum, located close to the cathedral. This exhibits the Passion Canvases that represent scenes of the Passion depicted on a fabric which is the precursor of jeans.
In the Matteotti Square is the Doge´s Palace, the historic seat of the Doges. Inside the Palace do not miss the Grimaldina Tower, once used as a prison that hosted some famous characters such as Nicolò Paganini and Jacopo Ruffini.

In the background of the square is the Opera Carlo Felice. Completely rebuilt after the bombings of the Second World War, is today one of the most technologically advanced theaters in Europe.
Walking up to Vico della Casana we will reach Via XXV Aprile and then Piazza Fontane Marose with its magnificent palaces, some of which belong to the Palazzi dei Rolli system, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2006.


At the end of the square, we can see Via Garibaldi, the former Strada Nuova, a real jewel of the city also inscribed in the UNESCO list along with its palaces.
Upon reaching Piazza di Pellicceria, we access the National Gallery of Palazzo Spinola, a former Genoese residence that belonged to various owners over the centuries. Special mention must be made of the masterpieces of Antonello da Messina, Rubens, Van Dyck, Grechetto, and Strozzi.
Once back to Via Cairoli, we can admire the imposing Porta dei Vacca, the gate which allowed access to the medieval city walls.


Continuing along Via Gramsci, is possible to see the Galata Museo del Mare, the first Maritime Museum in the Mediterranean.


The hospitable stone building, with its loggias open to the sea and the beautiful bell tower, housed knights, merchants, and pilgrims on their way to the Holy Land. Today it houses the museum theater dedicated to the medieval history of the city.


At the end of Via Gramsci, looking towards the sea, we can see the Lantern, the famous and indisputable symbol of the city. On weekends its first panoramic terrace is open. This is an unmissable city and port viewpoint where we finish our complete walkthrough of the Superba.

OLD BUT ALIVE


Strolling through the old port of Genoa is a memorable experience.
For centuries it has been the beating heart of all commercial activities in the world. When the discovery of the New Continent trade moved the tradings to the Atlantic, it lose its world position and become one of the most important ports in Europe.
Is a center of national commercial activity, a traditional neighborhood in which all activities are still linked to the sea.


The new port, in the western area, was designed by the architect Renzo Piano on the occasion of the fifth centenary of the landing in America of the Genoese Christopher Columbus. So since 1992, the old naval area has become a tourist area dedicated to leisure thanks to the many local attractions such as the Galata Museum, the Museum of the Sea, and the Aquarium. Both museums hold their world record as the largest museums in the history of navigation.


Here visitors can admire maritime instruments, prototypes of ancient ships, nautical maps, exploration routes, as well as feeling an experience that projects spectators directly to the past and to another identity: an excellent therapy against racism.
Genoa has always been a base for world trade.


We cannot miss the Torre della Lanterna, the old port lighthouse and symbol of the city. With its 77 meters high, is the highest lighthouse in the entire Mediterranean.
In short, the origin of Genoa begins right here where the inhabitants are very attached to their city, they enhance their culture and keep and alive the atmosphere.


Nowadays in the old port, we can have an aperitif or walk, ice skating, listen to a street concert, or go shopping, but I recommend sitting and watch life go by observing life and the Genoese frenzy.
All in one.