Genoa Aquarium
Genoa is home to the Acquario di Genova,
which is the second-largest aquarium in Europe and the best in
Italy. The ship-like building on the promenade houses no fewer than
50 habitats, ranging from the Amazon basin and Red Sea coral reefs
to Antarctic penguin pools. Hundreds of species call the aquarium
home, such as seals, dolphins, caiman, piranhas, jellyfish, sea
turtles and sharks. It's a fantastic family attraction in Genoa,
giving kids a fun break from traditional sightseeing. Unexpectedly,
the aquarium also has a hummingbird sanctuary.
Address:
Ponte Spinola
Jellyfish
Gary Bembridge
Palazzo Tursi
Formerly Genoa's City Hall, the Palazzo
Tursi is the largest and most majestic of all the magnificent
buildings on the Via Garibaldi. Built in 1565, the building is now
a museum housing unique artefacts like the violin of Nicolo
Paganini, and ashes that are said to be the remains of Christopher
Colombus. The museum also contains numerous decorative artworks,
like tapestries, furniture and Ligurian ceramics, as well as
historical artefacts such as ancient coins and medical devices. On
sunny days, you can break from the museum's collections and just
enjoy the beauty of the building's many-columned interior
courtyard. The museums are known collectively as the Musei di
Strada Nuova and the individual buildings are the Palazzo Bianco,
Palazzo Rosso and Palazzo Tursi.
Address:
9 Via Garibaldi
Palazzo Tursi
Andrea Puggioni
Museum of Sant' Agostino
The 13th-century church and monastery of
Sant'Agostino was built by the Augustinians in 1260, now one of the
few Gothic buildings remaining in Genoa. Its cloisters are a museum
housing more than 4,000 works, such as metal and stone sculptures,
frescoes and many architectural artefacts. Although not large, the
museum is one of the most popular attractions in Genoa. The museum
is gradually linking its artefacts to mobile phone guides in
English and Italian but this project is in its infancy.
Address:
Piazza Sarzano
Museum Sant Agostino
Twice25
Genoa is located on the Mediterranean, but is sheltered by the
hills and mountains in the area, giving it a temperate climate with
warm, dry summers and cool winters. The coldest months are December
through February, with average temperatures dropping to 43°F (6°C).
Summers in Genoa are long, lasting from May to October; in the
warmest months (July and August) average highs peak around 82°F
(28°C). September to January is the rainiest time of year. Genoa is
rather windy, especially during winter. The best time to visit
Genoa is in the spring, particularly May, when the weather is
pleasant and the crowds are small.
Genoa Cristoforo Colombo Airport
Location: The airport is located about four miles (7km) from
Genoa.
Time: GMT +1 (GMT +2 from the last Sunday in March to
the last Sunday in September).
Getting to the city:
The Volabus shuttle departs the airport every 30-60 minutes from
around 6am to midnight, heading to the Brignole and Principe Train
Stations via the city centre. Tickets can be bought from the
airport or on the bus. Another option is the i24 service which
links the airport to Sestri railway station.
Car Rental:
Car hire companies at Genoa Airport include Avis, Budget, Sixt,
Europcar, Hertz and Maggiore.
Airport Taxis:
Taxis are available outside the arrival concourse. The official
airport taxi company is Radio Taxi. Flat rates to the major train
stations are available for shared cabs.
Facilities:
There are restaurants and bars, shops, ATMs, VIP lounges, a lost
and found, and information services at the airport. An airport
hotel is also available, and the airport has meeting
facilities.
Parking
There is parking available within walking distance of the
terminal. It is possible to pay by either cash or card at either
the automatic pay points, or at the manned pay station (between the
hours of 4pm and midnight only).
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The AMT bus network is generally considered
the best way to get around in Genoa. There is also a network of
trains that connects the Brignole train station to the town centre
and the Stazione Principe (main train station), but this isn't as
comprehensive. Tickets are available from newspaper kiosks or
stations.
AMT also operates a public boat service
called Navebus, which connects Porto Antico to Pegli, and offers
good views of the city. Driving is often said to be the fastest way
to get around Genoa, but finding a parking space can be a
nightmare. Visitors who opt to hire a car in Genoa will find it
easiest to park outside the city centre, as most attractions within
are in easy walking distance of one another.
It's perhaps odd that the largest medieval
town in Italy, blessed with untold cultural riches, is best known
among travellers for its aquarium. The second-largest in Europe,
Genoa's Aquarium is no doubt worth a visit, particularly for those
travelling with kids, but the greatest tourist attractions in Genoa
are the palaces, churches and piazzas of the medieval old town.
Indeed, Genoa has something around 42 palaces.
Some of the most notable landmarks are the
Basilica of Santa Maria di Castello, the Palazzi dei Rolli, the
Duomo di Genova, the Royal Palace Museum, the 13th-century church
and monastery of Sant'Agostino and Palazzo Tursi, formerly Genoa's
City Hall. A stroll down the Via Garibaldi is a must, as is a walk
along Genoa's promenade, the Passeggiata Anita Garibaldi a
Nervi.
Eating is a celebrated tourist activity in
Genoa, and the city's restaurant scene is one of its attractions.
Among the many delights that Italian cuisine has brought to the
world, Genoa can claim two as its own: the city was the birthplace
of pesto sauce, traditionally made from herbs, olive oil and pine
nuts; and focaccia, a kind of flat oven-baked bread topped with
olive oil and white wine. The old town of the city has many good
restaurants, and there's also a great selection in Porto Antico
down by the harbour.
Jellyfish
Gary Bembridge
Palazzo Tursi
Andrea Puggioni
Museum Sant Agostino
Twice25
