The first time I arrived in Genoa, it was the beginning of a wonderful summer. Mid-June, and the heat was already strong! I got off at the station Genoa Piazza Principe, I noticed the walls adjacent to the platforms covered with climbing flowers. As I approached the terminus, elegant buildings could be seen. As soon as I left the station I found myself in Acquaverde Square.
From Hotel Chopin to Via Balbi in Genoa, this is where our one-day itinerary begins.
Leaving the Genova Piazza Principe station I checked in at Chopin Hotel which is just 50 meters away, on Via Andrea Doria. The kindness and smile of Aline at the reception They immediately made me feel at ease, promptly handing me a map with the most beautiful places to visit for a three-day itinerary. My room, located on the second floor, afforded me a beautiful view of the Genoa lantern, which I could see lit up at night from the window.
The comfortable room equipped with characteristic wooden benches, with a nice view, clean and with a modern bathroom, certainly made my first approach with ZenaThe hotel has a convenient elevator and a code to open the front door yourself.
Cleaning is done every morning, with plenty of time to arrange. I had such a wonderful and relaxing time there that I stayed there again. This time, I stayed in a room with a queen-size bed and a spacious bathroom, from whose window I could see a charming, dimly lit bell tower.
Coming out of the hotel I turned the corner and the first thing I saw a stone's throw away from me was Via Balbi, one of the main streets baroque streets of Genoa. This road was built by will of Stefano Balbi, a member of a family of Genoese bankers. Continuing along Via Balbi I saw, at the end, Nunziata Square. In addition to finding some good focaccerias, in via Balbi – skilfully designed by Bartholomew White in 1585 and remained almost totally unchanged today - we can meet shops and splendid buildings.
Sumptuous baroque residences, in fact, they show themselves to us: they are mostly part of the Palaces of the Rolli, World Heritage Site. The main pole of theUniversity of Genoa It is located right on Via Balbi. Not far away is the precious University Library of Genoa. In the treasure chest of the Palazzi dei Rolli there is Royal Palace, built starting in 1618. The palace was purchased in 1677 by the Durazzo family. It can currently be visited as a museum. seventeenth-century Via Balbi It is a succession of patrician residences. The former Jesuit college with the botanical garden and the Palazzo Balbi. In the vicinity of the Genoa Piazza Principe railway station, furthermore, next to the Pescetto pharmacy, there is the entrance to theMontegalletto elevator, through which one reaches the Castello d'Albertis and to the neighborhood of Castelletto.
From Piazza della Nunziata to the Old Port
At the end of Via Balbi appears Nunziata Square. Its name is taken from the Basilica of the Most Holy Annunciation of VastatoThe latter is located right in this square and is the highest expression of late Mannerism and Genoese Baroque. On the west side of the square stands Gio Francesco Balbi PalaceIt is part of the Palaces of the Rolli and is included among the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Its main entrance is on Via Balbi. On the east side of the square there is Nicolò Lomellini Palace with the written “Lauro Fleet” on its main façade. The palace belonged to the shipowner Achille Lauro and is included in the list of Rolli palaces. Piazza della Nunziata is mainly characterised by a roundabout from which Via Balbi branches off, Fountain Street, via Paolo Emilio Bensa.
Arriving at the Porto Antico, a magical experience designed by Renzo Piano
I've returned to Genoa many times since that first summer. And the photos I'll show you were taken some in the summer, others in October and November. Continuing on... Fountain Street, going further, I came to a pedestrian crossing. There I gazed at the Old Port of Genoa in front of me. Crossing, I continued my journey taking the Salami Drop, and heading towards the Aquarium.
I sat on the comfortable circular benches of Giovanni Falcone, Paolo Borsellino and their companions in sacrifice were killedI spent hours gazing out at the sea from the port. Its boats, the numerous birds waiting for food from passersby, the many people milling about. I also admired the engineering and architectural feats that have made this place unique. I sat down and enjoyed the spectacle with some excellent Genoese focaccia and delicious canestrelli biscuits.
An unmissable delight to be enjoyed not just for one day!
The origins of canestrelli they are very ancient, however the shortcrust pastry canestrelli, more recent, come from the Ligurian tradition. In fact, they date back to the 800th century TorrigliaSimple and inviting in flavor, they're made with flour, butter, egg yolks and egg whites, sugar, salt, and lemon zest. Their appearance is also very simple: they're daisy-shaped with a hole in the center.
Spinola Bridge and the Genoa Aquarium
Continuing walking I came across Spinola Bridge, in District of the MoloThis is a jetty in the Old Port where the Genoa Aquarium, the Nave Italia and the Bubble by Renzo Piano.
Renzo Piano, an internationally renowned architect, born in Genoa and naturalized French, was commissioned in 1988 to renovate the old port. This area was redeveloped again by the brilliant architect in 2001 on the occasion of the G8. A large ship is the emblem of the structure of theAquarium, while the naval crane is the inspiration for the creation of the Bigo.
La Biosphere (o Bubble) designed by Renzo Piano and made of glass and steel, it is located in the sea next to the aquarium. It hosts various species of tropical plants. A unique element of Design, also designed by Renzo Piano, is the Bigo, which forms the backdrop to the ancient port. The Bigo rests on thepanoramic lift which, reaching the top of the structure, allows you to observe the port landscape from above in its entirety.
Get drunk on the colors of the sunset at the port
In the photo you see part of the Neptune, a 63-meter long vessel, built in 1986 in Tunisia, on the occasion of a film by Roman Polanski. The vessel is a perfectly seaworthy vessel.
It is currently moored at Genoa's Ponte Calvi and is one of the attractions of the city's old port. The colors of the port at sunset are wonderful, a pinkish blue that blends in. Intoxicated by these shadeI continued walking. In the background, there was music from street performers.
The incredibles alleys Genoese streets full of colors to lose yourself in for a day!
I alleys (The alleys of Genoa's historic center) are illuminated by beautiful colored lights at dusk. Each alley offers a word that represents Genoa, and it's wonderful for a tourist to discover the terms. GenoeseIt feels like a dream. Head to Via di Sottoripa, overlooking the old port. You'll spend a day that will remain unforgettable!
Walk, lose yourself in the alleys for a day! Genoa is beautiful even in its evening garb, illuminated and graceful, amidst its sumptuous beauties that exude friendship, the smiles of passersby, the shop windows, the piazzas and flowers, the stillness of the sea. It's worth immersing yourself in these beauties, even if only for a day!
