I say unchartered, but I don’t think it should be. I don’t have the exact data on how many people know of Genoa, but it’s not mentioned a lot.
Not enough, at least, I think.
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| Genoa |
Piazza de Ferrari, Genova, Italia
Genoa used to be one of the most powerful nations in the Italian City States (it wasn’t called Italy back then). It used to have a hold on Corsica, Sardinia and even Caffa in Crimea! How many Italian City States owned that many land outside of the Italian peninsular? Unfortunately, Genoa lost its hold on Corsica due to an internal riot and lost Sardinia to the kingdom of Aragon (Aragon used to be its own nation, but is now absorbed into Spain).
It wasn’t a mystery why Genoa was very strong. Genoa produced elite crossbowmen carrying large shields called pavises. They carried it on their back and planted it in front of them as a cover when they were recharging their crossbows. Many of these Genoese crossbowmen were hired arms throughout Europe.
On top of that, they also had a very strong naval power. One of the strongest in the Mediterranean seas!
Alas, when powers shift hands, people easily forget those who were once admired, feared and hated. There were very few traces of Genoa’s shining past. One of the best-preserved remnants of its golden era today is the medieval gates.
Don’t lose heart, though! There are still plenty of things to look out for in Genoa!
Read also to Top 5 Side Trips from Paris for traveling
Porto Antico, Genova, Italia
Did You Know?
There are some very interesting trivia about Genoa that you might not have known before. I would list these facts here:
The Artificial Tropical Rainforest. The word ‘jeans’ originated from ‘bleu de Gênes‘, which means blue of Genoa.
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| Biosfera AI genoa |
Christopher Columbus was born in Genoa.
Genoa today has the largest aquarium in Europe. In addition to that, Genoa has an artificial tropical rainforest. In the aquarium, you can touch the tops of sting-rays. In the aquarium, there are venomous sting-rays you’re forbidden to touch. There are sea animals here way below the reach of sunlight.
Despite being the 6th most populated city in all of Italy, it only has one Metro line consisting of 7 stations total.
Genoa is the 6th most populated city, but I doubt it’s anywhere in the top 10 most-visited cities in Italy. Its notoriety for pickpockets is only 2nd to Rome. Careful!
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| Waterfall in genoa |
The Attractions
Seen This Jellyfish Before?
There are numerous attractions in Genova, and it’s unnecessary to use the public transportation unless you’re in a big rush. Without any doubt, the most celebrated attraction is the Aquarium, the biggest in Europe, I have mentioned before. You might want to pay a visit early in the morning before there is a long line.
Next to the Aquarium, be prepared for one of the best treats in Genova because it’s free: the old historical centre. It’s simply one of the prettiest historical centres in Europe! Don’t miss Piazza De Ferrari! I know you won’t if you visit the old city centre. This section of the city is part of the UNESCO World Heritage site.
Besides these two obvious attractions, you should take your time enjoying the promenade in the old port (Porto Antico). You’ll be there when you want to visit the Aquarium.
If you walk towards the Aquarium from Piazza de Ferrari, there’s a good chance you’ll pass by the Cathedral San Lorenzo. Just from outside, you can already delight in the church’s beautiful architecture with its black and white layers. Please take a closer look at the pillars on the main doors!
Besides these, there are two palaces to visit. One of them is Palazzo Reale, with all the art works inside, and the other is Palazzo Ducale, where the powerful Doges of Genova used to live.
Magical Side Trip
Even though Genoa itself is already a marvel, I would recommend a side trip from Genoa that I’m sure is recommended by many travel agencies. It’s not too cliché, though, because it’s still not in the usual Italian itineraries. It’s called the Cinque Terre (“The Five Lands”). It’s a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Cinque Terre
Basically, the five lands consist of five villages namely Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore. Each city has its own train station and is very close to each other. It’s less than 10 minutes train ride from each city to another.
- Train Travel
From Genoa, the train ride to the closest of the five villages (Monterosso al Mare) is about 1 hour 15 minutes up to around 1.5 hours. The ride to the furthest city (Riomaggiore) takes 1.5 hours up to around 2 hours. It’s very manageable!
Apparently, Cinque Terre is so famous that many day trips are organized all the way from Florence! From Florence, it’s about 2 hours 40 minutes up to around 3 hours to reach the Cinque Terre by train.
- Tours
There are two trips from Florence, there is one trip a bit more rigorous, involving a more daring cliff-hugging coastal walk, and the other is an easy tour to visit each of the cities.
However, probably the most exhilarating experience is the boat trip from yet another city in Italy: Milan! Yes, from Milan. Between April 01 to October 31, you have the opportunity to see the five villages from the sea! The trip starts from Milan, but you’ll be brought to La Spezia, where the boat will be waiting for you from Port Venere, ready to depart to Monterosso al Mare.
- Final Words
With so many things offered in and around Genoa, you can comfortably spend 3 – 5 days in Genoa and not get bored. Or spend some days in Genoa, and then stay for 2 days in La Spezia. It’s completely up to you! I hope this helps! Have a fabulous time in Italy!