Genoa: Italy’s Underrated Maritime Gem

Tucked between mountains and sea, Genoa (Genova) rewards slow exploration. Its medieval alleys hide marble palaces, bohemian cafés, and the scent of fresh basil and sea salt.

Known as La Superba (“The Proud One”), Genoa’s history is as grand as its harbor. Once one of the great maritime republics alongside Venice, Pisa, and Amalfi, Genoa dominated Mediterranean trade from the 11th to the 17th centuries. Its powerful merchant families built the magnificent Palazzi dei Rolli, symbols of the city’s wealth and influence. Christopher Columbus was born here, and Genoese bankers financed much of Spain’s empire. Though later overshadowed by other Italian ports, Genoa reinvented itself as a gritty, creative hub — a city of contrasts where faded grandeur meets lively street life, and history lingers in every alleyway of the medieval caruggi.

Getting There

Easy train connections from Milan, Turin, and Cinque Terre make Genoa ideal for rail travelers.

What to See

• Explore the Caruggi, Genoa’s tangled medieval lanes.

• Stroll along the Old Port (Porto Antico), redesigned by architect Renzo Piano.

• Visit the Aquarium of Genoa, Europe’s largest.

• Admire the Palazzi dei Rolli, elegant Renaissance mansions that once hosted visiting nobility.

Where to Stay

• Hotel Bristol Palace – Belle Époque charm near Via Garibaldi.

• Hotel Genova Centro – Great value in the heart of the city.

What to Eat

• Pesto Genovese is the star: try it with trofie pasta or lasagne at Trattoria da Maria.

• Don’t miss the focaccia—the locals eat it even for breakfast with cappuccino!

• Sample seafood at Antica Osteria di Vico Palla by the port.

Day Trips by Train

From Genoa, hop to Portofino, Camogli, or Cinque Terre—all reachable in under two hours.