Punta Bar

The great Petrarch once defined it as "The Lady of the Sea," and rightly so. Considering that its history revolves around the sea, let us introduce you to  Genoa beginning with its main entrance: the harbor. 

Easily seen from the distance and from any direction, with its height of 76 meters stands the Lighthouse Tower, also known as the Lanterna. Originally built for military purposes, it is now the symbol of the city. 720 steps lead to the top of the tower, but the view is worth the climb. Yet for those who do not feel like taking the challenge, a small elevator that will also take them to the top.

Genoa is one of the most important international ports. 

For this reason, the whole area has recently been renovated by the great architect Renzo Piano, who had already designed the Bolla (Bubble) near the famous Aquarium. 

Once having accessed Genoa via its "portal," the visitor enters the heart of this city known as La Superba, which holds many of its masterpieces inside elegant buildings.

Located in the Strade Nuove district, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2006, The Rolli buildings are famous for their architectonic beauty and the precious materials employed. Among them are Palazzo Rosso, Palazzo Bianco and Palazzo Doria Tursi, together forming a museum complex. In fact, Caravaggio, Veronese, Guercino, Van Dyck and Canova are only some of the artists whose work is exhibited here, where the elegance and prestige of these buildings meet the beauty of their masterpieces in a unique itinerary.

Nearby is the Palazzo Reale, whose magnificence strikes visitors immediately upon entering through its gates. Frescos, sculptures, paintings and stuccoes decorate the sophisticated halls, which are outfitted with elegant furniture. The building houses the National Gallery, which displays a highly-regarded collection of paintings by Luca Giordano, Veronese, Tintoretto, Piola, Vassallo, Jan Roos, Borgognone, Grechetto, Strozzi, Carlo Bonomi, Guercino and Van Dyck through a tour of the 23 rooms. 

The Cathedral of San Lorenzo, located in the homonymous square, was originally built in the 9th Century and was significantly modified through time. The façade, decorated with black and white horizontal lines, presents double-lancet and multiple-lancet windows on the upper section, and three portals with a large rose window above the central portal. The interior, divided into three naves, exhibits precious paintings and sculptures and is home to the Museo del Tesoro, interesting both because for its setting and its show of artistic and cultural heritage. The same black-and-white motif can be found on the façade of Sant'Agostino, a deconsecrated church, now location for the homonymous Museum: a rich collection narrates the historical relationship between Genoa and art, from the 10th to the 18th Centuries. An interesting multicoloured majolica also adorns the bell tower. 

Leaving the historical district and going east, you will arrive at Nervi, a wealthy residential suburb favored by the aristocracy since the 19th Century. Shining with all its art and history, and set on a delightful stretch of coast, a gorgeous seafront unfolds with splendid views of the Gulf of Tigullio. Gardens and blossoming fields harmoniously intertwine with the elegant villas that serve as museums: the Galleria d?Arte Moderna in Villa Saluzzo Serra, the Raccolte Frugone in Villa Grimaldi Fassio, and the Museo Luxoro in the villa of the same name. 

Westward, more precisely in Pegli, one can visit the Naval Museum housed in Villa Doria, an aristocratic residence surrounded by a vast park. On display here is Genoa's maritime history, from its foundation until the early Middle Ages.

Villa Durazzo Pallavicini holds two great attractions: the Botanical Garden, set in the park of the villa and filled with rarities, and the Museo Civico di Archeologia Ligure. In addition to finds from the Greco-Roman age, the museum displays a collection of finds from throughout Liguria that date back to pre-history. Stunning is the romantic park that surrounds the villa, known for the water effects created by ponds, caves, streams and falls, artfully placed among the lush vegetation. 

The architecture of Riviera di Levante (at Genoa's east) is famous for the characteristic buildings almost clinging to the rock, and for its pastel walls. 

The same style can be found along the Tigullio coast, with Portofino, Rapallo, Santa Margherita Ligure and Sestri Levante following one after another on the coast and surrounded by the green of the maquis and the sea reflecting the the beauty of the terrain. Trails, bays, coves, cliffs, the sea and its depths - here nature has painted one of many Italian masterpieces. 

In Golfo del Paradiso is Camogli, another gem of the Riviera is an old town characterized by steep streets that meander through houses stacked on top of one another. However, the true heart of the town is the characteristic port, enlivened by the glee of the festive atmosphere and where the crystal-clear water reflects the colors of the boats. The hinterland of Genoa also offers interesting itineraries, featuring many nature reserves: the Beigua Park, the largest protected area of the region; the Aveto Park, one of the most beautiful areas of the Ligurian Apennines; Antola Park, a mosaic of wonderful natural environments overlooking the Ligurian Sea near Portofino, a town whose beauty is renowned worldwide.