Genoa

Genoa (Genova) is the capital of Liguria and Italy's largest seaport, a city of steep hills, narrow alleys and grand palaces wrapped around a deep natural harbour. Once one of the most powerful maritime republics of the Mediterranean, it was the home of bankers and seafarers, and Christopher Columbus was born here.

The old town is one of the largest medieval centres in Europe, a maze of narrow caruggi opening onto small squares and churches. The Strade Nuove, with Via Garibaldi, and the system of the Palazzi dei Rolli, the noble palaces that hosted state guests, are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Palazzo Rosso, Palazzo Bianco and Palazzo Tursi hold fine art, and the striped Cathedral of San Lorenzo and the Palazzo Ducale stand at the heart of the city. Show more

The Porto Antico, redesigned by Renzo Piano, is home to one of the largest aquariums in Europe and the Bigo panoramic lift. The Lanterna, the old lighthouse, has guided ships for centuries. Funiculars and lifts climb to viewpoints such as Spianata Castelletto, and the fishing village of Boccadasse sits on the eastern edge of the city. Genoa is the home of pesto alla genovese, focaccia and farinata.

Genoa has an airport and trains along the coast to the Riviera and to Milan and Turin, as well as ferries to Sardinia, Corsica and Sicily. Two or three days suit the city, which is a good base for Camogli, Portofino and the Cinque Terre. Spring and autumn are the most pleasant seasons, and winters are mild.