A PROUD PORT OF CALL

Wedged between steep cliffs and the sea, Genoa “is a place that grows upon you every day. There seems to be always something to find out in it. There are the most extraordinary alleys and by-ways to walk about in. You can lose your way (what a comfort that is, when you are idle!) twenty times a day, if you like […]”. This is how wonder-struck visitor Charles Dickens described his encounter with the city in 1844. You too are sure to be captivated by Genoa’s unique allure.

Today’s internationally renowned capital of pesto was once one of the world’s greatest trading super powers. Nicknamed since the mid-1300s La Superba, meaning the Proud One, as a tribute to the city’s seafaring audacity, commercial prowess and financial prosperity, Genoa still retains impressive traces of its glorious past as a fierce maritime republic and thriving artistic hub. Remains of stone city gates and walls, magnificent palazzi, lavishly decorated churches as well as age-old maritime culinary traditions, stand as a reminder of Genoa’s triumphant naval history.

The city’s feats and heritage are inextricably linked to the sea. Trade and shipbuilding lent support to one of the Mediterranean’s most powerful fleets in the Middle Ages and, even now, after eight-hundred years, the driving forces of Genoa’s economy centre on the port and related activities. Genoa was the birthplace of a host of intrepid navigators and sailors, including the one and only Christopher Columbus. Such is the city’s intimacy with the sea that it was the obvious choice as host for Italy’s largest aquarium, extending over 27,000 square metres, that now houses more than 15,000 marine creatures belonging to 400 different species. Some claim that the city’s etymology itself is closely connected to the sea. According to tradition, Genoa’s name derives from the mythical two-headed Giano, a reference to the city’s two faces, one turned towards the sea, and the other towards the mountains. Another popular belief states that Genoa could derive from the Latin term Ianua, meaning door, which could hint at the city’s geographical position and role as a passage between the Mediterranean Sea and the north.

Meet your private driver in Santa Margherita Ligure and relax on the ride to Genoa. Upon arrival follow your guide on a fascinating trail past the city’s most striking landmarks and witness the spectacle of Golden Age Genoa as it unravels before your eyes. You will see Porto Antico – the old harbour – where Genoa’s fortunes first began to prosper as far back as the 5th century BC. Look out for Palazzo San Giorgio which has been standing proudly on nearby Piazza Caricamento since 1260. In its long history the building has been used as a prison – where Marco Polo himself was held captive – and as the premises of one of the oldest banks in the world, founded in 1407.

As you amble along the maze of narrow alleys of the city centre you will certainly come across the two symbols of Genoa’s religious and political power: the Gothic-style Cathedral of San Lorenzo, where the ashes of St. John the Baptist are preserved, and the elegant Doge’s Palace, the official residence of the city’s rulers between 1339 and 1797. From here, make your way to Piazza De Ferrari, the beating heart of the city, graced by a splendid fountain and the famed Carlo Felice Opera House. Not to be missed is Piazza San Matteo, an extraordinarily well-preserved example of an upscale medieval city corner. All the buildings that surround the piazza, including the church that used to serve as a private chapel, were formerly the property of the powerful and extremely wealthy Doria family. As your guide will explain, this dynasty played a crucial role in the history of the city from the 13th to the 16th centuries. Among the sights to delight you on your Genoa discovery journey are also the UNESCO-listed Via Garibaldi, spectacular evidence of the city’s Renaissance heyday and the unforgettable panoramic views to be admired from the terrace of Belvedere Castelletto rising on the steep hills above the city.

After some free time for lunch rejoin your driver and return to your cruise ship in Santa Margherita Ligure.