Cruises to and from Genua are very popular. This beautiful port city is conveniently located along the Western Mediterranean and offers a variety of excursions. The cruise port is within walking distance of the historic center. It is located to the west of town and opposite the Principe train station. You can choose to visit the city of Genoa, but some cruise passengers opt for an excursion to cities like Portofino or Savona.
Most of the city’s top tourist attractions are located either near old Port of Genoa, or by Genoa’s main square (Piazza de Ferrari), site of an iconic bronze fountain and the Teatro Carlo Felice opera house. They include Palazzo Ducale, the Genoa Aquarium and the Grand Bigo. In the old town stands the Romanesque Cathedral of San Lorenzo, with its black-and-white-striped facade and frescoed interior.
Genoa’s striking cityscape, with pastel buildings piled up steep hillsides above the long curving waterfront, is a sight in itself, and can be admired from a variety of viewpoints, including the roof of Palazzo Rosso and a popular terrace at Castelletto, high above the city centre and reached by a lift dating from 1909 which ascends from Piazza Portello.
The Renaissance and Baroque Rolli Palaces, in Genoa’s center, were added to the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 2006. About 80 Rolli palaces were built in the 16th century, when Genoa was one of Italy’s four great maritime republics. Many of them were restored in 2004. You’ll find them on the pedestrian street of Via Garibaldi, formerly Strada Nuova. The 16th-century Palazzo Bianco has a great collection of paintings by Genoese and other European artists.
