Genoa

Christopher Columbus' native city and the birthplace of pesto, Genoa does not immediately come to mind as a center of art and architecture, but it should. Once a major Italian naval port, today Genoa is best known as a fishing port, resulting in a culinary reputation for excellent seafood dishes. Local museums include the Galleria Nazionale Palazzo Spinola, and the Aquarium, which is home to many rare fish and ocean mammals as well as an assortment of native sea life. Via Garibaldi sits above the Palazzo lined with distinguished 13th-, 14th- and 15th-century palaces and grand buildings. The Palazzo Bianco and Palazzo Municipale (currently ...

Christopher Columbus' native city and the birthplace of pesto, Genoa does not immediately come to mind as a center of art and architecture, but it should. Once a major Italian naval port, today Genoa is best known as a fishing port, resulting in a culinary reputation for excellent seafood dishes. Local museums include the Galleria Nazionale Palazzo Spinola, and the Aquarium, which is home to many rare fish and ocean mammals as well as an assortment of native sea life. Via Garibaldi sits above the Palazzo lined with distinguished 13th-, 14th- and 15th-century palaces and grand buildings. The Palazzo Bianco and Palazzo Municipale (currently the City Hall) are open for tours; Palazzo Carrega-Cataldi can be visited by appointment on weekdays. The 12th-century Gothic Cathedral is another fine architectural example, and houses an ornate cup that is considered to be a candidate for the Holy Grail. Art Nouveau aficionados will enjoy the commercial buildings at the city center. And opera fans should not miss a performance at the striking new opera house, Teatro Carlo Felice, located only a few blocks from the cathedral.

About the Expert

Barbara Radcliffe Rogers has written or coauthored more than 30 guidebooks, including The Portugal Traveler, Drive Around Portugal, City Spots Munich, City Spots Helsinki, City Spots Stockholm, Eating New England, and the Maine section of Thomas Cook's Independent Traveller USA.