The oldest city on the shores of the Gulf of Genoa, the 2nd largest seaport in Italy, is truly legendary. The multifaceted history of Genoa, which began long before Christ, has left many unique monuments here. The homeland of Christopher Columbus, Marco Polo, and Genoese merchants is interesting for its history. From the first steps on the pavements of this unique city, you feel a special flavor.
It’s best to walk around the city on foot or rent a sigway to see the unique buildings and monuments firsthand. Genoa is a 2-level city with a system of 10 elevators and 2 funiculars, which makes it much easier to take an independent tour.
Aquarium of Genoa
Have you arrived in Genoa by train or bus from the Piassa Principe railway station? Then it is very convenient for you to walk from it in 10 minutes to the Old Port, a walking tourist area. This is the first place all tourists go to see the main attractions. Among the seaside facilities, the most popular is the Aquarium, the largest oceanarium in Europe in terms of area (3100 square meters).
The grandiose building was erected on Cape Ponte Spinola to mark the 500th anniversary of the discovery of America by Columbus in 1992. You will be impressed by the unusual appearance of the building, which looks like a ship going down into the water. To save 20 €, you should buy a comprehensive ticket at the ticket office that includes visits to the Aquarium and museums. (It will be useful to buy a map of the historic center of Genoa.) Tip: in order not to waste time standing in line, it is better to book online through the institution’s website.
Botanical garden “Biosphere”
After leaving the Aquarium, go through Ponte Spinola and at 190 meters you will see a huge glass ball that is impossible not to notice. Shimmering with the reflections of the blue sky, white clouds and blue sea, it looks like a giant Christmas tree ornament. This is a unique museum-garden “Biosphere”, also associated with the name of Columbus.
The glass sphere is a symbol of the globe around which the great discoverer sailed. This miracle of modern architecture is built right on the water, but there is no wobble due to the strong reinforcement of the base. Once inside, you find yourself in a tropical garden with representatives of the flora of South America, where Columbus’s expedition landed.
Galata Maritime Museum
At 200 meters from the Aquarium is an equally interesting object, available to you on a combined ticket, if you have one. “The Galata is the place where the fateful Genoese ships started their voyages and where they were stored. The 5-storey glass building of the museum, opened in 2004, houses all kinds of maritime exhibits.
La Lanterna lighthouse
20 meters from the Galati Museum is another symbol of Genoa – the almost 900-year-old La Lanterna lighthouse. Built in 1128, it became a guiding star for many generations of sailors. For some time, ships entering the port were charged a tax to maintain the lighthouse. For one year (1400), its premises were used as a prison. In the 16th century, it had to be reconstructed after the destruction of Genoa and France by the war.