 Genoa leads a dual existence .The old medieval, walled,
sea hugging, city threaded by a maze of caruggis-alleys- that are
bound by old buildings piercing the skies. These parts reveal the
most magnificent medieval treats- university, several museums, many
elegant palaces, cathedrals to the boyhood home of the Columbus.
Standing cheek by jowl is the modern city of Genoa that stretches
miles along the coast and climbs the hills. It is a hectic center
for international business adjoined by serene parks, and fast paced
belvederes from which you can gaze longingly at the times gone by
in this city beside the sea. Its one of the most sought after
Italian destinations.
Travel to Genoa on planes, trains, roads or even ferries. Once
there, the best way to get around in Genoa is on foot. However,
metered taxis found at cabstands, are especially convenient and but
are more expensive than city's elaborate bus system.
Some of the sights include:Piazza San
Marco
Doris - the maritime masters who controlled the city of Genoa left
their stamp on it. Their church the San Matteo, still bears their
torchbearer's crypt. The stunning Doria palaces that surround, have
a perfect view of the church -even as you can only marvel at the
high life and the goings on behind the array of loggias and
black-and-white-striped marble facades. Its one of the best stops
when you travel to Genoa.Via
Garibaldi
It could have been the medieval precursor to " Boulevard High and
mighty" -where most of the city of Genoa's rich and famous dwelled.
Today, it houses many of the city's museums and is a starting point
for most of the well-known sights. Walk into the Galleria di
Palazzo Bianco and Galleria di Palazzo Rosso to glimpse the
marvelous art collections. History is on display at the Palazzo
Turisi where you can still see the letters of Christopher Columbus
and Nicolo Paganini's violin.Acquario di
Genova (Aquarium of Genoa)
This would be the fun stop you had looked for, especially for the
kids. Built like a ship and parked in an old harbor, it is just a
brisk walk away from the Via Garibaldi. Europe's largest aquarium
brings you an underwater "ringside view "of Red Sea coral reefs,
pools within the Amazon River basin and other astounding marine
sights. Watch sharks snap, seals frolic and sea horses "gallop just
as they do on the sea bed. If the jellyfish in transparent columns
don't seem eerie, wait till dolphins blow trick bubbles at you.
It's the Kids wonderland on your travel to Genoa. Cattedrale San Lorenzo
A repository of faith, the austere black-and-white-striped exterior
still inspires awe. Inside, John the Baptist's relics lie within a
13th-century crypt .You can even view the cutlery in which Saint
John's head was served to Salome as well as a bowl said to be on
the table of the Last Supper. The magnificent gold ands bejeweled
artifacts are a testimony to Genoa's bygone position.Complesso Museale di Santa Chiara (Museum Complex of
St. Clare)
If you are tired by the hectic tour of the city's delights, this is
the perfect place for refreshing your body -and soul. The placid
retreat is meant to shield Chiostri dell'Ordine di Santa Chiara
from the city's bustle. The courtyard of the flowering cloisters
and four paths leading to its center are lined with arbors .
Colorfully painted majolica tiles and tiled benches provide the
perfect setting for your breather. It adds a peaceful note to
destination Italy.Galleria Nazionale di
Palazzo Spinola
The dazzling abode of another leading family, it today serves as a
luxurious setting for a fabulous art collection. Many masterpieces
by "sons of city" -Strozzi and De Ferrari, jostle with painters of
the Dutch and Flemish schools, in this eclectic collection. Feast
your eyes on works of Sicilian master Antonello da Messina, Guido
Reni, Luca Giordano, and Van Dyck.
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