Who are the Doges of Genoa? Doge's Palace in Genoa. Toponym "Genoa". Brief information about the history of Genoa
The sights of Italian Genoa attract tourists with its picturesque beauty and unique architecture. The labyrinths of narrow streets, fortress walls, elegant palaces, churches will not leave indifferent even tourists who have seen a lot. Cristoforo Colombo was born here. Therefore, any Genoese will point to the house where the great traveler grew up. There is also a palace where Marco Polo was imprisoned, and in the Old Port you can see one of the largest aquariums in the world and a very old lighthouse.
Genoa (Italian Genova) is a city in Italy, main city the province of Genoa and the region of Liguria. Population - 604.8 thousand people (2012), the sixth largest city in the country. It forms the Greater Genoa agglomeration with a population of over 800 thousand people. Located in northern Italy, on the shores of the Gulf of Genoa in the Ligurian Sea. It stretches out in a narrow strip for more than 30 km, bounded on both sides by the sea and the Apennine Mountains. Center of the Ligurian Riviera.
Largest sea port Italy; international Airport named after Christopher Columbus; metro The historical center is adjacent to the old port. In ancient times - a settlement of the Ligurians, conquered by the Romans in the 3rd century BC. e. Since the 11th century, it conducted active trade in the Mediterranean Sea; Thanks to participation in the Crusades, it became the powerful Republic of Genoa with numerous overseas colonies. After the defeat in the war with Venice and the shift of trade routes to Atlantic Ocean in the XIV-XVI centuries it fell into decline, losing independence in 1797.
The origin of the name “Genoa” is explained by different versions: 1) Celtic GENUA - “entrance, passage”; 2) Kainua (Etruscan) - new town; 3) Janua - gate, door; 4) Latin GENUS (gonu) - “knee”, by analogy with the bend of the seashore, reminiscent of a knee - this version is given in the English Wikipedia; 5) Latin JANUS (Giano), named after the two-faced god, looking forward and backward, into the future and into the past. 6) the ancient Celtic word Genaua means “mouth, mouth”, since the city was founded at the spill of the Bisanio mountain stream, on the banks of the Ligurian seas. Archaeological excavations indicate that a Celtic-Ligurian settlement was founded here in the Iron Age. Genaua was perceived by the Etruscans as Genova, which is how it is written in Italian. And in the Ligurian dialect, Genoa is called Zena, and this word can often be seen in the city on posters, bags, etc. The name “Genoa” entered the Russian language, apparently, from the German Genua.
The earliest wall of medieval Genoa that has survived to this day, the mura del Barbarossa, appeared in the mid-twelfth century (there were seven lines of fortifications in total). It had three gates through which one could enter the city. Two of them have survived to this day. In the fourteenth century, the walls were expanded to the southeast to the Carignano hill to the west. The length of the fortifications was 4.5 km, which made it possible to protect an area of 155 hectares from the enemy. These walls quickly became obsolete: weapons capable of breaking through them appeared.
Brignole Station
Piazza Principe Station
Jesuit Church of Saints Ambrose and Andrew
The beginning of construction dates back to the sixth century: it was then that the temple was erected here by the bishop of Milan, who fled to Genoa during the persecution. The church passed to the Jesuits in the mid-sixteenth century. They remodeled the temple and decorated it with paintings by Rubens, Giovanni Merano, Giovanni Carlone and other masters of the 16th-17th centuries.
The facade of the temple needed to be rebuilt again at the end of the nineteenth century after the passage between it and the Doge's Palace was destroyed. When developing a new project, the craftsmen used Rubens' sketches. After the work was completed, sculptures of Andrei and Ambrose were installed on the facade.
The Bank of San Giorgio is considered one of the world's first financial institutions of this type. It was founded in 1407 by the guild of money changers. Over time, his influence became so great that he loaned money to the kings of Spain and owned the Genoese colonies in the Crimea and Corsica. But his most famous client was the navigator Christopher Columbus.
At one time the bank even controlled the Genoese fleet. The four consuls who headed the Bank of San Giorgio were related or friends with the most powerful aristocratic families of Genoa. The famous bank existed for almost 400 years - until 1805, when Napoleon invaded Italy. The French emperor could not tolerate banking structures that were independent (from him) and immediately closed this “shop.” Today, the city port administration operates in the Palazzo San Giorgio.
Portello Square
Church of the Ascension of Our Lady
Basilica di Santa Maria Assunta is the only church in Genoa designed in the form of a cross inscribed in a square. Along the edges of the temple are two bell towers, on which five bells are installed. The facade is decorated with sculptures of the seventeenth century: above the portal is depicted the Dormition of the Virgin Mary, on the sides are Peter and Paul. Construction of the Basilica of the Assumption of Our Lady began in 1552 and was completed half a century later.
A hundred years later, it was allowed to hold bishop's services here, which is why it was necessary to make a number of changes to the basilica. The work dragged on for two centuries: the inside of the temple was decorated with stucco, gilding, paintings, and sculptors by famous masters. Since the temple is built in the center of the city, a lot of religious activities take place here. Important memorial events are often held in the vestry. Thus, in the seventies and nineties of the last century, they mourned the victims of terrorism.
Garibaldi Street
Porta Soprana street
Monument to Christopher Columbus. An Indian girl sits at his feet, and on the pedestal there is a high relief depicting the council in Salamanca, in which Columbus convinces those present about the advisability of his voyage.
Basilica of Santa Maria Assunta
This square is rightfully considered one of the most beautiful in the city. The most noticeable monument on it is the statue of the first king of a united Italy, Victor Emmanuel II, proudly sitting on a horse.
Monument to Victor Emmanuel II
Caricamento Square
Zecca Square
Basilica della Santissima Annunziata
Basilica della Santissima Annunziata, interior
Construction of the temple began in 1520. The building was conceived in the Gothic style, which distinguished it from other buildings of the Renaissance. But after the walls were erected, construction was stopped: the temple was transferred to the Franciscans from another order. At this time, the Council of Triden adopted regulations on church architecture, and it turned out that the built basilica did not comply with them. Therefore, the monks were obliged to rebuild it in the Baroque style.
XX September Street
Mazzini Gallery
Basilica of Santa Maria Immacolata
Loggia dei Mercanti
Palazzo Doria Tursi
Palazzi dei Rolli (Italian: Palazzi dei Rolli) is a quarter of palaces of the Genoese aristocracy, built in the era of Mannerism. In 2006 it was declared a monument World Heritage. This is the first centralized urban development project in European history, carried out in accordance with a pre-legislated plan (owned by Galeazzo Alessi). More than forty palaces are cramped onto a rather narrow piece of land, which forced the owners to build them upward. In 1576, the Republican Senate obliged the owners of the palazzo to provide hospitality to delegations from foreign countries. Palazzo dei Rolli, as an example of an innovative urban planning solution, aroused genuine interest among foreigners visiting Genoa, not excluding Rubens. The experience of constructing this aristocratic quarter was used in the redevelopment of Paris conceived by Henry IV and his minister Sully (see Place des Vosges).
Palazzo Doria Spinola
Palazzo Spinola in Pellicceria
Palace of the Ligurian Academy of Fine Arts (Accademia Ligustica di Belle Arti). The building was designed by Carlo Barabino in 1825. At the bottom of the academy there is a museum displaying works by Donatode Bardi, Orazio De Ferrari, Serafino De Tivoli and other masters. Paintings, ceramics, marble and bronze sculptures, and other exhibits are exhibited here.
The Rolli Palaces (Palazzi dei Rolli) is a quarter of palaces, which is the first project in European history that was built according to a pre-approved plan. The houses are located on the street. Garibaldi (via Garibaldi) and its surroundings. Here, on a small area, the aristocrats built more than 40 palaces. Since there was not enough space, the owners built houses not in width, but in height. In 1576, the Senate of the Republic obliged the owners of the palaces to receive foreign delegations in the palaces. In 2006, the attraction was added to the UNESCO list.
Since 1824, the palace was the official residence of the kings of Savoy, who further embellished this baroque splendor by bringing here expensive furniture and art objects. There were also extensions in the form of additional apartments. In 1919, King Victor Emmanuel III of a united Italy ceded the palace to the state. Since 1922, the Committee for the Architectural and Landscape Heritage of Liguria has been based here, on the Piano Nobile. Today, the restored palace is open to the public. Once inside, it is interesting to look at the main objects of pride of its former owners - the Throne Room, the Ballroom and the Hall of Mirrors, built, of course, in imitation of the French Versailles. And also visit the personal apartments of the Savoy dynasty, which owned the palace for a hundred years. Also, part of the former royal chambers is given over to an art gallery with an excellent collection of 17th-century paintings - also, as you understand, baroque. Another “trick” of the palace is the same hanging garden with exotic plants, which faces the sea. While walking along it, pay attention to the pebble paths with beautiful mosaics depicting sea horses and other strange animals.
Church of Santo Stefano
Church of Santo Stefano
The main street of the city is Ferrari Square (Piazza De Ferrari). It received its name thanks to Duke Raphael de Ferrari (Raffaele De Ferrari). This is how the Genoese immortalized the famous diplomat, financier and benefactor.
In 1936, a large round-shaped fountain was installed on Piazza De Ferrari - Fontana di Piaggio. They named it after the family that sponsored the construction. Behind the fountain is located former building Stock exchange.
Plaza de Ferrari
Plaza San Matteo
Teatro Carlo Felice
Monument to Garibaldi in Front opera house in 1879, a bronze monument depicting Giuseppe Garibaldi on horseback was erected (Giuseppe Garibaldi Monument).
Church of San Pietro in Banki
Doge's Palace The Ducal Palace (Palazzo Ducale), which is known as the Doge's Palace, is the oldest building in the square. The main facade is located on Piazza Matteotti, while the side wall faces Piazza Ferrari. They lived in the Doge's house until the end of the eighteenth century, until Bonaparte abolished this position.
The landmark was built at the beginning of the thirteenth century, during the heyday of Genoa, by order of ship captains Oberto Spinola and Corrado Doria. They purchased several houses, ordered them to be demolished and a new building erected in their place. Then a palace with a tower located next to the building was added to it. In 1339, the first Doge of Genoa, Simon Boccanegra, settled in the palace.
Since then, Palazzo Ducale has been rebuilt many times, so it combines styles from different eras. It consists of several buildings, inside of which there are a huge number of galleries, elegant courtyards, passages, and towers. Marble columns, arched vaults, and a monumental staircase attract attention. There are the Large and Small Council Halls, a chapel, and a prison where violinist Niccolò Paganini languished for some time. Now the Ducal Palace is a museum. Exhibitions, cultural events, and meetings at the highest level are constantly held here.
Museum of Oriental Art (Museo d'Arte Orientale Edoardo Chiossone). Fifteen thousand exhibits collected by Edoardo Chiossone are stored here. He lived and died in Japan, and bequeathed to send the exhibits he collected to his homeland. At first, the collection was housed in the Ligustica di Belle Arti Academy: the exhibition opened in 1905. Forty years later, the authorities decided to build a special building for the oriental exhibits. So in 1971, Villa di Negro (Villetta Di Negro) appeared - a building built in an avant-garde style in the middle of an existing park. On the ground floor of the building they made a rectangular hall, and along the walls there are galleries connected by flights of stairs. A terrace was installed on the roof. Since then, the collection has been replenished several times, and therefore is one of the largest collections in Europe. Here you can see Japanese buddhist sculptures, bronze bells, mirrors, artifacts created before our era. Weapons, armor, and metal sculptures are interesting.
The Archaeological Museum of Liguria (Museo di Archeologia Ligure) is located in the Villa Durazzo Pallavicini at Via Pallavicini. The villa was built in the mid-nineteenth century by the architect Michele Canzio, who worked on the scenery at the Carlo Felice Theater. It houses exhibits from prehistoric times to the period of the Roman Empire, which were found in the lands of Liguria. The Egyptian collection and the Roman collection of marble products are also interesting.
The villa is surrounded by a park. This is the botanical garden of the Marquise of Durazzo, where orchids, camellias, palm trees, bananas, and ferns grow. There is an area intended for aquatic plants. An interesting greenhouse, the shape of which resembles a train. Many carnivorous plants grow here.
Church of Santa Maria di Castello
They built a church on a hill instead of a destroyed Roman fortress in 900 AD. In the twelfth century the basilica was rebuilt. When three centuries later it began to belong to the Dominicans, a monastery appeared near the temple. And if the Church of Santa Maria di Castello looks modest from the outside, beauty is hidden inside. There are stunning sculptures, frescoes, paintings, relief images, paintings by great masters. Among them are Francesco Maria Schiaffino, Francesco Boccaccino, Lorenzo Fasolo.
You can also see majolica (the so-called type of painted ceramics made from baked clay). On the upper tier there is a marble ark, whose authorship is attributed to Domenico Gagini. The most important relic of the Church of Santa Maria di Castello is considered to be the sculpture of Christ, the so-called. Cristo Moro, which was brought here from Palestine. It is made of dark wood, the cross is replaced by the Tree of Life. Recently the statue was restored and it acquired its original appearance.
The Pope consecrated the basilica back in 1118; construction lasted three centuries, which is why the building, conceived in the Romanesque style, acquired other features. The façade of the church is an example of French Gothic style. It has three entrances, lined with two-color marble, which symbolized the nobility and emphasized nobility.
Cathedral of San Lorenzo Named temple in honor died by death Martyr St. Lorenzo, on whose burial site a chapel was first erected, and at the beginning of the twelfth century they began to build a cathedral.
The Cathedral of San Lorenzo, with its characteristic striped facade, is the main temple of the city, as well as the religious center of Genoa and the whole of Liguria. Before him, on this site there were Roman fortifications, a cemetery, as well as two others. Christian churches- first Saint Sir, and then the Twelve Apostles. The main building of the new cathedral was built in the 12th century. But, as usual, over the course of several centuries San Lorenzo was repeatedly rebuilt and expanded. By the 17th century, the main work was completed. By the way, the inside of the cathedral is also striped: plates of black marble beautifully alternate with white ones.
Once inside, you should pay attention to the frescoes on the walls and ceiling. Their time span and varied style are simply amazing. Thus, the earliest ones relate to the imitation of famous Byzantine models (XIV century), and the latest ones - to the divisionist style of the early 20th century (Gaetano Previati, “The Ascension of the Virgin”). Thousands of pilgrims flock to San Lorenzo every year, because it is here that the sarcophagus with the relics of John the Baptist, delivered by Genoese merchants in 1098, is kept. True, you cannot touch the relics - they are placed inside the altar of the chapel.
Inside the cathedral there are columns, paintings, frescoes, statues of famous masters. The church has a chapel of St. John the Baptist (Giovanni Battista), decorated with statues of masters of the 15th-16th centuries. The relics of the saint are kept here.
In the basement of the temple there is a treasury-museum, which was founded in the middle of the last century. Here you can see various shrines. Among them is a plate on which Salome was presented with the severed head of John the Baptist in gratitude for her dance. Also kept here is the cup from which, according to legend, Jesus drank at the Last Supper (the relic was brought here in the tenth century).
Palazzo Rosso got its name from the amazing red color of the walls. The museum appeared here thanks to the last owner of the building, who donated it to the city along with a collection of works of art. In addition to paintings, visitors are eager to see the frescoes decorating the walls of the palace. Anthony Van Dyck worked in Genoa for several years, so it is not surprising that the portraits he painted of the Brignole family, then the richest in the city, ended up in this worthy collection of paintings.
Also here you can see paintings by Durer, Veronese, Palma the Elder, Guido Reni, as well as works by representatives of the Baroque Genoese school and paintings by Spanish and Dutch authors of the 13th-16th centuries. Plus a collection of Chinese porcelain and French faience.
Palazzo Bianco
This luxurious palace belonged to the most famous families of Genoa, starting with Grimaldi and ending with Brignole-Sale. Luca Grimaldi supervised its construction in 1530-1540. More than a hundred years later, it was bought by another rich Genoese family - the De Franchis. At the beginning of the 18th century, the palazzo passed to the main creditors of the bankrupt De Franchis - the Brignole-Sale family, who carried out its large-scale reconstruction
As a result, the facade was decorated with white decor, and the palazzo has since been called “Bianco” (that is, “White Palace”). Its last owner, Maria Brignole-Sale, bequeathed it to the people at the end of the 19th century. Thus, Palazzo Bianco became a museum that collected an outstanding collection of Western European paintings. Here there was a place for baroque and reverent paintings by artists of the Genoese school - Strozzi, Castiglione, Magnasco. There are harsh and strict Spaniards - Zurbaran, Murillo, Ribera. Well, the main attraction is the masterpieces of Caravaggio, Memling, Van Dyck, Rubens and Veronese.
Church of St. Nicholas
Teatro Carlo Felice is the main theater of Genova, built on the site of a former monastery complex and the temple of San Domenico. The opening of the attraction took place in 1828. The name of the opera house immortalized the ruler of Genoa, Duke Carlo Felice di Savoia. For forty winters, Giuseppe Verdi staged plays here. Teatro Carlo Felice is considered one of the most spacious in Europe: it can accommodate two thousand spectators.
Botanical Garden Biosphere (La Biosfera). It is a huge glass sphere, inside of which an imitation of a tropical forest is placed. Not only do plants grow here, but birds, iguanas, butterflies, and parrots also live here. Piranhas live in the stream.
Biosphere and Bigo
The panoramic elevator "Bigo" is an attraction in the Old Port of Genoa, opened, like the "Biosphere", on the 500th anniversary of the discovery of America by the most famous Genoese - Christopher Columbus. Architecturally, the elevator is a system of metal structures made of pipes, winches and cables, which should resemble the port cranes that once unloaded and loaded ships entering the port. In technical terms, the elevator is a lift for people, which in its round cabin will lift you to a height of about forty meters. From the height of the climb there is a panoramic all-round view of the port and the old city. The elevator is completely safe
The old port is of interest to tourists. There is a thousand-year-old lighthouse, a huge city aquarium, a Maritime Museum, and the Biosphere botanical garden. After the filming of Roman Polanski's film "Pirates", a three-masted frigate was left here, attracting the attention of both children and adults. The maritime museum is also interesting Mediterranean Sea, whose exhibits tell the entire history of navigation, from rowing boats to modern ships.
The La Lanterna lighthouse is located a fifteen-minute walk from the Dinegro metro station. This is the symbol of the city and the most high lighthouse Mediterranean Sea: La Lanterna is 77 m high and has 375 steps to the top. It is also very old: the history of the lighthouse began in 1128. Lanterna was built on San Benigno Hill, far beyond the city limits, and it illuminated the way for ships coming from France. To keep the fire going, keepers used firewood, mostly dry juniper. Money for the maintenance of the lighthouse and maintenance of its work was allocated by the Genoese from the fee they took from ships for mooring in the port of the city. Two centuries later, the Genoese installed a lamp on the tower that ran on olive oil. Thanks to this, the ships could see the light of the lighthouse better. The lighthouse not only illuminated the road, but also served as a defensive fortification in the struggle between clans. And therefore he was often under siege. That is why, in 1326, the inhabitants of Genoa dug a protective trench around the tower to reduce the likelihood of any of the warring parties entering the lighthouse
At the beginning of the fifteenth century, Lanterna was rebuilt, after which the lighthouse also became a prison. Here the Cypriot king Jean II de Lusignan (French: Jean II de Lusignan) and his wife were held hostage, who unsuccessfully tried to free Cyprus from Genoese trade dependence. During the war with the French, the lighthouse was severely damaged, but already in 1543 the Genoese restored the tower. In the seventeenth century, the lighthouse was included in the gradually expanding city. In the eighteenth century, rotating Fresnel lenses were installed on it. At the beginning of the twentieth century, electricity was installed here. The last major reconstruction was carried out after the end of the Second World War, during which the lighthouse was severely damaged. Now next to the tower there is a museum where you can get acquainted with the history of the city, the port, and see objects and archives related to maritime navigation. Among the exhibits are Fennel lenses, by studying which you can understand how the lighthouse works.
This is a copy of a 17th century Spanish ship, which was specially built for the film “Pirates” by the famous director Roman Polanski. The film was released back in 1986. After filming, the ship was left in Genoa.
The port of Genoa is located between northern Italy and southern Europe. That is why it is very convenient for sailors, businessmen, and politicians. The port stretches along the coast for twenty-two kilometers and has four entrances: eastern, western, Multedo and Voltri. There are many terminals here, each of which is designed to receive ships of a certain type. The port has berths for both cargo and passenger ships and private vessels.
The Galata Maritime Museum (Galata Museo del Mare) is located in the Old Port. The exhibition center covers an area of 10 thousand m2, and therefore it is one of the largest museums in the Mediterranean. Among the exhibits are reconstructions of shipyards from the Middle Ages, ship models, navigation maps, and instruments. There are globes, paintings, ancient weapons and even monsters from medieval books. The tour is accompanied by visual and sound effects that convey the atmosphere of this place. Much attention is paid to Christopher Columbus, a native of these lands.
Monastery of St. Andrew, what remains
Columbus House (Casa di Colombo). Although it is not known exactly where the great navigator was born, the Genoese believe that Christopher Columbus lived here until 1470 (born in 1451). The house itself is not particularly impressive and looks a little gloomy. The attraction is a two-story building covered with ivy. People are allowed inside only by special arrangement or on the twelfth of October, the day of World Columbus Day. In earlier times, the Columbus House was three stories high. There were three rooms on each tier. On the ground floor, Christophor's father set up a workshop: he ran a weaving workshop. The remaining floors were at the disposal of the family. In the seventeenth century, the building was almost completely destroyed when the French shelled the city, but the Genoese restored the house. Inside the building there are fragments of walls that survived from the beginning of construction, and in the basement archaeologists discovered the foundation of a building dating back to the sixth century.
Palace of Andrea Doria (Palazzo di Andrea Doria), also known as the Princely Villa (Villa del Principe). Previously, it was located outside the city walls, and only over time it found itself within the city. The house was built by Andrea Doria, who was popular among the Genoese and was elected Doge in 1528. Also, for his services, he received the title of prince, which is why the house was nicknamed princely. The palace looked magnificent, it was decorated with sculptures, frescoes, and tapestries. The house was so luxurious that even Emperor Charles V stayed here. Now there is a museum here. They built a house at the foot of a hill near the sea.
The main staircase is decorated with geometric designs and grotesque paintings. On the walls of the rooms there are paintings, stucco moldings, paintings. Antique furniture and interior elements are everywhere. The Golden Gallery was used for audiences. In it you can see gilded wooden sculptures and family portraits. 
In front of the building is a park arranged in Italian style. You can enter it from the house through an arched gallery. In the middle of the park is a fountain with a sculpture of Neptune, which appeared here at the end of the sixteenth century. Previously, through the garden you could go down to the sea, where Andrea Doria had a private pier. Now there is a highway between the house and the sea, and the marine terminal is located nearby.
Palace of San Giorgio
The Corso Italia embankment is one of the important transport-connecting and city-forming streets in Genoa. The embankment appeared at the beginning of the last century as a result of work to expand the city. Today, the embankment stretches along the coast in the Albaro region for more than two kilometers, connecting the Foz district and the coastal village of Boccadasse. Corso Italia is a favorite meeting and walking place for citizens and guests of the city.
Marine Station
The Villetta di Negro park surrounds the Edoardo Chiossone Museum of Oriental Art. In front of its entrance there is a statue dedicated to Giuseppe Mazzini. The park is located on a hill, so there are many paths leading up. Tourists who come here from the noisy streets of the city seem to find themselves in another world: there are grottoes with waterfalls, fresh air, aviaries with exotic birds. From the hill there is a view of Genoa and the lush vegetation of the park (palm trees, cedar, sequoias, pine trees).
The park appeared thanks to Marquis Gian Carlo Di Negro, who at the beginning of the nineteenth century built a villa on a hill overlooking Piazza Corvetto. Near the villa there was a botanical park where gazebos, artificial ponds, and a waterfall were installed. When the Marquis died, the city acquired the villa and park from his heirs in order to build several museums there.
Mackenzie Castle is a five-story mansion built at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries and is one of the most successful examples of eclecticism, combining architectural features of Gothic and Mannerism. A castle was erected for a wealthy Floretian and insurer of Scottish origin, Evan Mackenzie. For most of the second half of the last century, the castle, after a series of changes of owners, was in disrepair, until 2002 when it was acquired and restored by the Cambi auction house. Today the mansion is not only the residence of the auction house, but also a private museum with space for temporary exhibitions.
The Museum of World Cultures, located in the Castle d'Albertis, owes its creation to sea captain Enrico Alberto d'Albertis. He traveled extensively in Africa, Oceania, America and Asia. From there he brought ritual objects, dishes and household items used by the natives. At first it was a private collection, but after d’Albertis’ death in 1932, the castle was transferred to the ownership of the state and was named the Museum of World Cultures. The entire collection was divided into several rooms: Colombian, Turkish, Gothic and so on. Later, the Palace also housed the Museum of Folk Musical Instruments.
Castle d'Albertis
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The Ducal Palace in Genoa is one of the most important historical buildings cities. Built as the residence of the Doges during the Republic, the palace is now open to the public and serves as the city's most important museum complex.
The construction of the palace began at the end of the 13th century, during the heyday of the maritime Genoese republic, at the most prosperous political moment, after the victories won by the Genoese over Pisa near Meloria in the Tyrrhenian Sea (1284), and over Venice near the island of Korcula in the Adriatic Sea (1298) .
In 1291, the captains of the people Oberto Spinola and Corrado Doria decided to build a residence on the city territory, located between the churches of St. Lawrence and St. Matthew that were previously located here. The new construction also included the neighboring palace with tower by Alberto Fieschi, built in 1275 and acquired by the Republic in 1294. This marked the beginning of the development of the palace, called the Ducal Palace from 1339, when it became the seat of the first Genoese Doge, Simon Boccanegra.
During the XIV-XV centuries the palace was significantly expanded. In 1591, the architect from northern Lombardy, Andrea Ceresola, nicknamed Vannone, was entrusted with the reconstruction of the palace. Under the leadership of this master, the construction of a new building began, with a grandiose closed atrium, with courtyards with porticos adjacent to it on both sides. In 1777, the palace was rebuilt in the neoclassical style after a fire, and in 1935 a new façade was built, facing Piazza de Ferrari.
The palace was seriously damaged by aerial bombing during World War II; the last large-scale restoration work took place in the 1990s.
Currently, the palace hosts temporary exhibitions, various cultural events, concerts, and conferences.
Facade overlooking Piazza Ferrari, 1935
Courtyard
Palazzo Ducale in Genoa is a palace built for the rulers of the Republic of Genoa in the second half of the 13th century. Its architecture is asymmetrical due to numerous galleries, courtyards, passages and towers added to it over several hundred years, but at the same time the ensemble looks harmonious. A special feature of the building is its two facades, one of which faces Piazza Felice, and the second faces Piazza Matteotti. After a devastating fire in 1777, the palace was completely rebuilt in the neoclassical style.
Now the Palazzo Ducale functions as a museum. In it, visitors can explore the halls of the Great and Small Councils, skillfully painted by masters of the past, a chapel decorated with frescoes by Domenico Fiazella and Giovanni Battista Carlone, and a prison in which Niccolò Paganini was kept for some time. The museum regularly hosts various cultural events and organizes art exhibitions. At the same time, the Palazzo Ducale in Genoa continues to play the role of an administrative center; periodic meetings at the highest level are held here.
Palazzo Ducale (Doge's Palace) on the map
Type: Historical property (castle, palace, ruins, etc.) Address: Piazza Matteotti 9, 16123 Genova, Italy. Opening hours: daily, except Mondays, 9.00-19.00. Cost: admission is free, during special events - paid (price is determined by the organizers). How to get there: travel to Ferrari metro station; trolleybuses No. 20, 30, buses No. 20, 035, 36, 606, 620, 635, 641, N1, N2 to the De Ferrari stop. Website.
The luxury and splendor of Genoa covers newcomers literally from the first steps. And the Brignole station itself looks like a palace.
Brignole Station
The city has two main stations: Brignole (Genova Brignole) in the east and Piazza Principe (Genova Piazza Principe) in the west, between them there is about an hour's walk, and the city center is located between them. In 1972, the stations were connected - a tunnel was made in the mountain, so now, arriving, say, from San Remo at the western station of Piazza Principe, you can go further along the east coast Liguria.
Via XX Settembre, which carries admiring travelers from Brignole station to the center, displays its magnificent facades on high arches, where each house competes with its neighbors. Galleries line both sides of the street and lead out to the vast and sun-drenched Piazza de Ferrari with a fountain in the center.
Decor elements
Piazza de Ferrari looks solemn and pompous, surrounded by beautiful buildings, among which the oval façade of the Exchange stands out.
Plaza de Ferrari
And right there, in the midst of all this pomp, in front of the Carlo Felice Theater, right under the monument to Giuseppe Garibaldi, two tourist tents. The legs of the sleeping people even stick out from one of them. Nobody pays attention. Well, people decided to spend the night in tents on central square cities, what is it?
Tents in front of the Carlo Felice Opera House
And then we seem to have to move towards the Doge's Palace, but such a tempting narrow street goes down that we start along it and find ourselves in the small cozy square of San Matteo in front of the Church of San Matteo. The church also seems small compared to the surrounding palaces, but inside it is just a casket with jewelry. This area with palaces belonged to the famous Genoese family of Doria.
Church of San Matteo
Inside the Church of San Matteo
From Piazza San Matteo there is a labyrinth of so-called “carugia” - narrow streets of the Old Town, separating high - 4-5 floors - houses.
One of the "karugi"
But we took the next alley back to Piazza Matteotti, to the Doge's Palace, or Palazzo Ducale. (The Doges ruled the Republic of Genoa from 1339 to 1797).
A little further into Piazza Matteotti stands the Church of Jesus, which contains works by Rubens. The first thing we did was go there.
Church of Jesus in Piazza Matteotti
Inside the Church of Jesus in Piazza Matteotti
Meanwhile, around the Palazzo Ducale it was becoming more and more lively. People were coming. The poster said that an exhibition of Edvard Munch was being held at the Doge's Palace, but, as it turned out, it was not this event that mainly attracted the public, but the festival of pesto, a sauce beloved by Italians.
Genoese Doge's Palace
The public was milling around the halls of the palace, waiting for the action, and in the huge main hall (where I stuck my nose in) the cooks were making their final preparations.
Inside the Doge's Palace. The public is hungry for pesto
Final preparations
We did not wait for the start of the holiday, because we wanted to be in time for the main church of Genoa, the Cathedral of San Lorenzo, before the siesta began. Oh, that notorious Italian siesta!
And it’s very good that we were in a hurry - we just made it.
The square in front of the cathedral is crowded, musicians play here, children run around. To view the Cathedral of San Lorenzo from the outside, you need to move to the far end of the square. Its right tower is high, the left is level with the ridge. Along the façade there are three deeply depressed portals. You can look at the portals alone for a long time, the capitals of their columns, the inlaid stone. Lots of colorful marble decorated with carvings. The facade of San Lorenzo is black and white striped, as is common in Northern Italy.
Basilica of San Lorenzo - the cathedral of Genoa
On the steps of the cathedral
Central portal of San Lorenzo
Inlaid columns
Inside there are also black and white stripes on the arches. The cathedral is gloomy and luxurious. Its space, divided into three narrow, high naves, seems squeezed and directed upward. Columns support a two-tier arcade. The cathedral's Treasury contains the ark containing the ashes of John the Baptist and the cup from which Jesus is believed to have drunk at the Last Supper.
Inside the Cathedral of San Lorenzo
Along another narrow street we came to another small square - the piazza delle Scuole Pie (Pious School), where, surrounded by palaces, stood a small church - another casket with jewelry.
Church of the School of Piety on the square of the same name
Inside the church
And now we go out to the sea. The embankment is as wide as a square. There's a freeway running over it, that's for sure. spoils the view. Palm trees are planted along the edge of the embankment.
Embankment
From the line of houses lined up along the sea, Palazzo San Giorgio stands one step forward - a bright building with a facade decorated with frescoes. In the central fresco, St. George pierces a dragon.
Palazzo San Giorgio
Fresco on the facade
The front part of the building faces the sea. The back of the Palace of San Giorgio resembles a medieval fortress with narrow loophole windows and battlements along the upper edge.
Rear of Palazzo San Giorgio
The palace housed the main bank of the Genoese Republic. By the way, the Genoese Republic had a second name: the Republic of St. George. The flag of the Republic of Genoa is a red cross on a white background - the cross of St. George.
The Palazzo San Giorgio is now occupied by the Port Authority of Genoa.
The embankment has numerous fish restaurants. We went into one of them and ordered mixed seafood and a glass of white wine.
Genoa is an amazing and beautiful city. History and modernity, sophistication and decadence coexist here. Rest assured, Genoa will win the heart of any traveler.
Streets of Genoa, photo enricorig
Magnificent Genoa is the capital of the Liguria region. It is located on the shore of the Genoa Bay.
Genoa became an independent city-commune, began to conduct active trade in the Mediterranean Sea and take part in the crusades. The Genoese Republic was formed.
Genoa has always claimed leadership - both in navigation, and in political power, and in the financial sphere. She was solemnly called “The Magnificent” - La Superba. She constantly challenged her title with other great cities of the empire: Florence and Venice. For more than one century, Genoa was the mistress of half of the Mediterranean. The wealth of its merchants and bankers was known throughout the world. Even the proud Venetian doges bowed before the name of the independent city.
But in the XIV-XVI centuries. the power of the republic began to decline. The reason was the war with Venice and the fact that the main steel trade routes ran along the Atlantic Ocean.
It was in independent and freedom-loving Genoa that the ideas of unifying Italian lands were born. The patriotic politician Giuseppe Mazzini was the first ideologist of the national movement. Now he rests in the famous Staglieno cemetery.
Genoa, photo Rolando CRINITI
Today, shipbuilding and heavy industry are developed in Genoa. The city is part of the main industrial triangle of Italy, along with Turin and Milan, and is a scientific and tourist center.
Genoese - thrifty, enterprising, rational
Italians often sneer at the residents of Genoa, calling them scoundrels and cunning people, considering them greedy for money. The Genoese do not deny their rationality and ability to find a way out of any situation. The land of Italy did not spoil this city: the territory of the historical center is strictly limited by the sea and the chain of the Apennine Mountains. Houses had to be built on a narrow strip, land was saved, no squares were built in the city, and public meetings were held in churches. Ferrari Square, which appeared in the 19th century, became a kind of sensation - the first urban recreational area. Citizens were given the opportunity to walk; the local secular public could leisurely relax by the fountain.
Genoa and Columbus
It is believed that Columbus was born in Genoa, although there is no conclusive evidence of this fact. A number of Italian and Spanish cities claim to be the birthplace of the great navigator. However, the Genoese firmly believe that Christopher Columbus is their fellow countryman by origin, and the exclusive right to his image belongs to their city. Therefore, the name and image of Columbus is found everywhere here: in the names of entertainment venues and store signs, on labels and souvenirs.
There is also a monument to the navigator (Monumento a Cristoforo Colombo) - it greets tourists at station square Piazza Acquaverde. In addition to Columbus himself, the composition includes images of his exploits in the form of sculptures and high reliefs. An Indian girl sits at the feet of the great navigator; the central panel depicts the council in Salamanca, where Columbus spoke, and a decision was made on the advisability of his voyage.
Attractions
Aquarium of Genoa
Botanical Garden Biosphere
Galleon Neptune
Panoramic elevator Bigo
Maritime Museum Galata
Garibaldi Street
Balbi street
Ferrari Square
Red Palace
White Palace
Palace of Doria Tursi
University of Genoa
Lanterna Lighthouse
The best way to start exploring Genoa is from the sea, from the Old Port (Marina Porto Antico). This is one of the largest ports in the Mediterranean. It was reconstructed according to the design of the brilliant Renzo Piano, an architect-inventor and philosopher of the high-tech style, who was born in this city. You can spend the whole day among the Genoese creations of Piano - the port is considered recognized entertainment center. Here you will see a huge aquarium and the Biosphere botanical garden, covered with a glass dome, a replica of an ancient pirate ship and the Bigo observation lift.
Aquarium of Genoa
The long blue building of the Genoa Aquarium (Acquario di Genova), towering over the water, is home to more than 5 thousand people. sea creatures. It is the second largest in Europe and includes 70 reservoirs with 6 million liters of water. A 100-meter “ship” is attached to it as an additional building, a journey through which will take visitors to the era of great discoveries and introduce tropical forests Madagascar.
Address: Ponte Spinola, 16128 Genova. Website: acquariodigenova.it.
Botanical Garden Biosphere
For botanical garden Biosphere (Biosfera), according to the plan of the architect Renzo Piano, they built a 20-meter glass ball, inside of which the Amazon forests were reproduced. Among the plants are iguanas and chameleons, huge butterflies and cockatoos.
Address: Via al mare Fabrizio de Andrè, Ponte Spinola, 16128 Genova. Website: biosferagenova.it.
Galleon "Neptune" (Il Galeone Neptune) is a three-masted frigate, a copy of a Spanish ship of the 17th century. It was built specifically for the film “Pirates” directed by Roman Polanski. Having bought a ticket, you can climb all its holds and shrouds, admire the wooden bas-reliefs, weapons and skeletal prisoners.
Panoramic elevator "Bigo"
The panoramic elevator Bigo is the creation of Renzo Piano. It resembles a spider because... consists of several arrows. The glass cabin takes you 40m high and gives you stunning views of the sea and harbour.
Be sure to visit Maritime Museum"Galata" (Galata Museo del Mare). This is the most important museum in Genoa; most of exhibitions are dedicated to Columbus, his discoveries, great history exploration of the Mediterranean by Genoese sailors.
But the most interesting exhibit of the museum stands next to it - the Italian Navy submarine Nazario Sauro. By climbing aboard, you will become more familiar with the structure of modern submarines.
Address: Calata de Mari, 1, 16126 Genova. Website: galatamuseodelmare.it.
Cathedral of St. Lawrence
Cathedral of San Lorenzo, photo Ruben Gonzalez Macias
After enjoying the sights of Porto Antico, head to Old city. The historical center still retains the charm of a medieval city, surrounded by a ring of 14th-century walls. You will definitely come out to the striped black and white marble facade Cathedral San Lorenzo (Cattedrale di San Lorenzo). It is also striped on the inside. The ancient Gothic temple houses many valuable Christian relics: frescoes on the ceiling and walls, a sarcophagus with the relics of John the Baptist. It was consecrated in the 12th century, and the domes and two bell towers were completed only in the 16th century.
Ferrari Square
Ferrari Square (Piazza Ferrari - Piazza De Ferrari) - “the heart of Genoa”. It is named after the banker, diplomat and philanthropist Duke Raffaele de Ferrari. On the square you will see the Doge's Palace, the Carlo Felice Theater, the Palace of the Ligurian Academy of Fine Arts, the equestrian monument to Giuseppe Garibaldi, the former building of the Stock Exchange. In the center of Piazza Ferrari, the elastic jets of the Agora Fountain gush out. Young people gather here and fans of local football teams have heated debates. After relaxing by the fountain, you can go on a further journey.
The Doge's Palace (Palazzo Ducale) is a huge complex of many buildings connected by courtyards, passages, and galleries. The front facades overlook Piazza Mateotti and Piazza De Ferrari. The Doges lived here until 1797, when Napoleon came and abolished this position.
Today the palace houses exhibitions. Once here, see the frescoes of Giuseppe Isola, the halls of the Great and Small Soviets, where the fate of the entire city was once decided, decorated with statues and marble floors.
Address: San Marco, 1, 30124 Venezia. Website: palazzoducale.genova.it.
Garibaldi Street
Not far from the Doge's Palace is the Baroque pearl of Old Genoa - the area of Via Balbi and Via Garibaldi streets, built up with elegant palaces. Palazzi dei Rolli is a palace quarter of the Genoese nobility, built in the 16th-17th centuries, on Garibaldi and Balbi streets. Over 40 of them were erected on a rather narrow site, so the owners had to build the structures upward. Palaces were intended to accommodate royalty, high-ranking officials, and foreign delegations. Some of these buildings are included in the UNESCO register.
Via Giuseppe Garibaldi was formerly called Strada Maggiore and then Strada Nuova. This is a small cobbled street with many souvenir shops, street musicians and ancient palaces. It is also called the “street of palaces”.
Red Palace (Palazzo Rosso)
The main attractions, the Bianco, Rosso and Tursi palaces, now form the Strada Nuova complex of museums (Musei di Strada Nuova), where Baroque paintings and other objects of art are collected. In the Turzi Palace is the Hall of Paganini, another great Genoese, with a collection of personal belongings and a Canon violin.
Balbi street
Balbi Street appeared in the 17th century as a personal project of the banker Stefano Balbi. The Balbi Palace, the future Royal Palace (Palazzo Reale), was built here, where kings and princes of the Savoy family lived for a century. Another Balbi Palace, but with the prefix Senarego, was a Jesuit monastery. Now it is the University of Genoa (Università degli Studi di Genova). On the street you will come across a 17th-century laundry, St. Brigid's wash.
Don't miss the Basilica della Santissima Annunziata del Vastato, whose construction began in the 16th century. in Gothic style. The modern neoclassical facade was built in the 19th century. In the church you will see frescoes and wonderful architectural decoration, sculptures and paintings by famous masters of the Baroque and late Mannerist eras.
City walls
Now you can climb the hills with their intricate serpentine roads, with ancient houses closely stuck together, and the remains of the mighty fortifications of the fortress walls. Today the city wall (Mura di Genova) is divided into large fragments. The longest section is called the “New Walls” (Mura Nuove) (XII century), it surrounds the historical center of the city, skirting the ridges of the hills.
Around railway station and the Sarzano hill there are more modest fragments. Not far from Piazza Ferrari are located ancient gate Soprana, and at the entrance to the Old Port there is the Vacca Gate.
Visit the large natural urban park of Walls and Forts (Parco Urbano delle Mura e i Forti), which was opened in the 20th century. in the area of the New Walls, near the forts. Over 900 species of plants grow there and many animals and birds live there.
The monumental cemetery of Staglieno (Cimitero monumentale di Staglieno) looks like a museum of sculpture under open air. It descends like an amphitheater along the slopes of the hill. It has its own Pantheon, with a “Greek” portico, two images of saints and a statue of Faith.
Address: Piazzale Resasco, 16100 Genova. Website: staglieno.comune.genova.it.
Lanterna Lighthouse
Lanterna, photo lr.photo
Descending from the hills, reach the main symbol of Genoa - the 117-meter lighthouse of La Lanterna. This is wonderful Observation deck, museum, business card cities. Standing next to it, you can plan your further route. Should you take a trip along the Ligurian coast and visit the elite tourist Portofino, or admire the unique picturesque villages of the Cinque Terre?
Or maybe you're tired of studying historical heritage, and you just want to go to the nearest beach?
Albaro
Albaro Beach (spiaggia Albaro), located in the center of Genoa, is considered by townspeople and tourists to be a good option for relaxing and swimming - fortunately, it’s not far away. The sea is quite clean, there are plenty of places to eat.
Arenzano
Well, if the crowded beach of Albarro annoys you, and the abundance of languid beauties in bold swimsuits also does not please you, choose a calm, romantic corner. In half an hour you can take the train to Arenzano, where there is a pebble beach with clear water, secluded lagoons and quiet backwaters, ideal for fishing. Here you can swim, exercise water sports, get fish for dinner and just relax in silence, away from the noise and tourist bustle of busy Genoa.
Public transport in Genoa
At your disposal for moving around the city are buses, metro, trolleybuses, funiculars, cogwheels Railway and taxis, and elevators lift you from the low part of the city to the high part.
Fare
Biglietto ordinario: basic ticket for a trip of 100 min. costs €1.50;
Biglietto integrato: integrated (trains are added) for 100 min. — €1.60; The driver's ticket will cost €2.50;
Carnet da 10 biglietti integrati: booklet of 10 integrated tickets - €15;
Genovapass: unlimited travel ticket for 24 hours - €4.50;
5 tickets for 24 hours - € 18.
The lift ride costs €0.8.
Tickets to public transport buy at tobacco kiosks or ticket machines at bus stops. Current prices look .
Taxi is a comfortable form of transport. But don’t forget to ask the driver about the fare before boarding. The average cost of a trip over a distance of 2–3 km is from €8 plus surcharges for toll roads, night call or on a holiday, going out of town.
Card Musei di Genova
If you purchase a combined tourist card (Card Musei di Genova), then in addition to unlimited travel on transport, you will receive the right to free entry to 22 museums and a 10-30% discount in cafes, exhibitions and attractions.
Card Musei di Genova for 24 hours costs €13.50; for 48 hours – €20.
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