Travel to Genoa Italy

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. It’s 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 torch bearer'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. It’s 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 and 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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