The Historical Port (1) is a vast area in the heart of the city where ancient and modern merge perfectly.
Redeveloped in 1992 on the occasion of the 500th anniversary
of the discovery of America by Genoese-born Christopher Colombus, this area is fast becoming
one of the city’s most popular locations.
Numerous attractions are found in the Historical Port: first and foremost, Spinola Wharf (Ponte Spinola),
site of Europe’s largest Aquarium (2), featuring 71 tanks.
In front of the marine park lies the Piazza delle Feste (3) which, during the summer,
hosts open - air theatre and concerts, whereas, from autumn to spring,
it functions as a spectacular ice-skating rink surrounded by the sea.
Further ahead, the Siberia Gate (4) (Porta Siberia), which dates from the 1500s,
stands along the Old Pier (Molo Vecchio) on the left; whilst, the Cotton Warehouses (Magazzini del Cotone)
dominate on the right.
This building, whose interior has been redeveloped, is the focal point for Genoa’s most ambitious projects:
the Conference Centre (5) (Centro Congressi), exceptional for its seating capacity, services and location;
the Sea and Navigation Pavilion (6) (Padiglione del Mare e della Navigazione), a distinguished museum -
the most important of its kind in Italy - dedicated to seamanship from the 16th century to the present day;
the Children’s City (7) (Città dei bambini), Italy’s largest recreational-didactic-educational centre
for children aged 3 to 14.
The piers, the very names of which recall the ancient glories of the Maritime Republic of Genoa,
are lined with boats which offer a selection of itineraries: a tour of the port, a boat trip with panoramic visit
to the famous Lighthouse (Lanterna), symbol of the city or the Tigullio Gulf with its gems
(Portofino and Santa Margherita) and, in the lesser-known Western Riviera, the lush Pallavicini Park
(Parco Pallavicini) in Pegli, with its breathtaking scenery.
Genoa seen from the sea is certainly a unique experience: it can be viewed from the Bigo,
a striking rotating panoramic elevator designed by the internationally renowned Genoese architect Renzo Piano.
From here, above the roofs of the 17th-century buildings, the city “doorway to the sea”
shows itself 360-degrees in all its beauty.
But Genoa should also be viewed from further up.
Just behind the Historical Port, a short walk through the picturesque cobbled streets
of Europe’s largest historical centre will lead you into Piazza Portello (8).
From here the Castelletto Elevator (9) takes you in a few minutes to one of the city’s most scenic spots:
the Belvedere Montaldo.
Near Piazza Portello, in Piazza Della Zecca (9), a spectacular cablecar runs at almost a right angle
up the hill of Righi which boasts a magnificent view of Genoa and the entire Ligurian Gulf.
A scenic route departs from this spot and winds through the Peralto Park (Parco del Peralto),
which is dominated by the Sperone Fortress (Forte Sperone).
This ancient fortress, which lies 512 metres above sea level, is part of a group of Genoese Forts connected
by the 17th-century circle of New Walls (Mura Nuove) which crown the city.
Thirteen kilometres - long, this wall is second worldwide only to the Great Wall of China.
Alternatively, those who wish to stroll by the sea can go to Boccadasse, a charming seaside village
in the city that has inspired artists, poets and writers.
Or why not take a walk along the “promenade” of Corso Italia, a bathing area close to the city centre
and the Fiera di Genova where international exhibitions are held, such as the International Boat Show
which takes place each year in October.
On your way back to the Cruise Terminal you can visit the Galata - Museo del Mare (10) located
in the newly redeveloped Darsena area.