Genoa is located along the picturesque Ligurian coastline. The city is renowned for its long history of maritime heritage. This coastal city has many monumental highlights that tell the tales of its illustrious past. Genoa’s historic centre is one of Europe’s largest medieval quarters. This area is famous for the narrow alleyways leading to grand piazzas and palaces. As you go on and explore the monumental highlights of Genova, you’ll uncover the layers of history and arts that define this Italian city.

History of Genua

Genoa is known as “La Superba” (The Proud). It’s history is an interesting narrative that has significantly influenced its development as a major Italian port city.

Ancient origins

Archaeological evidence indicates that Genoa’s area has been inhabited since the fifth or fourth millennium BC. The city is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. The ancient Ligurian city, known as Stalia, was allied with Rome during the Second Punic War but was destroyed by the Carthaginians in 209 BC. It was rebuilt and received municipal rights after the Carthaginian Wars ended in 146 BC.

Medieval time

Following the fall of the Western Roman Empire, Genoa experienced various occupations. Including the Ostrogoths and Byzantines. By the 10^th century, Genoa began to rise as a maritime power. During the First Crusade, Genoa provided crucial naval support. This led to favourable commercial treaties and the establishment of colonies in the Eastern Mediterranean.

Renaissance and economic growth

The 16^th century was a golden era for Genoa. In this time the city became a major financial centre in Europe. The city’s wealth was reflected in its splendid architecture, including numerous palaces and churches that are built in the Renaissance and Baroque styles.

Modern era

In the 19^th century, Genoa became part of the unified Kingdom of Italy. The city continued to develop its port and industrial sectors. Despite challenges during World War II, Genoa rebuilt and changed into a modern city. But they preserved its historical heritage.

Castello D’Albertis

The Castello D’Albertis is a neo-Gothic architectural building and was constructed between 1886 and 1892. The castle was the residence of Captain Enrico Alberto d’Albertis. He was an explorer and sea captain who designed the structure by mixing elements inspired by Florentine palaces and Aosta Valley castles. He used remnants of 16^th century fortifications into the design. The castle shows a unique architectural collage that reflects d’Albertis’s eclectic tastes.

 Upon his death in 1932, d’Albertis donated the castle and his extensive ethnographic and archaeological collections to the city of Genoa. Castello D’Albertis houses the Museum of World Cultures. Here you can can explore artifacts from d’Albertis’s global travels. The castle is situated on top of a hill. When you visit you can enjoy panoramic views of the Ligurian Sea and the city below.

Monument to Christopher Columbus

Situated in Genoa’s Piazza Acquaverde is the Monument to Christopher Columbus. It is a 19^th century landmark honouring the famous explorer. The monument was erected between 1846 and 1862. It is located on the former site of a Napoleon monument, which was demolished after the emperor’s fall. The statue is made of white marble by sculptor Lorenzo Bartolini. The monument has Columbus with flowing hair, dressed in Spanish attire and in his left hand a large anchor. At his right hand is an Indian girl symbolizing America.

Palazzo Reale

The Palazzo Reale in Genoa is an architectural landmark that shows the city’s history and artistic heritage. The palace was constructed in the early 17^th  century for the Balbi family. The palace underwent expansions under the Durazzo family in the late 17^th century, They added Baroque and Rococo elements. In the 19^th  century, it became a residence for the House of Savoy. Now the palace is a museum. They have original frescoes, stuccoes and artworks by renowned artists and it reflects Genoa’s wealthy past.

Basilica della Santissima Annunziata del Vastato

The Basilica della Santissima Annunziata del Vastato is a stunning example of Baroque architecture. It’s construction began in 1520 under the Franciscans on the site of the former Church of Santa Maria del Prato. The construction was interrupted in 1537. Work resumed in 1591 and was sponsored by the Lomellini family. Architect Taddeo Carlone was overseeing the project.

The basilica’s interior is renowned for its Baroque decorations. They have frescoes and gilded details by prominent 17^th century Genoese artists. The Neoclassical façade is designed by Carlo Barabino and was added between 1830 and 1840. It presents a grand entrance with six Ionic stone columns supporting a triangular pediment. The basilica’s design has earned admiration from notable figures such as Montesquieu and Charles Dickens, who praised its beauty and grandeur.

Harbour of Genoa

Genoa’s harbour is known as Porto Antico. It has been central to the city’s maritime prominence since ancient times. It is guarded by the historic Lanterna di Genova lighthouse. In 1992, renowned architect Renzo Piano organized a revitalization project. He changed the harbour into a lively area that seamlessly mixes historical structures with modern design. Visitors can explore a dynamic waterfront with museums, shops and restaurants. And all this is set against the backdrop of Genoa’s lasting maritime legacy.

Neptune

The Neptune is docked in Genoa’s Porto Antico. It is a replica of a 17^th century Spanish galleon. It is a mix of historical design with modern engineering. The Neptune was constructed in 1985 for Roman Polanski’s film Pirates. This 63-meter-long vessel has a steel-reinforced hull beneath its timber exterior and is equipped with dual engines and has a speed of approximately 5 knots. The Neptune is now a tourist attraction. You can explore its detailed designed decks and learn more about the maritime history.

Palazzo Gerolamo Grimaldi

Palazzo Gerolamo Grimaldi is also known as Palazzo della Meridiana. It is a Renaissance palace that was commissioned by banker and trader Gerolamo Grimaldi Oliva. The construction began in 1536 and ended in 1544. The palace’s architecture reflects the change to the Renaissance style in Genoa. The palace has a façade that is decorated with a distinctive sundial (“meridiana“) that inspired its name. This palace is part of the Palazzi dei Rolli, a collection of noble residences recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for their cultural significance.

Galleria nazionale di palazzo Spinola

The Galleria Nazionale di Palazzo Spinola is a museum located within the historic Palazzo Spinola di Pellicceria. It was constructed in 1593 on medieval foundations. The palace was commissioned by Francesco Grimaldi. Over the centuries, it underwent various architectural improvements. A great example is the Rococo refurbishments in the 18^th century under Maddalena Doria Spinola. In 1958, the Spinola family donated the palace and its extensive art collection to the Italian state. This led to the establishment of the National Gallery. The museum has a collection of artworks, including pieces by Bernardo Strozzi and Antonello da Messina.

Cattehdrale di San Lorenzo

The Cattedrale di San Lorenzo is Genoa’s principal cathedral. It is dedicated to Saint Lawrence, the city’s patron saint. The cathedral was built around the 5^th or 6^th century. It replaced an earlier basilica and has undergone large changes over the centuries. The current structure primarily reflects Romanesque and Gothic architectural styles. This is a result of contributions by artists from Pisa, Lombardy, France and Normandy between the 12^th and 17^th centuries. The cathedral has the ashes of Saint John the Baptist, brought to Genoa after the First Crusade.

Palazzo Ducale

Palazzo Ducale, or the Doge’s Palace, is a historic landmark in Genoa. It reflects the city’s political and cultural heritage. The palazzo was constructed at the end of the 13^th century. The palace was the residence of the Doge of Genoa starting in 1339. Its architecture is a mix of Gothic, Renaissance and Mannerist styles. The neoclassical façade on Piazza De Ferrari was designed by Simone Cantoni between 1778 and 1783. The Palazzo Ducale today is a prominent cultural centre. They organise art exhibitions, conferences and events.

San Donato

The Chiesa di San Donato is a historic church located in the heart of Genoa’s medieval district. It was established in the 12^th century and is built in the Romanesque architecture style. It’s design is characterized by its simplicity and solidity. The church was consecrated on May 1, 1189, under Archbishop Siro il Porcello. Over the centuries, San Donato has undergone several restorations. Especially after the 1684 bombardment and in the mid-20th century, trying to preserve its medieval charm. Today you can admire its well-preserved Romanesque features, including a bell tower and Renaissance paintings.

Galleria Giuseppe Mazzini

Galleria Giuseppe Mazzini is a historic shopping arcade located in the heart of Genoa. The galleria is constructed between 1870 and 1880. It was inspired by Parisian passages and designed to copy the elegance of European galleries such as Milan’s Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. The galleria is situated between Piazza Corvetto and Piazza De Ferrari, next to the sophisticated Via Roma.  

Piazza De Ferrari

Piazza De Ferrari is the central square of Genoa. It connects the city’s historic and modern districts. The square was created in the late 19^th and early 20^st centuries. The square underwent substantial urban development, including the construction of buildings such as the Palazzo della Nuova Borsa and the Palazzo della Navigazione Generale Italiana.

At its centre is a monumental bronze fountain that was designed by architect Cesare Crosa of Vergagni in 1936. The square is also surrounded by great architectural works, including the Teatro Carlo Felice and the Accademia Ligustica di Belle Arti. They were both designed by Carlo Barabino.

Porta Soprana

Porta Soprana is a medieval gateway. The porta was created around the mid-12^th century. This gateway was the primary entrance for travellers arriving from the east. The gate has two large towers and an elegant ogival arch. Over the centuries, Porta Soprana’s defensive role diminished, and the surrounding area underwent major urban development. The Porta Soprana is a part of the medieval fortifications and gives us today an insight on how the structure looked like in the past.

St. Andrew Cloister ruins

The St. Andrew Cloister (Chiostro di Sant’Andrea) is a medieval architectural site. It was originally part of the 12^th century Monastery of St. Andrew della Porta. The cloister was the sole structure preserved during the monastery’s demolition in 1905. It is known for its Romanesque design. The cloister has decorated columns and capitals, dating to the mid-12^th  century.

The cloister was relocated to its current position near Porta Soprana and the replica of Christopher Columbus House. It is an example of Genoa’s medieval heritage and for travellers an opportunity to appreciate its historical impact.

House of Christopher Columbus

One of the tiniest monumental highlights of Genova is the Casa di Cristoforo Colombo. It is a historical site that gives insight into the early life of the famed explorer. Columbus was born in 1451 and spent his youth in this modest dwelling located near Porta Soprana and Piazza Dante. The current structure is an 18^th century reconstruction, believed to reflect the original medieval building where Columbus lived between 1455 and 1470.

The house has two floors: the ground level, a workspace for his father, Domenico Colombo. He was involved in wool weaving and trade. The upper floor was the family’s residence. The house operates as a museum, displaying artifacts and documents related to Columbus’s life and voyages.

Piazza della Vittoria

Piazza della Vittoria is a prominent square in Genoa. It was designed by architect Marcello Piacentini between 1927 and 1930. Its centrepiece is the Arco della Vittoria (Victory Arch). The arch is inaugurated on May 31 in 1931, as a memorial to the Genoese who perished during World War I. The arch’s design was inspired from imperial Roman architecture. The square is surrounded by monumental buildings and expansive open spaces. There are often concerts and events organised here.

Best time to visit Genua

The best time to visit Genoa in Italy, depends on your travel preferences. But generally, the ideal months are April to June and September to October.

Spring (April–June): Best for pleasant weather & sightseeing

• Why visit? Mild temperatures (15–25°C), blooming gardens and fewer crowds than summer.
• Best for: Exploring Genoa’s historical landmarks, hiking nearby trails and enjoying outdoor cafés.
• Events: Genoa International Boat Show (early June), which is one of the largest maritime events in the world.

Summer (July–August): Best for beach & festivals

• Why visit? Warm weather (25–30°C) makes it great for coastal activities.
• Best for: Visiting Boccadasse Beach, taking boat trips along the Ligurian coast, and enjoying lively summer festivals.
• Downsides: Can be hot and humid, with higher tourist crowds and prices.

Autumn (September–October): Best for culture & food

• Why visit? Comfortable temperatures (18–25°C), fewer crowds and cultural experiences.
• Best for: Food lovers! Try pesto alla Genovese, focaccia and fresh seafood at local markets and trattorias.
• Events: Rolli Days (October), when the city’s UNESCO-listed palaces open their doors to the public.

Winter (November–March) Best for budget travel & museums

• Why visit? Cool temperatures (6–15°C) and fewer tourists, making it perfect for budget travellers and history buffs.
• Best for: Visiting Palazzo Reale, Cathedral of San Lorenzo and museums without crowds.
• Downsides: Some coastal activities may be unavailable, and it can be rainy at times.

If you want a balance of good weather, fewer crowds, and cultural experiences, late spring (May–June) and early autumn (September–October) are the best months to visit Genoa.

How to get there

Getting to Genoa depends on your starting location and preferred mode of travel. Here’s how you can reach Genoa in Italy:

Air

• Genoa Cristoforo Colombo Airport (GOA) is the main airport, located about 7 km (4 miles) from the city centre.
• Direct flights are available from several European cities, including London, Paris, Barcelona, Rome and Munich.
• From the airport to the city centre:
  • Volabus Shuttle: runs every 30 minutes to Piazza De Ferrari and Genova Brignole Station.
  • Taxi: Costs around €25–30 and takes about 15–20 minutes.

Train

Genoa is well connected by rail, with two major train stations:

• Genova Piazza Principe: Ideal if coming from Milan, Turin or France.
• Genova Brignole: Best for those arriving from Florence, Pisa or Rome.

Car

• Milan: ~2 hours (A7 motorway).
• Florence: ~3 hours (A12 motorway).
• Nice (France): ~2.5 hours (A10 motorway, scenic coastal drive).

Parking in Genoa: The historic centre has limited parking, so use Piazza della Vittoria Parking or Marina Park near the Old Port.

Bus

Several budget-friendly bus companies operate routes to Genoa:

• FlixBus: Direct buses from Milan, Turin, Rome and Nice.
• Itabus: Alternative option for travel within Italy.

Cruise or ferry

Genoa has one of Italy’s largest cruise ports, welcoming international cruise lines. Ferries to Genoa operate from Sardinia, Sicily, Corsica and Spain with companies like Grandi Navi Veloci (GNV) and Moby Lines.

Monumental highlights of Italy

Italy has many monumental cities that are worth a visit. Trento is a city of Renaissance charm and Alpine heritage. The city has many monumental highlights to visit such as the cathedral and the Castello del Buonconsiglio. Verona is famous for the setting of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet and beautiful medieval streets.

The city of Venice is world famous for its canals, magnificent palaces, and the iconic Piazza San Marco. But Venice has more to offer. The nearby lagoons of Venice are perfect to visit on a day trip. Bologna is known as the food capital of Italy. The city comes with medieval towers, beautiful arcades, and historical landmarks like the Basilica di San Petronio.

Also Padova is well worth a visit with its stunning medieval squares and Scrovegni Chapel. If you are travelling towards Slovenia, don’t forget to visit Trieste. This beautiful city is located at the Adriatic Sea and combines history, architecture and culture with a maritime feel. Other destinations to keep in mind are Florence, Udine and Torino.

Reading tip: Beginners travel guide to Italy