Travel Highlights

Genoa is renowned for being the gateway to the Italian Riviera and Italy's largest port. While the city itself boasts magnificent architecture, most visitors come to Genoa to take a cruise from the local port. Arriving in Genoa will make you feel like you've stepped back in time, and it's worth staying at least one night to fully explore this medieval city before embarking on your cruise.

While everyone talks about Florence and Rome, Genoa is a treasure of maritime heritage and a gateway to some of the most popular Mediterranean cruises. Genoa is a walkable city, well worth a visit even if you're not planning a cruise. It embraces "la dolce vita," a slow pace of life. It's also known as the birthplace of Christopher Columbus. Genoa is one of Europe's most underrated cities, earning its nickname "La Superba" (The Super City). Many Mediterranean cruises depart from Genoa or call in due to its proximity to Portofino.

Genoa was both the starting and ending point of our MSC cruise. We'd planned to explore Genoa after checking in, but we weren't allowed to leave the ship after checking in, so we decided to see if we could explore once we disembarked. Sure enough, we had a few hours to spare. When we arrived at Genoa train station for our return to Milan, the shuttle bus was full, so we had to catch a connecting train. We left our luggage at the station while we waited. We'd researched a few attractions beforehand, but since we had limited time, we chose to explore one or two close to the station.

Genoa is the hometown of the famous navigator Columbus, so there is a statue of him here

Basilica della Santissima Annunziata del Vastato

For its artistic and architectural qualities, this church is even more worth visiting than the Cattedrale di San Lorenzo, located a short walk away. This church is even more remarkable because it also suffered significant damage during World War II and underwent extensive restoration. The entrance facade boasts an impressive pediment supported by six Ionic columns, but the frieze and tympanum decorations have all disappeared. Parts of the frescoed ceiling decoration inside have also been lost, but otherwise the interior remains magnificent and would be even more impressive with better lighting. Highlights include the pulpit with its marble spiral staircase and a small chapel with exquisite marble columns shaped like wheat ears.

A beautiful long-legged girl took a sneak shot

Palazzo Bianco: This magnificent palace, built in the 15th century, was once home to some of Genoa's most influential families. Today, it serves as a museum showcasing the city's art and culture. The Palazzo Bianco is open from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, and admission is €7.

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