Genoa is an interesting city that it reminds us of so many other places, yet it is distinct. The evidence of its former glory is unsurpassed by most European capital cities. The medieval center may seem rough, or even seedy; I am hopeful -- the place is full of immigrant businesses from every corner of the world -- maybe revitalization in the future?
From our walk in the outskirts, it is evident that most Italians have moved to the newer and spacious suburbs. The nearby "urban" beach is unlike any other beach we have seen. I can only imagine that all excitement summer will bring.
Genoa seemed to us to have a normal amount of Easter Pasqua activity both secular and religious. Our apartment hosts gave us a traditional dove-shaped bread colomba con canditi.
Many of the churches in Genoa had gilded interiors. We visited about 20 churches in Genoa; all magnificent. I'm keeping the pics to a minimum. ;-)
The fountain in Piazza De Ferrari.
City Gate. Genoa is said to have the largest Medieval Old Town in Europe.
The house where Christopher Columbus was born has been rebuilt on its original location and is on the itinerary of tour groups.
There are tons of palaces palazzos in the Old Town - here's one. Many can be visited for a fee.
San Pietro.
Down by the Porta Antica (Old Port).
Our apartment was up a set of stairs a few minutes form Genoa Piazza Principe Train Station - convenient for day trips.
Genovese churches have a long tradition of putting floral displays on church tombs on Maundy Thursday Giovedi Santo. There is a small evening candlelight procession between some of the Old Town churches. The first photo below is from Chiesa di San Donato
The procession enters the Duomo.
Porta Antica (Old Porta) has been developed into an attraction with a modern aquarium, mothballed submarine, old sailing ships, and so forth. We observed.
The one day that was cloudy and cold but dry, we walked to Boccadasse (7km one way) and back, taking in the various neighbors and viewpoints that are outside the Old Town. Genoa is a big bowl, so lots of viewpoints. Reminded us a bit of La Paz, Bolivia and Lisbon, Portugal.
The Promenade to Boccadasse was mostly empty.
This mansion faces the Mediterranean.
The "beach bathing" facilities ( bagnos); and there are many, resemble a cruise ship on land with a sea view, swimming pool(s), sunbathing, tennis courts, soccer, restaurants, cafes and little huts (cabins), only you can't sleep there...I think. ;-) The following pics are all of the same bagno.
Boccadasse was scenic, with a view towards the Portofino Promontory in the far distance, and a perfect place to turn around.
We walked back on an inland route to take in the architecture and viewpoints.
Like Lisbon, Genoa has several funiculars and ascensores.
Descending home.
Piazza Principe Garden.
Piazza Principe Station.
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