Genoa, Italy. CC Image by Jim Monk (Flickr).
By BLUMENRIVIERA
Genoa is the capital of Liguria and holds the nickname of ‘La Superba’ (the Superb one) due to its impressive past. Its legacy still lives on as it became a 2004 European Capital of Culture and its old town was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2006.
So what makes Italy’s largest seaport city so interesting? It has a rich history as the birthplace of Christopher Columbus, as well as impressive art and music during the Renaissance. Genoa features many different aspects of Italy that visitors will enjoy – a beautiful piazza, a royal palace, churches filled with Renaissance art as well as the walls and fortresses that formerly protected the city. Genoa has been described as being ‘typically Italian’ – with hot and sunny summers, typical Mediterranean style houses and an al fresco dining and drinking experience. However, it lacks the heaving tourism experienced in the cities of Rome, Venice and Florence, which makes the city even more appealing.
There are an abundance of museums worth visiting in Genoa which show off the city and its rich history. The largest European collection of Oriental art can be found at the Chiossone Museum of Oriental Art, whilst modern art can be discovered at Wolfsoniana. A former convent has now been converted into the Museum of St. Augustine, which features numerous medieval pieces of art.
Modern day Genoa offers fabulous boutiques for those wanting to splash their cash. The old harbour has been renovated into a pleasant marina and promenade with many choices of restaurants and cafes, where you can sample some typical mouth-watering Genovese food. Pesto originates from the Ligurian region and the best pasta alla Genovese can be had here. A unique staple from the region to try out is pansotti, a triangular ravioli filled with ricotta and chard. One cannot go wrong with sampling some authentic Italian focaccia which works well as a snack on the go whilst sightseeing.
With its historical background, its reputation as a bit off the beaten track and a real slice of Italian life, it’s not a question of why visit Genoa, but why not?
Vanessa wrote this post on behalf holiday home specialist BlumenRiviera.Visit their website at http://www.blumenriviera.co.uk/
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