Genoa, the capital city near Portofino Italy - one of th eight wonder of the world - is a town full of life and activity that reflect the character of her inhabitants. Writers and politicians who saw her before the historical events of the XVII century and her altered economical circumstances of the XVIII, called her Superba (haughty).
Heine disparaged her XIX century aspect whereas her ancient splendour, that was blossoming again in her new middle-class and merchant princes during the XIX century was enthusiastically praised by De Musset, Flaubert and Michelet, Nietzsche and Wagner.
Special guest that we have reported their presence also in Portofino Italy.
Genoa is a lovely town that the tourist must conquer.
A restless town continually changing. She has flattened her hills to widen her squares, filled in valleys to lay down new roads, built new edifices near old ones with such on innate sense of appropriateness that at first sight the change in topography are not striking.
Wherever building regulations have not been too drastic and regulations better applicable to a town situated in a plain have not been too rigidly enforced, the individual aspiration for something sudden to attain a panoramic flight is revealed in different and picturesque ways, like so many cinema exposures.
Grand views of the town and harbour from points of vantage in public gardens and squares up on the hills, mountain views with pine woods, chains of mountains crested with fortifications belonging to the days of the old Republic, rows of cypresses among olive groves on the hills and large gardens scattered about the town, or on roofs of mansions that introduce a note of green in the gray and silver of the slate with which they are covered.
Palaces everywhere, in streets wide or narrow; palaces seemingly of the XVII century with peeping from under plastering applied in later years, the ashlar of the XIII and XIV centuries to which they properly belong.
XV century courts from which depart delightful little porches with ceilings vaulted and groined and imposing marble staircases sometimes mounting within the building, at others winding round a court, or even completely open.
The mystery of frescoed decorations awakens memories of a past life; little churches with their doors opening on small solitary squares appeal silently to passers-by.
Sensation follows sensation, overtaking and mingling with impressions when, on leaving the main arteries one penetrates into the ancient part of the town where every stone speaks of history and reveals the soul of Genoa.
The ancient town never had a proper centre in the accepted sense of the ward, other than the harbour towards which all the narrow streets converged.
On the other hand each great family, such as the Doria, Spinola, Cattaneo, Fieschi etc. had its own centre, and small squares in which their palaces stood, still bear their names and perpetuate them toponymically.
The Cathedral, Palazzo Ducale (Doge's Palace), Palazzo del Banco di S. Giorgio were never centres properly speaking, and indeed Genoa never had a vital urbanistic centre till Piazza De Ferrari was laid out in the XIX century.
The ancient lines of walls were pulled down and only the two gates, Porta Soprano and Porta dei Vacca remained of those erected in 1155, besides some topographical names, and Ponte Monumentale built on the site of Porta dell'Arco (XVI century) and the end of Via XX Settembre where the XVII century Porta Pila was demolished but has been rebuilt on the hill of Montesano; all obstacles thus removed, the modern part of the town has merged with the ancient one, and they form an undistinguishable whole that conceals completely the passing of centuries.
For more than a century, international travelers have recognized the warmth and beauty of Italy's famed Liguria region and the magnificent Italian Riviera. Long the place where the rich and famous would gather to enjoy warm water, wide sandy beaches, and posh resorts, the heyday of some towns in the Italian Riviera has passed but the area still maintains a certain upscale atmosphere that beckons discriminating travelers to come and explore.
Liguria is located in the northern portion of Italy, between the French Riviera, Piemonte, and Tuscany. The weather in the Liguria region is nearly always nice and can best be described as balmy. Thanks to its location, it's protected from most nasty weather by the mountains of the Alpine range. The average summertime temperature is a comfortable 77 degrees fahrenheit and in the winter, it rarely dips below around 50 degrees. The sun is abundant and the vegetation is lush. That's why, for decades, it's been attracting the rich and famous who come to play in San Remo's famed casino, enjoy the harbor at Portofino, or explore quaint seaside towns like Camogli and Rapallo.
Liguria is generally divided into two areas or coasts. West of Genoa is where you'll find traditional wide, sandy beaches and the resorts that make it a much-visited vacation spot. This area is known as Riviera di Ponente or Shore of the Setting Sun. Stretching all the way to the French Riviera, this side of Liguria boasts towns such as turn-of-the-century Bordighera, with its beautiful seaside promenade; the famed resort of San Remo; the medieval town of Masone; pretty Alassio with its 2-mile long beach; and the hill town of Sassello.
On the eastern side of Genoa is Riviera di Levante, Shore of the Rising Sun. The towns here are less developed, the coast more rugged. You won't find the huge resorts on this side of Genoa, but what you will find are some of Italy's most charming small towns, all lined up within just a few miles of each other and eager to welcome visitors. Head for little Portofino, perfect for those who require a little glitz with their vacation, or if you're looking for something less pretentious, travel just a few miles to pretty Santa Margherita Ligure, a charming town that was once a well-known retreat but is now quiet, boasting a pristine beach and lots of friendly locals.
If you're a city person, however, and you're visiting the Italian Riviera, don't miss an opportunity to spend some time in Genoa, one of Italy's least-visited cities but definitely worth a stop. Quite a historic city, Genoa's history can be traced back to the Etruscans of the 5th century BC and the city is simply full of wonderful archeological and architectural gems.
The most visited sight in Genoa is probably The Palace of the Doges, dating from the 13th century (not to be confused with the one in Venice). Other must sees include the magnificent Cathedral of St. Lawrence (Cattedrale di San Lorenzo); the Old Harbor area; the Museo d'Arte Oriental with its excellent collection of Oriental art; and the fun and educational Aquarium of Genoa, one of the largest in Europe. You'll also want to take a stroll down the Via Garibaldi. This street, lined with palaces, is a fascinating World Heritage Site.
No matter where you go in Italy, you'll want to be sure to taste the local food. Liguria is no exception. Seafood, of course, is quite popular, given the region's location, so expect most restaurants to have an excellent selection including fish that was just plucked from the sea hours before dinner is served. The produce in Liguria is equally as tantalizing and - like the seafood - you'll often find fruit or vegetables on your plate that were picked that very same day. Be sure to try the orata, a tasty local fish, usually cooked with olives and potatoes; or the gattafin, pasta stuffed with beetroot, onion and parmesan. Liguria is also the birthplace of pesto sauce so remember to order a dish that includes this popular topping.
Both Ilenia & Dominic Siano are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Ilenia has sinced written about articles on various topics from Travel and Leisure. . Ilenia's top article generates over 480 views. to your Favourites.
Dominic Siano has sinced written about articles on various topics from Property Investment, Travel and Leisure and Italy Travel. Dominic Siano is president of Tour Italy Now (), the largest online travel tour operator. A lover of all things Italian, Dominic has worked ex. Dominic Siano's top article generates over 33100 views. to your Favourites.