Genua
IN the centre of the Ligurian coast, between the elegance of the pleasant locations of the Western Riviera and the picturesque scenery of Eastern Riviera is Genova with its artistic patrimony and modern structures of truistic interest. The aquarium, the most important in Europa, its tanks (holding about 4 million litre of water) enable you to visit the mysterious underwater world with all its creatures (sharks, dolphins, sea-lions, tropical fish) and with a very accurate reproduction of natural habitats. Before leaving the port we suggest to visitors to go up on the “Bigo” a modern structure fashioned the style of a merchant ship crane, which sustains the panoramic lift. This enables you to take a second view at the port and Aquarium and take and advance viewing of the next equally evocative stage of the visit.
The “Centro Storico” (Historical Centre) Via S. Lorenzo and the Cathedral. Going up along Via S. Lorenzo on your left you come to the impressive looking namesake Cathedral. Inside you can visit the rich museum of the “Tesoro di San Lorenzo”. Piazza de Ferrari, built between 1800 and 1900, is today the heart of the city centre; it is surrounded by historical buildings amongst which Teatro Carlo Felice and Palazzo Ducale.
The Teatro Carlo Felice, is the work of Barabino, opened in 1828. Destroyed in the last war rebuilt for the gala evenings of the city. Palazzo Ducale, dates back to 1200 to-day it hosts art exhibitions, commercial activities, a library, archives as well as welcoming catering premises. Not far from the imposing palace are the many intertwining alleys of the historical centre, very dear to the Genova’s famous songwriter and singer Fabrizio De Andrè. To walk along them would be an unforgettable experience. Amongst the many interests in this little world is the small Piazza San Matteo with its Roman church dated 1125 and the magnificent annexed kiosk.
