Genoa (Genova)
is a busy port city, known for its important role in
maritime trade, ship building and steel production over
the centuries, which brought commerce and wealth, and
contributed to its cultural and historical heritage.
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Genoa has almost
90,000 square meters of public parks, including Villeta di Negri
and Belvedere Castelleto in the heart of town, overlooking the
historical center.
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Upper areas of the
city are reached by public elevators. There is a scenic upper
ring road called the Circonvallezione a Monte. |
Piazza de Ferrari is
the main square of Genoa, reknowned for its fountain, and
surrounded by several historical buildings, now mostly banking
facilities. |
The old harbour (Porto
Antico) has been redeveloped as a tourist destination with
renovated historical buildings and new landmarks like the
aquarium and the sphere.
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The Aquarium of Genoa
and the Biosphere, built in 1992 for the Expo, is a scientific
and educational centre focusing on aquatic conservation.
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The Galleon Neptune, a
replica of a 17th century Spanish carrack, rests in the old harbour.
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The Strade Nuove is a
UNESCO World Heritage site of central streets where palaces were
built by the Genoese aristocracy in the 16th and 17th centuries. |
There were originally
over 160 palaces, 40 of them now in various states of
refurbishment and some of which have been converted to museums
or galleries.
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Abazzia di Santo
Stefano
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Palazzo Doria Tursi
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Teatro Carlo
Felice
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Genoa's history of ecclesiastical
leaders, wealthy nobility and patrons of the arts has left a
rich legacy of buildings spanning 7 centuries.
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Much of the city's art
is found in historic churches and palaces.
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The Arco della
Vittorio (Victory Arch) is dedicated to the Genoese who died
during WWI.
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Central Genoa is laid
out in a maze of squares and alleys. There are remnants of
medieval walls and gates.
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Walking Genoa's winding carrugi
(alleys) takes you to hidden treasures like the birthplaces
of Columbus and Paganini.
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