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The gateway to the Mediterranean sea and - for more than seven centuries - the Capital of the homonymous Republic, Genoa is known with the nickname of “La Superba” (The Superb). Your first encounter with the city is always an emotional experience, especially when you arrive by air or by sea and you look at the fabulous panorama of this urban amphitheatre rising from the water, silhouetted against the mountains. The port of Genova is still one of the most important in Italy, and one of the biggest in the Mediterranean sea and in Europe. The symbol of the city is the Lighthouse, located next to the area of the Old Port and known as the “Lanterna”. Genova is today considered a major economic, tourist, scientific and university centre in Italy. The old Medieval city centre, the biggest in Europe and alive heart of the city, preserves the city’s remarkable history and the charm of a real Capital, with churches, buildings from the medieval, renaissance and baroque periods providing tangible evidence of its glorious past. In 2004 Genova has been nominated European Capital of Culture and in the year 2006, a part of its historical centre, “Le Strade Nuove and the System of the Rolli’s Palaces” were recognised by the UNESCO World Heritage List. Genova has so many different facets to discover: nineteenth century neighbourhoods, fishing ports and seaside resorts to the east and west, with their picturesque parks and sumptuous villas, and towns and villages inland, nestling in the hills, permeated with a rich heritage of local tradition. The city’s stunning features, often used as a cinema set, offer the perfect backdrop for a lively social and cultural life, which includes unique museums collections, music shows, international art exhibitions and major international fairs including Euroflora and the International Boat Show. Genova, the site of one of the largest European aquariums, is the ideal destination for sun and sea lovers too, offering beach resorts and water sports to cater for every possible taste. "Genova, dove si entra dai tetti delle case e si esce giù per le strade ripide, labirintica come un bosco, è la mia migliore musa. Tutte le volte che esco dall’ascensore del quartiere di Castelletto e guardo fuori mi stupisco, perché vedo sempre qualcosa di nuovo.” (Emanuele Luzzati - Genoese Artist and Poet) |
