Old Genoa

The old Genoa

The old Genoa is one of the most extensive historic centres of Europe, a maze of narrow alleys with authentic charm. The Genoa audio-guided tour stops here to evoke this medieval heart of one hundred and thirteen hectares, shared between the districts of the Molo and the Maddalena, where mingle palaces with frescoes, Gothic galleries, ruined arcades, baroque churches and cosmopolitan squares.

History

To say that Genoa is the capital of Liguria and the first port of Italy, these are two truths, but also two reductive attributes for the one nicknamed the "Superba". For, at this very moment, you find yourself in one of the most extensive historic centres of Europe. With its one hundred and thirteen hectares, shared between the districts of the Molo and the Maddalena, the heart of Genoa is as large as five times the Champ-de-Mars in Paris. But the most fascinating remains the walk that awaits you. In this maze of narrow alleys stand splendid dwellings that the rich merchants and Genoese nobles of long ago left us, like the Palazzo di Nigro and its frescoes. Not far, you cross Gothic galleries, ruined arcades and baroque churches, like the Chiesa di San Pietro very close, not to mention the numerous piazze where languages, cultures and flavours mingle. Popular, lively and authentic, with a present finely rooted in the past, the old Genoa is discovered on foot, at the whim of the alleys, to grasp all its soul.

What to see

Here you wander in one of the most extensive historic centres of Europe, one hundred and thirteen hectares of narrow alleys shared between the Molo and the Maddalena; you cross there palaces with frescoes like the Palazzo di Nigro, Gothic galleries, ruined arcades, baroque churches and cosmopolitan squares. The old Genoa is the authentic soul of the "Superba". It is a fine stop, to be explored on foot.

Practical information

The old Genoa extends around the Porto Antico, between the districts of the Molo and the Maddalena, reachable on foot. It is a maze of alleys in free access, that is discovered during a walk; it is best to remain attentive to your belongings in the crowd of the lanes.

Why is the old Genoa remarkable?

Because it is one of the most extensive historic centres of Europe, one hundred and thirteen hectares shared between the districts of the Molo and the Maddalena, that is five times the Champ-de-Mars in Paris; this maze of narrow alleys gathers palaces with frescoes, Gothic galleries, ruined arcades, baroque churches and cosmopolitan squares, in a popular and authentic atmosphere.

Where is the old Genoa?

Around the Porto Antico, between the districts of the Molo and the Maddalena, in Genoa, in Italy.