Genoa in Europe Genoa is the capital of the Italian region of Liguria. Located in the northwest of the country on the Ligurian Sea located in the former center of the Middle Ages, major republic of Genoa is now the administrative seat of the province. Genoa has 800,000 inhabitants in the agglomeration and 1.5 million in the metropolitan area. The boulevards Le Strade Nuove with the Renaissance – and Baroque buildings of the Palazzi dei Rolli in the center of the town were in 2006 by the UNESCO for World Heritage site declared. genoa In the Bay of Genoa rise the mountains of the Apennines at steeply inland, thereby determining the overall characteristics of the city. Genoa is almost exclusively due to its location facing the sea city. This becomes clear from, for example at a train ride from Milan appear suddenly after several minutes long, pitch-black tunnels, the Mediterranean and the city. In Genoa, the separation between the colonized is extremely dense, often haphazardly built coastal strip and the village-like, affected by increasing emigration, poor hinterland structure that shapes all over Liguria, particularly clear.

Today may be greater because of these contrasts the points of contact with the Genoese distant port cities throughout the Mediterranean as a geographical standpoint, only a few kilometers away, according to the tradition and mentality but worlds away Apennine mountain village. genoa wallpaper genoa landscape genoa italy Geographically, Genoa is exactly the center of the Italian region of Liguria. Which is about 35 km along the Mediterranean coast city rushing towards the southeast in the so-called. Riviera di Levante (to La Spezia), in a southwesterly direction in the so-called. Riviera di Ponente (up Ventimiglia) over. In Genoa, it is common regional location data with the main directions Levant (ie south-east of Genoa) and with Ponente indicate (to the west of Genoa). Genoa in the Italian language was often the addition superba la or la dominant. genoa city Liguria | region, Italy | Britannica.com Liguria Liguria, the third smallest of the regioni of Italy , bordering the Ligurian Sea , in the northwestern part of the country. It comprises the provincie of Genoa , Imperia , La Spezia , and Savona .

Portovenere, La Spezia province, Liguria, Italy. © sds-studio/Shutterstock.com Shaped like a crescent reaching from the mouth of the Roia River to that of the Magra and from the French frontier to Tuscany , Liguria is dominated by the Maritime Alps as far as the Cadibona Pass and by the Ligurian Apennines east of that point. The narrow, picturesquely indented coastal fringe, the Italian Riviera, is customarily divided into a western section, the Ponente Riviera, and an eastern section, the Levante Riviera, the point of division being the apex of the Ligurian arc at Voltri, near Genoa. Most of the population is concentrated within this coastal area. The region, which derived its name from the Ligurians, its pre-Roman inhabitants, came under the domination of Rome in the 1st century bc. After brief Lombard and Frankish rule, the city of Genoa began to emerge as a leading power as early as the 11th century ad. By 1400 the city had gained control of the entire region and become one of the principal maritime and commercial powers of Europe.

Despite numerous conflicts with its competitors, especially Venice, Genoa kept its independence until 1796, when it was seized by Napoleon Bonaparte for France . The Congress of Vienna (1815) gave Liguria to the kingdom of Piedmont-Sardinia. Liguria played a leading part in the Risorgimento (movement for Italian independence) and contributed significantly to the union of Italy in 1860. Genoa became the major port of the new unified Italy, rivaling Marseille in France. Because of the shelter from winter winds afforded by the mountains, Liguria is particularly favoured in growing early vegetables, flowers (especially in the western section), olives, and wine grapes, and its mild climate draws an active tourist trade in the numerous coastal resorts. Industries are concentrated in and around Genoa (the regional and provincial capital), around Savona, and along the shores of the Gulf of La Spezia. At Genoa and La Spezia are Italy’s leading shipyards; La Spezia is Italy’s major naval base, and Savona is a major centre of the Italian iron industry. Chemical, textile, and food industries are also important.

Area 2,092 square miles (5,418 square km). Pop. (1991) 1,701,788; (2000 est.) 1,625,870. Learn More in these related articles: in Italy Genoa travel guide - Wikitravel 14 Get out For other places with the same name, see Genoa (disambiguation) . Genoa (Italian, Genova) is a historical port city in northern Italy , the capital of the Region of Liguria . Genoa today, as a tourist attraction, is often shadowed by cities such as Rome or Venice , even though it has a long history as a rich and powerful trade centre. However, with its multitude of hidden gems behind cozy alleyways, excellent cuisine (notably fish and seafood), renovated old port, beautiful sights (including one of Europe's biggest aquariums), and its position as the European Capital of Culture in 2004 have made the birthplace of explorer Christopher Columbus an enticing place which is gradually becoming more included in the touristic market.

With pastel-coloured terracotta-roofed houses, artistic churches, lovely seaside villas, and also several luxurious boutiques, Genoa is a must see if you want to experience the "quintessential" Italy. Understand[ edit ] The busy city port, filled to the brim with yachts, boats, cruises, ferries and cargo ships. Genoa is a very important sea town in the Mediterranean. Venice, Rome, Milan, and Florence are of course the most known and admired towns in Italy. When moving to north-western Italy (Milan, Turin) it is nevertheless absolutely worth staying for a couple of days or a weekend in Genoa. The city is a good base to explore the Italian Riviera and world famous places like Portofino and the Cinque Terre . Paolo Coelho wrote: "Among the marvels of Italy, it will take some digging to find the beauties of Genova, but it is worth visiting it. I remember walking there with a friend, when she suddenly said: “Let’s stop for a bit. I can’t stand this orange color!”". The fact is the more you stay the more you will enjoy and appreciate the town.

A place where you discover daily new surprises, even if you stay for years. The city may be less known by major tourist operators, but its splendor is often hidden inside the narrow streets of the historical center, called "vicoli". Genoa is a sort of decayed glorious port town, whose decay, however, is what makes it so interesting and pretty. The facades of grand palaces are hidden in scruffy, yet enticing alleyways, and there are really curious treats for anyone in virtually every alley. The city is your "typical" Italian one - quite sunny (during summer), with Mediterranean-looking houses topped by grey slate roofs, filled to the brim with outdoor cafes and bars, with lots of tiny and quirky alleyways, elegant designer shops, and restaurants. Today, also, the old port has been renovated, and currently contains some funky avant-garde modern architecture, a delightful marina, and several seaside bars and shops. By plane[ edit ] The romantic port of Genoa, with its lovely seaside buildings and wooded rolling hills. The Aeroporto di Genova - Cristoforo Colombo [1] provides several daily flights from other major European cities such as Rome , London , Munich , Paris and Moscow and from Istanbul .

From the airport it is fairly easy to rent a car or take a shuttle (bus no. 100, also called Volabus) to the city center. By train[ edit ] Genoa can be easy travelled to by train from Milan , Turin , Rome , Tuscany ( Pisa , Livorno and Florence (changing train in Pisa or Viareggio )) and France (There is a direct train connecting with Nice and Marseille ). There are two main train stations in Genoa, Brignole and Principe. Brignole serves most local routes and provides access to many bus lines. Principe serves local as well as long distance trains and many trains from Milan and beyond will only stop at this station. By car[ edit ] Coming from Milan you can reach Genoa via the A7-E62 (approx. 145 km). Mind though that the last part, from Serravalle to Genoa, is incredibly twisty, making you wonder if you’re still on the highway or accidentally have taken a wrong turn into a motordrome.

It’s therefore advisable to take an alternative route, turning off the A7 at the deviation near Tortona and heading on the A26/A7, following Genova, Ventimiglia , Savona , Voltri; making it a longer (+20 km), but certainly safer and more comfortable trip, unless you want to spice up your journey and observe how (some) Italians drive. The same highway is less twisty northbound. Coming from Turin you can either take the A6/E717 to Savona (137 km) and then go to Genoa following the beautiful, but twisty A10 coast highway (an other 45 km) or follow the Genova Piacenza indications you'll find on the ringroad heading south. This latter is the shorter alternative (170 km total), but offers fewer sightseeing opportunities. Coming from the French Riviera just follow the highway A10 and enjoy the sight (approx 160 km from the French border). If you're tempted to avoid the toll roads, be aware that it will take you at least three or four times as long although you might get better views.

Coming from Tuscany you can take the A12 from Rosignano to Genoa; mind that you must have snow chains on board between the gates of Carrodano and Sestri Levante when travelling from November 1st to March 31st, even though snow is seldom a problem here. By bus[ edit ] Genoa can be reached via Eurolines coach from many European countries. Long distance buses also run from Nice. By boat[ edit ] Genoa is an important port, and has many ferry services. Grandi Navi Veloci crosses from Barcelona weekly, and takes about eighteen hours. It also offers a weekly crossing to Tangiers, which takes around forty-six. Get around[ edit ] Locals will say driving around the city is somewhat faster than public transportation (traffic jams at rush hours notwithstanding), but once you have reached your destination you are faced with the nightmare and frustration of looking for a nonexistent parking spot. It is not just chance that most locals switched from cars to scooters - to the extent that even finding a spot for a scooter has become difficult too. All attractions within the center are in walking distance or well served by public transportation, therefore a car is of no use at all.

If you still decide to drive into the city, don't bet on available street parking (there are street parking fees anyway) go directly to a parking garage and hope not all of them are full. If you think of driving to the beach on a sunny weekend day within Genoa or in another town along the coast, forget it. Finding a parking spot in walking distance to your beach is an once-in-a-lifetime event. Use public transit instead. Public transportation will probably be your best bet within the city. The bus network is operated by AMT [2] and services the whole city from 4 AM until 2 AM at night. Be sure to check routes and timetables you need because the system can be somewhat confusing, e.g. some routes only travel at certain times and are replaced by other similar ones with different numbers at those times. There is also an underground line connecting the Brignole train station with the northwestern neighborhood of Rivarolo, serving the main square, piazza De Ferrari, the historical center, the Porto Antico touristic area, the Stazione Principe main train station and the ferry terminal at Dinegro along the route.

As is common in Italy, tickets are not sold on board (except at night or on Sundays, then at an increased price); you need to buy your ticket before boarding the bus at a newspaper kiosk or a tobacconist's or an underground station, and validate it at a punching machine once you have boarded the bus. For trains, purchase a ticket from a machine at any underground station, and validate it at a punching machine before boarding. Single tickets cost 1,50 € and are valid for 100 minutes after validation for an unlimited number of travels in any direction. A daily pass costs 4,50 €, while a group daily pass valid for 4 persons costs 9,00 €. Those passes must be validated at the beginning of your first ride. There are also a number of public elevators and cable railways connecting the center with the neighborhoods on the surrounding hills. The upper stations of the Ascensore di Castelletto elevator and of the Funicolare del righi railway offer an astonishing view of the city. Trenitalia [3] suburban and regional trains travel in east-west direction along the coast connecting all the coastal neighborhoods/suburbs with the city center.

This is the most convenient means of transportation if you plan to see some peripheral districts or towns along the coastline. AMT tickets and passes are valid on Trenitalia trains within the city limits (Voltri and Nervi); single tickets only allow one train ride, and you will need to validate them again at the yellow punching machines at the stations - check for the correct validating space with the name "Trenitalia" on the back side of the ticket. If you are traveling outside the city limits to visit some outer towns, you will have to buy a ticket at a Trenitalia counter or machine. It is advisable to buy return tickets right away because there are usually no ticket counters at minor stations and chances are good that the ticket machines there won't work, turning buying a ticket (or discussing with the conductor on the return train) into a hassle. The historic center of Genoa is serviced by bus only around some important squares and streets (Piazza Acquaverde for Stazione di Piazza Principe, Piazza della Nunziata, Largo Zecca, Piazza Corvetto, Piazza Caricamento).

Its caruggi alleys are so narrow that no vehicular traffic is physically possible, and they have to be visited on foot - distances are definitely not huge anyway. AMT also operates a public boat service called Navebus (check the timetables here: [4] ) connecting the Porto Antico to Pegli. It is a great and cheap way to have a look at the city from the sea; once in Pegli, you can pay a visit to the Villa Pallavicini public park. Private boat services start from the Porto Antico and travel along the coast to Camogli, San Fruttuoso, Portofino, Chiavari and the Cinqueterre. Luxoro Museum [18] A private collection which houses various works of art and furniture. Raccolte Frugone [19] The Nervi's former private art collection. Wolfsoniana [20] A museum of modern applied arts. Palazzo Reale (Royal Palace) [21] Owns a historical picture gallery.

National Ligurian Gallery at the Spinola Palace [22] Museum of the Ligurian Art Academy [23] Museum at the Prince's Palace [24] Another Genovese historical art collection. Ippolito National Ligurian Museum [25] The Cathedral of San Lorenzo The palazzi dei rolli present on World Heritage List of UNESCO [26] The historical centre: Santa Maria di Castello [27] , the cloister of the domenican order, the museum and the summer cathedral offer a lot of treasures and exploring them is free during the opening hours of the church Genoa is known to have Europe’s biggest historical center. This is the heart of the old city. It’s made up of an incredible amount of tiny streets and alleys called Caruggi. Walking through it will plump you right back in ancient times when Genoa was the most important harbor of the Mediterranean sea. The city is generally safe, but caution is to be applied, especially at night time and in the more quiet zones toward Piazza Principe and the old harbor, due to presence of small criminality. The natal house of Cristoforo Colombo.

In piazza Dante you will find what is said to be the natal house of Columbus; The impressive fortification belt built on the hills surrounding the city, originating in the 16th Century [28] ; There is a funicular railway servicing Monte Righi, where one can have pleasant walks on the surrounding hills and to the fortifications (see above), or just admire the spectacular view of the city and the Mediterranean Sea. Spianata Castelletto is a nice belvedere where one can have a pleasant view of the city and of the seaport. It can be reached by public lift from Piazza della Nunziata or on foot from that very same square. Via Garibaldi (also known as Via Aurea and Strada Nuova, Golden Street and New Street) with very impressive baroque buildings. Some similar buildings are also found in Via Balbi. The Old Harbour (Porto Antico), next to the Aquarium, is an entertainment area with museums, cinemas, cafés and also a beautiful promenade along the sea.

The Lanterna - the oldest European lighthouse and a prominent Genovese symbol A lot of beautiful churches, some of which date back to the Romanesque time (San Giovanni di Pre', San Donato, Santa Maria del Castello) Corso Italia - Genoa's promenade Do[ edit ][ add listing ] There are plenty of things to do in Genoa. A lot of young kids spend their time playing with their friends in public pools and share ice-creams in the summer time. There are a lot of paintings in the town and on the brick floors which a lot of people admire. Fishing for catfish is also a hobby most people have. Learn[ edit ] You can study Italian with native Italian teachers at inlingua Genova ( ), located in the heart of the historical center. They offer a wide range of courses to students af all ages and levels. You can see reviews of them on the coursefinders website. Italian Language classes Lingua Madre Cultural Association [31] [32] .Lingua Madre offers a wide range of courses, in a friendly atmosphere, where you can quickly learn Italian and make new friends. Italian language courses organised by Scuola Tricolore [33] .

Whether you are interested in group or individual courses, in the morning, afternoon or evening, Scuola Tricolore offers high quality tuition and for those interested accommodation and leisure activities. Courses available in the morning, afternoon and evening. Italian Luanguage School A Door to Italy [34] - the ideal school for foreigners who like to improve their language skills. You can ask for private teachers and personalized lessons even outside of the schoolfacilities. Buy[ edit ][ add listing ] Genoa is great for shopping. You have the designer boutiques, department stores, food shops, and antique dealers. Downtown, for those who want luxury boutique browsing, you can find some world class fashion-related shopping along Via XX Settembre, starting from Piazza Ferrari. There are a lot of small, picturesque and tourism-related shops in the centre. These are mainly in the central squares and the small alleyways. You can find souvenir stalls, kiosks selling books and snacks, sailor-themed stalls, traditional flea markets, modern and antique furniture dealers, little bookstores and tiny art galleries. There is a large shopping center called Fiumara located near Genova Sampierdarena train station.

To reach Fiumara, take a local train to Genova Sampierdarena station and exit the station. Turn left and go under a bridge, near which there is a sign to the left for Fiumara. The shopping center is visible from the other side of the bridge and is about 10 minutes walk. The mall can also be reached by car or bus routes 1, 2, 4 and 22. The mall is open from 9AM-9PM Monday - Sunday. Nearby there is a theater and activity center which includes a pool hall, bowling alley and restaurants. Eat[ edit ][ add listing ] The vast majority of places charges service for a fixed amount per person (called coperto), as is custom in Italy. A trattoria, cafe or bar will not charge this fee for lunch, and this is often a good place to get pasta or a sandwich in the afternoon. Restaurants are open from approximately 12:30 - 3:00PM for lunch and 7:30 - 10:00PM for dinner.

Budget[ edit ] Pasta e Birra Take It Easy [35] , Piazza Ferretto 10 rosso - Close to Magistrato Di Misericordia Church and the Genova Cathedral. Great, fresh pasta on a budget - less than 5 euro for a pasta and drink. Try the regional 'trofie with pesto sauce'. No reservation. Trattoria Da Maria, Vico Testadoro 14 - ph. +39 010 581080 - Close to Piazza de Ferrari, traditional regional cuisine and a practical and crowded atmosphere. Possible opening for lunch only, no reservation. Osteria La Lanterna, Via San Siro 12R - ph. +39 010 2461608 - Close to Via San Luca and Museo del Risorgimento, this restaurant offers mainly fish dishes. Trattoria Sa Pesta, Via Giustiniani 16r - ph. ++39 010 2468336 - In the old town, this restaurant offers traditional regional cuisine.

Mid-range[ edit ] Le Colonne di San Bernardo, Via San Bernardo 59r, ☎ +39-010-2462646, [36] . 8PM - 10PM. Fish and meat specialities with limited choice, but high quality and a selection of excellent wines. All prepared with great care. Sweets represent a wonderful surprise, not to miss. EUR 35. (44°24'22,8°55'49) edit Ombre Rosse, Vico Indoratori 20-22-24 r, ☎ 010 2757608 / 347 4280698. Lunch, Dinner. Quality Genovese typical food, like pansotti, vegetable cakes, baccala, lepre, brasato. EUR 25. edit La Berlocca, via ai Macelli di Soziglia 45r, ☎ 010 4075555. Lunch, Dinner. Fish & meat of great quality. Excellent choice of wines. EUR 35.

edit Splurge[ edit ] Grace Restaurant [37] : the cuisine, linked to the territory, combines the flavours and aromas of Liguria with the pleasures of traditional international cuisine and is entrusted to the expert hands of Chef Salvatore Di Carlo. Ristorante Zeffirino: allegedly one of Frank Sinatra's favourite restaurants (apparently he had them send him regular supplies of their pesto), Zeffirino is one of Genoa's gems. Hidden up a long flight of steps just off Via XX Settembre in the heart of Genoa, it can be a little hard to find but well worth it. Stunning food, truly excellent service and a beautifully appointed dining room makes for a memorable lunch or dinner. Specialities[ edit ] Pesto sauce originates from the city of Genova. It is used in many dishes, including pastas and pizzas. You can always order from the huge variety of pastas and pizzas available here, but trying the one which is based on Pesto is a must to experience the traditional Genovese cuisine.

Another must try from the Genovese or Ligurian cuisine is the focaccia, which essentially is a flat oven-baked Italian bread, which may be topped with onions, herbs, or other foodstuffs. They are quite tasty and often cheaper than pizzas. There are many 'Focaccerias' scattered throughout Genova and its surroundings. These are basically take away places, and easy on the wallet, too. In many of the focaccerias, you will find improvised varieties of focaccias, but usually, the best tasting ones come with only tomatoes or onions and a bit of olive oil. The original "focaccia" is simply topped with olive oil and salt. Don't miss to try the farinata, a thin crusty pie made with chick-peas flour, water, salt, and olive oil. Drink[ edit ][ add listing ] Piazza delle Erbe: small square in the old town, with nice bars (5 min. walking from Piazza De Ferrari and Palazzo Ducale) open until 1 AM. On Fridays and Saturays the bars are open until 2 or 3 and it is crowded of young people until the morning.

Riviera hotel Pl Area of Porto Antico. Down of piazza Caricamento and close to the Bigo there is a float restaurant with the nose of it being a night bar, with sometimes offering live music. Wide wood chairs to relax and see the sea in summer. Les Rouges Bar at Palazzo Imperiale, close to De Ferrari square and S.Lorenzo Cathedral, drinks and food with local ingredients in a 16th century Rolli listed building with original frescoes, open every evening till midnight. Budget[ edit ] Hotel Nuovo Nord, Via Balbi 155, ☎ +39 010 2464470, [38] . Completely renewed, in the front of the railways station Porta Principe, all the main attractions are within walking distance. single €60-110, double €80-145. edit Youth Hostel, via Costanzi 120, tel. (0039)0102422457, hostelge@iol.it (to reach from the center by bus no.

40) Columbus Village Accommodations [39] , Via XX Settembre 26/5 16121 Genova, tel: +39 010 8692029. (From the US 011 39 010 8692029). An agency that rents local bed & breakfast accommodations in Genoa. They also rent accommodations in the surrounding area and short-let apartments. Hotel Villa Bonera, Via Sarfatti 8, ☎ +39 010 3726164 (fax: +39 010 3728565), [40] . single €53-75, double €50-83. edit B&B Casa Aurora, Piazza San Giorgio 32/12, ☎ +39 010 2541677, [41] . In the city center of the old town.

edit B&B Albatros, Via Prè 10/6, ☎ +39 349 7626273, [42] . In the historical centre of Genoa, few steps from the main tourist attractions of the city, few steps from the famous Aquarium. Ideal for city tour, for tourist trip, business trip, or for those who stop for a quick break. Metro station, Bus and Taxi stops are next to B&B. single €30-35, double €65-70. edit B&B Il Vico, Vico del Dragone 4/6, ☎ +39 339 5753845, [43] . A recently refurbished B&B in Central Genoa in the proximity of the main tourist attractions (aquarium, historical palaces, cathedral, etc.) and business venues. single €60-90, double €80-120.

(44.40512,) edit La Casa Ligure (La Casa Ligure), Via Galata 37/5, ☎ +39 331 8144338 ( infobox@lacasaligure.net ), [44] . They offers a selection of apartments in the historic center of Genoa, a few steps from all the main attractions of the city. They also provide tourist assistance before and during the stay. edit Mid-range[ edit ] Apartment Santa Maria di Castello (Santa Maria di Castello), Salita Santa Maria di Castello 15, ☎ +39-34834864696, [45] . 100 sqm Apartment in the oldest part of the historical center of Genova. 2 bedrooms. Ideal for 4 people. €600/6 days. edit Hotel Cairoli, Via Cairoli 14, ☎ +39 010 2461454 (fax: +39 010 2467512), [46] . Situated in the historical center of the city and close to Porto Antico.

€50-150. edit Hotel Minerva, Via Maragliano 34D, Santa Margherita Ligure, ☎ +39 0185 286073, [47] . The Hotel Minerva is located in Santa Margherita Ligure in a quiet area a short walk from the beaches €80-190. edit Nologo Hotel, Viale Sauli, 5 - 16121 Genova / Genoa, ☎ +39 010 5848285, [48] . Nologo Hotel is a new kind of hospitality blending up style and comfort both for business travelers than families. edit NH Plaza, Via Martin Piaggio, 11. 16122 Genova. Genoa, ☎ +39 010 83161, [49] . This 4* hotel is located in the heart of the financial district and is just a short distance from many well-known tourist attractions. Rooms from 95€. edit NH Marina, Molo Ponte Calvi, 5. 16124 Genova.

Genoa, ☎ +39 010 25391, [50] . This 4* hotel is located near the Aquarium [51] , the Sea Museum [52] and the Naval Museum [53] along the waterfront and is just a short distance from many well-known tourist attractions. Rooms from 95€. edit Splurge[ edit ] Locanda di Palazzo Cicala, [54] . Locanda di Palazzo Cicala has all the magic of a "hotel de charme". It is in the very heart of the historic city centre, opposite S. Lorenzo Cathedral, just a short walk from the Old Harbour, the Cotone Congressi congress centre and the art exhibitions in Palazzo Ducale. Hotel Bristol Palace, [55] . Stay safe[ edit ] Streets in Genoa are usually quite safe, especially in the main tourist areas and residential areas. Downtown, Castelletto, Albaro, Carignano, Sturla, Quarto dei Mille, Quinto del Mare and Nervi are all safe districts during the day as well as the evening and night.

However, some limited areas in the historical centre off the main alleys might be subject to petty crime or just be uncomfortable for the general tourist (e.g. prostitutes waiting for clients in the middle of the day in dark side alleys just a couple of blocks away from a touristic attraction). Especially north of Piazza Caricamento/via Banchi/via Luccoli, around the Via Pré and in the Stazione Principe area, it is advisable to exercise extra caution and follow your common sense, e.g. avoid walking into narrower, darker, deserted alleys off the main paths unless you know where you are going. Pay special attention to your surroundings, avoid displaying flashy items and do not carry large amounts of cash or valuables. Muggings or violence towards tourists are practically unheard of, however deft pickpockets are not seldom. Be particularly careful in the via San Lorenzo/via San Bernardo/via San Donato area (which is a popular and very crowded nightlife zone for students and young people) and also on city buses. When walking, you should not expect motorists (especially scooters and bikers) to be particularly disciplined.

At unsignalized crosswalks, you might need to insist on your right of way by just starting to cross the road (with caution!), as Italian pedestrians normally do, rather than waiting for motorists to stop. If a car, van or truck has stopped to let you cross, be very careful and always assume there might be a scooter passing that vehicle at high speed without seeing you. Virtually all beaches in Genoa and surroundings are made of cobbles, rocks and cliffs. The sea floor is normally very steep and you won't be able to touch the ground just some meters away from the shore, hence beware if your swimming skills are not good. When bathing, be extremely cautious as stones under water are mostly covered with vegetation and very slippery. Avoid bathing at all if the sea is not calm: waves that may seem innocent from the shore might be strong enough to turn getting out of the sea into a quite dangerous and scary undertaking, running the risk of being smashed into the shore or into a rock (that you perhaps don't see because it's under water). There is normally no lifeguard service on free public beaches. Beware of paid parking lot scams.

Car drives up to a parking lot, with the typical "push button to receive ticket to enter" deal. Before the driver can push the button, the scammer pushes the button and grabs the ticket for him "to be helpful". But then, in order for the driver to get the ticket -- since he'll need it later on to pay and to exit -- he has to give the "helpful" scammer a few Euro. In essence, the scammer holds the ticket ransom until he gets a few euro as compensation for "helping the driver park". Contact[ edit ] This is the link of the website of the tourist informations, where you can find also events, music concerts, exhibitions and informations for the cinemas and theatres. The tourist offices are: -Cristoforo Colombo Airport Tourist Office Via Pionieri e Aviatori d’Italia, Airport Arrivals - 16154 Genova Tel: +39 0105572903 info@visitgenoa.it From Monday to Sunday from 09.00 to 17.20, with a 30 minutes break according to flights arrivals.

-Garibaldi Tourist Office Via Garibaldi, 12r - 16124 Genova Tel: +39 0105572903 info@visitgenoa.it Monday to Sunday, from 9:00 a.m. to 6:20 p.m. -Porto Antico Tourist Office Via al Porto Antico 2 - 16124 Genova Tel: +39 0105572903 info@visitgenoa.it Monday to Sunday January February March October November December 9 a.m. 5.50 p.m. April May June September 9 a.m.- 6.20 p.m. July August 9 a.m. - 7.50 p.m. -Stazione Marittima Tourist Office Ponte dei Mille - 16126 Genova From 8.30 to 11.30 a.m., according to cruise arrivals.

Cope[ edit ] In general the knowledge of the english language is good, and it is not difficult to find someone who can help you with easy/touristic problems also in Spanish or French, but the best is of course to speak a little bit of Italian also due to the the presence of a percentage of old people. Italy's 20 regions, dish by delicious dish - CNN.com Italy's 20 regions, dish by delicious dish Donald Strachan, for CNN Updated 10:51 AM ET, Wed November 30, 2016 Chat with us in Facebook Messenger. Find out what's happening in the world as it unfolds. Photos: Làgane pasta (Basilicata) – Simplicity is the hallmark of Basilicata cooking. Here, làgane is tossed with olive oil, garlic and cooked chickpeas -- that's it. Hide Caption 1 of 15 Photos: Lamb with cheese and egg (Abruzzo) – Meat dishes and cheeses tend to come from lamb and sheep in rugged Abruzzo.

Hide Caption 2 of 15 Photos: Pizza Napoletana, reinvented (Campania) – A Campanian staple such as pizza Napoletana is being reinvented with new flavors and textures. In Italy, "pizza" can mean anything from Easter bread to a small pie, depending on region. Hide Caption Tortellini with acacia flower (Emilia-Romagna) – It's the Bologna region -- but no bolognese sauce in sight. Hide Caption 4 of 15 Photos: Spiced frico cheese and toast (Friuli) – With cooked cheese spiked with sugar and cinnamon, the dish is a warming balance of spice, salt and sweetness. Hide Caption 5 of 15 Photos: Spring lamb with anchovies (Lazio) – In Lazio, Rome gets all the tourists. The countryside, bounding with juicy spring lambs, is left to itself. Hide Caption 6 of 15 Photos: Ancona spicy fish stew (Le Marche) – Ancona's classic dish reflects the city's seafaring heritage. It was originally made on board fishing boats.

Hide Caption 7 of 15 Photos: Chickpea flatbread (Liguria) – Farinata is a street food cut into triangular slices and eaten with a dusting of salt, black pepper and rosemary. Hide Caption 8 of 15 Photos: Risotto alla Milanese (Lombardy) – You could almost be in China on the flat plains between Turin and Milan, with endless rice paddies given over to Carnaroli and Arborio varieties -- both used for making risotto. Hide Caption 9 of 15 Photos: 'Warm dip' (Piedmont) – Bagna caôda means "warm dip" in Piedmontese dialect. It's a blend of garlic, olive oil, butter and walnuts, used as a dip for vegetables. Hide Caption 10 of 15 Photos: Orecchiette pasta (Puglia) – Puglia is Italy's breadbasket, wheat and olive oil being produced there in abundance. Orecchiette means "little ears." Hide Caption 11 of 15 Photos: Pasta with sardines (Sicily) – Sicily has been invaded by most of its neighbors, each leaving a culinary trace.

Pasta con le sarde (sardines) shows the island's Arab influence. Hide Caption Strudel (Trentino-Alto Adige) – Italy's northernmost region has a split personality. Strudel shows its Austro-Hungarian side. Hide Caption Tagliatelle with truffles (Umbria) – Pasta, butter, Parmigiano -- and as much truffle as you're allowed. Hide Caption 14 of 15 Photos: Polenta with beef in wine (Valle d'Aosta) – A million miles from a light Mediterranean diet, this is alpine-hiking food. Hide Caption You can tell a lot about an Italian region from its sauce Dishes reflect local landscape and history more than anything "Italian" Abruzzo's lamb recipes speak of the rugged terrain CNN's Anthony Bourdain heads to Rome Sunday at 9 p.m. ET/PT on "Parts Unknown." (CNN) One reason Sicilians tend to identify with Sicily first and Italy (a distant) second? Sicilian food. The same goes for Veneto in the north or Puglia in the south.

Italy is a young country -- it only celebrated its 150th anniversary in 2011. Despite the successful export of the "Italian restaurant," the idea of a unified Italian cuisine is something many Italians reject. Read More Instead there are regional dishes, sometimes with tastes as different as you'd find between countries. Click to enlarge Even the basics differ -- pasta with or without egg, butter in abundance or ditched completely in favor of olive oil. Like reading tea leaves, travelers can discover much about a region's history and landscape from its special sauce. Guaranteed: No mention of spaghetti bolognese. Abruzzo: Lamb with cheese and eggs One of Italy's most rugged regions, sheep farming predominates in Abruzzo. JUST WATCHED Welcome to the 'real' Rome 02:02 Meat dishes and cheeses here tend to come from that animal. Agnello cac' e ove (lamb with cheese and eggs) is "traditionally eaten over the Easter period, since the animal must be young and sheep are born in the spring," says Roberto Burdese, president of Slow Food Italia. The sauce, of course, is made only with sheep's milk cheese. Simple.

Basilicata: Làgane with olive oil and chickpeas Like its southern neighbors, simplicity is the hallmark of Basilicata's cooking. Away from the coast, you won't often encounter ceci (chickpeas) in northern Italian food. And the pasta (làgane) will be called tagliatelle or pappardelle, and almost certainly made with egg alongside durum wheat flour and water. Here, the làgane is tossed with olive oil, sauteed garlic and cooked ceci. And that's it. Calabria: Macaroni with pork, eggplant and salted ricotta A speciality of Calabrian chef Pasquale Pangallo, this dish merits an entry in "Cucina Regionale," the bible of Italian regional cooking. It combines several of the south's classic elements. MORE: Beyond Rome and Florence: 12 alternative Italian destinations Melanzane (eggplant) were introduced to Italian cooking by Arabs, regular visitors to, and occasional occupiers of, southern Italy from the ninth to 11th centuries.

Calabrian cured meats, such as capocollo (pork neck), are generally spiked with chili pepper, a ubiquitous spice in Calabrian cooking. Ricotta salata (salted ricotta), a dried, pressed sheep's milk cheese, gives the dish a salty kick. Campania: Pizza Napoletana reinvented In Campania -- Naples above all -- cooking is all about carbs, the white flour of a pizza base in particular. "The word 'pizza' has wildly varying definitions depending on the sub-region and season," explains food journalist Katie Parla. "It can refer to a savory Easter bread or a pie for one, for example." Pizza Napoletana is a thick-rimmed pizza built in a wood-burning domed oven, traditionally topped with cow's milk mozzarella, tomato sauce and another topping or two.

Parla points to culinary innovators such as Enzo Coccia at La Notizia (Via Michelangelo da Caravaggio 53, Naples; +39 081 714 2155), Frano Pepe at Pepe in Grani (Vico San Giovanni Battista 3, Caiazzo; +39 082 386 2718) and Francesco and Salvatore Salvo at Pizzeria Salvo (Largo Arso 10-16, San Giorgio a Cremano; +39 081 275 306) among those bringing new flavor and texture combinations to this Campanian classic. Bologna region, not bolognese. Emilia-Romagna: Tortellini with acacia flowers Many pasta dishes we consider "classic Italian" have roots in the cooking of Bologna and its region, Emilia-Romagna. Baked, layered lasagna was a Sunday dish for Bolognese families. Cappelletti (stuffed "little hats"), tortellini and tortelloni originate from Modena and Reggio Emilia.

At the Locanda al Gambero Rosso (Via Verdi 5, Bagno di Romagna; +39 0543 903405), chef Giuliana Saragoni grabs an ingredient from another of the region's traditional dishes, frittelle di acacia (acacia flower fritters), to stuff her fresh tortellini. Friuli Venezia Giulia: Spiced frico cheese and toast Friuli has a hybrid cooking culture, as you might expect from a region at the corner of the Italic, Slavic and Germanic worlds, with a landscape spanning the sea, karst and high Alps. San Daniele cured ham comes from Friuli, as does some of Italy's best white wine. Most closely associated with the Carnia countryside around Udine, frico is based on the local Montasio cow's milk cheese. The mature cheese is cooked, almost to melting point, then spiked with sugar and cinnamon and served either cubed or on toasted bread. The dish is a warming balance of spice, salt and sweetness. Lazio: Spring lamb with salt-cured anchovies Lazio is a region divided by mass tourism. Rome, its capital, welcomes millions of visitors every year.

The countryside, on the other hand, is left to itself. Katie Parla, whose app Katie Parla's Rome picks out some of the city's best restaurant and street food spots, says one element captures the essence of Lazio's agricultural roots: abbaccio. "This young spring lamb reaches its greatest expression when prepared alla cacciatora -- the chopped lamb is cooked in a pan with oil or lard and garlic, sage and rosemary, then seasoned with salt-cured anchovies. "This savory dish is a reminder of a simpler time when shepherds grazed their flocks across the region and even through central Rome itself." JUST WATCHED Le Marche: Ancona spicy fish stew Ancona's classic dish, brodetto all'anconetana, reflects the city's seafaring heritage. It's a slightly spicy, tomato-based soup/stew made from local catch. "The dish was originally made on board fishing boats, for lunch," explains Paolo Antinori, head chef at Fortino Napoleonico (Via Poggio, Portonovo; +39 071 801450), a restaurant specializing in Le Marche cuisine.

"Cooks used poorer catch, or fish a little broken by the nets and not saleable at the market. Liguria: Chickpea flatbread Many cooking traditions in Liguria -- the small, crescent-shaped region strung out along Italy's northwest coast -- come from the region's seaport, Genoa. MORE: 10 things Italy does better than anywhere else Among them is farinata, a thin, unleavened flatbread made with chickpea flour. Often served as a side or street-food dish, it's traditionally cut into triangular slices and eaten with a dusting of salt, black pepper, rosemary or all of the above. Lombardy: Rice country. Lombardy: Risotto alla milanese You could almost be in China on the flat plains between Turin and Milan. Mile after mile is given over to rice paddies, growing Carnaroli and Arborio varieties of the staple. This is the home of risotto, a carb-loaded primo (first course) whose base is almost always rice and stock. In a risotto alla Milanese, the traditional ingredients are beef marrow (which today is often omitted for dietary reasons) and saffron.

Molise: Tripe dumplings With a population of less than half a million and fewer tourism sites than its neighbors, Molise is perhaps Italy's least known region to outsiders. As in neighboring Abruzzo, the uneven terrain makes lamb the livestock of choice. In Molise, they eat almost every bit of the creature -- lamb offal is a feature of many traditional dishes. Allulur is a dish of tripe dumplings, encased in the sheep's rumen (part of the stomach) and boiled. At Trattoria da Nonno Cecchino (Italian site only; Via Larino 32, Campobasso; +39 0874 311 778), the tripe is seasoned with garlic, parsley and chili pepper. Bagna caôda: That's a warm dip. Piedmont: 'Warm dip' Bagna caôda means "warm dip" in Piedmontese, a dialect widely spoken in northwest Italy until recent decades. Preparing the dish is simple: chopped garlic is cooked slowly with oil and butter to form an emulsion.

Chefs then pour in a few more cups of olive oil, chopped anchovies and peeled walnuts, and cook it down till it becomes a salty-garlicky bath. It's often served with Jerusalem artichoke, endive, sweet pepper and onion for dipping and traditionally brought to the table in a terracotta pot. In Turin, restaurants recognized with the Sapori Torinesi mark specialize in traditional Piedmontese cooking. Puglia: Orecchiette pasta with turnip tops One of Italy's flattest and most fertile regions, Puglia is the south's breadbasket. Wheat and olive oil are produced in abundance, making it a top Italian region for vegetarians. Orecchiette are "little ears" of durum wheat pasta, often made here without egg. This classic Pugliese primo (first course) sees them tossed with cime di rape, broccoli rabe or "turnip tops," a little oil and seasoning, sometimes including preserved anchovies. Sardinia: Pilau "Fregola [small balls of pasta] is a central element in Sardinian cuisine, which uses durum wheat flour for many baked goods," says Burdese of Slow Food Italia.

It's also the main ingredient in pilau, a couscous-like dish, prepared like risotto by cooking the grains in a fresh stock. Around the island, you'll find versions of pilau made with sheep or goat meat, or with crustaceans and shellfish in a tomato sauce. Sicily: A culinary offer you can't refuse. Sicily: Pasta with sardines Pretty much every Mediterranean country that ever had a navy has invaded Sicily at some point in the past 3,000 years. Ancient Greeks and Romans left ruins across the island. Norman-French, Arabs, Spanish and others shaped the architecture of its capital, Palermo. MORE: Things to know before visiting Sicily "With its contrast between sweet and salty, pasta con le sarde recalls the Arab influence, which has strongly influenced Sicilian cuisine," explains Burdese. The dish is usually made with bucatini (hollow pasta tubes) served al dente with fresh sardines, raisins, pine nuts and, most importantly, wild fennel and saffron. Trentino-Alto Adige: Strudel Italy's northernmost region has a split personality.

It was part of Austro-Hungary until that empire's collapse after World War I. As with the language, cooking comes with an Austrian accent. "It's thought strudel emerged after the clash of empires in the battle between Suleiman the Magnificent and King Louis II of Hungary in 1529," explains Roberto Anesi, whose restaurant El Pael (Italian site only; Via Roma 58, Canazei; +39 0462 601 433) serves vast quantities of the dish along with history lessons. "Apples, pine nuts, raisins and spices wrapped in a pastry sheet make up the standard recipe." "At El Pael, we customize it with figs and walnuts, or use ricotta and apricots." Tuscany: 'Naked' ravioli with ricotta and spinach A rural region, Tuscany's food heritage is rooted in its farming traditions.

"Gnudi made with ricotta and spinach is typical peasant food," says Matteo Fantini, proprietor of Florence restaurant iO: Osteria Personale (Borgo San Frediano 167r, Florence; +39 055 933 1341). Gnudi are "ravioli" deprived of the sheet of pasta that normally encloses them, leaving only the filling. "To prepare the dish, the farmer needs only ricotta (sheep's milk cheese), flour, egg and spinach, plus a simple dressing of olive oil, sage and pecorino cheese." More truffles. Umbria: Tagliatelle with truffles In Umbria, it feels as if everything good to eat comes from the woods. Game such as cinghiale (wild boar) works its way into every course -- except dessert, of course. Then there's the fungus. The black truffle grows just below ground level in deciduous forests all over the region. Still more prized is the tartufo bianco (white truffle) that appears around Gubbio in late autumn.

The town's Taverna del Lupo (Via Ansidei 6, Gubbio; +39 075 9274368) handles it skilfully. The dish itself could hardly be simpler. Simply toss fresh, handmade pasta strands with a little butter and some grated Parmigiano to taste, and as much truffle as you're allowed. Valle d'Aosta: Polenta with beef stewed in wine A metaphorical million miles from a light, Mediterranean diet, food from the Valle d'Aosta region is a mountainous mix of cheese, butter and hearty stews. The staple carb is the cornmeal porridge polenta, traditionally cooked in an iron cauldron. Paired with beef stewed in wine, a carbonada, it meets the calorific demands of a day on the ski slopes or mountain trails. Veneto: Rice and pea risotto Nothing betrays the cucina povera (peasant cooking) roots of Venetian cuisine quite like the city's most famous dish. Risi e bisi, rice and peas ("bisi" is "peas" in Venetian dialect), is more soup-like than most northern Italian risotto dishes.

The peas and rice float in a vegetable broth made from a simple base of onion and pancetta -- the fatty, cured-pork cut. Venice never had a king, but this dish was certainly fit for the doge -- a kind of chief magistrate. It was traditionally served at the annual Doge's banquet, held on April 25, the saint's day of the city's patron, St. Mark. Still hungry? The "Slow Food Dictionary of Italian Regional Cooking" ( Slow Food Editore ) spends 570 pages chewing lovingly over the nuances of -- and arguments about -- Italian regional cooking. What's the most delicious regional Italian dish you've tried? Share your culinary knowledge in the comments field below. ITALIA - Planning Your Trip - Italy by Regions - Liguria Cities: The regional capital is Genoa. Other important cities are: Imperia, Savona and La Spezia. Art: Ruins of the Roman civilization can be seen in Ventimiglia and in the Lunigiana district. In the region the examples of Romanesque architecture are numerous, such as St. Paragorio in Noli.

Important medieval traces, such as towers, walls and castles, dating back to the Maritime Republics, can be found in the Riviera di Ponente. A lot of fine examples of Baroque architecture can be also admired. Museums: In Genoa the tourist should visit the Gallery of Palazzo Bianco, which houses an important collection of Ligurian painters, from 1400 to 1700; the Gallery of Palazzo Rosso, which holds a very rich collection of furniture, Ligurian ceramics and Chinese pottery; the National Gallery of Palazzo Spinola, with its important paintings; the Museum of Oriental Art has treasures collected over the centuries by the Genovese navigators. In Nervi you can visit the Naval Museum. Ventimiglia has the Archaeologic Museum with Paleolithic relics. Sixteenth-century paintings can be admired inn the Civic Pinacoteca in Savona. The statue-stelae of the Lunigiana are very interesting: they can be seen in La Spezia.

To be visited: The inland, with Dolceacqua, Balardo, Portofino, one of the moist fascinating resorts in Liguria, San Fruttuoso, Punta Chiappa, the Natural Park of Capo Noli and “Le Cinque Terre” (the Five Lands). Regional web site:

Question: Of which Italian region is Genoa the capital?
Answer: Liguria