Genoa, Italy cruises

Genoa is the capital of Liguria and the sixth largest city in Italy. For many, it is a gateway to the Italian Riviera, but it bears plenty of its own charm to share including culture, history and art.

History comes to life here in Genoa, particularly in the complex sprawling of the old city, where old architecture and winding alleys twist and turn, taking you on a relaxing journey through the past.

However, Genoa is a destination which is also looking toward the future. It was declared a 2004 City of Culture, and has therefore undergone some transformative makeovers recently. It is now home to Europe’s largest aquarium, lively restaurants and bars, and a fascinating maritime museum.

Genoa is anchored by its history, and the modern city still proudly displays relics of the past. The city was founded in 4th century BC, and its name is thought to have come from iauna, (meaning “door” in Latin), as it was such an important Roman port. After occupations by the Franks, Saracens and the Milanese, Genoa expanded in the 16th century under Spanish rule. It prospered further in the 17th century, when an outer ring of walls was added to the city, and beautiful new buildings were added by celebrated architects such as Galeazzo Alessi.

Although the city entered a decline in the 1970s, 1992 saw its revival when the 500th anniversary of Christopher Columbus’s seminal voyage to America made the harbour a worldwide stage.

The fascinating Old City of Genoa is a beautiful place to spend an afternoon getting lost around the narrow streets. Famous for its caruggi (meaning narrow lanes), the medieval part of Genoa is bounded by ancient city gates and has an atmospheric, almost eerie, feeling to it. The dark labyrinth is perfect for getting a sense of the old Genoa. It is still largely residential, although you will find a number of bars and restaurants here, too. Head over to Via Orefici to find charming market stalls.

Emerge into the light and check out the Palazzo Reale, one of the Palazzi dei Rolli. It offers intricate furniture, terraced gardens and some notable 17th century art. The Palazzo's Hall of Mirrors is not to be missed.

When you are ready for a rest, stop at any one of the newly built bars and restaurants for a pick me up espresso or a spot of lunch. In Genoa there are plenty of delicious dishes to choose from – from thin crispy pizza topped with salty anchovies, to rustic pasta dishes accompanied with some of Genoa’s fine seafood.

What next? Head to the aquarium. It is home to over 5,000 sea creatures, and the ship Nave Blu, which floats at the end of a walkway, exhibits a host of coral reefs.

Lastly, make time to visit the Maritime Museum on your Genoa cruise. In the past, Genoa was a major maritime power, which is reflected in this fascinating and well-organised museum. The exhibits are high-tech and interactive, documenting this city’s colourful seafaring history. Do not miss the floor dedicated to Christopher Columbus (reportedly born in Genoa), or the top floor which offers fantastic panoramic views of a changing cityscape.