views, Genoa

Favorite thing: Before 12th century Genova emerged as an independent city-state and its main occupation was trade, shipbuilding and banking. Very soon the city become largest and most powerful navies in the Mediterranean.
The modern port of Genova covers a very huge area extending for 20 kilometres along the coastline. With a trade volume of approximately 60 million tonnes it is the first port of Italy. The port complex containing also of passenger terminals, shipyards and several marinas. The passenger terminals extend over an area of 250.000 square metres with several berths for cruise vessels and 13 berths for ferries. Genova is leading ferry port of Italy with an annual capacity of over 4 million passengers and alsmost 2 million cars and trucks.

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Favorite thing: These photos show what we could see from the first room we were given at Hotel Nuovo Nord. Unfortunately, we had to ask to have it changed after a sleepless night due to the noises coming from the street.
Via Balbi is not as famous as via Garibaldi, but it still has some beautiful palaces to show.

Favorite thing: We passed through Genoa on our driving holiday through Italy. We spent only a few hours there, but it left an impression on the whole party. My father-in-law remembers have his wallet nicked in the first 5 minutes, but I remember the feel of the place.

It's a tough port town crammed full of monumental architecture from the days when Genoa was a great maritime power and a flourishing trade centre. The shabby wharf area is juxtaposed against the stately commercial district. Just wandering the streets of the city centre is very rewarding. Do keep your valuables under close surveillance though.

Favorite thing: Via Garibaldi, street of pride and luxury.
Prominent rich families had to have their homes located here. It was the mater of prestige.

Today most of those lavish houses are still homes to Genovese families, many have opened the ground floor levels and atriums for visitors to admire.

We met this couple glowing with happiness just after their wedding, walking through the streets and posing to their photographer. Congratulations!

Favorite thing: This was one of the boats I saw in the harbour of Genoa. They're so big that you stand still looking at them. I've also visited one of these cruise boats as they let you enter the boat as a visitor just before it sails away. A nice experience, waiting to have enough money to go on a real cruise!

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Favorite thing: The building on the right looks great, but if you inspect closer, it's not brick, it's painted on stone! Strange but true!