Porta Soprana Porta Soprana and its towers: in 1155, after Barbarossa’s aggressive threats, new defensive walls and gates were put up. An entrance gate to the city, Porta Soprana is similar to Porta di Vacca, a contemporaneous gate on the opposite side. Until the 19th century, the guillotine was kept there (also Samson, the most famous executioner in the French Revolution, used it). Opening hours: Saturday & Sunday 9-12am and 2-6pm. To extend opening hours/days please call the Associazione Culturale Genovese Porta Soprana (phone number: 010.2465346).
Porto Antico Genova Porto Antico: in the Old Port area there are located many attractions, including the Aquarium of Genoa, the Galata Museum of Sea and Navigation, the Neptune Galleon, the Antarctica Museum, the City of Children, the Lele Luzzati Museum, the Cineplex Multirooms, the Magazzini del Cotone Congress Centre and a choice of restaurants, bars and shops. The Old Port is also a terminal for the vessels that cruise in the harbour throughout the year and reach beautiful destinations in the Riviera and the Cinque Terre – the world famous Five Lands - in Spring and Summer. The Old Port area is at a very short walking distance from the Galata Hotel, so you do not need to take any bus! If you do not like walking at all, take the underground (get off at San Giorgio stop).
Torre Embriaci Genova Torre degli Embriaci: the most famous tower in Genoa, it is an impressive, well-preserved tower once belonging to the Guglielmo Embriaco’s family. About 20 m tall, this tower was designed to show the importance of this ancient Genoese family whose origin dates back to the year 990. The tower is located in Piazza degli Embriaci and can be reached by walking down Via di Santa Maria di Castello.
Porta dei Vacca Genova Porta dei Vacca: built between 1155 and 1159, it was the city's gatehouse. It was a part of the defensive walls (called “Mura del Barbarossa”) that surrounded the town and ended with Porta Soprana, in the opposite direction. This building was used for many years as a prison and a place where executions (mainly by hanging) were performed.
Palazzo San Giorgio Palazzo San Giorgio: built between the 13th and 16th century, the palace of St. George had a very active role in the political and economic life of the Republic of Genoa. Today it is the seat of the harbour authority.
 
Palazzo Ducale Genova Palazzo Ducale: this majestic palace was built between 1250 and 1797. It was the residence of the Doges of the Republic of Genoa. By Piazza Matteotti side, you can appreciate several architectural styles: Middle Age, Late Gothic and Renaissance. Today it accommodates important exhibitions.
Lanterna di genova The Lanterna: the very emblem of Genoa, the old lighthouse can be visited on the weekends. It was built in 1128 on top of Capo di Faro, a place where bonfires were lit for the guidance of seafarers into the harbour in ancient times. The lighthouse was rebuilt in 1543. You can reach it on foot by taking the newly opened promenade at the Ferry Terminal. I can be visited on request.
Commenda di Pré Genova Commenda di Pré: it was built in the 12th century by the Knights of St John of Jerusalem, then called the Knights of the Order of Malta. Annexed to the Church of San Giovanni di Pré, it was formerly a hospital and lodging for pilgrims on their way to the Holy Land.
La Città dei bambini Città dei bambini (City of Children): the largest recreational centre in Italy for the under-14s. A great place to learn and have fun!
Cattedrale di San Lorenzo in Genoa Church of San Lorenzo: the Genoa’s cathedral was erected in the 12th to 16th century. The elegant exterior is made up of white marble and black stone stripes. There are two amazing white marble lions at either side of the entrance stairs.
 
Galeone Neptune The Neptune Galleon: anchored near the Aquarium, it is a real 3-mast ship that can sail at a speed of 5 knots. Its construction lasted 2 years and involved a cost of some 8.2 million dollars. It was the setting for the "Pirates" movie by Roman Polanski.
I parchi di Nervi a Genova Nervi Park: an amazing 9-hectare park where villas, palaces, museums and a library are located. Enjoy an oasis while walking through boulevards and grass lawns surrounded by a beautiful landscape. From the Anita Garibaldi sea promenade, you can reach the gardens through a subway.
Montegalletto Montegalletto Lift: opened in mid December 2004, this lift –funicular is a unique installation linking via Balbi to C.so Dogali. A complex and innovative transport system, it features a 270m horizontal section by rail and a 90m vertical section with a height difference of approx 300 m inside the mountain.
Ferrovia Genova Casella Genova-Casella Railway: a panoramic narrow-gauge railway, it runs over 3 valleys - Valbisagno, Valpolcevera and Valle Scrivia. It combines practical advantages as it connects the town to the hinterland and is an important tourist attraction.
Chiesa di San Matteo in Genoa Church of San Matteo: built in 1125 as the Doria family’s church for want of Martino Doria, it was renowned in 1278. The inside is split into three naves. The exterior is crafted in white marble and stone stripes with pilaster strips, arch frames, a large rose window and two windows with one opening sideways. On the right side there is the Late-Roman monument to Lamba Doria.
Cimitero di Staglieno Staglieno Monumental Cemetery: A real sanctuary of art, designed in the early 19th century by one of the most appreciated city's architects, Carlo Barabino, it features hundreds of striking marble sculptures and monuments to the personalities buried there amongst cypresses and cedars.