The Lighthouse: Genoa 's symbol

The "Lanterna" is the symbol of Genoa and of genoese people. For many years it was closed to the public, but after a restructuring, it has been reopened.

Perhaps, sometimes it is not inserted in a tourist visit, but its presence is always there, you can see it from many corner of the city. It can be seen coming from the sea with the boat, or from the Old Port, from Spianata Castelletto, from the Peralto Park - Righi and even from Portofino, because the beam of its light is projected for more than 50 kilometres.

The Lanterna was built in 1543 and it is 117 metres above sea level. At its base there is the museum (in which you can discover lamps, lenses, and objects relevant to lighthouses and sea signalling methods) and the area around it is a city park which is open to the public.

Many tuorists can climb 172 steps, reach the first terrace and enjoy the breathtaking view of the port and the old city. The Lighthouse can be reached on foot following The "Lighthouse Promenade". This walk was built skirting the walls and from it you can see Genoa' s harbour and its activities.

The lighthouse was damaged several times during the wars and you know, inside it, was born a child: Janus (Ciprus King's son). But it was not only man who destroyed it during the wars, in fact, the Lanterna was often struck by lightnings.

So, if you are interested in seeing genoeses' soul, don't miss the Lanterna.

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A little post for a little jewel in Genoa: Boccadasse

Today, I want to tell you about a small fishing village located inside the city of Genoa. This village which is very dear to me (especially in the spring/summer times) because of all the time I've spent in it, for the simple reason that it always welcomed me after a very long day of hard work. This small village is named, "Boccadasse" and it is an unique place in which you can relax for a few hours far from the hustle of the city.

Boccadasse is a 100th years old fishing village with a little beach and colorful buildings overlooking the sea. It is a little gem of Genoa and when you arrive there, it'll give you the impression to be living in a postcard where time seems to stop. Some times when the sky is clear, from this small village you can even see the faraway village of, "Portofino".

You can arrive into the village of Boccadasse by walking along the modern promenade (which was built during the two World Wars) of, "Corso Italia".

This old village, it's also the main destination for couples that will exchange their promises of eternal love, and of parents who'll take their children to play on its beach. And of course if you wish, to have a refreshing ice cream or to taste some of the local food delicacies in its small restaurants.

Later from this same village, you can go for a relaxing walk that will take you toward the, "Capo di Santa Chiara" from where you'll then admire the ancient villas and the medieval castle of Turckle together with its unique breathtaking view on the sea.

And if one day you'll ever decide to visit this small seaside village, I'm positively sure that you'll not be able to easily forget this very old and enchanting place.

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Touring for fun - Genoa's Old Port

Yesterday, I went to Genoa's Old Port (Porto Antico). Once I was there, I put on my feet my ice skates and I started to skate on the sea! Skating on the sea? Let me explain better...

In Genoa's Old Port, next to the water, there is a big white tent where you can skate (indeed, what I really meant was: near not on the sea... laughing). This place is very special, because while you're skating you can admire big ships which are regularly leaving and arriving from the port. And I can assure you that it's an unusual and fascinating view to witness. See the picture below:

In addition of the ice skating rink, I want to tell you more about what you can find in this area also named, "Expo'". Among the many houses around this exposition, and which houses were built by people who love to live in this area (by the way, these people dock their boats under their own homes), there are different structures which can't be missed during a touring. Now, I would like you to follow me in this imaginary tour and we'll discover them together step by step.

Genoa Aquarium (the biggest in Italy and the 2° in Europe)

This is the greatest attraction of this area and visitors come from all over the world to see it. It was built during the celebrations of the 500 years of the discovery of America by Christopher Columbus. After a few years, the aquarium structure has been connected to a real ship (Nave Italia) to increase the space (now this new part of the aquarium is called Grande Nave Blu - the Great Blue Ship). Inside there are 12000 fishes (strange, ugly, beautiful, frightful and even curious) and 600 different species.

It's always exciting for me, to enter this aquarium. Indeed, the realization of the routes made by the American architect Peter Chermayeff, are made so that the visitor feels under the water... just like a fish would.

Genoa Biosphere (created by the architect Renzo Piano)

A real tropical forest in Genoa! Within this structure, made of steel and glass, was created a tropical setting. There, you would find some rare chameleons, large butterflies, gum trees, cacao trees, flowers and plants from the rain forests. Do not miss it!

Tour Boat from The Ancient Harbour

If you want to explore "Cinque Terre" come and take the boat from Genoa's Old Port. By getting in these boats, you could also go to see the Cetacean's Sanctuary in the Ligurian Sea. There, you could see dolphins or whales from distance as well. It is a fascinating and exciting experience to live. Now have a look at the following links: Whale Watch Liguria and Ferry Cinque Terre.

The Bigo (designed by Renzo Piano)

The Bigo is a suggestive panoramic lift that once was a crane. The glass-cabin of the lift is outfitted with audio system and panels, which it guides visitors for a pleasure' s visit of the city. It goes up 40 metres in height and turns on itself offering the chance to have a 360° overview on Genoa.

Galata Museo del Mare (Galata - the sea museum)

...the place where one discovers the age-old relationship between man and the sea...

The picture to the right it's a shot of the largest maritime museum, a place where are reconstructed some various types of very old ships from Cristoper Columbus's time to today's transatlantic times. If you plan to pay a visit to this museum, then, you would probably feel the same experiences that sailors, passengers and emigrants from the past had lived on those old ships. You can even find how the sailors lived on a submarine. In fact, just in front of the Galata museum has been moored the submarine "Nazario Sauro".

Museo Nazionale dell' Antartide (Antarctica National Museum)

Inside this museum, you can even discover some documentaries, artifacts (such as canned food used by scientists in Antarctica), and movies collected during the Italian scientific expeditions in Antarctica. How is life on the ice continent? If you want to satisfy your personal curiosity... here you go. In this following link you will: Museo Nazionale dell' Antartide.

Magazzini del cotone

Magazzini del cotone is one of the main structures of the Old Port. It was built in 19th century to host the general goods transiting in the Genoa harbour. Then, during the Second World War it was pricipally used as storage of cotton by the ships in transit in the port. Today, this enormous building host an international convention center, a multiplex cinema, games rooms, shops, pubs, restaurants and a children's library called "De Amicis".

Città dei bambini e dei ragazzi (Children city)

In this place children up to 14 years old could discover science, but they rather have some fun. In fact, there are available about 90 games which are fascinating and entertaining for all the kids visiting it. Informative experiments are proposed to the children by an animator staff. This is the link: La città dei bambini e dei ragazzi. If you decide to go there, I recommend you to visit also the Neptune Galleon with your children. It is just near the "children city". This ship was used in the film "Pirates" of Roman Polanski and now it is opened to the public.

Hope you have enjoyed the reading. If you want some more informations regard it, I'll be more than happy to help you with your questions. Meanwhile, a big...Ciao a tutti and Buon Natale!

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