Top Rated Attractions in Genoa

This constantly changing theatre is always on the lookout for a fantasy drama, something new, something out of the ordinary, not contenting itself with the usual repertory, even coming up with new themes, styles and authors itself. This theatre loves the surreal, taking literature, cinematographic editing conventions and the virtuosity of the circus as its starting point.

Le Bighe del Bigo - Genova Segway is a great way to explore the attractions and other areas of the city. The company offers guided and self-guided tours. The tour begins with a 15 minute training session, and throughout the tour the guides and instructors are very helpful, and ensure that the riders are safe. Visitors can learn about the colorful history of Genoa, as they glide past the historic buildings and landmarks of the city. Experienced riders can rent a Segway and explore Genoa at their own pace.

Maria di Castello was first built around 650 AD in the early fortified area of the city. It was rebuilt by Pre Lamica masters at the beginning of the 12th century. Since 1441, when it was taken over by the Dominican fathers, it has undergone regular redecoration. The Predicatori brothers made the complex into one of the most important centers of humanist thought. The church has three naves lined with granite columns with reused Roman headbands. It has valuable vaults, decorated with 15th-century decorations which replace the original medieval trusses. It has numerous frescoes, paintings, altarpieces, sculptures and wooden groups. There are noteworthy canvasses by D.Piola, B.Castello, A.Lomi; a venerable medieval, wooden Christ figure and the remains of the holy Jacopo da Varagine (Varazze), who was the author of the Golden Legend. The marble entrance of the Sacristy was built in 1452. This graceful room has been made even more precious by the 18th-century walnut furnishings. The museum area in the convent is reached from here.

The important Museum of Treasure is inside the Duomo, near the sacristy. Set up in the suggestive underground environment, coated with the black stone of the Promontorio and specifically thought up by the architect F. Albini in 1956, today it is considered one of the best examples of a modern museum, with a good balance between conservative needs and the necessity of liturgical use. The collection includes silver and jewel works of art from the 9th century to reliquaries, processional arks, crucifixes, vestments, jewels and other sacred objects. The Sacro Catino from the 9th century is of particular historical and artistic relevance. It is made of green glass, and was even identified with the Holy Grail when it was bought to Genoa by a Crusader. The Ark of the Ashes of John the Baptist (15th century) made of gold covered silver is also very important, as is the Piatto di San Giovanni, which is believed to have held the head of the Saint after he was beheaded. It would also be worth looking at various documents relating to the history of the Cattedrale di S. Lorenzo, which include the papal bull of Pope Gelasio who consecrated the cathedral in 1118.

This brewery has an interesting history and was born out of a hobby of two friends. Today, Maltus Faber has become a popular brand locally as well as globally. This microbrewery produces quality craft beer, which is not pasteurized, nor filtered; this process keeps the beer alive and fresh during bottling. After top-fermenting the beer gets refined in taste, and can be preserved for a year. During the brewing process, great care and attention is taken to maintain the quality of the beer. Tourist can try out the craft beers at an outlet just adjoining the brewery between 9a to 7p from Monday to Saturday. The brewery is open to tourists for beer tasting, educational and guided tours.

Sometimes called Belvedere Montaldo, this is the best picture-postcard view of Genoa to be had. This extraordinary vantage point 80 meters above ground is situated in the elegant Castelletto area. From this ruin of the "castelletto" which was demolished in the middle of the last century one can have a view over the rooftops, the bell towers, the hanging gardens, the old port and the Lanterna. The best way to reach it is via the public lift in piazza Portale, which was described as the best route "verso il Paradiso" - to heaven- by the poet G. Caproni. The lift's terminal is an elegant Art-Nouveau tower, which is one of the loveliest examples of this style in the city. It is a little known fact that the old reservoirs, which collected the water deriving from the ancient aqueduct crossing the Valbisagno, can be found underneath this ruin.