Page 52 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Italian Riviera

50  GENO A AREA B Y AREA

Genoa at a Glance

The capital of Liguria, “Genova la Superba” (Genoa the
Proud) has enjoyed a dominant role in the region, both
commercially and politically, for centuries. It is a fascinating
city in a specta cular site and with many important monu­
ments. First built by the sea, around the basin of the Porto
Antico (the old port), the city could then only expand
upwards. A labyrinth of medieval carruggi, Liguria’s
distinctive narrow alleys, was created up the steep hills
behind the port, followed by new streets laid out in the
16th and 17th centuries, lined with grand palazzi built for
Genoa’s merchant families. The 19th­ century and modern Palazzo Reale (see p81), built in
the 17th century, belonged to
quarters of the city climb steeply again, adapting to the the Balbi family, to the Durazzos
rising terrain. This scenic but inflexible landscape has and finally to the Savoys, and
created the need for various funiculars and lifts, some of is now the seat of the
which provide fantastic views. Galleria Nazionale.

Palazzo Doria Pamphilj (see pp82–3) was the
private residence of the great 16th-century
admiral and politician, Andrea Doria. It still has
apartments decorated for him, and paintings
he commissioned from artists such as Perin
del Vaga and Sebastiano del Piombo.

Il Centro Storico
(see pp52–69)

The Aquarium (see pp66–7), in the attractive setting of 0 metres 400
the Porto Antico, has become one of the most popular 0 yards 400
tourist destinations in Italy. It is extremely well laid-out,
and features a rich variety of animal and plant life.

Renzo Piano’s unmissable Il Bigo at Porto Antico

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