Page 68 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Italian Riviera

66  GENO A AREA B Y AREA

y The Aquarium (Acquario)

The work of internationally renowned architect Renzo Piano
(co-designer of the Pompidou Centre in Paris), with technical
help from American architect Peter Chermayeff, the Aquarium
is built within a ship anchored in the port. It is one of Europe’s
largest aquariums, with numerous tanks that are viewable
from underwater as well as from above. The aim is to help
visitors to discover and marvel at different aspects of the
sea and to promote understanding of the extent to which
human life is linked to the oceans. There are spectacular
reconstructions of diverse ecosystems on the planet,
making it possible to observe animals, habitats and
ocean floors at close quarters.

. Hummingbird Forest
This area re-creates the
luxuriant rainforest habitat of the
smallest birds in the world. The
hummingbird’s signature features
are its iridescent feathers, long bill
and powerful wing-speed.

A Coral Reef in Madagascar
This colourful zone is testimony
to how coral reefs make a rich and
desirable habitat for countless
species of fish, from moray eels
to angel fish (seen here).

KEY
1 Red Sea Tank
2 The Forest of Madagascar
reconstructs a tropical forest habitat
of this island off the east coast of
Africa. A paradise for naturalists,
Madagascar teems with unusual
plant and animal species. A terrarium
nearby holds tortoises, turtles and
iguanas that are native to the island.
3 La Grande Nave Blu (Great Blue
Ship) is a real ship, acquired by the
Aquarium in 1998. There are more
than 20 tanks in around 2,500 sq m . Tactile Tank
(27,000 sq ft) of exhibition space. One of the most popular attractions,
4 Level 2 this tank allows
people to gently
5 Auditorium (3D films) touch skate, gurnard
6 Cloakroom and stingrays. The
7 Reception fish confidently
approach the
8 Entrance on Level 1 hands held out
to stroke them.
For hotels and restaurants in this area see p180 and pp188–9

066-067_EW_Italian_Riviera.indd 66 09/09/16 10:47 am