From its granular quarters to its historic streets, Genoa seduced me. I had no expectations and I had simply added Genoa to my route to break the route by train from Lyon, in France, to Riomaggiore at Cinque Terre. The first impressions of Genoa were from my trip from the station to my hotel and I was struck by its striking contrasts from a rough town on the edges, but in a magnificent setting on the northwest coast of Italy. I did not know that I would trip on the hidden jewels of Genoa.
The district in which my hotel was located reminded me of the soiled area of Rome Termini station at first sight. But after an ergotage, I realized that it was simply empty of other tourists, who houses the inhabitants. The teenagers dragged on the steps of the strip of dishes and clothes, elderly men in the shape of a teacher traveled the used book stands in a square nearby and cuddly couples in pocket cafes in the pedestrian track only.
After a morning, spent exploring the Genoa aquarium I decided to make my way in the old town. At first, I felt trapped in a maze of narrow passages. Winding up my way, I passed jailed trenches and night ladies starting early. Dark alleys, I came across a large street bordered by striking palaces, stopping in my footsteps with its contrast. I had found via Garibaldi, a 16th century way with superb palaces bordering each side and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
A suspicion of beauty in one of the palaces of Via Garibaldi
It turns out that I had an excellent timing because the Rolli days were on. The Rolli days take place each year when they open parts of the palaces to the public to explore. Some palaces had volunteers to guide you, telling stories of their residents, the artists who helped create them and show their grandiose ceilings, their stairs and their works of art. I was captivated by this extent of Wow in a city that is also dull and rough in the town of the edges. I didn’t know it wouldn’t be the last surprise.
The next day, I found myself without plans, no agenda, nor the idea where to go. Strangely, I did not know that I did not know that it would be a formidable day full of jewels hidden from Genoa. Just outside the district of my hotel, I not only found an oasis of green in this urban jungle but also a waterfall. It turns out that I had found my way to the Villetta di Negro. It is this magnificent park with winding trails up and around this superb waterfall and through artificial caves. The more you are, the better you rewarded yourself, the views of Genoa are rewarded. Due to the winding routes, the views are 360 degrees complete on the city. While I was standing at the top of a path by looking at the port, with coulins cuddling the stone benches behind me, it was as if the buzzing of city life, cars and agitation slowed down to melodic buzz and that the wind had swept the clouds and let the sun break with a smile.
Speaking of views, another ideal place is Castelletto. Castelletto is a hilly residential area of Genoa which was originally seated just outside the historic walls of the city. You can reach it by funicular or get on a steep hill. Once at the top, there is a boulevard section that offers fantastic panoramas of the port and the city. There is a super small gelateria nearby to grab a refreshing cone and sit down and enjoy the view.
If there is one thing that Genoa taught me, it is not to judge a city during the first impressions. Each city has stories to tell, beautiful views and hidden jewels. You just need to be open to finding them.
Have you been? Tell us about your discoveries for the hidden gems of Genoa!
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