Caruggi Genoa: a walk through the alleys for beginners
This trip is
Genoa
City Break
Suitable for everyone
One of the largest in Europe, Genoa’s historic center is full of curiosities and is characterized by the famous narrow alleys, known as the Caruggi. Exploring the historic center will lead you to discover a very lively, multicultural area that hides many treasures.
If you are planning to spend 48 hours with children and have decided to see all the 10 must-see things in Genoa, this historic center tour is perfect for you!
However, we know that the alley area can seem like a labyrinth and may be a little intimidating, so we decided to suggest a simple itinerary to enjoy the historic center of Genoa without the fear of getting lost.
You don’t need a map of Genoa’s historic center to discover the old town: follow our tips and enjoy the tour!
First stop: Genoa Old Port
We start from the Porto Antico area, more precisely from what in the city is known as the Galleon. We are talking about the Neptune, a ship built in 1986 specifically for the film Pirates by Polański, which arrived in Genoa by sea after being moored in Cannes during the 39th Film Festival, and today can be visited inside.
Via Garibaldi and the Strada Nuova Museums UNESCO World Heritage
From here, cross the street, leaving the Porto Antico behind you, and take Via Ponte Calvi until you reach Piazza Fossatello, one of the many small squares that suddenly open up among the alleys, lively with the many bars and cafés around it. Continue towards Via Lomellini, a UNESCO World Heritage site thanks to the international artistic importance of its palaces, including the house where Mazzini was born, which today hosts the Museum of the Risorgimento. Through one of the small alleys, then go up to Via Cairoli, admire Palazzo della Meridiana and enter Via Garibaldi, originally Strada Nuova and until the 19th century known as Via Aurea. Like the entire system of the Palazzi dei Rolli, it has been part of the UNESCO World Heritage list since 2006. Once you reach the end, turn right into Via Luccoli, where in addition to ancient buildings you can enjoy small shops and little cafés.
In Campetto, discovering the most hidden treasures
After passing Via di Soziglia, head towards Campetto, which many of us Genoese mistakenly call Piazza Campetto, and which is a place full of curiosities: from historical memories recalled on plaques, to historic shops, to art treasures hidden behind the doors, such as for example the statue of Hercules inside the OVS store.
From the Cathedral of San Lorenzo to a well-deserved aperitif in the historic center (with a play area for children)
At this point, take Via di Scurreria, arriving in Piazza San Lorenzo, admire the cathedral and then continue towards Canneto il Lungo, keep left and walk up towards Piazza delle Erbe, where we Genoese love to meet for an aperitif or an ice cream. There are many bars for aperitifs in Genoa’s historic center, but the favorites among locals are the more retro ones, where the furnishings, cocktail lists and tables have remained unchanged for decades. If they have withstood the passage of time so well, it is because they offer something more and it is worth discovering what it is!
At this point we suggest treating yourself to a well-deserved break at Giardini Luzzati, where you will find an informal atmosphere and your children can have fun in the play area.
Columbus’ House: was it really his? We don’t know, but it is worth going to explore it
When you are ready to set off again, continue along Via di Ravecca until you reach Porta Soprana, one of the city gates and one of the most important medieval stone architectures. A short distance away you will then find the House of Christopher Columbus, both of which are now open to the public.
This stop marks the end of the beginner’s walk we designed to help you peacefully discover the historic center of our beloved city. All that’s left is to put on comfortable shoes and start walking.
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