What to visit in Genoa with children: elevators, funicular railways, rack and pinion trains
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Genoa is a “vertical” city: visiting Genoa also means discovering its alternative means of transportation
Here are 4 places to visit in Genoa that kids will love
No, we are not talking about the Aquarium or Children’s City, attractions in Genoa that we are sure you have already visited with your little travelers. Today we’re telling you what to visit in Genoa or rather, what to do in Genoa strictly on foot, to entertain and leave the little ones speechless.
And all you need is the bus fare!
Let’s go on a discovery of breathtaking places in the city that can be reached by alternative means to the usual buses and that we are sure will fascinate children: elevators, funicular railways, rack and pinion trains!
Among the places to visit in Genoa, two can be reached by elevator: Spianata Castelletto and Castello D’Albertis
Genoa, a city of amazing contrasts and breathtaking views, hides among its alleys and uphill streets an incredible secret: the public elevator network, unique in Italy, that makes exploring this wonderful city an unforgettable adventure. Imagine being able to admire Genoa from different viewpoints, easily reaching its magnificent heights without the breathlessness of steep climbs! Well, the things to see in Genoa are at your fingertips, or rather your feet, thanks to its 17 public elevators, strategically distributed throughout the city.
Two elevators in particular provide a gateway to unforgettable views and neighborhoods rich in history.
The famous Castelletto Genova Levante Elevator, which offers spectacular views of the city and the harbor, and theMontegalletto Elevator, unique because it combines a horizontal and a vertical section-a vara attraction for the little ones!
It is not just a means of facilitating travel: Genoa’s elevators are open windows to enchanting views, fascinating shortcuts through the history and urban geography of the Superb City. To explore them is to experience the city from a different perspective, touching its most authentic essence.
So when you are in Genoa, don’t miss the opportunity to have this unique experience. Genoa’s elevators are more than just means of transportation: they are true moving monuments, silent witnesses to the daily life of the Genoese and the changes of the city over time. Discovering Genoa through its elevators will become one of the most fascinating pages of your trip!
How to get on Castelletto esplanade: Castelletto Genova Levante elevator
Looking for an unforgettable experience in Genoa? Then you definitely can’t miss the climb to Spianata Castelletto. This magical place offers breathtaking panoramic views of the city and the harbor, providing unique thrills at sunset or any time of day.
To reach this enchanted balcony, you have several options. The most fascinating? The old Castelletto Genova Levante elevator. Starting from Piazza Portello, this historic elevator, which has been in operation since 1909, will transport you directly to the Esplanade in just a few moments, making you experience a dip into the past thanks to its vintage cabin and retro atmosphere.
Going up to the Luigi Montaldo Belvedere, a stunning balcony over the historic center, on Castelletto’s Art Nouveau elevator, which is taken from Portello Square and covers a 57-meter drop, is a definitely not-to-be-missed experience.
Indeed, the view from Spianata Castelletto, as soon as you step out of the elevator, is extraordinary: your gaze sweeps from the labyrinth of rooftops and historic buildings to the sea, with a view that embraces the Porto Antico, the Lanterna, the surrounding hills, and on clearer days, at sunset, Corsica. But also Mount Fasce, which dominates the city, the Portofino mountain and to the west the Savona coast, with the Maritime Alps still snow-capped in winter. It is the perfect place to take memorable photos or simply to indulge in a moment of pure contemplation… until 4 p.m.! A multitude of neighborhood children in fact gather at Spianata Castelletto after school to play and snack ;)
Don’t miss the opportunity to experience Genoa from a unique perspective: Spianata Castelletto is waiting to show you the beating heart of the Superba from a privileged position. Whether at sunset or on a bright sunny day, this experience will enrich your trip with images and emotions you will carry in your heart forever.
But theCastelletto Elevator is not only a privileged vantage point. It is also the prelude to further discoveries, as it opens onto one of Genoa’s most fascinating neighborhoods. Here you can stroll through historic streets, discover secret nooks and crannies (such as the marvelous Piazza Sant’Anna) and sample local culinary delights in typical trattorias where time seems to stand still.
Montegalletto elevator Genoa: discovering the treasures of the Castello d’Albertis
Using theMontegalletto Elevator from Via Balbi (just across the street from Ostello Bello Genova) you arrive at the Castello d’Albertis Genova a magical place overlooking the city with breathtaking views of the harbor and beyond. This historic home, once the residence of Captain Enrico Alberto d’Albertis, is now a museum dedicated to world cultures, art, and navigation, reflecting the passions of its illustrious owner. Set in lush gardens, the castle is an architectural masterpiece in the neo-Gothic style, enchanting visitors with its turrets, battlements, and exotic decorations inspired by the captain’s travels.
To cross the threshold of the Castello d’Albertis Genoa is to embark on a journey through times and cultures. The collections on display are the result of the captain’s maritime adventures: from ancient navigational instruments to works of art from every corner of the globe. Each room tells a different story, offering a unique perspective on distant civilizations and contacts between different peoples.
No visit to Genoa can be considered complete without exploring the Castello d’Albertis. This is not just a museum, but an exciting journey that touches the heart of human exploration and adventure. Be enchanted by the stories of distant lands, fascinating architecture, and unparalleled views of the city and the sea. The Castello d’Albertis is not only a must-see for history and culture enthusiasts, but a hidden treasure waiting to be discovered by every visitor to Genoa in search of unique and unforgettable experiences.
And then at the Castello d’Albertis you can also have an aperitif or snack while the children play in the park or do one of the many activities dedicated to them that are often organized in the spaces of the Castle.
Funicular Zecca Righi Genoa: from the sea to the mountains in no time!
If you ask a Genoese person what to see in Genoa or what to do in Genoa they will surely tell you that there is one experience that absolutely cannot be missed on your itinerary: a ride on the Zecca-Righi funicular. This is not just a means of transportation, but a real adventure that will take you in just 6 stops to discover Genoa from a completely new perspective.
Climb aboard the funicular in the historic Mint area, and as the cabin begins its ascent, be surprised by the transformation of the cityscape that unfolds before your eyes. As the funicular climbs, each meter gives you increasingly breathtaking views of the city and its enchanting harbor. The contrast between the bustling urbanity below and the tranquility as you ascend is something unforgettable.
The Zecca Righi Genova funicular is more than just a ride; it is an invitation to explore the heights of Genoa, where time seems to slow down. Reaching the summit, the Righi welcomes you with its green spaces and panoramic terraces from which to admire an unforgettable sunset over the city and the sea.
Once you get to the top you will find a perfect place for nature walks, picnic areas where you can enjoy typical Genoese products in the open air (a classic? bread and salami from Sant’Olcese!), and vantage points from which to admire Genoa in all its splendid expanse. The Righi is not just a place to pass through, but a destination full of activities for everyone; ideal for families seeking adventure, couples looking for a romantic spot or loners eager for peace and tranquility.
In addition, the trails of the Genoa City Walls Urban Park depart from here , from which the Forts can be reached.
Advice? Don’t forget your camera-you’ll want to capture every moment of this enchanted journey!
The Granarolo Rack: a truly breathtaking ride!
Among the things to do in Genoa, there is one experience that cannot be missed in the hearts of those who want to discover the city in a unique and exciting way: the Granarolo rack. This jewel of Genoese technology and history offers an unforgettable journey among breathtaking landscapes.
The fun thing that makes the rack ride one of the things to see in Genoa is that sitting comfortably, as the rack makes its way up the hills, you have a panoramic view of the city. The trip offers a rare and fascinating perspective of Genoa, away from the usual crowded tourist routes, allowing you to savor the true Genoese spirit in the intimacy of its natural and architectural wonders.
Starting behind Genoa Piazza Principe Station (also within walking distance of Ostello Bello Genova) once you arrive in the hamlet of Granarolo, you will be greeted by cobblestone streets, ancient villas, and a view that encompasses the entire Gulf of Genoa. It is the ideal place for those seeking peace and inspiration away from the city hubbub.
Don’t miss the opportunity to visit this charming corner of Genoa. Let curiosity and adventure guide you to discover all that Granarolo has to offer. Its beauty is only a few steps (or rather, a funicular railway) away!
But why is it called Rack?
The Genoa rack railway, a real engineering gem, but how exactly does a rack railway work? Its genius lies in its simplicity: a third track, equipped with teeth, interposes itself between the two traditional ones, engaging with the cogwheel placed under the train. This mechanism allows trains to negotiate much steeper gradients than can be overcome by normal rail convoys, giving passengers the opportunity to reach breathtaking peaks and city vistas otherwise unreachable.
Casella’s little train: what to see in and around Genoa
Among its attractions Genoa also counts a unique and unforgettable experience aboard the Casella Train. This historic gem, operating for more than a century, offers its passengers more than just a ride: it provides thrills, breathtaking views, and a dive into Ligurian history and nature.
Imagine boarding a carriage from another time, where time seems to stand still, to begin a journey that will take you from the bustling streets of the city of Genoa to the quiet green valleys of the hinterland. The Casella Little Train winds its way through 25 km of enchanting scenery, passing through ancient villages, lush forests and bridges that offer unforgettable panoramic views of the Genoa area.
An institution of the Genoese is the out-of-town excursion on the Casella train, one of Italy’s few surviving narrow-gauge railways. In addition to being an important means of connection between the city of Genoa and its immediate hinterland, the railway is also a considerable tourist attraction. On the little train, it seems as if time has stopped: wooden seats, the conductor punching holes in the ticket with the punching machine.
The toy train ride is a popular experience, especially for families. You can go down to Pino or Torrazza to walk back to Righi through the Urban Wall Park, or continue to Sant Olcese, a popular location because it produces Ligurians’ most beloved salami.
Let yourself be captivated by the magic of this trip, which is perfect for photography lovers, families looking for a different day out, or simply those who want to escape the city chaos by immersing themselves in absolute peace. Each season brings different shades to this journey: the vibrant colors of spring, the cool green of summer, the warm hues of autumn or the silent snow cover of winter.
Photo by ©PGassani
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