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Private Genova Tour: Explore Historic Centre and Enjoy Lunch in Rolli Palace
5.0
2 Ratings
Genova
Experience the rich history of Genova on a private tour of the historic centre. Enjoy a delicious lunch in a charming Rolli Palace. Book now!
Duration:
4 hours
Cancellation:
1 day
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Highlights
- Piazza Sarzano - Sarzano Square is situated in what is believed to be the original core of Genoa, or “Ianua.”
- Chiesa Santi Cosma e Damiano - Located in the oldest part of Genoa’s historic center, the church of Santi Cosma e Damiano is a prime example of Genoese Romanesque architecture.
- Via Giuseppe Garibaldi - Strolling along Via Garibaldi, you can appreciate the ancient charm of this beautiful city through the grand and elegant homes of its affluent merchants. From the mid-1500s, Genoa was adorned with magnificent stucco, marble, or painted facades, grand atriums, splendid gardens with fountains and nymphaeums, and inside, large frescoed halls, luxurious furnishings, valuable art collections, and rich galleries. These opulent residences caught the eye of refined artists like the great Flemish painter Pieter Paul Rubens, who, in the early 17th century, published a book of drawings of these buildings, proposing them as models for aristocratic residences across Europe.
- La Casa di Colombo - Near Porta Soprana, just outside the ancient medieval walls, stands the so-called Casa di Colombo. Likely a reconstruction from the 18th century, it is believed to be the original medieval building where the discoverer of the Americas spent his youth. The house was probably destroyed during the 1684 bombardment by the French fleet of King Louis XIV. The building has two floors: the ground floor was used as a workshop by his father, Domenico Colombo, who was involved in wool weaving and commerce, while the family lived upstairs. According to written sources, the navigator lived here approximately between 1455 and 1470.
- Piazza Banchi - Located near one of the city’s most important docks, this square was once the site of Genoa’s old grain market and was known as piazza “dei banchi” in the 12th century due to the money-changers’ stalls under the porticoes of various buildings. The square was destroyed by a fire in 1398, and it wasn’t until the 16th century that restoration work was completed, including the construction of a Loggia dei Mercanti (merchant’s loggia) by Andrea Ceresola, known as il Vannone, to provide a covered area for bankers and money-changers.
- Cattedrale di San Lorenzo - Duomo di Genova - The most significant church in Genoa is the Cattedrale di San Lorenzo. The Genoese cathedral and its artistic representations have inspired many legends and curiosities. Built around 1098 to replace a 5th or 6th-century basilica, it was later expanded with grand and precious forms. The cathedral is dedicated to San Lorenzo Martire and houses the ashes of the city’s patron saint, San Giovanni Battista, brought to Genoa at the end of the First Crusade.
- Giardini Luzzati - The Luzzati Gardens, located in the heart of Genoa’s historic center, are a rare example of a space that has been revitalized with attention to both architectural and urban aspects, as well as community well-being. The area hosts activities aimed at improving neighborhood livability and revitalization, with cultural initiatives and events that engage the wider community, aiming to become a multicultural and multiethnic hub.
- Piazza Raffaele De Ferrari - Genoa’s main square, a central spot for important city events, is named after Raffaele De Ferrari, the Duke of Galliera, who generously donated a significant sum in 1875 for port expansion projects. At the center is a monumental bronze fountain designed by architect Cesare Crosa of Vergagni in 1936. The square is bordered by the Teatro Carlo Felice and the Accademia Ligustica di Belle Arti (Ligurian Academy of Fine Arts), both designed by Carlo Barabino. It also features the side façade of Palazzo Ducale, Palazzo della Regione Liguria (built in 1920), and Palazzo della Nuova Borsa (the new stock exchange), a prime example of Genoese Art Nouveau from 1912.
- Palazzo di San Giorgio - Palazzo San Giorgio is one of Genoa’s most significant historic buildings and currently houses the headquarters of the Autorità di Sistema Portuale del Mar Ligure Occidentale. Located in the docks area, the palace consists of two parts: the ancient medieval section facing the Sottoripa portico and the Renaissance section facing south. The main entrance is on this side, opposite the Porto Antico, facing via della Mercanzia, a small alley connecting piazza Caricamento to piazza Cavour.
- Old Port - The old port area was redesigned by Renzo Piano in 1992 for the quincentenary of the discovery of America, transforming it into a tourist hub where you can enjoy drinks, dining, shopping, movies, skating, or swimming. At the end of the dock is the Magazzini del Cotone complex, offering views of the nearby Lanterna and the beauty of Genoa and its Gulf. The hills in the background are vibrant with colors during the day and illuminated at night.
- Rollipop Bistrot - RolliPop is a bistro that offers a blend of ancient culinary traditions and the history of Genoa and its notable figures. The dishes are inspired by traditional recipes and local ingredients, with Genoese cuisine’s flavors, aromas, and colors reimagined in a contemporary “Pop” style. Located at Salita Santa Caterina 2r inside Palazzo Spinola Pignone, the name RolliPop is a “Pop” tribute to the Palazzo dei Rolli, where the bistro is situated.
- Spianata Castelletto - Spianata Castelletto is a stunning “balcony” overlooking the Historic Centre with a 360° view of the city and port. The ride up in the Art Nouveau lift is a magical experience. “When I decide to go to heaven, I’ll go in the elevator of Castelletto…” (Giorgio Caproni, from “The Elevator”). From here, visitors can admire slate rooftops, medieval towers, and Baroque domes, with the sea in the distance alive with modern ships and ancient memories. The high grounds are dotted with parks, villas, and sanctuaries, crowned with the city’s forts. Until 1849, the fortress of Castelletto stood here before being demolished by public demand, as it was considered a threat in case of enemy occupation. In 1910, Alinari photographs popularized its beauty, making the esplanade a must-see in Genoa.
- Ascensore di Castelletto Levante - The ride up to Spianata Castelletto in the Art Nouveau lift is a magical experience. This is the lift to which poet Caproni dedicated a poem: “When I decide to go to heaven, I’ll go in the elevator of Castelletto…” (Giorgio Caproni, from “The Elevator”).
What's Included
- Lunch included
Additional Information
Our exquisite journey will provide a comprehensive experience of Genova city: Our splendid exploration uncovers the mysteries of the historic center, now further enhanced by an exceptional gastronomic affair. Our associate, Rollipop, offers incredibly sophisticated meals in an extraordinary setting, a Rolli Palace! As you journey through this tour in a rickshaw led by a knowledgeable guide, you will traverse the narrow lanes and alleys of the Maddalena district and witness monumental sites such as Via Garibaldi, Piazza Sarzano, and De Ferrari square. The guide will share interesting stories and amusing facts that will kindle your affection towards Genoa, just like ours. The rikshaw is capable of accommodating up to two adults and two young children of age below 6 years.
Location
Galata Museo del Mare
Calata Ansaldo De Mari
The meeting point will be in front of the entrance of the Galata Museum. You will see the rickshaw waiting for you.
*If you are on a cruiseship the meeting point will be at the exit (street side) of the cruise terminal in Via Marinai d'Italia!*
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
5.0
(2 Ratings)
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1 star
Carmelalasorsa
Apr 19, 2024
Highly recommended - We both thoroughly enjoyed our personalised tour of Genova. Being taken by rickshaw was a lot of fun. Our guide, Annalisa, is one of the best guides that we have ever had. She is charming and personable and has an extensive knowledge of Genova and its history.
Review provided by Viator