Dave Hippler

Genoa has to be the most underrated city in Italy. It's the last Italian city we're visiting on this trip before we head to France. Deanne found a large two-bedroom apartment in the heart of the old city. It's full of antiques and we just love the space. Oh, and our landlord is an Opera singer.

The old city? Wow. Give me this city over Rome, Venice or Florence any day. That's probably because I've been to those cities and because they're so crowded, especially with tourists. I know I'm part of the problem, but we prefer lesser visited cities at this point in life.

Genoa is very "lived in" by locals still. There are tourists here and even large ferries and cruise ships dock here but it's a totally different vibe since they tend to stay near the waterfront.

In the center there's a six story height limit and these buildings are a century or two old. Most of the streets in the center are pedestrian only and are winding and zigzagging, which makes for a canyon- like experience. There are so many interesting shops that line them: butchers, bakers, gellaterias, jewelry, clothing, local wine stores with vats, artists workshops, etc.

The food? Fantastic and not too expensive. Pesto was invented here, so it's always an option. Too bad I can't eat the abundant focaccia. But they do offer a chickpea flour flatbread called Farinata. Italian emigrants must have brought that to Argentina since it's common there also. Seafood is plentiful. The food here at the many trattorias and osterias was a major highlight.

Genoa is home to Christopher Columbus and a rich sailing heritage. We bought a 2-day museum pass and saw the amazing Naval Museum, along with several art museums that were in former palaces called palazzos. Genova was a major city in the Kingdom of Savoy back in the day when they competed with Venice for trade dominance in the Mediterranean. In the Royal Palace we walked through a hall of mirrors that rivaled Versailles.

A visit to the humongous cemetery is a must see. I think it's the largest one in Europe. I was never big on cemeteries until visiting Europe. In a cemetery like this you'll see some of the best statues you'll ever see in any museum.

We had 4 wonderful days and nights exploring this amazing city. I want to stay longer, but France is calling. I will definitely be back.

More photos and videos are here.
https://photos.app.goo.gl/kmAe3TddAuCN5pka8

The Monumental Cemetery of Staglieno
https://photos.app.goo.gl/nHPMYJF5uhQc5DYF9Lue lisää