Genoa, Italy: No Wonder Columbus Left
“You can never cross the ocean unless you have the courage to lose sight of the shore.” Christopher Columbus
8/20/20256 min read
This city didn’t steal our hearts like Florence or Rome, but spending time in Genoa twice taught us that it’s full of beautiful corners and unexpected moments. If you go in with the mindset to explore (and walk), it rewards you with history and personality.The highlight of this tour was being able to spend it with some friends from Kansas that we had met on the cruise.
Arriving at the port, we noticed taxis lined up offering rides to the city for around $25. Instead, we set off on the roughly 20-minute walk toward the heart of town. It’s a bit of effort, but you get to see more, and Crystal always wants us to get in those 10k steps each day.
Along the way, don’t miss Palazzo San Giorgio. It’s a spectacular medieval structure built in the 13th century and later expanded in Renaissance style—its port-facing façade redecorated around 1608 with frescoes of Saint George slaying the dragon, plus statues of Genoese luminaries like Columbus and Andrea Doria. It’s famously where Marco Polo was imprisoned in 1298 after being captured, and it’s said he began recounting his travels during that time. Through the centuries, it also housed the Bank of Saint George, one of Europe’s earliest public banks.
A short stroll north brought us to the cathedral of San Lorenzo. You’ll find giant stone lions guarding the entrance. The striped façade and Gothic details give the building a serious flair—it’s a grand contrast to some of the more playful corners of Genoa.
You’ll pass by the small Casa di Cristoforo Colombo, a modest structure marking Columbus’s supposed birthplace. It isn’t original and doesn’t offer much inside, but for anyone curious about his local connections, it’s a quick “check the block” stop.
From there, Piazza de Ferrari stood out as the city’s most vibrant center. We grabbed fresh focaccia and an espresso, then parked at a café by the fountains. Surrounded by impressive buildings, this square feels like Genoa’s living room. It was our favorite part of the city.
Next, we wandered through the elegant halls of the Doge’s Palace. Fifteen minutes is all that is needed before heading to the regal Via Garibaldi, one of the Strade Nuove—built by Genoa’s aristocrats in the late Renaissance with fancy façades, frescoes, and courtyards. It’s part of a UNESCO World Heritage complex known as the Palazzi dei Rolli. The road is lined with palaces like Palazzo Carrega-Cataldi, Palazzo Nicolosio Lomellini, and others—most built between the mid-1500s and early 1600s.
We looped back toward the harbor. One thing we’ll note: pickpockets can be active around busy spots, and a few areas felt less polished. A little awareness goes a long way in staying safe and enjoying your stroll.
Overall Recommendations:
If you’re adding Genoa to your itinerary:
· Say no to taxis at the port—walking gives you a better first impression (and gets your body moving).
· Catch the history behind Palazzo San Giorgio and picture Marco Polo’s storytelling sessions.
· Snap a photo in front of the lions at San Lorenzo Cathedral.
· Browse the grand palazzi on Via Garibaldi—especially if you're into Renaissance architecture. Step inside for a peak at the courtyards if entrance is allowed.
· Sit down in Piazza de Ferrari for bread, coffee, and people-watching.
· Wander with awareness—some areas feel lively, others a little gritty.
Genoa isn’t flashy. But for anyone curious about layered history, quiet beauty, and a sense of authentic place, it offers plenty of character—if you take your time discovering it.
This city didn’t steal our hearts like Florence or Rome, but spending time in Genoa twice taught us that it’s full of beautiful corners and unexpected moments. If you go in with the mindset to explore (and walk), it rewards you with history and personality. The highlight of this tour was being able to spend it with some friends from Kansas that we had met on the cruise.
Arriving at the port, we noticed taxis lined up offering rides to the city for around $25. Instead, we set off on the roughly 20-minute walk toward the heart of town. It’s a bit of effort, but you get to see more, and Crystal always wants us to get in those 10k steps each day.
Along the way, don’t miss Palazzo San Giorgio. It’s a spectacular medieval structure built in the 13th century and later expanded in Renaissance style—its port-facing façade redecorated around 1608 with frescoes of Saint George slaying the dragon, plus statues of Genoese luminaries like Columbus and Andrea Doria. It’s famously where Marco Polo was imprisoned in 1298 after being captured, and it’s said he began recounting his travels during that time. Through the centuries, it also housed the Bank of Saint George, one of Europe’s earliest public banks.
A short stroll north brought us to the cathedral of San Lorenzo. You’ll find giant stone lions guarding the entrance. The striped façade and Gothic details give the building a serious flair—it’s a grand contrast to some of the more playful corners of Genoa.
You’ll pass by the small Casa di Cristoforo Colombo, a modest structure marking Columbus’s supposed birthplace. It isn’t original and doesn’t offer much inside, but for anyone curious about his local connections, it’s a quick “check the block” stop.
From there, Piazza de Ferrari stood out as the city’s most vibrant center. We grabbed fresh focaccia and an espresso, then parked at a café by the fountains. Surrounded by impressive buildings, this square feels like Genoa’s living room. It was our favorite part of the city.
Next, we wandered through the elegant halls of the Doge’s Palace. Fifteen minutes is all that is needed before heading to the regal Via Garibaldi, one of the Strade Nuove—built by Genoa’s aristocrats in the late Renaissance with fancy façades, frescoes, and courtyards. It’s part of a UNESCO World Heritage complex known as the Palazzi dei Rolli. The road is lined with palaces like Palazzo Carrega-Cataldi, Palazzo Nicolosio Lomellini, and others—most built between the mid-1500s and early 1600s.
We looped back toward the harbor. One thing we’ll note: pickpockets can be active around busy spots, and a few areas felt less polished. A little awareness goes a long way in staying safe and enjoying your stroll.
Overall Recommendations:
If you’re adding Genoa to your itinerary:
· Say no to taxis at the port—walking gives you a better first impression (and gets your body moving).
· Catch the history behind Palazzo San Giorgio and picture Marco Polo’s storytelling sessions.
· Snap a photo in front of the lions at San Lorenzo Cathedral.
· Browse the grand palazzi on Via Garibaldi—especially if you're into Renaissance architecture. Step inside for a peak at the courtyards if entrance is allowed.
· Sit down in Piazza de Ferrari for bread, coffee, and people-watching.
· Wander with awareness—some areas feel lively, others a little gritty.
Genoa isn’t flashy. But for anyone curious about layered history, quiet beauty, and a sense of authentic place, it offers plenty of character—if you take your time discovering it.
