Il Galeone Neptune – A Movie Legend in the Harbor

Moored in the Porto Antico, the Galeone Neptune is a magnificent replica of a 17th-century Spanish galleon — part ship, part film star, and entirely captivating. Built in 1985 for Roman Polanski’s movie Pirates, the vessel was designed by naval architect David Cannell as a faithful reconstruction above the waterline, complete with wooden decks, towering masts, and ornate carvings.

Below deck, however, it hides a modern secret: a steel hull and twin engines that keep this cinematic dream afloat. After its film debut, the Neptune became a beloved attraction in Genoa’s harbor, where visitors can step aboard to explore its cabins, cannons, and captain’s quarters for a small entry fee.

Over the years, the galleon has continued its screen adventures — even appearing as Captain Hook’s Jolly Roger in the TV series Neverland. Today, it stands proudly by the sea, a whimsical reminder of Genoa’s enduring connection to maritime legends, imagination, and the spirit of adventure.

Piazza De Ferrari – The Beating Heart of Genoa

At the crossroads between Genoa’s historic center and its modern district lies Piazza De Ferrari, the city’s grand main square and a symbol of its proud identity. Its majestic bronze fountain — gleaming at the center like a crown of water — was recently restored, bringing new life to this vibrant meeting place.

Surrounded by elegant 19th-century buildings, the square is framed by landmarks of both art and commerce: the Carlo Felice Theatre, the Palazzo Ducale, and the stately façades of banks and insurance companies that once made Genoa one of Italy’s great financial capitals. In the late 1800s, institutions like the Stock Exchange, Credito Italiano, and the Bank of Italy established their headquarters here, earning the area the nickname “La City” of Genoa.

Today, Piazza De Ferrari remains the beating heart of the city — where history, culture, and modern life flow together like the waters of its famous fountain. Whether you arrive for an event, a stroll, or a sunset espresso under its arcades, this is where Genoa truly comes alive.

Mercato Orientale di Genova – A Feast for the Senses

In the heart of the city, beneath elegant arcades and glass domes, the Mercato Orientale di Genova (MOG) buzzes with color, flavor, and life. Inspired by Europe’s great markets like La Boqueria in Barcelona and the Markthal in Rotterdam, the MOG combines tradition with innovation in over 2,000 square meters of gourmet paradise.

Here you’ll find eleven food corners offering everything from local specialties to creative cuisine crafted by top chefs. With its bar, restaurant, bakery school, and event spaces, the market is not just a place to eat — it’s a cultural hub celebrating the best of Ligurian gastronomy. Sustainability, authenticity, and joy come together under one luminous roof.

I Caruggi – The Heartbeat of Old Genoa

Step into i Caruggi, Genoa’s maze of narrow medieval alleyways, and let curiosity guide you. These twisting streets — whose name comes from the ancient Latin quadrivium, meaning “crossroads” — form one of Europe’s largest and most atmospheric historic centers.

Every turn reveals something unexpected: small piazzas, ancient churches, artisan shops, and balconies bursting with flowers. Sunlight filters through the tall buildings, and voices echo softly from hidden courtyards. To wander the Caruggi is to walk through living history — intimate, mysterious, and endlessly photogenic.

Boccadasse – A Village Frozen in Time

Nestled between Corso Italia and Capo Santa Chiara, the fishing village of Boccadasse feels like a watercolor painting come to life. Colorful houses cascade down to a pebbled beach, where boats rest in the sun and nets dry along the shore. Narrow stone stairways lead to cozy trattorias and gelaterias overlooking the waves — the perfect spot to taste fresh seafood or a scoop of pistachio ice cream as the sun sets. Loved by locals and travelers alike, Boccadasse captures the essence of Genoa: authentic, timeless, and full of soul.

Spianata Castelletto – A Balcony Over Genoa

Suspended high above the historic center, Spianata Castelletto is Genoa’s most breathtaking viewpoint — where the city, the sea, and the sky meet. Reached by a charming Art Nouveau elevator from Piazza Portello, this panoramic terrace offers sweeping views over slate rooftops, medieval towers, and baroque domes reaching toward the Ligurian coast.

Once a fortress, the esplanade was transformed into a beloved public space after its demolition in 1849. Today, locals and visitors come here to rest, admire the view, and savor a perfect gelato or granita while the city unfolds below like a living postcard.

Cattedrale di San Lorenzo – The Heart of Faith and Stone

At the center of Genoa’s old town rises the Cattedrale di San Lorenzo, a masterpiece that has guarded the city’s faith for nearly a thousand years. Consecrated in 1118, this Roman Catholic cathedral blends Romanesque and Gothic styles, its black-and-white marble façade glowing in the Ligurian light. Inside, arches, chapels, and frescoes tell the story of Genoa’s devotion through the centuries.

Beneath the cathedral lies one of its most precious secrets: the Museo del Tesoro di San Lorenzo. Hidden within ancient crypts, the museum preserves priceless relics, illuminated manuscripts, and sacred treasures — including the legendary Sacro Catino, a green glass dish long believed to be the Holy Grail. Visiting this intimate space feels like stepping into Genoa’s spiritual heart, where faith and art merge in quiet reverence.

L’Acquario di Genova – A Journey Beneath the Waves

Dive into wonder at the Aquarium of Genoa, Europe’s largest showcase of marine biodiversity. Home to more than 10,000 specimens representing 400 species from around the world, it’s a spectacular voyage beneath the surface of the sea. From graceful dolphins and playful penguins to the mysterious manatees — the creatures that inspired the myth of mermaids — every encounter reveals the beauty and fragility of marine life. Sharks glide silently through the depths, jellyfish pulse like living lanterns, and tropical fish flash like jewels. Visiting the Aquarium isn’t just an adventure — it’s an invitation to rediscover our connection with the ocean and its extraordinary inhabitants.

Castello D’Albertis – A Traveler’s Dream Above the City

Perched high above Genoa, Castello D’Albertis is a neo-Gothic castle that feels straight out of a storybook. Built in the late 19th century by explorer Captain Enrico Alberto D’Albertis, it now houses the Museum of World Cultures, filled with artifacts and treasures gathered during his global expeditions. Surrounded by gardens and panoramic terraces, the castle offers one of the most breathtaking views of the city and the sea — a magical meeting of adventure, history, and imagination.

Palazzi dei Rolli & Via Garibaldi – The Splendor of Genoa’s Golden Age

At the heart of Genoa’s historic center, Via Garibaldi unfolds like an open-air museum — a Renaissance masterpiece lined with the magnificent Palazzi dei Rolli. Once noble residences selected by the Republic of Genoa to host princes, ambassadors, and royalty, these palaces now form a UNESCO World Heritage Site that embodies the city’s former glory. Walking along Via Garibaldi is like stepping back into the 16th century — where frescoed ceilings, marble façades, and grand courtyards tell stories of wealth, power, and timeless beauty.