Just a few kilometres away from Santa Margherita Ligure and Portofino, easily accessible by car or train, Genoa is the regional capital and the 2004 European Capital of Culture. It is a splendid city to discover with a plethora of museums, villas, churches and buildings that hold untold treasures.

From its origins as a powerful Maritime Republic and since the 13th century, Genoa has been the heartbeat of navigation in the Mediterranean Sea and remains one of the most important harbours in Europe.

Visiting the city is like travelling through time: starting from Porto Antico up the splendid Genoan roads dating back to the first century, follow toward the 19th century monument area to finally reach the sea or veer inland along the defensive seawall.

Porto Antico is an area studded with popular attractions such as the Aquarium, the Sea Museum, and Kids’ City. Very narrow alleys called “caruggi” surround the quarter. All together they form the biggest historical centre in Europe.

The streets of Genoa are home to palaces and churches that are UNESCO World Heritage sites and the monument area is a shopping destination, characterized by expansive and elegant spaces.

The nerve centres of civic tourism are the Aquarium and Palazzo Ducale. The Aquarium offers the opportunity to observe a grand view of the extraordinary variety of sea-life while Palazzo Ducale is the historic political centre of the Republic. Today, the Palazzo is the venue for important shows and cultural events, and along with the area’s array of excellent hotels to choose from, there are countless opportunities offered to host conferences, trade shows and group events.