Unplanned and mostly for logistical reasons, I revisited Genoa in the spring of 2022. The route I took was the same as on my previous visit: coming from Cinque Terre and leaving for Milan.

On a revisit, I don't feel obliged to do anything. We spent our Sunday roaming around the old town and visiting churches. The palaces were closed; their opening times in March (Wed to Sat afternoon) felt a bit off.

The core area mostly comprises the area around the three main roads: Via Balbi, Via Cairoli and Via Garibaldi. However, it's worthwhile to look at the Unesco borders. The core zone extends east to Via Roma and there is a Southern bulge along Via San Luca. And the surrounding area included in the buffer zone is quite nice, too. So nice indeed, that I don't fully understand why they didn't simply inscribe all of Genoa old town.

In medieval times Genoa and Venice were fierce competitors. Interestingly, Genoa feels less medieval than Venice does. Several of the Palazzos are post 1500 CE. Overall, Genoa has a more modern vibe than Venice.

Revisits always offer a chance to correct first impressions. My original score for the site was 1.5 based on a misunderstanding of the inscribed area.  I didn't enjoy the Palazzos much. I upgraded it to 3.0* after my visit due to the splendid old town.

Getting There

Genoa has train connections to Milan, Torino, Piacenza and La Spezia. If you are heading to La Spezia, you pass through Cinque Terre and near Carrara.

In town, you are best served walking. The core zone and the buffer zone stretch 2km in total width.

While You Are There

Cinque Terre is a must if you haven't been. Pisa and Tuscany aren't far off either.