Genova - Liguria

History
Genoa is the birthplace of Christopher Columbus—and the place that turned him down when he proposed searching for the Orient. No matter—Genoa's history, sights, cultural marvels, and even its slums are still fascinating today.

From the 4th century B.C. on Genoa was an important port, and later a naval power. Its golden age lasted from the 16th to the 17th centuries and resulted in a profusion of palaces, artwork, and architecture, much of which is still on view today. Despite expanding rapidly after World War II, it declined in the seventies and onward, but bounced back with the Expo of 1992, celebrating the 500th anniversary of Columbus's discovery of America.

Sights
Start in the Piazza de Ferrari, with its Teatro Carlo Felice and Palazzo Ducale, the Ducal Palace. The city's cathedral, Cattedrale di San Lorenzo, is striped with black and white marble; its construction lasted from the 12th to the 16th centuries. Inside, you'll find some rather suspect but interesting artifacts, like the platter that carried John the Baptist's head to Salome.

Then, check out the Red and White Palaces in Via Garibaldi and Palazzi, also called Palazzo Rosso and Palazzo Bianco. Both have works by well-known Italian, Dutch, and Spanish painters. Genoa is also the birthplace of the famous violinist and composer Paganini, and one of his violins in contained in Palazzo Doria Tursi, the town hall.

Several large museums are worth a visit, including Galleria Nazionale di Palazzo Spinola, Galleria di Palazzo Reale, and Museo d'Arte, which boasts one of Europe's largest Oriental art collections.

The Old City, also known as Medieval Genoa, is difficult to navigate because of the many confusing alleys and streets, but try to avoid going west of Via San Luca if you want to avoid the prostitution and other unsavory activity.

At the Old Port, or Porto Antico, you'll see remnants of the Expo, such as the Acquario, a spacious aquarium, as well as Il Bigo, a sort of ride which lifts you in a giant container into the air to view the city. Meanwhile, the Museo Nazionale dell'Antardide-don't ask why it's in Genoa-teaches you everything you'd ever want to know about Antarctica. There's also a maritime history museum, the Padiglione del Mare e della Navigazione. A children's museum, called La Cittą dei Bambini, is worth a look if you have children up to age 14.

Don't forget to attend the opera at the scenic Teatro Carlo Felice, and to walk along the City Walls at various access points. Also, don't miss the dishes Genoa is known for; among others, pesto genovese, the classic basil sauce, cannot be missed.

Transportation
The city has a nearby airport, but it's much more cost-effective fly into Milan or Pisa, then take a train or bus. A train also goes from Pisa, Rome, and Milan. Or, take a boat trip from or to Spain, Sicily, Corsiga, Sardinia, and other nearby tourist destinations.